Maurine A. Hudson

October 5, 2005

Maurine Adelia Hudson, 97, of Osage, died on Saturday, October 1, 2005, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, October 6, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, in Osage, with the Rev. Robert Melhorn officiating. Inurnment will be in the Osage Cemetery.

Maurine was born on May 2, 1908, the daughter of Ray E. and Mary (Burtch) Hudson. She grew up in Burr Oak Township, northeast of Osage and attended the May School, a rural school near her home. She graduated from the Osage High School in 1926 and from Grinnell College in 1932. For further study, Maurine attended the University of Iowa, Marycrest College of Davenport and the University of Chicago. 43 years of her life were spent as a classroom teacher. Miss Hudson taught in Mitchell County rural schools in Burr Oak Township, in Baxter, in New Hampton, at J.B. Young Junior High School in Davenport, Iowa for 25 years and the Osage Community Schools.

Maurine was a member of the PEO Sisterhood for 69 years. She also was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, honorary teachers' sorority and she was a life member of the Iowa State Teachers' Association. She enjoyed reading, poetry, nature and recalling happenings from bygone days.

Maurine is survived by Burtch, Markham and Hudson cousins, and by beloved friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Ray E. Hudson in 1961; her mother, Mary B. Hudson in 1980; an infant brother, Hubert; and her brother, Eugene Hudson in 1993.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Waldemar Boening

October 12, 2005

Waldemar Ferdinand Boening, age 87, formerly of St. Ansgar, passed away of natural causes at a hospital in St. Peter, Minnesota, on Tuesday, October 4, 2005.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, October 8, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar, with Rev. Dr. Byron Northwick officiating. His human remains were interred next to those of his wife, Irmgard in the Immanuel Cemetery, St. Ansgar.

Born on April 23, 1918 in St. Ansgar, Iowa, Boening lived a long and full life characterized by hard work, good health, moderate leisure and general contentment. Boening's character was formed by his family and the severities of the great depression and remained largely constant throughout his life. He believed in God and was warm, generous, responsible, good-humored and morally upright. Stoic and steadfast in adversity, and frugal by nature, he could also be stubborn and knew how to procrastinate (he would joke about the latter tendency). He remained alert until near the very end of his life.

Boening served in WW II, married Irmgard Floesser (deceased 1999) of Germany in 1953 and successfully raised a large family in southern Minnesota. He retired from the Minnesota Department of Transportation in 1983 and lived with Irmgard in both Minnesota and West Virginia after retirement.

He is survived by a brother and sister, Paul Boening of St. Paul and Ruth Natchway of Portland, Oregon; five sons, Mark of Fargo, North Dakota, Franz of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, Andre of Lindal, Nebraska, Luke of St. Paul and Eric of White Bear Lake, Minnesota.

The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Paul Charles Ruble

October 12, 2005

With deep sadness the family of Paul Ruble announces his passing on Tuesday, October 4, 2005, in Desert Hot Springs, California.

Burial will be in Yakima, Washington.

Paul Charles Ruble, was born on January 5, 1917 in Copyville, Kansas. He was a heavy-duty mechanic for 50 years in Napa, California. Paul married Esther Kathryn Schulz on February 17, 1973. After retirement they moved to Desert Hot Springs, California and summered in Osage, Iowa.

Paul is survived by his wife, Esther Ruble; two children, Carol Carroll and Bob Ruble; four step-children, Marjorie Cabral, Patricia Moore, Ronald Schulz and Terry Schulz; 24 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Leona.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Roberta J. Norby

October 12, 2005

Roberta Jean Norby, 77, of Nora Springs, died on Tuesday, October 4, 2005, at the Good Shepherd Care Center in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Friday, October 7, at the United Methodist Church, Nora Springs, with Reverend Jim Turner officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Rudd.

Roberta Jean Norby, was born on October 1, 1928 in rural Rudd, Iowa, the daughter of Hazael M. and Chloe (Nelson) Ethington. Roberta graduated from the Charles City High School and also attended Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls. She was united in marriage to Harold Norby on September 14, 1947, in Bethany, Missouri. Roberta, Harold and their family had resided in the Osage, Rockford and Nora Springs areas where they farmed all their lives. Roberta also worked in the clerical field for A. C. Neilsen in Mason City for 20 years until her retirement.

Roberta enjoyed refinishing furniture, reading, being outdoors, gardening, their horses and she loved her cats and dogs, especially her cat "Putzy" and her dog "Sam", but her great love and enjoyment was her family and grandchildren. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Nora Springs.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Harold Norby of Nora Springs; her children, Linda (Ed) Hoover of Iowa City, Iowa, Debra (Duane) O'Banion of Nora Springs, Iowa and Robin Wagner of Mason City; five grandchildren, Jessica (Patrick) Flannery of Iowa City, Emily O'Banion of Chicago, Illinois, Sarah O'Banion of Eagan, Minnesota, Matthew O'Banion of Portland, Oregon and Rachell Wagner of Mason City; four great-grandchildren, Devon Wagner, Cory, Liam, Elleigh Flannery; a sister-in-law, Marvelle Ethington Squier of Rudd; and many nieces and nephews, as well as other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Gayle and Eldon Ethington; two infant brothers, Keith and Kenneth Ethington; sisters, Shirley Page and Eileene Muller; and a son-in-law, Larry Streb.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Sheckler Colonial Chapel.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Joel S. Penfold

October 12, 2005

Joel S. Penfold, age 47, of Mitchell, died suddenly at his home on Thursday, October 6, 2005.

Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m., on Tuesday, October 11, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with Rev. Robert Melhorn officiating. Interment was in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Mitchell.

Joel was born on May 29, 1958, to Harold and Dolores Penfold of Westfalls, New York. He moved to Iowa in 1977 and was united in marriage to Janet Borchardt in 1980. They had 3 children, Nathan, Chase and Hayley Penfold. Joel was employed by Fox River Mills in Osage as a mechanic for 24 years. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

Joel is survived by his sons, Nathan and Chase Penfold of Mitchell; his daughter, Hayley Penfold of Osage; his mother, Dolores Cudmore of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; three brothers, Jimmy Penfold and wife, Karen of East Aurora, New York, Jason Penfold of West Falls, New York and Justin Penfold and wife, Robin of Bliss, New York; three sisters, Jody Krezmien of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Jackie Lowe of East Aurora, New York and Jan Dahleiden of East Aurora, New York; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his father, Harold Penfold; one brother, John Penfold; and one sister, Janie Penfold Metz.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Mary Viola Plunkett

October 12, 2005

Mary Viola Plunkett, age 90, of Osage, died on Thursday, October 6, 2005, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, October 8, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Interment was in the St. Peter's Cemetery in New Haven, with Military Honors by the Osage American Legion Post 278.

Viola was born on September 24, 1915 in rural New Haven, to Paul and Ellen (Dynes) Plunkett. She graduated from the Riceville High School in 1932. She taught in rural schools in Mitchell County. During World War II she worked at the Ford Motor Co. in Detroit, Michigan, until she enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. She received her basic training at Paris Island, South Carolina. Her permanent duty station where she was an aviation mechanic was Norman, Oklahoma. After World War II, Viola resumed teaching and continued her education, receiving a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Northern Iowa in 1961. Viola taught in Douglas Township, Burr Oak, Mitchell and St. Ansgar before retiring from Waterloo in 1977.

She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage. She was an avid reader. She spent many winters in San Diego, California with her brother, Paul. Viola moved back to Osage from Waterloo and lived the last two years of her life at the Faith Lutheran Home.

She is survived by two sisters, Verna Marr of Rock Island, Illinois and Patricia (Marvin) Wetter of Floyd; a sister-in-law, Sylvia Plunkett of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her brothers, Paul and Frank; and her sisters, Velva Humphrey and Darlene Quinn.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Daniel Damion McCarthy

October 12, 2005

Daniel Damion McCarthy, age 93, of Osage, died on Friday, October 7, 2005, at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, October 12, at the St. Peter's Catholic Church in New Haven, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial will be in the St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery in New Haven. Visitation will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, where there will be a Scripture Service at 6:00 p.m. and visitation will continue for one hour before the services at the church on Wednesday.

Dan was born on August 26, 1912, on a farm northeast of New Haven, the son of William and Mary (Brandt) McCarthy. He attended rural schools in the New Haven area to the 6th grade, 6th through 10th grade at St. Mary's in New Haven and graduated from the Osage High School in 1930. Dan was united in marriage to Rosemary C. Gilles at the St Peter's Catholic Church in New Haven on September 19, 1944. He, along with his brother, Richard McCarthy, farmed the family farm northeast of New Haven until his retirement in 1981. He and Rosemary then moved to Osage.

Dan was a long time member of the Knights of Columbus in Osage and the St. Peter's Catholic Church in New Haven. He also was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage during his retirement.

Dan is survived by his wife, Rosemary of Osage; three daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Ervin "Pete" Hagen of Osage, Carmen and Ben Johansen of Denver, Colorado and Karen and Dwaine Heimer of Stacyville; one brother, Richard McCarthy of Osage; one sister, Catherine Hatton and her husband, William of Denver, Colorado; grandchildren, Todd Miller and his wife, Patti of rural Osage, Erik Loften of Washington, D.C., Brian Heimer of Iowa City, Kristy Heimer of Stacyville; three step-grandchildren; four great-granddaughters; two step-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Mercedes Slater; and one brother, James McCarthy.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Allen "Al" G. Borchert

October 12, 2005

Allen "Al" G. Borchert, 79, of rural Grafton, died on Saturday, October 8, 2005, at the Good Samaritan Center in St. Ansgar.

Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 12, at 10:30 a.m., at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Grafton, with Rev. Wayne Ellingson and Irmgard Ellingson, Associate in Ministry, officiating. Burial will be in the Grafton Cemetery. Visitation will be on Tuesday, from 4-7:00 p.m., at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar.

Allen was born on April 25, 1926, to George and Arminda (Rappath) Borchert, in the same house his father and all of his father's family was born, in Union Township, rural Grafton. His grandparents were one of the first three settlers in Union Township in 1871. He was baptized and confirmed at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Grafton. He attended Union #1 Country School which was located on the family farm east of Grafton. He was proud of the fact that he completed his elementary education in seven years. As was the custom, he then took a year off of public school to attend parochial instruction at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton. He graduated from the Grafton High School in 1943.

His love for sports developed early. At the age of 13, he was asked to play baseball on the high school team, standing in for an injured player. He continued to play throughout high school and following graduation played on several local independent baseball teams. His love of sports continued on and he became involved with the local high school teams as a scorekeeper for many years. As a hobby, later in his life he compiled albums of local baseball history dating back from the late 1800's to the present. He was fond of Yogi Berra's humor and wit.

He worked on the family farm following high school and then began a career in carpentry which spanned over 50 years. Initially, he began working with new house construction and remodeling, and later specialized in interior work, such as cabinetry and ceramic tile and Formica installation. He was very meticulous in his work and had no tolerance for poor workmanship. He was very proud of his craftsmanship, teaching many young people the art of the industry and admired the skilled workmanship of others. He remained on the family farm until it was necessary for him to enter the Good Samaritan Center three years ago. He took much pride in the fact that he was the third-generation to live on the farm and spent much effort in keeping it in excellent condition.

He enjoyed hunting and trapping, antiques and especially the family dogs throughout the years. He will be remembered by his family for his dry sense of humor, his love of visiting with family and friends and for his determination to never give up or quit trying.....no matter how difficult the circumstances.

He is survived by two sisters, Pearl White of Mason City and Ruby Krueger of Wickenburg, Arizona; and nieces and nephews.

Allen was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Warren Borchert.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Helen Eleanor Nelson

October 19, 2005

Helen Eleanor Nelson, 92, of St. Ansgar, died on Sunday, October 9, 2005, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center, Osage, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, October 12, at the Mona Lutheran Church, Mona, Iowa, with Rev. Lydia Mittag officiating. Burial was in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Mona.

Helen Eleanor Nelson, was born on March 4, 1913 in Otranto Township, Mitchell County, Iowa. She was the youngest child of Peter and Mina Otilda (Larson) Nelson. Helen attended the Mona School and graduated from the Otranto High School in 1931. She attended college in Cedar Falls, Iowa in 1931 and continued her college education for many years. Schools in which she taught included Mona, Otranto, Greg School, Little Cedar and St. Ansgar. She enjoyed her teaching career and especially liked following the lives of her students.

Books were her passion. "Poor Creek Memories" was a book written by Helen for family and friends. Helen was baptized and confirmed at the Mona Lutheran Church where she was a faithful member her entire life. She taught Sunday School, served as Sunday School Superintendent and was active in all of the women's activities.

Helen is survived by three nieces, Marlys Moore, Eileen Kittleson and Lorna Anderson; one nephew, Wayne Nelson; many great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Violet Haugland and Marian Jahr; and two brothers, Willis and Harlan; one nephew, Almo Jahr; and one niece, LaVonne McKay.

The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, Iowa, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Rosalie K. Malo

October 19, 2005

Rosalie K. Malo, age 56, of Brookings, South Dakota, died on Sunday, October 9, 2005, at the Brookview Manor in Brookings.

Memorial services were held at the Ascension Lutheran Church in Brookings, on Monday, October 17. In lieu of flowers, memorials should be directed to the Malo Diversity Endowment at the South Dakota State University Foundation.

Rosalie Kay (Pitzen) Malo, was born on December 5, 1948 at Osage, Iowa, to Alfred Nicholas and Mary Anna (Reding) Pitzen. She grew up on the family dairy farm and was active in 4-H. She was chosen as the Mitchell County Dairy Princess. In 1967, she graduated from the Marian High School in Stacyville, Iowa and in 1971 received a B.S. Degree in Textiles and Clothing from Iowa State University. On December 26, 1970, she married Douglas D. Malo in Stacyville. Rosie was the head secretary for the Horticulture Department at the North Dakota State University from 1971 until 1975. The Malo's moved to Brookings in 1975, where Rosie operated a daycare center until 2004. She cared for four to eight children each day, over 50 kids, fulltime, in 30 years.

Rosie was an active member of the Ascension Lutheran Church. Her activities included the Mission Action Program, ALCW treasurer, quilting group, Sunday School teacher, banner-making, ALCW circle and chair of the Church and Community Board. She organized the construction, finishing and information for the new Chrismon tree ornaments. She served as a 4-H Leader and Odyssey of the Mind coach and city program coordinator. She enjoyed quilting, cross-stitch, gardening, baking/cooking, walking with the neighbors and her daycare kids, photography, travel and caring for others of all ages, but especially children 1 to 7-years old.

She worked in several service projects in Pine Ridge, at an orphanage in South Korea for three months and in Haiti with the solar oven project. She had taken three trips to Bolivia to help with the development of a small university to help the rural poor.

Survivors include her husband, Douglas Malo of Brookings; two children, Robert J. (Marin) Malo of Bozeman, Montana and Denise M. (Mark) Miller of Rapid City, South Dakota; a grandson, Ethan Malo of Bozeman, Montana; her mother, Mary Pitzen of Stacyville, Iowa; five siblings, Gene Pitzen of Stacyville, Iowa, Mary Jane (Jim) Mauer of Lisle, Illinois, Betty Ann (Marly) Stoltenberg of Mason City, Iowa, Carol (Vaughn) Rossum of Osage, Iowa and Ronnie (Becky) Pitzen of Stacyville, Iowa; and a sister-in-law, Vernie (James) Pitzen of Austin, Minnesota.

She was preceded in death by her father; a brother, James Pitzen; and a sister-in-law, Jane (Gene) Pitzen.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Marcella A. Morse

October 19, 2005

Marcella A. Morse, age 101, of Mesa, Arizona, died on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, in Mesa.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, October 20, in the Osage Cemetery in Osage, with Pastor Gary Gilbert officiating.

Marcella was born on November 26, 1903 in Dysart, Iowa, the daughter of Paul and Katharina (Walter) Klar. She was educated in the Osage Schools and was employed in Osage and Charles City. Marcella married Lynn Morse on November 6, 1939 in Osage. They lived in Charles City, Waukon and Camanche, Iowa. In 1967, they moved to Oregon and in 1972 they moved to Mesa, Arizona.

As a young lady, she belonged to the Campfire Girls. She enjoyed caring for her Parakeets and was an excellent cook.

Marcella is survived by five nieces, Jean Lathrop of Osage, Harriett Heuer of St. Ansgar, Judy Lanini of Springfield, Oregon, Pat Miller of Springfield, Oregon and Kathleen Rowe of McGregor; two nephews, Birchard Bower of Osage and Luverne Klar of Mankato, Minnesota; and special friends, Richard and Linda Carrillo of Eagar, Arizona.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lynn in 1998; a sister, Tessie Bower; and two brothers, Martin and John Klar.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

David A. Armstrong

October 19, 2005

David A. Armstrong, 49, of Wausau, Wisconsin, died on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, at his home. Private family services will be held at a later date.

He was born on July 24, 1955 in Osage, Iowa, the son of Merlyn and Lorraine (O'Rourke) Armstrong, Tomahawk. David worked various construction jobs across the country.

Survivors besides his parents; two children, Eric Armstrong of New Auburn and Alisha Armstrong of Stafford Springs, Connecticut; his siblings, Kevin (Jane) Armstrong of Barron, Julie Ann (Steve) Armstrong of Cornell and Karen (Eliot) Lewitt of Greensboro, North Carolina; along with many nieces and nephews.

David was preceded in death by his daughter, Samantha.

The Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Dr. Fred G. Albert

October 19, 2005

Dr. Fred G. Albert, age 75, formerly of Austin, Minnesota, died on Wednesday, October 12, 2005, at his home in Punta Gorda, Florida, with his loving wife, Julie at his side. He fought a long and difficult battle against cancer.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Tuesday, October 18, at the Church of St. Augustine in Austin, with Father Tom Cook officiating. Interment was in the Calvary Cemetery.

Dr. Albert was born on April 7, 1930 in Ironwood, Michigan, the seventh son of 10 children. He moved to Austin, Minnesota in 1956, where he enjoyed trout fishing and playing tennis almost every day. In 2002, Dr. Albert left Austin to become a resident of Florida where he also enjoyed playing tennis and fishing.

Survivors include his wife, Julie of Punta Gorda, Florida; children, Elana (Marv) Rosenow of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Linda Albert of Rochester, Minnesota, Jody Albert of St. Paul, Minnesota, Dr. Fred (Annie) Albert Jr. of Bozeman, Montana, Biruta (Bob) Britton of Plymouth, Minnesota, Maria (Brett) Albert-Stauning of St. Paul, Minnesota and Lisa (Larry) Albert-Tholkes of St. Paul, Minnesota; 10 grandchildren; brother, Dr. Sam Albert of Ironwood, Michigan; sisters, Lamese Davies of Greer, South Carolina, Lucille Hurrell of Wheaton, Illinois and Rosemarie Butman of Minnetonka, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Lulu Albert; and brothers, Albert, Michael, Theodore, John and James.

Memorials may be sent to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Foundation for Merkel Cell Research, New York, New York.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Emil Kuebler

October 19, 2005

Emil Kuebler, 81, of Osage, died on Thursday, October 13, 2005, in Sun City, Arizona.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Friday, October 21, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Dennis Hanson and the Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery, with Military Honors by the Osage American Legion Post 278. Visitation will be held one hour before the services at the church on Friday.

Emil was born on April 4, 1924, on a farm near Eureka, South Dakota, the son of John and Selma Kuebler. He was baptized in June 1924, at the Neudorf Lutheran Church. Emil was educated in the rural school. He served in the US Navy from 1945 until 1946, he then returned to farming until 1953. In 1954, Emil enrolled in Wartburg College at Waverly, Iowa, graduating in 1958 with a BA Degree in Education. He obtained a teaching position in Osage, Iowa, where he taught seventh grade math and social studies. Emil then continued studies during summers to obtain a MA Degree in 1967. He served as principal and 5th grade teacher in the Mitchell School for two years and then came to Osage for a full-time principal's position at Washington School. He retired from the Osage Public Schools in 1983.

He then served as president of the Mitchell County Food Bank for 10 years, served on the Faith Home Board for 10 years and served on various boards and committees at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church, where he was president for one year. He was a member of the American Legion. Emil was united in marriage to Doris Olson on July 7, 1973, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage. They have spent the last 12 winters in Peoria, Arizona.

Emil is survived by his wife, Doris of Osage; step-daughter, Dorothy Harms of Peoria, Arizona; three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, Anthony and Marcie Harms and their children, Jordyn and Colby of Queen Creek, Arizona, Shane and Jacy Elrod and their children, Jessica and Kyler of Glendale, Arizona, Sgt. Jonathon and Tracy Harms and their children, Hannah and Sarah of the US Army, Bamberg, Germany; one sister, Amanda Lindemann of Eureka, South Dakota; and three nephews and three nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Selma; two sisters and three brothers-in-law, Anna (Oscar) Metzger, Irene (Walter) Metzger and Alfred Lindemann.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

John "Jack" A. Bork

October 19, 2005

John "Jack" A. Bork, age 75, of Grafton, died on Thursday, October 13, 2005, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center-Hospice Unit in Osage.

Funeral services were held on Monday, October 17, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton, with Rev. Wayne Ellingson and Irmgard Ellingson, Associate In Ministry officiating. Interment was in the Grafton Cemetery.

Jack was born on September 22, 1930 in Grafton, Iowa, the son of John August and Elvera (Rappath) Bork. He graduated from the Grafton High School and attended Wartburg College in Waverly, where he participated in wrestling. Jack married Marilyn O'Rourke in Rockford, Iowa. Marilyn died on May 18, 1968. Jack was a co-owner of the family business, Grafton Produce. He drove school bus for many years in the Grafton and St. Ansgar School Districts.

Jack played baseball for the Grafton town team for many years. He loved fishing and hunting.

Jack is survived by one son, John W. (Val) Bork and children, Patrice, John J. H. and Brianna of Grafton; two daughters, Gwen (Tom) Seivert and children, Tim and Erin of Coon Rapids, Minnesota and Lisa (Kevin) Hanson and children, Christopher and Anthony Duncomb of Grafton; and a brother, Donald Bork of Maitland, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Marilyn in 1968.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Michael Holles

October 19, 2005

Michael J. Holles, age 51, of Hospers, Iowa, died unexpectedly on Friday, October 14, 2005, at the Mercy Medical Center, Sioux City, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, October 18, at the St. Anthony Catholic Church in Hospers. The Reverend John Vakulskas officiated. Burial was in the St. Anthony Cemetery in Hospers.

Michael was born on January 30, 1954 at Sheldon, Iowa, the son of Ambrose "Bud" and Alice (Reuter) Holles. He was raised in the Granville area and in 1967 moved with his family into Hospers. He attended the St. Joseph Catholic School in Granville and a special education school in Sheldon, Iowa, He graduated with a special education class from the Sioux Center Iowa Public High School in 1972. He then attended Northwest Iowa Technical College at Sheldon, after which he was employed at Banner Beef which later became Packer Land at Hospers for approximately 25 years. Michael had been employed at J and E Farms at Sheldon for approximately the last five years.

Michael was a member of the St. Anthony Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and Catholic Order of Foresters, both in Granville. He was an avid sports fan and the coach of the St. Anthony's Church softball team. He was quiet and always had a smile on his face.

His survivors include his father, Ambrose "Bud" of Sheldon, Iowa; two sisters and their husbands, Diane and Robert Fleenor of Osage and Ruth Ann and Chris Schmit of Hospers; one niece, Brittany Schmit of Hospers; and one nephew, Dustin Schmit of Hospers.

Michael's mother, Alice Holles preceded him in death.

The Fisch Funeral Home at Remsen, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Marlene "Jackie" Stromley

October 26, 2005

Marlene "Jackie" Stromley, 73, of Mauston, Wisconsin, died on Sunday, October 16, 2005, at the Hess Memorial Hospital, Mauston.

Funeral services were held on Friday, October 21, at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, Iowa, with Rev. Byron Northwick officiating. Burial was in the Deer Creek Cemetery, Carpenter, Iowa.

Marlene was born on July 6, 1932 in Lacona, Iowa, to Jack and Condelia (Stokesbury) Crawford. She married Carl Stromley on March 2, 1952 in Osage, Iowa.

Marlene is survived by her husband, Carl of Mauston, Wisconsin; daughter, Susan Farmer and husband, Ben of Mauston, Wisconsin and their sons, Jody Farmer and children, Alex, Jake and Mason; Jeremy Farmer and wife, Wendy and son, Tyler; one son, Michael Stromley and special friend, Faline Conner of Lebanon, Missouri; his son, Danny Stromley and wife, Amy and their children, Christopher and Sarah; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and one brother, George Crawford.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Richard E. Rohne

October 26, 2005

Richard E. Rohne, died on Monday, October 17, 2005, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, October 22, at the Church & Chapel in West Allis, Wisconsin.

Richard was born on July 28, 1938 in Osage, Iowa. He was the loving husband of Barbara, loving father of Dawn (Jim) and Debra (Dennis); loving grandfather of Shawn, Kayla, Dillon and Brad; loving brother of Marylou Weber of Arizona, Shirley Adams of Mitchell, Iowa and Joann (Dale) Rockafellow of Arizona. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Haakon and Juanita Rohne of Osage; his in-laws; and two brothers-in-law and two nephews.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Maxine Tresemer

October 26, 2005

Maxine Tresemer, 92, of Osage, died on Tuesday, October 18, 2005, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, October 22, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Roy Ott and Rev. Dennis Hanson officiating. Burial was in the Osage Cemetery.

Maxine was born on April 17, 1913 in Floyd, the daughter of Henry and Lillian (Semm) Anderson. Maxine graduated from the Osage High School in 1931. She taught for one year in a country school before marrying Walter Borchardt in 1933. They made their home near St. Ansgar where she became a homemaker. In 1949, she moved to Osage where she worked for Pohle's Drug, Kane's Drug Store which then became the Almquist Drug Store and for Coast to Coast. On September 5, 1964, she married Tom Tresemer of Osage.

She was a lifetime member of the Our Savior's Lutheran church in Osage. Maxine enjoyed flower beds and visiting with friends.

Maxine is survived by her son, Gary and his wife, Dorothea Borchardt of Sheffield; a step-daughter, Judy Schimpf of Freeport, Illinois; a step-son, John Tresemer of Papillion, Nebraska; two grandchildren, Brandon Borchardt and Brenda Wenzel; four step-grandchildren, Jason Tresemer, Joshua Tresemer, Amy Tolu-Honary and Karl Schimpf; five great-grandchildren; and four step-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Tom Tresemer; and an infant brother.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Olivia Pitzen

October 26, 2005

Olivia Pitzen, age 86, died on Friday, October 21, 2005, at the Stacyville Community Nursing home.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, October 25, at the Visitation Catholic Church, Stacyville. Burial was in the Visitation Cemetery, Stacyville.

Olivia Pitzen was born on January 3, 1919, to Henry and Anna (Hackenmiller) May at Meyer, Iowa. She was baptized and attended school at the Sacred Heart Catholic Parish, Meyer, Iowa. She worked in Austin and Waterloo before her marriage. She was united in marriage on October 9, 1943, to Robert Pitzen of Stacyville. They recently celebrated 62 years of marriage. They spent 37 years on the family farm before retiring to town.

Olivia was actively involved in 4-H as a leader, a volunteer at the nursing home, and a long time member of several church organizations. She enjoyed gardening and crocheting before her illness interfered.

Olivia is survived by her husband, Robert Pitzen of Stacyville; eight sons, Daniel (Linda) of Wooster, Ohio, Dale (Ann) of Rochdale, Massachusetts, Leon of Monticello, Minnesota, Lloyd of Newport New, Virginia, Quentin (Rita) of Iowa City, Ken (Val) of Stacyville, Keith (Marilyn) of Stacyville and Jerry (Laura) of Farmington, Minnesota; two daughters, Rosemary (Jim) Kruger of Grafton and Karen Bisson and friend, Jim Holmberg of Somerset, Wisconsin; 25 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two brothers, Fred (Dorothy) May of Rose Creek, Minnesota and Anthony of Fon Du Lac, Wisconsin; one sister, Evelyn Brumm of Osage; sisters-in-law, Regina and Irma May of Stacyville; and one brother-in-law, Joe Martyniak.

She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Bernard, Edmund, Clemence and Othmar; and three sisters, Betty, Dorothy and Margaret.

The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Sylvia Kesten

October 26, 2005

Sylvia Augusta Kesten, 85, of Riceville, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, October 22, 2005, at the Muse-Norris Hospice in Mason City, Iowa.

A Mass of Resurrection was held on Tuesday, October 25, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Riceville, Iowa, with Rev. Ray E. Atwood officiating. Burial was in the Calvary Cemetery in Riceville, Iowa.

Sylvia was born at the Wapsi on April 26, 1920, to Fred and Mathilda (Gerhartz) Blake. She attended local schools. She was united in marriage to Vincent Kesten on February 25, 1942 in Minnesota. They were stationed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and El Paso, Texas, before Vincent went overseas. Following Vince's return from the service, they moved to the Riceville area. Sylvia worked as a cook for the Riceville Community Schools from 1961 until 1989, a total of 28 years.

She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Parish, active in St Anne's Rosary Society and the American Legion Auxiliary. Sylvia delivered Meals on Wheels, helped at the Congregate Meal site and was a volunteer at the Riceville Community Rest Home, where she enjoyed taking care of the "old" people. Sylvia loved playing cards and going to the casino with the girls. She loved playing checkers with the grandkids and cooking for family and friends.

Survivors include two daughters, Sharon Campbell and her husband, Kenneth of Nora Springs, Iowa and Susan Christensen and her husband, Dan of Elma, Iowa; one son, Fred and his wife, Marianne Kesten of Rockwell City, Iowa; 10 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; three sisters, Virginia and Jim Bathen of Orange City, Iowa, Genevieve and Bob Ruemmele of Waterloo, Iowa and Eunice and Larry Potts of Buckingham, Iowa; and one brother, Vernon "Bud" Blake and his wife, Madonna of Waterloo, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Vincent in 1996; and one grandson, Shannon in 2000.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Murray A. Kloberdanz

November 2, 2005

Murray A. Kloberdanz, age 56, prominent Osage attorney and Mitchell County Magistrate, died on Monday, October 24, 2005, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center-Hospital in Osage, following a lengthy illness.

A Memorial Mass was held on Friday, October 28, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Rev. John Moser officiating. There will be a private inurnment services.

Murray was born on August 1, 1949 in Osage, the son of Peter and Margaret (Flowers) Kloberdanz. He grew to manhood in Osage, graduating from the Osage High School in 1967. Murray graduated cum laude from the University of Notre Dame in 1971. He received a Master's Degree in Communications in 1972 from the University of Iowa School of Journalism. He then earned his law degree from the University of Iowa in 1975. Murray returned to Osage where he joined with Vern Kratchmer to form the Kratchmer-Kloberdanz Law Offices in 1975.

Murray was a Rotarian, member of the Knights of Columbus and a lifetime member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He volunteered as a mentor with the Bridges Mentoring Program. He was an original member of the Little Big Horn National Memorial and Battlefield volunteer archaeological survey teams in the 1980's, providing invaluable research and study to that most famous of all American battles.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, daughter, Shelby Kloberdanz and fiancée, Adam Kline of Mason City; two sons, David Kloberdanz and Nicholas Kloberdanz of Cedar Falls; two brothers, Montgomery "Monte" Kloberdanz of Osage and Michael "Mick" Kloberdanz of Las Vegas, Nevada; one granddaughter, Kinsey Kline; his mentor son, Chris Dietz of Osage; and numerous nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Preceding Murray in death were his parents; and sister, Mary Margaret Kloberdanz.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Charlotte Nack

November 2, 2005

Charlotte Nack, age 65, of Grafton, passed away on Tuesday, October 25, 2005, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Friday, October 28, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton, with Rev. Wayne Ellingson and Irmgard Ellingson, Associate in Ministry, officiating. Burial was in the Grafton Cemetery.

Charlotte (Strong) Nack, was born on September 12, 1940, to Clarence and Dorothy (Nash) Strong in Mason City, Iowa. She graduated from the Mason City High School in 1958. She attended the Mercy School of Nursing in Sioux City, Iowa. Charlotte married Richard Nack of Grafton on June 12, 1960, in Mason City. To this union two daughters were born, Tamara "Tami" and Barbara "Barb". Charlotte helped her husband with his farming and bin construction company. She was also employed in area fertilizer plants since 1968. She started at the Farmer's Co-op Fertilizer Plant of Grafton in 1989 and continued until ill health forced her to retire.

Charlotte enjoyed visiting with farmers, gardening, fishing and cooking. She and her husband traveled on many trips, including Mexico, Florida and Hawaii. She loved watching the loons on fishing trips to Canada. This was evident in the many loon items she decorated her home with. Her greatest joy was her family. All of her eight grandchildren have special memories of Grandma Nack - especially her homemade buns and "Grandma" corn. She was a past member of the Minerva Study Club, served on the Grafton Library Board and had served as an officer of the Grafton Community Action. She was a member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton.

She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Richard Nack of Grafton; two daughters and their husbands, Tamara "Tami" and Jerry Hemann of Osage and Barbara "Barb" and Lee Meitner of St. Ansgar; her eight grandchildren, Brandon, Amanda and Hailey Meitner, Brittaney and Blair Wilde, Matthew, Stephanie and Ryan Hemann. She is also survived by her sisters, Darlene (Robert) Fredrickson of Mason City, Linda (Terry) Barnhart of Buffalo, Wyoming, Denise (Bill) French of Buffalo Center, Carolyn (Merle) Hanson of North Carolina and Dianne Foster of Massachusetts; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Ramona and Alvin Meyer of Austin, Minnesota; and by many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.

Charlotte was preceded in death by her father, Clarence Strong; her mother and step-father, Dorothy and V. C. "Beanie" Moon; one nephew; and one step-sister.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Sarah Driscoll

November 2, 2005

Sarah R. Driscoll, age 95, of Dunedin, Florida and formerly of Osage, died on Thursday, October 27, 2005, in Dunedin.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, November 3, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. There will be a visitation at the church one hour prior to the services on Thursday.

Sarah was born on October 11, 1910 in Bradford, Illinois, to John and Mary (McGuire) Driscoll. She taught school in a one-room schoolhouse, worked in sales in Osage and was employed at the knitting mills in Osage. For the past four years, she made her home with her niece in Florida.

Sarah is survived by her sister, Betty Start of Osage; as well as by eight nieces and nephews and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Jerry and Bert Driscoll; and sisters, Frances Mitchell and Mary Weinberger.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Willard L. Koch

November 2, 2005

Willard L. Koch, age 85, of Osage, passed away after a short illness on Saturday, October 29, 2005, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, November 2, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Dennis Hanson and Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery, with military honors by the Osage American Legion Post 278. Visitation will be from 6-8:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home and one hour before the services at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Our Savior's Lutheran Church, the Salvation Army, or a charity of your choice.

Willard was born on February 3, 1920 in Osage, to Edward and Dora (Troge) Koch. He attended the Osage Schools and was a member of the Class of 1939. He married Evelynne Dybvad on November 15, 1938. Willard was a veteran of WW II, serving in the United States Marine Corps.

He was a member of the Osage American Legion Post 278, serving as Post Commander in 1963. He was also a member of the VFW Post 7920. In the 1950's, Willard and Evelynne owned and operated the Osage Meat Market. In his retirement years he enjoyed working with wood and refinished furniture for many local people. He was a life-long member of the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage.

Willard is survived by his wife, Evelynne Koch of Osage; his daughter, Ava (Lewis) Lee; his grandsons, Stephen (Linda) Lee and Kevin (Tara) Lee; and his great-grandchildren, Cameron, Anna and Callaway Lee, all of The Plains, Virginia. He is also survived by his sister, Merlen Havner of Charles City; his sister-in-law, Arlys Kruse of Mason City; and many nieces and nephews.

Willard was preceded in death by his parents; his sister and brother-in-law, Beulah and Burdette Hepner; and his brothers-in-law, Clarence Havner and John Kruse.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Margaret Jo (Johanns) Gerdman

November 2, 2005

Margaret Jo Gerdman, age 50, of Osage and formerly of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away on Sunday, October 30, 2005, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, November 3, at the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Osage. Pastor Les Takkinen from the Grace Bible Church in West Allis, Wisconsin will officiate. Visitation will be held from 5-7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage. Margaret will be laid to rest beside her father in the New Haven Cemetery.

Margaret was born on June 11, 1955 in Osage, Iowa, to Raymond and Shirley (Adams) Johanns. She graduated from the Osage High School in 1973 and was also a graduate of AIB in Des Moines, Iowa. Margaret resided in West Allis, Wisconsin with her two sons, Douglas and Daniel Gerdman. Margaret's life was consumed with raising her two sons and she was actively involved in the Grace Bible Church in West Allis, Wisconsin.

Margaret is survived by her two sons, Doug Gerdman and Dan Gerdman, both of Waterloo; her mother, Shirley Johanns of Osage; two brothers, Keith Johanns and his wife, Terry of Osage and Bill Johanns and his wife, Dawn of Osage; three sisters, Ann Musial of Lancaster, California, Susan Blake and her husband, Dan of Stacyville and Barbara Johnson and her husband, Don of Osage; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Raymond Johanns in 1991.

Margaret will be missed by her many friends and family.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Allen Roy Rust

November 9, 2005

Allen Roy Rust, 75, of St. Ansgar, died on Monday, October 31, 2005, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center, Hospice Care, Osage, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Friday, November 4, at the United Methodist Church, St. Ansgar, with Rev. Jay Amundson officiating. Burial was in the First Lutheran Cemetery, with military honors by the American Legion Post 358, St. Ansgar.

Allen was born on September 21, 1930, on the family farm north of St. Ansgar. He was the son of Gilman and Myrtle (Hansen) Rust. He graduated from the St. Ansgar High School in 1948. Following graduation he farmed with his father until entering the United States Army and serving from 1952 until 1954. Following induction, he was based in New York, Massachusetts and Iceland. Allen married Marian May Tyler on June 3, 1950, at the Osage Methodist Church. After the wedding, the couple lived with the groom's family on the farm until they moved into St. Ansgar where they have resided since 1954. Allen worked the family farm until 1987 at which time he retired. He was also employed at the Hormel packing plant in Austin, Minnesota, from 1969 until 1979 at a variety of jobs.

He enjoyed a number of activities including hunting, fishing, bowling, flying and playing cards with friends. Allen was a 50 year member of the American Legion Post 358, St. Ansgar and the VFW Post 7920, Osage. He held the positions of Post Commander and District Commander during his time in the American Legion.

Allen is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marian; four children, David (Amber) Rust of Chesapeake Beach, Maryland, Todd Rust of Fargo, North Dakota, Kara (Tony) Adams of Osage and Gary (Jodie) Rust of Lakeville, Minnesota; three grandsons, Jacob Rust, Cameron Rust and Cody Adams; one sister, Katherine and brother-in-law, Vallejo Bullis of Osage; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; mother and father-in-laws; niece; and sister-in-law.

The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press