Don Schoenborn

September 7, 2005

Don Schoenborn, age 83, of Osage, died on Sunday, September 4, 2005, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, September 8, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Rev. John Moser officiating. There will be a flag presentation by the Osage American Legion Post 278 and the Osage VFW Post 7920. Visitation will be held from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, where there will be a Rosary at 5:00 p.m. and a Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. Private inurnment services will be held in the St. Peter's Cemetery in New Haven.

Don was born on January 24, 1922 in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Edward and Opal (Oakes) Schoenborn. The family moved to New Haven, Iowa in 1923, where he attended school, graduating from the St. Mary's Academy in 1940. Don was baptized at the Cathedral in St. Paul, Minnesota, confirmed at the St. Peter's Catholic Church in New Haven and was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Osage since 1951. After graduation, he signed a Pro-Baseball contract with the New York Giants and started his career in La Crosse, Wisconsin in 1941. In 1942, he played with Minneapolis, a Triple A team, where he finished the year and was to report to the Giants for spring training in February 1943, but instead was ordered to report to the army in December 1942, serving 2½ years in Europe with the Special Services. He rejoined the Minneapolis team and spent two years with the Sioux City Baseball Association as a pitcher and assistant manager.

Don was united in marriage to Claire Rosenquist on May 29, 1947 in Sioux City. They had five children, Pamela, Carol, Geri, Mary Kay and Edward. Don was owner of the Editor Cigar Store before managing the Spahn & Rose Lumber Company for 20 years. Upon retirement, he was Sunny Brae Country Club manager for five years.

Don was a member of the Osage American Legion, Osage VFW, Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Order of Foresters. He had served on the boards of the Osage Chamber of Commerce and Sunny Brae Country Club, and was a charter member of the Kiwanis Club. Don helped organize and develop the first Little League Baseball program in Osage.

Those who survive Don are his wife, Claire Schoenborn of Osage; his daughters, Carol Grimm of Osage, Geri (Darwin) Thompson St. Ansgar and Mary Kay Schoenborn of Clear Lake; one son, Ed (Janna) Schoenborn of Santee, California; and one sister, Irma (Lionel) Eubanks of Chicago, Illinois; eight grandchildren, Vicki (Kenneth) Low, Heath (Angela) Grimm and Chris Grimm, Kyle and Erin Thompson, Derek, Kayla and Dane Schoenborn; five great-grandchildren, Stephanie, Allison and Ryan Low, Emma and Leah Grimm; one aunt, Dolores Gray of Kenora, Ontario, Canada; and four nieces and one nephew.

Preceding him in death was an infant daughter, Pamela; his parents, Edward and Opal Schoenborn; and son-in-law, Ralph Grimm.

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

Marvin W. Haack

September 14, 2005

Marvin William Haack, 66, of Osage, died at his home on Wednesday, September 7, 2005.

Funeral services were held on Monday, September 12, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Stewartville, with the Rev. Roy Ott of the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage presiding. Burial will be at a later date.

Marvin was born on December 15, 1938 at Sidney, Nebraska. He moved with his family to rural Stewartville, Minnesota, where he attended school and graduated from the Stewartville High School in 1956. Marvin lived in the state of New York while being trained by IBM. He served in the U.S. Army, then moved to Rochester, Minnesota, where he was employed by IBM as a tool and dye technician until he retired in 1990.

In 1962, he married Ginger Prokasky in Oronoco, Minnesota, where Marvin also farmed. The couple later divorced. After retirement he moved to Lockwood, Missouri and married Lois Tucker. The couple moved to Osage in 1999 where he worked part-time on a farm. This marriage also ended in divorce.

Marvin was a long-time member of the Grace Lutheran Church in Oronoco, where he served on many committees and as Sunday School Supervisor. He was a current member of the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage. He enjoyed coin collecting, fishing and watching the Minnesota Vikings.

Marvin is survived by one daughter, Maria Haack of Oronoco, Minnesota; three sons, Steven Haack of Rochester, Minnesota, Leslie Haack of Oronoco, Minnesota and Shane Haack of Madison, Wisconsin; special friend, Lois Tucker; two sisters, Laura (Phil) Stoltenberg of Grand Meadow, Minnesota and Catherine Benke of Perham, Minnesota; and two brothers, Henry Haack of Stewartville, Minnesota and Dennis (Darlene) Haack of Rochester, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ann and Hugo Haack; and his brother, Berdell Haack.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Donald Feltz

September 14, 2005

Donald Feltz, age 77, of Osage, died on Wednesday, September 7, 2005, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center-Hospice Unit in Osage.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, September 10, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial was in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Osage.

Don was born on July 10, 1928 in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, the son of Joseph and Dora (Woyak) Feltz. He graduated from the Stevens Point High School in 1945 and graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1955. Don was married to Charlotte Nelson on October 15, 1960, at the Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Austin, Minnesota. He worked for Hormel Foods for 35 years as a livestock buyer, retiring in 1991.

Don was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage.

Don is survived by his wife, Charlotte Feltz of Osage; a son, Bradley Feltz and wife, Diane and their children, Ryan and Bryanna of Hastings, Minnesota; a daughter, Rebecca Steffensen and husband, Corey and their children, Jack, Anna and Isaac of Chaska, Minnesota; and three siblings, George (Jan) Feltz, Caroline Sadogierski and Arlene Pelowski, all of Stevens Point, Wisconsin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Dora Feltz; two brothers, Robert and Conrad Feltz; and an infant son.

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

Wendell Dohlman

September 14, 2005

Wendell R. Dohlman, age 59, of Chester, Iowa, died on Wednesday, September 7, 2005, at his home.

A Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, September 10, at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in LeRoy, Minnesota, with Father Steve Peterson officiating. Burial was in the Chester Hill Cemetery in Chester, with full Military Rites at the graveside by the LeRoy American Legion.

Wendell Ray Dohlman, was born on April 23, 1946 in Aredale, Butler County, Iowa, to Henry and Kate (Buseman) Dohlman. He attended country school through the eighth grade. He served in the U.S. Army Military Police from 1966 to 1968. On July 27, 1968, Wendell married Sandy Holzer at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Riceville. Together they farmed in the Chester, Iowa and LeRoy, Minnesota areas for almost 40 years.

He served on numerous agricultural boards and committees in the area and was a member of the LeRoy American Legion and the St. Patrick's Catholic Church for 28 years. Wendell enjoyed his family, his grandchildren, farming, fishing, hunting and cruising in the truck with his wife, Sandy at his side.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy of Chester; four children, Barb (Bob) Foster of Riceville, Wendy (Neal) Vikre of LeRoy, Minnesota, Jim (Michelle) Dohlman of Osage and Dan (Michaela) Dohlman of Mason City; seven grandchildren, Brooke and Brady Foster, Terrye and Grant Vikre and Taylor, Trystan and Madalyn Dohlman; three brothers, LeClair (Evelyn) Dohlman of Riceville, Donald (Wanda) Dohlman of LeRoy, Minnesota and Geroge (Fern) Dohlman of LeRoy, Minnesota; five sisters, Minnie Klingenborg of Allison, Rena Holzer of Charles City, Faye Johnson of Osage, Norma Kling of LeRoy, Minnesota and Judy (Joe) Langlie of Spring Valley, Minnesota; and two sisters-in-law, Deona Dohlman of Dumont and Annabelle Dohlman of Allison.

Wendell was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Albert, Eime, Floyd and Hank; five brothers-in-law; and three sisters-in-law.

The Hindt Funeral Home, LeRoy, Minnesota, had charge of the arrangements.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Bernadine L. Tjaden

September 14, 2005

Bernadine L. Tjaden, age 79, of Charles City, died on Thursday, September 8, 2005, at the Floyd County Memorial Hospital in Charles City.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, September 12, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial was in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Osage.

Bernadine was born on May 31, 1926, on a farm near Osage, Iowa, the daughter of Ernest and Mildred (Tibbitts) Wagner. She attended country school near Osage. After completion of her schooling, Bernadine helped on her parent's farm east of Osage. On February 11, 1942, Bernadine was united in marriage to Robert F. Lence. To this union was born four daughters.

Bernadine was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church. She enjoyed rug hooking, cards, fishing, and dancing.

Bernadine is survived by four daughters, Anita Goetsch of Charles City, Betty Schwab of Charles City, Kathy Rademacher and husband, Bill of Rogers, Minnesota and Diane Vance and husband, Dennis of Charles City; a brother, Lu Verne Wagner and wife, Louise of Osage; nine grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Mildred Wagner; and her husband, Robert F. Lence.

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

Helen Marie Timmerman

September 14, 2005

Helen Marie Timmerman, 80, of LeRoy, Minnesota, passed away on Friday, September 9, 2005, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

Funeral services were held on Monday, September 12, at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Riceville, with Pastor Thelma Colorado Subramanian officiating. Burial will be at a later date.

Helen was born on October 21, 1924, daughter of Harvey and Althea Bonwell Van De Walker, in McIntire, Iowa. She graduated from the McIntire High School in 1942. Helen married Robert Timmerman on August 2, 1944, in LeRoy, Minnesota. She worked 35 years for LeRoy Products mostly as plant manager. Helen loved golf, fishing and dancing.

Survivors include her husband, Bob of LeRoy, Minnesota; one son, Gene and his wife, Darlene Timmerman of Mason City; one daughter, Janet and her husband, Greg Holmes of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota; three grandchildren, Troy, Scott and Jennifer; and five great-grandchildren; a sister, Shirley Grimley and her husband, Glann of Oelwein; and a brother, Keith and his wife, Dorothy Van DeWalker of Oelwein.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Arla Richardson; and two brothers, Earl and Bud; and one infant grandson, Todd.

The Lindstrom Funeral Home in Riceville, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Eugene A. Tesch

September 21, 2005

Eugene "Gene" Arthur Tesch, 63, of Altoona, passed away on Tuesday, September 13, 2005, at the Taylor House in Des Moines, with his wife and son at his side.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, September 17, at the Altoona Funeral Home.

Gene was a sales representative for the Napa Distribution Center for 10 years and spent many more years involved in the Iowa Racing Program, owning, training, and raising race horses. He also boarded horses until his illness forced his move from the farm.

He is survived by his wife, Jan; two sons, Kevin Tesch of Des Moines and Robert Holveck of Clearwater, Florida; daughters, Laurie Tesch of Ft. Collins, Colorado, Lisa Zarfas of San Antonio, Texas and Tammy Holveck of Clearwater, Florida; six grandchildren, Nicole Tesch, Jon Hart, Tiffany Zarfas, Laura Holveck, Jordan Zarfas and Bobby Holveck; a brother, Dennis (Karen) of Osage; and his dearest close friend, Melissa Freeman of Indianola who he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Wilma Tesch and an infant sister, all of Osage.

The Altoona Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Iva M. Bruesewitz

September 21, 2005

Iva M. Bruesewitz, 82, of St. Ansgar, died on Friday, September 16, 2005, at the Methodist Hospital, Rochester, Minnesota.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, September 20, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar, Iowa, with Rev. Byron Northwick officiating. Burial was in the St. Ansgar Cemetery.

Iva M. Cowell, was born on February 21, 1923, to Vern and Pernnie (Jones) Cowell, in Rock Township, Mitchell County, Iowa, the oldest of nine children. She graduated from the St. Ansgar High School. On August 31, 1941, she married Elmer Bruesewitz. They lived in St. Ansgar and owned various automotive businesses there.

In their free time they spent many hours boating, fishing and bowling. After selling Bree's Motor Service, she went to work at the St. Ansgar Good Samaritan Center for many years. After retirement she continued to bowl in several leagues and traveled the country while visiting members of her family.

Those left to cherish her memory are three sons, Robert (Janet) Bruesewitz of Rochester, Minnesota, Bill (Ann) Bruesewitz of Wadsworth, Illinois and Lyle (Claudia) Bruesewitz of Bristol, Rhode Island; one daughter, Jean Bruesewitz of Mason City, Iowa; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Lee (Margaret) Cowell of St. Ansgar and Donald (Mickie) Cowell of Hawaii; two sisters, Betty (Dale) Van Horn of Fort Collins, Colorado and Karan (Larry) Crilly of St. Ansgar; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Elmer in 1980; and four brothers, Lloyd, Allen, Larry and Russell Cowell.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, Iowa.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Henry D. Dau

September 21, 2005

Henry D. Dau, 78, of St. Ansgar, died at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center, Osage, on Sunday, September 18, 2005.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., on Wednesday, September 21, at the Faith Lutheran Church, Mitchell, Iowa, with Rev. Wayne Ellingson and Irmgard Ellingson, Associate in Ministry officiating. Burial will be in the Greenview Memorial Garden, East Moilens, Illinois, on Thursday, September 22, at 11:00 a.m.

Henry Didrek Dau, eldest son of William and Olga (Lind) Dau was born at Little Cedar, Iowa, on April 14, 1927. He attended rural schools and graduated from the Mitchell High school in 1944. He was married to Barbara Hertenstein of Rock Island, Illinois on July 18, 1968. Barbara died May 12, 1973. He married JoAnn Pettit of Moline, Illinois, on April 19, 1974 and she passed away on April 12, 1993. Henry worked for Mitchell county farmers until the early 1960's when he started working at the Farmall plant in Rock Island, Illinois until the plant closed. In 1985, he and his wife moved to Tuscan, Arizona, where Henry was a security guard at a bank. After JoAnn died, he moved back to Iowa and resided at his sister's home in St. Ansgar, Iowa until his health declined in 2004, and he relocated to the Worth Living Center.

He was a faithful member of the Faith Lutheran Church of Mitchell and served in many capacities. Henry was baptized on March 18, 1928. He enjoyed going to Senior Saints daily and served as President of the board. There he helped keep the cribbage board busy and also played 500. Henry was a volunteer at the Good Samaritan Center as long as he was able. Henry never missed a family gathering as his family was very important to him.

Surviving is a sister, Sylvia (Robert) Wilson of St. Ansgar; brother, Lindon (Bonnie) Dau of Mitchell; niece, Suzette (Donald) Hansen of Albert Lea, Minnesota; two nephews, David (Nancy) Valasek of Marathon, Florida and Eric (Norma) Wilson of Carpenter; a grand-niece and four grand-nephews and a feline friend "Dufus".

Henry was preceded in death by his parents; and infant brother; and his wives.

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

Leona Susan Brandau

September 21, 2005

Leona Susan Brandau, 79, of Mason City, died on Sunday, September 18, 2005, at the Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa.

A Memorial Mass was held on Tuesday, September 20, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, with Rev. Kenneth Gehling officiating. A private family inurnment will be in the St. John's Calvary Cemetery in rural Osage, Iowa.

Leona was born on January 8, 1926, on a farm near Williams, Iowa, the daughter of Frank and Elizabeth (Fluech) Kemmerick. She was baptized on January 26, 1926, at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Williams, Iowa.

Leona enjoyed volunteering her time for various charitable organizations in Mason City. She also enjoyed playing cards, traveling to the state of Washington, gardening, and attending the local farmer's market. She treasured time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and enjoyed attending their sporting events. She was a member of the Ladies' Auxiliary VFW Post 733 and the St. Joseph's Catholic Church.

She is survived by sons, Gordon Squier and wife, Marion of Poulsbo, Washington, Allen Squier and wife, Marie of Rochester, Minnesota and Wayne Squier of Thornton; grandchildren, Michele Smuck and husband, Matt of Mason City, Larry Squier and Marsha Squier; great-grandchildren, Derek, Andrew, Ryan and Noah Smuck, Daniel, Joe and Nicholas Craig; sisters, Pauline Hofmeister of Osage, Florence Gerk of Charles City, Dorothy Chizek of Britt and Lucille Tanner of Mason City; and brother, Joseph (Joe) Kemmerick of Austin, Minnesota.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William Brandau; sister, Marcella Adams; brother, Bernard Kemmerick; and a brother and sister in infancy.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Ann Viskocil Rolke

September 28, 2005

Ann Viskocil Rolke, 50, of Greensboro, North Carolina, passed away after a short courageous battle with cancer on Monday, September 19, 2005.

Memorial services were held on Thursday, September 22, at the Lambeth-Troxler Funeral Service Chapel.

Ann Rolke, was born on July 16, 1955 in Osage, Iowa, to Edward Viskocil and Mildred Spaanum. She was a 1973 graduate of the Osage High School and a 1978 graduate of Iowa State University with a degree in Consumer Science. Ann loved working with people and worked many various jobs in human relations. She spent the last 11 years working beside her husband in the family business.

She was very active in the tennis community and also enjoyed working in her yard. She was a loving wife, mother, daughter and sister and will be missed dearly.

Mrs. Rolke is survived by her husband, W. M. (Andy) Rolke of Greensboro; a daughter, Laura Rolke at home; her father, Edward Viskocil and his wife, Vivian of Osage, Iowa; a sister, Jane Biddle and husband, Jeff of Nevada, Iowa; a brother, James Viskocil and wife, Cindy of River Falls, Wisconsin; four nieces and nephews, Kimberly, John, Jeff and Justin; and a host of loving extended family members.

Memorials may be made to the Regional Cancer Center, Greensboro, North Carolina.

Arrangements made by the Lambeth-Troxler Funeral Service, Greensboro, North Carolina.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Phyllis M. Ritterath

September 28, 2005

Phyllis M. Retterath, 66, of Waterloo, died on Tuesday, September 20, 2005, at the Allen Hospital.

Funeral services were held on Friday, September 23, at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, with a graveside service in the Visitation Cemetery, Stacyville, Iowa.

She was born on July 3, 1939 in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, the daughter of Joseph and Effie Buringa Retterath. She was employed at Iowa Electric Motors, John Deere and Janda Electric Motor Services.  Phyllis was Sergeant of Arms for the Waterloo Metro Women's Bowling Association, an avid sports card collector, and enjoyed bowling, fishing and camping. She also loved her two cats, Kia and Smokie Joe.

Survivors include her friend and caregiver, Connie Rommel of Waterloo; a caregiver, Deanne Murray of Denver; five sisters, Rosann (Clayton) Meyer of Austin, Minnesota, Beverly (Del) Theobald of Stacyville, Dorothy (Alden) Crooks of Rudd, Mary (Kenneth) Crooks of Charles City and Martha Hoevet of Stacyville; three brothers, Jim (Jan) Retterath of Austin, Minnesota, Joe (Lynda) Retterath of Eagan, Minnesota and Gene (Cindy) Retterath of Grafton; many nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces, great-great nephews and nieces; and friends, Ethyl Rommel of Readlyn, Bob and Judy Lehmkuhl of Cedar Rapids, Mary Jo and Dennis Juel of Waterloo.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Michael and John.

Memorials may be directed to the BVL (Bowler's to Veterans Link) or the Cedar Valley Hospice.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Rosie A. Pagel

September 28, 2005

Rosie A. Pagel, age 86, a resident of the Good Samaritan Center in St. Ansgar and formerly of Osage, died on Sunday, September 25, 2005, at the St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Thursday, September 29, at the St. John's Lutheran Church, west of Osage, with Rev. Wayne Ellingson officiating. Burial will be in the St. John's Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage and will continue one hour before the services at the church on Thursday.

Rosie Augusta Hulda Pagel, was born on May 9, 1919 in Rock Township, Mitchell County, Iowa, the daughter of Walter and Eleanora (Wilde) Hinsman. She was baptized on May 29, 1919, at the home of her parents. Rosie was confirmed on March 25, 1934, at the St. John's Lutheran Church, Rock Township. She graduated from the Grafton High School in 1938. Rosie married John F. Pagel on June 29, 1941 and they farmed near St. Ansgar, Iowa.

She was a lifelong member of the St. John's Lutheran Church. Rosie enjoyed quilting, gardening, traveling and playing with her grandchildren.

Survivors include one son, Kenneth J. Pagel and his wife, Jean; two grandchildren, Daniel and Jessica Pagel of Rochester, Minnesota; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Pagel; her parents, Walter and Eleanora (Wilde) Hinsman; one sister, Elsie E. Rachut; and many other relatives.

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

Anna Marie Emma Stanton

September 28, 2005

A memorial service for Anna Marie Emma Stanton, stillborn child of Daniel and Valerie (Maas) Stanton of Cedar Falls, was held on Sunday, September 25, 2005, at the Cross Roads Community Church of Nazarene, Waterloo.

She is survived by half-brothers, James, John and Chris Stanton; aunts, Nancy (Maas) Solberg of Mason City and Kristine Maas and fiancée, Chris Tate of Orlando, Florida; grandparents, Lyle Maas of Cedar Falls, Judy (Brandau) Maas of Osage and Patricia Stanton of New Hampton; great-grandparent, Joanne Brandau of Osage; and many great-aunts and uncles.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Wayne A. Mayer

October 5, 2005

Wayne A. Mayer, 56, of St. Ansgar, died on Wednesday, September 28, 2005, at the St. Mary's Hospital, Rochester, Minnesota.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, October 1, at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial was in the St. Ansgar Cemetery.

Wayne A. Mayer, was born on July 25, 1949, to Gene and Marjorie (Thome) Mayer of Stacyville, Iowa. Wayne attended Catholic School in Stacyville, graduating with the last class of the Visitation Marion High School in 1969. Following graduation, Wayne was drafted into the United States Army and served his country in Vietnam in 1970 and 1971. Wayne returned home and married Bonita Larson of St. Ansgar, at the First Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar on May 19, 1973. Wayne and Bonita raised two children, Robyn and Gabriel and lived and worked in St. Ansgar throughout their married life. He worked for Bob and Larry Warrington and White Farm Implements. In 1976, Wayne became co-owner and operator of Mayer Feed and owned and operated NAPA from 1986 to 1996.

He was a member of the American Legion and a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Wayne was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing and taking trips to Canada. A true nature lover, he was a member of Ducks Unlimited and enjoyed cooking, especially outdoor grilling. He was a NASCAR racing fan and liked being seen in his Ford hats.

Wayne will be sadly missed by his wife, Bonita of St. Ansgar; daughter, Robyn and husband, Pat Knowlton and son, William of St. Ansgar; son, Gabriel and wife, Michelle Mayer and daughters, Olivia and Kathryn of St. Ansgar; parents, Gene and Marjorie Mayer of Stacyville; brothers, Terry and wife, Linda Mayer of St. Ansgar and Dean and wife, Diane Mayer of St. Ansgar; sisters, Sandra Mayer of Rochester, Minnesota, Wanda and husband, Dan Warrington of St. Ansgar, Diane and husband, Matt DuVall of Denver, Colorado and Gwen and husband, Joshua Isler of Frederickton, Colorado; sisters-in-law, Grace Mayer of Kasson, Minnesota and Gloria and husband, Robert Stuart of Faribault, Minnesota; brother-in-law, Dudley Thompson of South Bend, Indiana; many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, special aunts and uncles and very dear cousins.

Wayne was preceded in death by his mother and father-in-law; a special nephew; and his brother, Kevin Mayer.

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

Merle L. Trousdale

October 5, 2005

Merle L. Trousdale, 76, of Rockwell, died on Thursday morning, September 29, 2005, at the Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Monday, October 3, at the United Methodist Church in Rockwell, with Rev. Bruce E. Wittern officiating. Military honors were accorded by the Rockwell-Gallagher American Legion Post #208, during Merle's service at the church. Private family inurnment was in the Rockwell Cemetery.

Merle Leon Trousdale, was born on January 7, 1929 in Alden, Iowa, to H. G. and Otsie (Walton) Trousdale. He attended schools in Alden and graduated from the Iowa Falls High School class of 1947. Merle furthered his education attending Ellsworth College. Merle was a U.S. Army veteran having served during the Korean War. Merle served as an advance scout during the war which involved him traveling 20 miles or more behind enemy lines, bringing back information for his unit. He received the Bronze Star and the Korean Medal of Honor.

After honorably and faithfully serving his country, Merle attended the Colorado School of Trade, specializing in the gunsmithing school. Merle was united in marriage to Darlene Marie Benson on December 4, 1954 in Mason City. The couple had lived in Osage and the rural Grand Rapids, Minnesota, before making their home in the Rockwell area where they have resided for the last 46 years. He had been employed most recently as a driver with the Cartersville Co-op Elevator in Cartersville, Iowa.

Some of Merle's interest and leisure activities included fishing, woodworking, golfing, reading and duck hunting. He enjoyed figuring out how things work, he was considered a jack-of-all trades and could fix anything. Merle will be best remembered as a kind, gentle and caring man who never said a bad word about anyone, had a wonderful way of always looking on the bright side and having a terrific sense of humor. Merle took great pride in providing for his family, being family oriented and truly enjoyed family get togethers.

Merle will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by family and friends who have shared in his life. Grateful for having had the privilege of sharing in Merle's life are his loving wife, Darlene M. Trousdale of Rockwell; his three children, Kandice M. (Karl) Nedved of Mason City, William E. (Sharon) Trousdale of rural Mason City and Gina A. (Antonio) Muniz of Waterloo, Iowa; nine grandchildren, Matt, Ben, Jordan and Reid Nedved, Cory, Kyle and Ryan Trousdale, Elena and A.J. Muniz; three great-grandchildren, Trevor and Serena Trousdale and Emma Dorseth; two brothers, Max W. (Ardith) Trousdale of Iowa Falls, Iowa and G. Faye (Elaine) Trousdale of Alden, Iowa.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents, H.G. and Otsie Trousdale; and an infant sister.

Arrangements were made by the Fullerton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Rockwell, Iowa.
© 2005 Mitchell County Press

Mary Jean Vulk

October 5, 2005

Mary Jean Vulk, age 83, of Lake Mills and formerly of Mitchell, died on Friday, September 30, 2005, at the Lake Mills Care Center in Lake Mills.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, October 4, at the Faith Lutheran Church in Mitchell, with Rev. Wayne Ellingson officiating. Burial was in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Mitchell.

Mary Jean was born in Mitchell County, Iowa on June 25, 1922, to Mato and Anna (Slaichert) Saraga. She married Lewis Vulk, Jr. in 1940 and they lived in Chicago for six years, where they were employed in a defense plant. They moved back to Mitchell County in 1948, where she resided until the death of her husband in 1990. Mary Jean moved to Osage, Iowa and later to Lake Mills, Iowa.

She was a member of the Mitchell Faith Lutheran Church since 1954, where she was very active in Circle, World Relief and Council. She was also a member of the Lodge Velehrad of Mason City. Her hobbies included flower and vegetable gardening, Czech pastries, reading, concerts, movies and especially football.

Mary Jean is survived by a son, Gregory Vulk and wife, Julie (Niess) Vulk of Decorah; a daughter, Francine Vulk of Lake Mills; grandchildren, Theone (Steve) Quattlebaum of Spencer, Jason and wife, Jody (Surber) Vulk of Saylorville, Ryan Vulk and girlfriend, Dana Fredrich of San Francisco, California; also, Elizabeth Vulk of Osage, mother of Theone, Jason, and Ryan; two great-granddaughters, Mary Beth and Malarie Quattlebaum; a great-grandson, Lewis Hurschel Vulk; three granddaughters, Tanya Root, Tiffany Smith and Torey Keck; great-grandchildren, Jamison, Sophia and Whitaker Root, Cole Smith, Austin, Josephine and Ira James Keck; brothers, Stanley Setka and wife, Ruth of Riceville and Mato Frank Saraga, Jr. of San Clemente, California; two sisters, Lily Pollock and husband, Bruce of Springfield, Ohio and Betty Klee of Green Bay, Wisconsin; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Lewis Vulk, Jr.; her parents; her sister, Anne (Setka) Billy; her brother, John Saraga, Sr.; an infant son, Lewis Allen Vulk; and a great-grandson, Devon Lars Vulk.

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