Jenna Lynn Nerad

August 8, 2006

Jenna Lynn Nerad, 23, of Iowa City, Iowa, formerly of Northwood, died on Tuesday, August 1, 2006, at her home in Iowa City.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, August 5, at the First Lutheran Church, Northwood, with Rev. Wayne Hagen and Rev. Barbara Wills officiating. Following the services and according to her wishes, cremation will take place with inurnment at a later date in the cemetery in Toeterville, Iowa.

Jenna Lynn Nerad, was born on September 19, 1982 in Osage, the daughter of Randy Nerad and Cynthia (Brizius) Pangburn. She attended and received her elementary education in the Northwood-Kensett Community Schools and completed her final years in high school in St. Ansgar, graduating in the class of 2001. Jenna also received her LPN Degree from Kirkwood College in Iowa City, and would have been a senior this year at the University of Iowa and have graduated with an RN Degree in 2007. While attending college Jenna also worked at the Oaknoll Nursing Home and at the Hamburg Restaurant in Iowa City.

Jenna loved animals, writing poetry, reading, flowers, running, was a free spirit, loved life, had a big heart, she loved everyone and never was judgmental, loved the elderly people, and believed that we shouldn't judge people for how they looked on the outside, but how they looked on the inside. Jenna also enjoyed traveling with family and friends, and had traveled to the northwest, south, and the west coast, but loved the northwest coast the most and was hoping to be a nurse in the Seattle, Washington area when she graduated from nursing school.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Russell Brizius; her paternal grandmother, Verla Mae Nerad; and her uncle, Raymond Reeves.

Left to cherish her memory are her parents, Cynthia Pangburn of Northwood and Randy Nerad of St. Ansgar; brother, Riley Pangburn of Northwood; sister, Kendra Nerad of St. Ansgar; step-father, Gary Pangburn of Northwood; paternal grandparents, Victor (Linda) Nerad of St. Ansgar and maternal grandmother, Colleen Brizius of Eagan, Minnesota; two aunts, Kathy (Don) Kocian of Springfield, Missouri and Vickie (Tedd) Maakestad of Osage; cousins, Kimberly (Brent) Creach of St. Louis, Missouri and Lucas and Garrett Maakestad of Osage; godmother, Sherry Olson of Northwood and her godfather, Jeff Koster of Ft. Collins, Colorado; as well as other relatives and many friends.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Conner Colonial Chapel.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Lewis G. Lauterbach

August 8, 2006

Lewis G. Lauterbach, 86, of Osage, died on Saturday, August 5, 2006, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Monday, August 14, at the First Baptist Church in Osage. Rev. Douglas Brown will officiate and there will be a flag presentation by the Osage V.F.W. Post 7920. There will be a time for fellowship and refreshments in the church basement immediately following the services.

Lewis was born on November 14, 1919 at Robertson, Iowa, the son of Martin and Nellie (Cross) Lauterbach. He attended rural schools and graduated from the Iowa Falls High School. He attended Iowa State University and graduated with a Master's Degree in Agricultural Education. Lewis served in the armed services during WW II. Lewis was united in marriage to Jean Bashor on February 10, 1946, in Aurora, Colorado. He was a Vo-Ag Teacher in Ventura for three years and then in Osage until his retirement in 1984.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Christopher Young and a sister, Harriet Hackbarth

Lewis is survived by his wife, Jean Lauterbach of Osage; daughter, Linda Brackett of Wilton, Maine and her two sons, Antonio Young of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Carlton (Cheire) Young of Livermore Falls, Maine and their children, Bailey and Jenna; daughter-in-law, Laura Lee Jones of Livermore Falls, Maine and her children, Trystol Young and Brent Young; a son, Jon Martin (Diane) Lauterbach of Gilbert, Arizona and their daughter, Laura Anne Lauterbach; a foster daughter, Marsha (Jim) Fisher of Davenport and their children, Charles, James and Jessica; two sisters, Ruth Fahden of Tucson, Arizona and Betty O'Brien of Ackley; one brother, Richard (Elaine) Lauterbach of Iowa Falls; and several nieces and nephews.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Wayne A. McNealy

August 10, 2006

Wayne A. McNealy, age 60, of Osage, died on Tuesday, August 8, 2006, as the result of a traffic accident near Osage.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, August 12, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Dennis Hanson and Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Interment will be in the Deer Creek Lutheran Cemetery, rural Carpenter, with Military Honors at the grave by the Osage VFW Post 7920. Visitation is from 5-8:00 p.m., on Friday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

Wayne was born on April 12, 1946 at New Hampton, Iowa, the son of John and Ida (Janssen) McNealy. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Conflict. Wayne married Gloria Dockum on November 27, 1971, at the Deer Creek Lutheran Church, near Carpenter. Gloria died on October 14, 1993.

He owned and operated McNealy Sanitation in Osage, for the past 27 years. Wayne married Beverly (Voshell) Whitney on December 21, 2001 in Osage.

He was a lifetime member of the Osage VFW. Wayne donated his time and energy to many groups and organizations, and their causes, throughout the area. He loved fishing and boating, and spending time with his family and grandchildren. Wayne will be remembered as a very kind, giving, considerate, compassionate and empathetic person.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Beverly McNealy of Osage; two daughters, Melissa (Ronald) Bakkum of Clear Lake and Kiersten Goyette and special friend, Tracy Kisner of Osage; five grandchildren, Jacob and Destiny Dunbar, Yngwie, Trenten and Cynthia Goyette; one brother, Gerald (Sheila) McNealy of Chapin; four sisters, Marie (Vernon) Stohr of Woden, Betty (Neil) Ouverson of Hanlontown, Donna (Ray) Elphic of Hampton and Linda (Tim) Abbas of Iowa Falls; two step-daughters, Sheila (John) Schneider of Charles City and Jennifer Finley of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania; and seven step-grandchildren, Marshall Whitney, Renee and Joseph Pascual, Eric Short, Mark Finley, Brent and Amanda Schneider.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Gloria McNealy; a brother, Donald McNealy; a niece, Tammy Elphic; and a step-son, Mark Whitney.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Margaret Heimer

August 15, 2006

Margaret Heimer, age 92, of Stacyville, died on Wednesday, August 9, 2006, at the Stacyville Community Nursing Home in Stacyville.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, August 14, at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Interment was in the Visitation Catholic Cemetery in Stacyville.

Margaret was born south of Charles City, on June 15, 1914, the fifth child of William and Kathryn (Ryan) Beland. The family moved east of Osage for 14 years, where Margaret attended the Burr Oak No. 3 rural School. She graduated from the Osage High School in 1930, and attended the University of Minnesota. The family moved west of Stacyville in 1932.

She taught in the Union and Burr Oak Township rural Schools until 1937, when she married Paul Heimer at the Visitation Catholic Church, Stacyville. Starting in 1969, she worked at the Visitation School, Stacyville, first as a teacher's aide, and then as a teacher.

Margaret served on the Mitchell County School Board for several years. She was a member of the Visitation Catholic Church, the Shakespearean Club in Osage, and the Cedar Valley Retired School Personnel. She enjoyed her family and playing cards.

Surviving her are three sons and their wives, Joseph and Virginia Heimer of San Diego, California, Ted and Barb Heimer of Stacyville and Bob Heimer and wife, Victoria Navarro of Davenport; her four grandchildren and spouses, Romelle and Jeff Johnson and daughter, Courtney of Ankeny; Scott Heimer of San Diego, California; Mike and Angela Heimer and children, Hannah and Carter of River Falls, Wisconsin; Paul Heimer and children, Jess, Jack and Elizabeth of Freeport, Illinois; sisters, Phyllis Schmidt of Stacyville, Frances Beland and Joan Schmidt of Austin, Minnesota; sisters-in-law, Jean Beland of Nevis, Minnesota, Marie Peterman of Tucson, Arizona and Martha Beland of Stacyville; and brother-in-law and wife, Jerome and Joan Heimer of Garner.

Preceding her in death were an infant son, Roger in 1939; her husband, Paul on February 2, 1970; and two sisters and three brothers, Lucille Wright, Irene Beland, Robert Beland, William Beland and Ralph Beland.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Debbie (Duren) Pederson

August 15, 2006

Debbie (Duren) Pederson, age 48, of Lees Summit, Missouri and formerly of Osage, was called home to rest on Friday, August 11, 2006.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, August 16, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Osage.

Debbie was born on April 16, 1958 in Osage, Iowa, the daughter of John "Pete" and Janice (Hernan) Duren. She graduated from the Osage High School in 1976, after which she attended Hamilton Business College in Mason City, Iowa. Debbie then was employed at Duren's Coop Service as a bookkeeper. While employed there, she pumped the first gallon of gasohol in the state of Iowa.

In 1987, Debbie moved to the Kansas City, Missouri area where she pursued a career in the banking and loan industry. She was employed by the Think Credit Union, and most recently at Bank Midwest, both in the Kansas City area.

Debbie loved music and loved to dance. She enjoyed her career in banking. Debbie loved spending her spare time at the Belton Community Center working with children. She enjoyed spending time with her family and her beloved cat, Samantha.

She was preceded in death by her special cat, Buddy; and her grandparents, Glen and Nadine Hernan and John and Mary Duren.

Debbie is survived by her parents, Janice Duren and John "Pete" Duren of Osage; two sisters, Julie (Ken) Gabby of Byron, Minnesota and Vicki (Steve) Johnson of Osage; two brothers, Marlin (Kelli) Duren of Osage and John Duren and special friend, Araceli Angel of Chandler, Arizona; six nephews, Aaron and Jeremy Gabby, Dillon and Tristan Johnson, Jacob and Zachary Duren; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She is also survived by her best friend, Cindy (Kevin) Parks and family of Raymore, Missouri.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Anna C. Murphy

August 15, 2006

Anna C. Murphy, age 60, of Lyle, Minnesota, passed away on Saturday, August 12, 2006, at the St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, August 16, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church, in Lyle, Minnesota, with Rev. Barb Finley-Shea officiating. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, from 4-7:00 p.m., at the Worlein Funeral Home, Austin, Minnesota and one hour before the services at the church. Interment will be in the Woodbury Cemetery, rural Lyle. Memorials are preferred to the donor's choice.

Anna was born on December 14, 1945, to William and Exie (Miller) Stevenson in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. On August 26, 1960, Anna married Ralph D. Dickerson in Kingswood, Kentucky. They had two children, Melinda and Ralph Jr. and were later divorced. She spent many years raising and enjoying her family in Kentucky before moving to Lyle, Minnesota in 1990. On July 28, 1990, Anna married Reuben Murphy in the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa.

Anna owned her own housecleaning business in Lyle, until suffering a near fatal heart attack in June of 1998. Anna defied the odds and survived because of her own determination, will and faith. She belonged to the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Lyle, and enjoyed cooking, baking, keeping house, walking, her flowers and spending time with her many grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Nettie Dupin and Brenda Jo Stevenson; and brothers, Calvin and James Stevenson.

Anna's survivors include her husband, Reuben of Lyle; daughter, Melinda (Victor) Young of Spicer, Minnesota; son, Ralph Dickerson, Jr. of Lewisport, Kentucky; step-children, Tammy (Steven) Roberts of Stewartville, Minnesota, Terri (Paul) Hanson of Wanamingo, Minnesota, Troy (Renae) Murphy of Faribault, Minnesota, Thane (Debbie) Murphy of Sandstone, Minnesota and Tracey (Connie) Murphy of Austin, Minnesota; three grandchildren; and 12 step-grandchildren; sisters, Juanita (Fred) Hines of Louisville, Kentucky and Doris (Guy) Gross of Kentucky; brother, Thomas Stevenson; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The Worlein Funeral Home, Austin, Minnesota, had charge of the arrangements.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Phyllis Havig

August 15, 2006

Phyllis J. Havig, age 77, of Osage, died on Sunday, August 13, 2006, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, August 17, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Dennis Hanson and Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Interment will be in the Osage Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

Phyllis was born on April 18, 1929 in Mitchell County, Iowa, the daughter of Henry and Marion (Hocum) Williams. She was baptized and confirmed at the Methodist Church in St. Ansgar and later became a member of the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage. Phyllis graduated from the St. Ansgar High School in 1946. She married Everett Havig in 1948.

Phyllis was employed as a secretary and a social worker for the Department of Human Services from 1948 to March of 1991. In May 1991, she became the Director of the Mitchell County Community Services.

Phyllis represented Mitchell County as a member of the Board of Directors of the Mental Health Center of North Iowa. She was Treasurer of the Mitchell County Food Bank since 1995. In February of 1997, Judge McKinley appointed her to be Mitchell County Mental Health Advocate. She was a member of the Mitchell County Home Health Care Agency Advisory Committee from 1969 to July of 1999, and initiated the Home Health Care Service in Mitchell County.

Phyllis was devoted to her family and her work. We were blessed with a very special mother and grandmother, and will treasure all the memories in our hearts.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a niece; and a great-niece.

Phyllis is survived by two daughters, Marsha Pajer and special friend, Allan Smalley of Osage and Lori (Barry) Handahl of Austin, Minnesota; grandson, Scott (Tricia) Pajer of Mason City; great-granddaughter, Mya Pajer; two brothers, Richard (Judy) Williams of Jacksonville, Florida and Brad (Pam) Williams of Greene; and several nieces and nephews.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Evelyn Anderson

August 22, 2006

Evelyn M. Anderson, age 84, of Riceville, passed away at the MCRHC-Hospital in Osage on Tuesday, August 15, 2006.

A memorial service was held at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Riceville on Saturday, August 19, with the Rev Barbara Mann officiating. Burial was in the Riverside Cemetery, Riceville.

Survivors include nephews, Doug and Sue Warburton and family of Northwood and Darrell Warburton and special friend, Heidi Paulus and his family all of Mabel, Wisconsin; two sisters, Lois Eidness of Osage and Maryetta Mentel of Washburn, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Wayne N. Decklever

September 19, 2006

Wayne N. Decklever, age 72, died on Thursday, August 17, 2006, at his home in Surprise, Arizona.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Friday, September 22, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Roy Ott officiating. The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorials be given to the Alzheimer's Association.

Wayne was born on March 20, 1934 in Osage, Iowa, the son of Lawrence and Elsie (Tesch) Decklever. Wayne graduated from the Osage High School. He served in the Army as a paratrooper from 1954-1956. Wayne resided in Osage until 1969, where he was in home construction and was a Real Estate Agent. He was also self employed as Decklever Excavating.

He was President and Treasurer of the Jaycees. Wayne moved to Arizona in 1969 where he owned his own business, Decklever Construction, doing home remodeling. His hobbies were hiking and dirt bike (motorcycle) riding. Wayne was a member of the Arizona Desert Racing Assoc. He was a skillful rider winning many races.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Diane Decklever; and grandson, Jason Peterson.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Regina of Surprise, Arizona; one daughter, Carol Decklever of Rochester, Minnesota; two sons, Robert (Tracy) Decklever of Byron, Minnesota and Wayne "Mike" (Rose) Decklever of Byron, Minnesota; step-son, Dan (Kelli) Heinzerling of Phoenix, Arizona; step-daughter, Tina (Don) Trail of Kissimmee, Florida; three brothers, LaVern (Rita) Decklever of Pisgah Forest, North Carolina, Richard (Neva) Decklever of Indianola and Larry (Marge) Decklever of Lakeville, Minnesota; one sister, Marian Decklever of St. Petersburg, Florida; grandchildren, Eric Ross, Christine (Jake) Hachfeld, Jamie Schulz, Jacob and Claire Decklever; and one great-grandchild, Khloee Schulz.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Marlin W. Havig

August 22, 2006

Marlin W. Havig, age 89, of Osage, died on Friday, August 18, 2006, at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, August 21, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial was in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, with military graveside services by the Osage American Legion Post 278.

Marlin was born on August 15, 1917 in Osage, the son of Martin and Olive (Woodiwiss) Havig. He graduated from the Osage High School. Marlin was united in marriage to Elaine Kleckner on August 14, 1940, at the St. Peter's Catholic Church in New Haven. He served in the U.S. Army with the 101st Airborne during World War II. He was wounded on Christmas Eve, 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge.

After returning from the service, he farmed and was a rural mail carrier, retiring at age 65. Marlin was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Osage American Legion Post 278, Osage V.F.W. Post #7920 and Disabled American Veterans of Mason City. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing and coin collecting.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Allene Ludgate, Doris Denning and Gloria Bucknell; and a son-in-law, Walter Hungate.

Marlin is survived by his wife, Elaine Havig of Osage; three daughters, Judi (Don) Oudekerk of Buffalo, Minnesota, Janet (Gerald) Grimm of Mitchell and Mary Howell of Warrenville, Illinois; son, James (Becci) Havig of Mason City; sister, Marguerite (Sylvan) Tosel of Mason City; brother, Wayland (Anita) Havig of Davenport; seven grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and five step-great-grandchildren.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Leon H. Werner

August 22, 2006

Leon H. Werner, age 82, of Osage, died on Saturday, August 19, 2006, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center-Hospice Unit in Osage.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday August 23, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Inurnment will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, with military rites by the Osage American Legion Post 278. A gathering of family and friends is from 4-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with a Rosary at 4:30 p.m. and a Scripture Wake Service at 7 p.m.

Leon was born on July 8, 1924 in Meyer, the son of John and Julia (Hemann) Werner. He served in the U.S. Army during WW II. Leon married Lucille Milbrandt on August 12, 1947 at the St. Mels Catholic Church in McIntire. They farmed and lived in the Meyer area until 1984 and then moved to Osage. Leon was a fishing guide at Lake Vermillion in northern Minnesota.

He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage and a member of the Osage American Legion Post 278. Leon enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, woodworking and card playing. He was known as the "Man with the beautiful garden."

Leon is survived by his wife, Lucille Werner of Osage; six children, Jerry (Edna) Werner of Angeles City, Philippines, Judy (Roger) Johnson of Austin, Minnesota, Diane Wilson of Rochester, Minnesota, Debra (John) Lair of Miami Beach, Florida, Nancy Lucker of Osage and Kevin Werner of Mason City; seven grandchildren, Jill (Johnson) Lee and Jason Johnson, Eric, Jennifer and Jeremy Werner, Melissa (Wilson) Rensch and Alyssa Lucker; seven great-grandchildren; a special nephew, Dana Milbrandt of Osage and a special niece, Dawn Oberfoell of Osage; three sisters, Margie Michels of Stacyville, Teresa (Roy) Baldus of Perham, Minnesota and Mary (Rex) Machacek of Austin, Minnesota; and a sister-in-law, Geraldine Werner of Austin, Minnesota.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Donald and John Joseph; one sister, Agnes Pavlick; daughter, Barbara Jean; and a brother-in-law, Ralph Michels.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Gladys W. "Bunkie" Bombella

August 29, 2006

Gladys W. "Bunkie" Bombella, 70, formerly of Mason City and most recently of Sedalia, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, August 20, 2006, at her home surrounded by family, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral services were held on Friday, August 25, at the Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, Mason City, with Rev. Wendy K. Abrahamson of the St. John's Episcopal Church officiating. Burial was in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City.

Gladys Wanetta Bombella, was born on January 30, 1936 at Elma, Iowa, the daughter of Robert and Unis Maude (Power) Graham. Gladys resided in Mitchell County most of her youth and later moved to Mason City. She worked in Mason City for E F Johnson and Rockwell International, retiring as a production supervisor. During her time at Rockwell International, Gladys went back to school and obtained her GED from NIACC.

Gladys was united in marriage to Phillip Bombella on June 26, 1968, at the Little Brown Church, Nashua.

Gladys was a member of the Mason City VFW Auxiliary. She enjoyed listening to music, chatting with friends online, and playing Mahjong and pogo.com. To her family she was strong, loving and a wonderful caregiver and caretaker. She loved collecting angel statues and figurines and spending time tending to her many rose bushes.

She was preceded in death by her parents; half brother; and cousin, Marian Rehak.

Gladys will be greatly missed by her husband, Phillip Bombella of Sedalia, Missouri; five sons, Stuart Bombella of Sedalia, Missouri, Steven (Ann) Bombella of Mason City, Charles (Berta) Graves of Sedalia, Missouri, Michael (Suzanne) Graves of Upton, California and Tony (Maria) Bombella of Tampa, Florida; three daughters, Candace (Mike) Prather of Mason City, Tara (Mike) Harry of Riverside, California and Lisa (Joel) Hansen of Davenport; 19 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Judith Wagner of Ames and Kay Donner of Ames; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, Mason City, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Ambrose "Bud" Holles

August 29, 2006

Ambrose "Bud" Holles, age 80, died on Wednesday, August 23, 2006, at the Oak Park Senior Care in Sheldon, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, August 26, at the St. Anthony Catholic Church in Hospers, Iowa. The Reverend John Vakulskus officiated. Burial was in the St. Anthony Cemetery in Hospers.

He was born June 26, 1926 in rural Granville, the son of Michael and Catherine (Gaul) Holles and was raised and educated in the Granville area. He graduated in 1944, from the St. Mary's Academy at Alton and was then a farm laborer also in the Granville area.

On August 17, 1948, Ambrose married Alice Reuter at Hospers. The couple farmed in the Granville and Hospers areas. In 1967 they moved into Hospers but continued to farm until retiring in 1992. Alice died on September 1, 1992. Bud had been a resident of the Oak Park Senior Care since April 25, 2003.

He was a member of the St. Anthony Catholic Church of Hospers, Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Order of Foresters, both of Granville.

Holles was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Michael; three brothers, Elmer when a small child, Clarence and his wife, Leona and Robert; and one sister, Dorothy Holles.

His survivors include two daughters and their husbands, Diane and Robert Fleenor of Osage, Iowa and Ruth Ann and Chris Schmit of Hospers; one granddaughter, Brittany Schmit and one grandson, Dustin Schmit, both of Hospers; five sisters-in-law, Carol Holles of Sheldon, Arlene Lamphere of Quincy, Illinois, Rosella Reuter of Sioux City, JoAnn and her husband, John Treinen of Fremont, Nebraska and Viola and her husband, Donald Zenk of Alton; three brothers-in-law, Jerome and his wife, Barb Reuter of Hospers, Robert and his wife, Nancy Reuter of Cherokee and Harold Reuter of East Moline, Illinois.

The Fisch Funeral Home of Remsen, Iowa, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Lawrence "Tony" Rosel

August 29, 2006

Lawrence "Tony" Rosel, age 79, of Osage, died on Thursday, August 24, 2006, at his home in Osage.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, August 29, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Dennis Hanson and Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Interment was in the Osage Cemetery.

Lawrence was born on January 10, 1927, at St. Ansgar, Iowa, to George, Sr. and Anna (Runge) Rosel. On February 25, 1945, he was married to Norma Wells in Osage. Lawrence was involved in farming most of his life. He retired to Osage in 1990.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Savera Rosenberg, Esma Hartwig and Norma Gerlach; three brothers-in-law, Roy Rosenberg, Paul Hartwig, and Wilmer Erdman; and one nephew, Robert Rosenberg.

Lawrence is survived by his wife, Norma Rosel of Osage; two sons, Larry Rosel of Waterloo and Bradley Rosel of Tucson, Arizona; four grandchildren, Kimberley (Brett) Appleberg of Aurora, Illinois, Michelle (Judd) Grover of Dyersville, Deana (Ryan) Trotter of Parkview and Ryan Rosel of Littleton, Colorado; nine great-grandchildren; three sisters, Leola Ruehlow of St. Ansgar, Doris Erdman of Northwood and Wilma (Lloyd) Kroneman of Grafton; and one brother, George (Marla) Rosel of Bertram.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

LaVerne I. Loden

August 29, 2006

LaVerne I. Loden, age 90, of Osage, died on Thursday, August 24, 2006, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, August 28, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Bruce Kaltwasser officiating. Burial was in the Osage Cemetery.

LaVerne is survived by daughters, Kira Weber of Osage and Sagda (Richard) Flowers of Omaha, Nebraska; son, Roger (Sandy) Loden of Osage; daughter-in-law, Shirley Loden of Osage; 16 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Ruby M. Erdmann

August 29, 2006

Ruby Marjorie Erdmann, age 98, of Osage, died on Friday, August 25, 2006, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, August 30, 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. Visitation will be one hour before the services at the church on Wednesday.

Ruby was born on June 17, 1908, in Owatonna, Minnesota, the daughter of Edward and Andrena (Anderson) Erdmann. She attended rural schools in Owatonna. She moved to Osage in 1927 and to her residence on Main Street in 1934. Ruby was a homemaker and helped her family run a boarding house in their home for many years.

She loved to garden and was known to many for the delicious raspberries she grew and sold. She belonged to the Our Savior's Lutheran Church and was confirmed there in 1928. She belonged to the Elizabeth Circle and was a special friend of the Deborah Circle.

She was preceded in death by her parents; eight brothers and sisters, Mabel Radel, Art Erdmann, Leonard Erdmann, Pearl Anhorn, Lawrence Erdmann, Marion Erdmann, Edna Erdmann and Harold Erdmann; a niece, Marjorie Radel; and two nephews, Lyle Anhorn and Wayne Anhorn.

Ruby is survived by a great-nephew, Steve Anhorn and his wife, Julie and their children, Paul and Margo of Osage; her dear and special friend, Helen Budd of Osage; eight nieces, Bernice Volk of Baraboo, Wisconsin, Darlene (Bob) Thompson of Jesup, Karen Bowser of Lochbuie, Colorado, Laurie Martin of Janesville, Julie Erdmann of San Diego, California, Florence Fehrenbach of El Centeral, California, Margaret (John) Nocton of Missouri and Eveline Sorg of Florida; six nephews, Ruben (Eve) Anhorn of West Des Moines, Gilbert Erdmann of Osage, Robert (Jean) Erdmann of Wickenburg, Arizona, Neil (Carol) Erdmann of LasVegas, Nevada, Larry (Hatsumi) Erdmann of Green River, Wyoming and Rick (Carlene) Erdmann of Brighton, Colorado; 40 great-nieces and nephews; many great-great-nieces and nephews; and many great-great-great-nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Elizabeth Johanns

September 5, 2006

Elizabeth Johanns, age 88, of Osage, died on Tuesday, August 29, 2006, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10 a.m., on Saturday, September 2, 2006, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial was in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Osage. Our mother requested the in lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Osage.

Elizabeth was born on April 2, 1918 at Meyer, Iowa, the daughter of Hubert and Mary (Hemann) Adams. Elizabeth was married to Paul Johanns on February 8, 1938, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Meyer. Elizabeth and Paul farmed and raised their family in the New Haven area and retired in Osage. Elizabeth loved having company. Her hobbies included cooking and quilt making. She gave many of her quilts to the missions and her family.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Paul in 2001; a son, Leonard Johanns; a granddaughter, Lori Johanns; a great-granddaughter, Jackie Johanns; and six brothers.

Elizabeth is survived by her children, Angeline Nolda of Lamont, Robert Johanns (Donna) of Strawberry Point, Larry (Van Tran) Johanns of St. Paul, Minnesota, Therese (LaVern) Tinkey of Lamont, Leo (Cathy) Johanns of Cedar Rapids, Mary Adams (Harold Ritscher) of Keystone, David Johanns of Osage, Rita (Robert) Hanke of Little Cedar, Paul Johanns, Jr. of Marion, Joe Johanns (Michelle Hoffman) of Austin, Minnesota and Rose (Mike) Decklever of Rochester, Minnesota; 34 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Sister Dorothy Adams, O.S.F. of Dubuque, Marie Klapperich of St. Paul, Minnesota and Christina Freund of Stacyville; and a daughter-in-law, Bonnie Johanns of Charles City.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Ruth Bernice Sullivan

September 5, 2006

Ruth Bernice Sullivan, 84, of Waterloo, died on Tuesday, August 29, 2006, at the St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, of a stroke.

Funeral services were held on Friday, September 1, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with burial in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery, both in Waterloo. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association.

Ruth was born on April 28, 1922 in New Haven, Iowa, the daughter of Peter and Rose Byrnes Miller. She married Donald Omer Sullivan on July 25, 1949 in New Haven. Ruth was a teacher for eight years in rural Mitchell County and a homemaker.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Maurice Miller; two sisters, Agnes Meirick and Mary Miller; and an infant brother, John Miller.

Her survivors include her husband, Donald of Waterloo; four children, Richard Sullivan of Iowa City, Betty (Phil) Lamb of River Falls, Wisconsin, Mark (Michele) Sullivan of The Colony, Texas and Kevin (Jill) Sullivan of Carrollton, Texas; and 10 grandchildren.

The Waychoff-Grarup Funeral Service of Waterloo, had charge of the services.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Bernice E. Hollatz

September 5, 2006

Bernice E. Hollatz Ehlke, 91, of St. Ansgar, died at the Good Samaritan Center, St. Ansgar, on Wednesday, August 30, 2006.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, September 2, at 10:00 a.m., at the St. Peter Lutheran Church, Toeterville, with Rev. Lance Kittleson officiating. Burial was in the Newburg Cemetery, Carpenter.

Bernice Edna Hollatz Ehlke, was born on November 14, 1914, to Ernest and Lisetta (Kleinwort) Hollatz and was baptized one month later at home. She was confirmed on Palm Sunday, May 11, 1930, at the Deer Creek Lutheran Church, by Pastor O.A. Langehough. Bernice graduated from the Carpenter High School in May 1933. She was married to Ewald Ehlke at the bride's home on November 8, 1939, by Pastor O.A. Langehough. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1989. Bernice enjoyed living on the farm, gardening, cooking, sewing and painting.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Lisetta Hollatz; and a brother, Ernest (Jr.) Hollatz.

Bernice is survived by her husband, Ewald of St. Ansgar; three children, Ewald (Eileen) Ehlke, Jr of St. Ansgar, Dorothy (Leon) Teske of Eldora, Iowa and Elaine (Donald) Pease of Chatfield, Minnesota; grandchildren, Wendy (Donnie) Thorson, Randy (Kelly) Ehlke, Stephen (Nancy) Ehlke, Susan (Mike) Owen, Jennifer Ehlke and friend, Dennis Huber, Johnathan (Suzy) Teske, Michael (Jolene) Teske, Suzette (Christopher) Rowen, Jeremy (Tracy) Pease and Weston Pease; one sister, Osie Adrian of Baudette, Minnesota; and 18 great-grandchildren.

The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Robert "Bob" D. Humphrey

September 5, 2006

Robert "Bob" D. Humphrey, age 67, of St. Ansgar, died on Wednesday, August 30, 2006.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, September 5, at the First United Methodist Church in Osage, with Rev. Dr. J. Samuel Subramanian officiating. Burial was in the Clear Lake Cemetery.

Bob was born on August 27, 1939, the son of Floyd and Gladys Christene (Cox) Humphrey. He graduated from the Osage High School in 1957.

He is survived by three daughters, Christene (Jack) Lieffort, Carmen Ament and Robin Humphrey (Tim VanBuskirk); and a son, Nathan Humphrey.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Rosemary G. Ellis

October 3, 2006

Rosemary G. Ellis, 65, died on Thursday, August 31, 2006, at her home in Durango, Colorado.

A visitation was held at the Hood Mortuary in Durango, on Tuesday, September 5, from 1-2:00 p.m. Funeral services followed at 2:00 p.m., with Chaplain Earl Caudill of the Hospice of Mercy officiating. Burial was in the Greenmount Cemetery in Durango.

Rosemary was born on December 19, 1940 in Stacyville, Iowa, the daughter of Roy and Mary Gerbig. She married Clifton Ellis on December 9, 1967, in Little Cedar, Iowa.

She was employed as a production assembler for Comstrock Creations in Bodo Park, was a hostess for years for K-Bob's Restaurant and a manager for the Atrium Restaurant.

She loved to cook and bake for her family and friends. Her other pastimes included bowling, archery, deer bow hunting and shopping. Mrs. Ellis had excellent people skills and made friends wherever she went, touching many lives.

She was preceded in death by her father, Roy Gerbig; and her brother, Lenard Gerbig.

Mrs. Ellis is survived by her husband, Clifton; her mother, Mary Adams Gerbig of Osage; sons, Mark Everson and Randy Everson of Rochester, Minnesota and Doug Everson of San Francisco; daughters, Kim Foreman of Farmington, New Mexico, Deborah Bohmbach of Hager City, Wisconsin and Anita Lopez of Durango; brothers, Melvin Gerbig and Lloyd Gerbig, of Osage; sister, Jeanine Kockler of Hanlontown, Iowa; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The Hood Mortuary, Durango, Colorado, had charge of the arrangements.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press