Dale Welliver

December 5, 2006

Dale Darwin Welliver, age 78, of Osage, died on Friday, December 1, 2006, at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Osage.

Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Thursday, December 7, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Inurnment will be in the Rock Creek Cemetery.

Dale was born on April 5, 1928, at New Haven, Iowa, the son of Hiram and Margaret (Gardner) Welliver. He was educated in country school and the Riceville School System.

Dale married Hannah Lundene on October 12, 1950. They had one daughter, Cynthia Ann, who was born on July 17, 1955 in Pennsylvania. Dale worked as a custodian at the Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his daughter; and three brothers, Kenneth, Glenn and Eugene.

Dale is survived by his granddaughter, Kristy Marie Dann of New Hampton; a son-in-law, Tim Dann of Nashua; one sister-in-law and brother-in-law; and several nieces and nephews.

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

John T. Kozak

December 5, 2006

John Theodore Kozak, 91, of Conrad and formerly of Riceville, passed away on Friday, December 1, 2006, at Oak View Nursing Home in Conrad, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Friday, December 8, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Riceville, with Rev. Ray E. Atwood officiating. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery in Riceville. Friends may call at the Lindstrom Funeral Home on Thursday between 4-7:00 p.m., with a scripture service at 5:30 p.m.

Left to cherish his memory are three daughters; six sons; 28 grandchildren; and 22 great grandchildren.

The Lindstrom Funeral Home, Riceville, is in charge of the arrangements.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Clayton Benttine

December 5, 2006

Clayton "Gramps" Benttine, age 77, of Riceville, died on Friday, December 1, 2006, at the Stacyville Community Nursing Home.

Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., on Tuesday, December 5, 2006, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Burial was in the Osage Cemetery.

He is survived by a daughter, Elizabeth (John) Krause; three sons, Jim (Kim) Benttine, John Benttine and Curt (Rebecca) Benttine; three brothers, Don (Mary Ann) Benttine, Lester (Janice) Benttine and LeRoy (Joanne) Benttine; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandson.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Shirley A. Adams

December 5, 2006

Shirley Ann Adams, age 76, of Osage, died on Sunday, December 3, 2006, at her home in Mitchell.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Thursday, December 7, 2006, at the Faith Lutheran Church in Mitchell, with Rev. Wayne Ellingson and Irmgard Ellingson, Associate in Ministry, officiating. Burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Mitchell. Visitation is from 5-7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, and will continue one hour before services at the church on Thursday.

Shirley was born on September 2, 1930 in Osage, Iowa, the daughter of Haakon and Juanita (Thompson) Rohne.

She married Wayland Adams on July 22, 1951 in St. Ansgar, Iowa. To this union was born eight children. They moved to Milwaukee in 1953, and moved back to Mitchell in 1967. Shirley was a member of the Faith Lutheran Church in Mitchell for 39 years. She was also a member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary in Osage.

She was preceded in death by her son, Wally in 1975; her husband, Wayland in 1990; her son, Doug and daughter-in-law, Julie in 2004; her parents; and her brother, Dick.

Shirley is survived by six daughters, Connie (Ron) Pint of Osage, Jackie (Chuck) Grimm of Mitchell, Terry Adams of Mitchell, Kim (Brian) Clayton of Mitchell, Paula (Randy) Kamp of Mitchell and Sherry (Don) Schmidt of Ashburn, Virginia; 13 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Joan Rockafellow of Arizona City, Arizona and Mary Lou Weber of Phoenix, Arizona.

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

Doris G. Jones

December 12, 2006

Doris G. Jones, age 85, of Osage, died on Sunday, December 10, 2006, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, December 14, 2006, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Dennis Hanson, Rev. Roy Ott, and Father Mike Hess officiating. Burial will be in the Osage 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 services at the church.

Doris was born on October 17, 1921 at Thompson, Iowa, the daughter of Carl and Minnie (Hauen) Bell. Doris graduated from Waldorf College. She taught grade school in Osage Public, Little Cedar Public, and Sacred Heart Catholic Schools. Doris was a member of Eastern Star and Our Savior's Lutheran Church. She loved to golf and play bridge.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Glenn Richards; her second husband, Carroll Jones; and a brother, Allen Bell.

Doris is survived by one son, Michael (Ann) Richards of West Des Moines; three grandchildren, Theresa (Gary) Corona of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Michael (Leighton) Richards of Roanoke, Virginia and Elizabeth Richards of Chicago, Illinois; two great-grandchildren, Andrew Corona and Maggie Richards; and one brother, Glen (Claudia) Bell of Palm Desert, California.

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

J. L. "Chris" Christiansen

December 12, 2006

J. L. "Chris" Christiansen, age 81, of Osage, died on Monday, December 11, 2006, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, December 15, 2006, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Bruce Kaltwasser officiating. Burial will be in the St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Rock Township, with military honors at the grave by the Osage V.F.W. Post 7920, Osage American Legion Post 278, and the Mason City Fire Department Honor Guard. Visitation is from 5-7:00 p.m., on Thursday at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, and will continue one hour before the services at the church.

He was born on October 15, 1925 in Cerro Gordo County, the son of Cornelius and Bertha (Thompson) Christiansen. He graduated from the Plymouth High School in 1943. Following graduation he was inducted in the U.S. Army, and served in the European Theater and fought in the Battle of the Bulge, receiving the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Bronze Star, as well as two Unit Meritorious Service Awards.

Following his discharge in 1946, and returning home, he engaged in the trucking business for 42 years, leasing trucks to Montgomery Ward for 22 years and to the Postal Service for 20 years, retiring in 1988.

In October of 1949, he was united in marriage to Leone Hagen. He was divorced in 1977. On September 2, 1978, he was married to Margaret (Kroneman) Koschmeder at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Osage.

He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, Osage American Legion, and Osage V.F.W. He enjoyed collecting and restoring old tractors.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret of Osage; children, Michael Christiansen of Mason City, Mark (Debra) Christiansen of Mason City, Renee Wiseman of Mason City and Jeffrey Christiansen of Mason City; grandchildren, Rachelle (Chris) Kaduce, Neil (Katie) Christiansen, Joshua (Chelsey) Wiseman, Jacob and Jenna Wiseman; great-granddaughter, Lauren Kaduce.

Also three brothers, Clynden (Ruth) Christiansen of Manly, James (Gerry) Christiansen of Manly and Roger (Frances) Christiansen of Lake Mills; step-son, Roger (Krista) Koschmeder of Osage; and step-grandchildren, Karina and Kaitlin Koschmeder.

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

Ronald E. "Smiley" Mead

December 19, 2006

Ronald E. "Smiley" Mead, 58, of Charles City, died on Monday, December 11, 2006, at his residence in Charles City.

A memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m., on Friday, December 22, 2006, at the Fullerton-Hage Funeral Home, Charles City, with Pastor Mike McAbee of the New Life Community Church in Charles City officiating. A memorial gathering will take place one hour prior to "Smiley's" services at the funeral home. Cremation has taken place with Cremation Services of North Iowa in Mason City. A private family scattering of his cremated remains will take place at a later date.

Ronald Eugene Mead, was born on March 24, 1948 in Charles City, to John Gordon and Harriet Elsie (Sisson) Mead. "Smiley" as he was affectionately known by family and friends, received his education in Charles City, graduating from the Charles City High School, class of 1966.

Ronald honorably and faithfully served his country in the U.S. Army, during the Vietnam conflict. Upon returning to Charles City, Smiley was employed as a laborer for several foundries in the area until a disability forced retirement in recent years. He had always considered Charles City his home, however he resided in both Arizona and Utah for a short time.

Some of Smiley's interest and leisure time activities included belonging to and riding with a local motorcycle club. He had a real love for nature and enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping and camping. Ronald always like to spend time shooting pool with his friends. Smiley will be best remembered as a good-natured, fun loving man whom always had a smile on his face.

Grateful for having had the privilege of sharing in Smiley's life are his three children, Jason Mead of Mason City, Niki Atherton and her husband, Dave of Croton, New York and Jesse Mead and his wife, Kelly of Osage; five grandchildren, Robert Mead, Brent Mead, Daniel Mead, Jonathon Mead and Kimberly Mead; one sister, Beverly DeLeeuw and her husband, Mike of Charles City; one brother, Richard Mead of Charles City; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his second wife, Kimberly Mead; and his parents, J. Gordon and Harriet Mead.

The Fullerton-Hage Funeral Home and Cremation Services, is in charge of the arrangements.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Dorothy L. Neumann

December 19, 2006

Dorothy L. Neumann, age 78, of St. Ansgar, died on Wednesday, December 13, 2006, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, December 18, 2006, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with Rev. Wayne Ellingson officiating. Burial was in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Mitchell.

Dorothy was born on December 22, 1927 in Crane County, Wisconsin, the daughter of Gib and Rosie (Curin) Smith.

She married Harold Hintz in Chicago, Illinois. In 1951, they moved to Mitchell County. They had three children. They later divorced. Dorothy married Robert Neumann on March 1, 1974. She worked for a time at the Mitchell County Press-News, and later assisted in running the family farm.

Dorothy was an avid rummage sale shopper. She enjoyed playing cards and crocheting, and made many afghans. Dorothy also enjoyed bird watching, and especially liked the cardinals.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters, Irene Komerous and Mildred Gordon.

Dorothy is survived by her husband, Robert Neumann of St. Ansgar; one daughter, Karen Norton and fiancée, Sharon Sutton of Rudd; two sons, Russell (Dorene) Hintz of Mitchell, Randall Hintz of Mitchell; one sister, Iona (LeRoy) Kozlowski of Osage; seven grandchildren, Jennifer (Brian) Fangmeier, Bryan Hintz, Amy (Gregg) Halbach, April (Ken) Grimm, Justin (Jackie) Hintz, Trevor Hintz, Brittany Norton; and eight great-grandchildren.

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

Dale F. Hubbard

December 19, 2006

Dale F. Hubbard, age 85, of Mason City, died on Friday, December 15, 2006, at his home with his family members gathered around him.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Wednesday, December 20, 2006, at the Holy Family Catholic Church, with Reverend Jon M. Seda officiating. Military honors will be performed by the Mason City Veterans Memorial Association. Burial will be in the Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery, Mason City.

Dale Frederick Hubbard, was born on March 25, 1921, to Frederick and Christine (Erickson) Hubbard in Osage. He graduated from the Osage Community High School in 1939 and has attended every class reunion since. Growing up in Osage, Dale played basketball in high school and worked in his father's grocery store.

Dale was united in marriage to Bernice Olesky on April 6, 1942 in Princeton, Missouri and shortly after enlisted in the United States Navy in June of 1942. He served on the hospital ship, Tranquility as a dental assistant in the Pacific Theatre during WW II, never learning how to swim. After his discharge from the Navy in November of 1945, Dale returned to Mason City to work for Holsom Bakery and Borden's Dairy. He retired from Borden's Dairy in 1980.

He loved to watch sports and westerns on TV, work various types of word puzzles and play with his grandchildren and his dog, Mason. His favorite pastime in his later years was to meet with his coffee group every day at the mall and also say hello to many other friends he had met there.

Dale is survived by his two daughters, Julie (Frank) Kahler of West Des Moines and Ann (Rick) Miller of Mason City; one son, Fred (Cynthia) Hubbard of Marshalltown; grandchildren, Bob, Cal, and Penny Olsen of Mason City, Dana and Scott Hubbard of Marshalltown, John Kahler of Des Moines, Amy (Rob) Kahler Seiler of Urbandale, Jeremy and Kelly Miller of Mason City; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by two sisters, Evabelle Hillistad of Seattle, Washington and Viola Garrison of Stanwood, Washington.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Bernice; two grandsons, Carson and Mark; brother, Laverne; and two sisters, Rose Hunemiller and Marcella Richey.

The Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Linda G. Stultz

December 19, 2006

Melinda Gertrude Wolters Stultz, age 99, of Osage, died on Saturday, December 16, 2006, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, December 20, 2006, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery. Visitation is from 4-7:30 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with a rosary at 4:30 p.m. and a scripture service at 7:00 p.m.

Linda was born on June 20, 1907, the daughter of Peter and Gertrude (Heman) Weber, on the family farm near Stacyville. Linda was the 13th child of 16 in the family.

She married Kenneth Wolters of Charles City on February 8, 1932. They moved to Manhattan Beach, California, where Linda owned and operated a small restaurant for many years. Kenneth passed away on February 29, 1960.

On May 2, 1970, Linda married Ernest Stultz. They moved back to Osage in 1974. They loved fishing, playing cards, and eating out with friends. Ernest died on July 13, 1991.

Linda is survived by three nieces that she raised who were the children of her first husband Kenneth's sister. They are Jeanne Campbell of St. Cloud, Florida, Joanne Campbell of Grants Pass, Oregon and Janice Campbell of Summerville, South Carolina.

Also surviving her are many other nieces and nephews. Linda is also survived by many friends, including a long-time family friend, Geri Bodensteiner.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Kenneth and Ernest; her 15 siblings, many of which had a long life history. They were Anna, at age 93; Rose, at age 44; Ludwig, at age 27; Isidor, who died in infancy; Isidor, at age 86; Ida, at age 86; Florentine, at age 92; Martha, at age 102; Jullette, at age 102; Hilda, at age 90; Lawrence, at age 93; Clemence, at age 101; Leona, at age 89; Henry, who died in infancy; and Peter, at age 85.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be given in Linda's name to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Osage or the Faith Lutheran Home, Osage.

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

Donna Cashen

December 19, 2006

Donna Cashen, 78, of Chariton and formerly of Lamont, died on Monday, December 18, 2006, at the Taylor House Hospice. Her body has been cremated and family memorial services are being held at a later date.

Donna was born on January 29, 1928, to Arthur and Esther (O'Brian) Witzel in Osage. She was the owner of the H&R Block in Chariton, Iowa for over 25 years before her retirement in 2002.

Donna is survived by her sons, John (Gail) Cashen, Terry (Sue Thompson) Cashen and Brett (Donna) Cashen; sister, Margaret (Evan) Clemmens; brother-in-law, Jim Grinsted; 10 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Barbara Grinsted and Frances; and an infant brother, Christopher.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all of Donna's friends that helped and cared for her over the years.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Susie Tuttle Dialysis Center, Corydon, Iowa.

Hamilton's Funeral Home, Des Moines, is in charge of the arrangements.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Elgy Wegner

December 19, 2006

Elgy Wegner, age 90, of Osage, died on Tuesday, December 19, 2006, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center Hospice Unit in Osage.

Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Thursday, December 28, 2006, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Dennis Hanson and Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Inurnment will be in the Osage Cemetery, with military honors at the grave by the Osage V.F.W. Post 7920. A time of fellowship will follow the memorial services at the church.

Elgy was born on June 29, 1916 at Alta Vista, Iowa, the son of Louis and Amanda (Glienke) Wegner. He graduated from the Alta Vista High School. Elgy served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the Pacific Theater.

On September 21, 1940, he married Modesta Magliocco. They moved to Osage in 1962. Elgy worked as a plumber in the Osage area. He also worked for Mitchell County, inspecting and approving the installation of septic systems. Elgy was a life member of the Osage V.F.W. He took pride in caring for his yard.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Henry Wegner; and two sisters, Alice Schaley and Edna Frazer.

Elgy is survived by his wife, Modesta Wegner of Osage; two sons, Allen (Jane) Wegner of Memphis, Tennessee and Keith (Sue) Wegner of Linthicum, Maryland; a daughter, Gloria (Joseph) Galiana of Copperas Cove, Texas; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Minnie Alt of New Hampton and Marie (Eric) Hoefer of Tempe, Arizona.

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

Pastor Arden H. Backman

December 26, 2006

Pastor Arden H. Backman, age 94, of Osage, died on Thursday, December 21, 2006, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, December 29, 2006, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Dennis Hanson and Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Burial will be in the Whalan Lutheran Cemetery at Whalan, Minnesota, at 2:30 p.m., on Friday. Visitation is from 4-6:00 p.m., on Thursday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church.

Arden was born on September 11, 1912, at Whalan, Minnesota, the only child of Dwight and Isabel (Gullickson) Backman. He was baptized and confirmed at the Whalan Lutheran Church, and graduated in 1929 from high school in Lanesboro, Minnesota. He graduated from Luther College, Decorah, in 1933, and from Luther Theological Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota in 1937. On June 20, 1937, he was ordained at Whalan, Minnesota.

He married Cornelia Reitan on August 9, 1942, at the Hoff Lutheran Church, in rural Moorhead, Minnesota. Pastor Backman served 17 congregations in seven parishes at Maxbass, North Dakota, Bainville, Montana, Whitefish, Montana, Circle, Montana, Wykoff, Minnesota, Lime Springs, Iowa, and Carpenter, Iowa. Pastor Backman was extremely proud of the fact that seven of his confirmants became ministers or missionaries. He retired and moved to Osage in September of 1978. He enjoyed making jewelry from agates that he found, and was a talented softball pitcher.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Pastor Backman is survived by his wife, Cornelia Backman of Osage; one daughter, Afton (Russell) Duenow of Fredericksburg, Virginia; three sons, Dwight Backman of Sparta, Wisconsin, Charles Backman of Osage and Stephen Backman of Clear Lake; five grandchildren, Bradley, Bjorn, and Corbin Backman, Bryan and Victor Duenow; and three great-grandchildren, Gunnar, Kai, and Colton Backman.

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

Robert J. Fink

January 9, 2007

Robert Fink, 62, of Brainerd, Minnesota, formerly of the Osage area, passed away on Thursday, December 21, 2006, at his home.

Memorial services were held on Thursday, December 28, 2006, at the First Baptist Church in Osage, with Pastor Doug Brown officiating.

Robert was born on June 7, 1943 in Osage, the son of Dale and Mildred (Flynn) Fink. He attended Orchard and Nora Springs schools. He graduated from Nora Springs in 1961.

Robert was united in marriage to Noreen Newton in 1962, at the First Baptist Church in Osage. They made their homes in Osage and Brainerd, Minnesota. Robert worked at the White Farm Equipment (previously Oliver) in Charles City, Iowa for over 20 years.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Osage. He loved the lakes and woods and enjoyed wildlife and fishing. His passion was his 1967 Corvette and he enjoyed taking it to car shows.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Jim.

Robert is survived by his wife, Noreen Fink of Osage; two sons, Steven Fink of Valley Center, Kansas and his daughters, Alyssa and Kylee and son, Caleb; David (Shirley) Fink of Cleveland, Tennessee and their four sons, Matthew, Aaron, Andrew and Mason; and a step-granddaughter, Heather Francel of San Diego, California.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Halvorson-Johnson Funeral Home, Brainerd, Minnesota.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press

Truly Flaaten

December 26, 2006

Truly Flaaten, 93, of Kensett, died on Sunday, December 24, 2006, at the Mercy Medical Center, Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Friday, December 29, 2006, at the Elk Creek Lutheran Church, rural Kensett, with Rev. Tom Martin officiating. Burial will be in Elk Creek Cemetery, Kensett. Visitation will be held on Thursday, from 4-8:00 p.m., at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood.

Truly Zeola Flaaten, was born on November 26, 1913 in Talley, North Dakota to John and Rhoda (Fods) Ones. She grew up in the Osage area receiving her education in the Osage Schools and Normal School, graduating in 1933. She taught school until her marriage to Truman Flaaten on December 28, 1941. They lived their entire married life on a farm west of Kensett.

Truly enjoyed flower gardening, church activities, doing Hardanger needlework, reading and crossword puzzles.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Truman on June 15, 1997; her parents; three brothers, Fods Ones, John Ones, Jr. and Justin Ones; three sisters, Esther McClellan, Janette Tebben and Winnie Ones; and one son-in-law, Victor Reeves.

Truly is survived by her daughters, Ruby Flaaten of Kensett, Karen Rollenhagen and husband, Harlan Rollenhagen of Colorado Springs, Colorado and their children, Fred Rollenhagen of Lakewood, Colorado, Kari (Ken) Duncan of Oregon City, Oregon and Tim Rollenhagen of Aurora, Colorado; son, Kevin (Sandy) Flaaten of Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin and their children, Molly Reeves and daughter, Makayla of Lexington, Kentucky, Adam Flaaten of Austin, Texas and Seth Flaaten of Minneapolis, Minnesota; daughter, Trudy (Drew) Bendickson of Northwood, Iowa; brother, Richard Ones of Pueblo, Colorado; sister-in-law, Clara Ones of Osage; and many nieces and nephews.

The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood is in charge of the arrangements.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Gary Kleckner

December 28, 2006

Gary Kleckner, age 65, of Des Moines, and formerly of St. Ansgar, passed away on Tuesday, December 26, 2006, at his residence in Des Moines.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, January 6, 2007, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Rev. John Moser officiating. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 5-7:00 p.m., on Friday, January 5, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, where there will be a Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. Gary was cremated. Inurnment will in the St. Ansgar Cemetery, with military honors at the grave by the St. Ansgar American Legion Post 358.

Gary was born on March 14, 1941, to Robert and Frances (Rogers) Kleckner at Osage. He attended school in Little Cedar and St. Ansgar. He graduated from the St. Ansgar High School in 1958. Gary attended Loras College and Iowa State University.

He joined the U.S. Army in 1961. Gary served in Korea for 18 months and volunteered to serve at Camp Century, an experimental camp near the North Pole. The camp was 30 feet under the ice and Gary operated a caterpillar on wooden tracks. Following his army services, he worked in the insurance business in Illinois for several years. He retired to the V.A. home in Marshalltown, Iowa, due to ill health.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Kleckner; a nephew, James Kleckner; one great-niece; and two great-nephews.

Gary is survived by his mother, Frances Kleckner of St. Ansgar; two brothers, Douglas Kleckner of St. Ansgar and Bruce (Joan) Kleckner of Fresno, California; three sisters, Sandra (Lynn) Anderson of Antioch, Illinois, Jean (Jim) White of Fullerton, California and Carolyn (Kelly) Williams of Austin, Minnesota; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements were in charge of the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Danny E. Fjetland

January 2, 2007

Danny Edward Fjetland, 69, of rural Riceville, passed away on Thursday, December 28, 2006, at his residence.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 30, 2006, at the St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Riceville, Iowa, with Rev. Michael Parris officiating. Burial was in the Osage Cemetery, Osage, Iowa.

Survivor's include his wife, Ivadel of Riceville; son, Raymond (Deanna) of Racine, Minnesota; two daughters, Becky (Greg) Fox of Riceville and Debra Perzynski of Osage; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; four brothers; and four sisters.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press

Elizabeth Crotty

January 9, 2007

Elizabeth Ann Crotty, 75, of Waverly, Iowa, died on Thursday, December 28, 2006, at Manor Care in Waterloo, Iowa.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., on Tuesday, January 2, 2007, at the Trinity United Methodist Church, Waverly, with Pastor Tony Nester officiating. Burial was in the Harlington Cemetery, Waverly.

Elizabeth was born on July 21, 1931 in Hampton, Iowa, the daughter of Ira Lee and Alma (Thomas) Wilson. She attended school in Hampton and graduated from the Hampton High School in 1949.

On October 15, 1950, she was united in marriage to Robert D. Crotty at the First Methodist Church in Hampton. After their marriage they made their home in Mason City. In 1965, they moved to Waverly and Elizabeth started working for CUNA Mutual. She was in the investments department and worked there until April of 1994.

Elizabeth and Robert enjoyed spending time at their summer home in Lake City, Minnesota, which they purchased in 1980. Robert died on April 12, 1989 and she continued spending summers in Lake City. She also enjoyed attending her grandchildren and great-grandchildren's activities.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert in 1989; and three brothers, Robert Wilson, Lee Wilson and Max Wilson.

Elizabeth is survived by her three daughters, Cheryl (Dan) Breitbach of Waverly, Pamela (Vern) Meyer of Osage and Vickie (Jim) Chesnut of Clarksville; seven grandchildren, Ryan Breitbach of Clarksville, Dawn (Bill) Ison of Clarksville, Kody (Heather) Breitbach of Clarksville, Jessie (Jeff) Havel of Center Point, Jadie Meyer of Des Moines, Jeni (Will) Walker of Des Moines and Libi Chesnut of Clarksville; 12 great-grandchildren, Sadie Breitbach of Clarksville, Danielle and Cade Ison of Clarksville, Justine Breitbach of Waverly, Jasmine, Zachary, and Nichole Breitbach of Clarksville, Braylon and Blayze Havel of Center Point, Jayden and Tyson Walker of Des Moines, and Jacob Norton of Clarksville; one sister, Gerry (Bud) Pletsch of Alexander; two sisters-in-law, Ada Wilson and Dorothy Wilson; two brothers-in-law, Carl Crotty and Ken Crotty; and several nieces and nephews.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press

William J. "Bill" Green

January 9, 2007

William J. "Bill" Green, age 71, of Waterloo, Iowa, died on Friday, December 29, 2006, at the Covenant Medical Center from complications of a lengthy illness.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, January 2, 2007, for family and friends at the Locke Funeral Home, Waterloo, Iowa. His body was cremated.

William was born on February 3, 1935 at Osage, Iowa to Paul F. and Marjorie T. Weinschenk. He married Sharon Lee Ewy on March 19, 1962 in Osage. He worked for John Deere for 30 years and was involved in the "Moving Gang Dept." retiring in 1988. He served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War.

Preceding William in death were his father; and a brother, Marshall "Snerd" Green.

His survivors include his wife, Sharon Green of Waterloo; two sons, Scott of Waterloo and Craig (Janice) Green of Austin, Minnesota; a daughter, Chris (Mike) Padden of Waterloo; seven grandchildren, Travis, Zach and Destiny, Kyler, Easton, Nikolas and Madison; mother, Marjorie Green of Osage; three sisters, Donna (Pete) Kubicek, Helen (Al) Rogers, all of Osage and Sue (Floyd) Gouchee of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press

Dale F. Bublitz

January 9, 2007

Dale F. Bublitz, age 68, of St. Ansgar, died on Friday, December 29, 2006, at his home in rural St. Ansgar.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, January 2, 2007, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton, with Rev. Wayne Ellingson and Irmgard Ellingson, Associate in Ministry, officiating. Burial was in the Grafton Cemetery, with military honors at the grave by the Grafton American Legion Post 616.

Dale was born on October 5, 1938, at the family farm in Mitchell County, the son of Harold and Lucille (Wahl) Bublitz. Dale graduated from the Grafton High School in 1957. He served in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1963, doing overseas duty in Germany.

Dale was united in marriage to Dorothy Hagedorn on October 4, 1975, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. He worked at Oliver in Charles City and Decklever Redi-Mix in Osage. Dale and Dorothy owned and operated D & D's Place in Grafton, from 1977 to 1992. He then worked for TIP Farms and Fieldstone Cabinetry. Dale was a member of the Grafton American Legion Post 616 and a lifelong member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton.

Dale enjoyed attending area auctions to find new treasures, reading cookbooks, camping, fishing, working at the annual Legion Smoker and catching up with family and friends over coffee.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harold; and two brothers, Darrel and Dean.

Dale is survived by his wife, Dorothy Bublitz of St. Ansgar; his mother, Lucille Bublitz of St. Ansgar; a daughter, Phyllis Kraus and fiancée, Brian Wilde of Stratford; a son, Dennis (Debbie) Hagedorn of Rockford, Illinios; six grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Elaine (Kermit) Huebner of Grafton; a brother, David (Debbie) Bublitz of Carpenter; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press