Edward Perzynski

February 8, 2006, Page 2A

Edward Perzynski, 82, formerly of Riceville, passed away on Wednesday, February 1, 2006, at the Wildwood Grove Apartments in LeRoy, Minnesota.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, February 4, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Riceville, Iowa, with the Rev. Ray E. Atwood officiating. Burial was in the Visitation Church Cemetery in Stacyville, Iowa.

Edward, son of Walter and Francis (Pollov) Perzynski was born on November 17, 1923 in Toeterville, Iowa. He was united in marriage to Elizabeth "Liz" Mrozek on April 19, 1969 in Meyer, Iowa. Ed farmed with his brother, Ted until his passing in 1967. He continued farming with his kids even after moving closer to Riceville in 1976.

He had a passion for gardening, raising chickens and turkeys, feeding the cattle, watching football and "Jeopardy". He also loved his dog, Goldie. He was a quiet and gentle man, full of generosity, to family and friends he was one of a kind. He will be remembered in our hearts forever.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Thomas in 2002; a granddaughter, Courtney; his brother, Theodore; and two sisters, Jeanette Johnson and Lydia Penny; and a son-in-law, Lynn Dohlman.

Survivors include the mother of his children, Elizabeth "Liz" of Riceville; four daughters, Bonnie Perzynski of Mazeppa, Minnesota, Elizabeth "Beth" Dohlman of Riceville, Donella and her husband, Bruce Hastings of Austin, Minnesota and Treena and her husband, Brad Speer of Ostrander, Minnesota; three sons, Theodore "Ted" of Eyota, Minnesota, Brian of Riceville and Jared and his wife, Lindsey of Wichita Falls, Texas; 18 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one sister, Irene Hanke of Osage; and several nieces and nephews.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Richard "Dick" Yager Haakenson

February 8, 2006, Page 2A

Richard "Dick" Yager Haakenson, age 76, of Osage, died on Thursday, February 2, 2006, at the St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Funeral services were held on Monday, February 6, at the First United Methodist Church in Osage, with Rev. Dr. J. Samuel Subramanian officiating. Burial was in the Osage Cemetery.

Richard was born on June 8, 1929 in Spencer, Iowa, to Haaken F. and Netta (Yager) Haakenson. His parents moved to Osage when he was seven and he graduated from the Osage High School in 1947. He worked for a year before attending Cornell College, graduating in 1952 with a B.A. in Political Science and Economics. Dick attended graduate school at the University of Iowa in 1953.

He was at the Home Trust and Savings Bank from 1954 until 1957, then in a California bank for a year, returning to Osage in 1959. After working at the Mitchell County Press News, Dick was a cashier at the Osage Farmers National Bank from 1959 until 1972. At that time, he purchased the Swanson Insurance Agency and became associated with Dunlop Insurance, later known as Dunlop-Haakenson and then Snider-Haakenson Insurance, until he retired in 2000.

On July 11, 1964, he married Lynn Thoresen in Monona, Iowa. Dick was an active member in community and civic affairs. He was a charter member and later President of Kiwanis in 1969. He served two terms on the Osage City Council. Other activities included the Osage Education Foundation Board and the Osage Daycare Board. He was a 52 year member of the Masonic Lodge. Dick was a member of the First United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday School and served in many church offices.

An avid golfer, bowler and sports fan, he won the Sunny Brae men's club championship five times, as well as the Osage Invitational. He was President of Sunny Brae but will be most remembered for serving as Secretary-Treasurer of Sunny Brae for 38 years.

Dick is survived by his wife, Lynn Haakenson of Osage; his son, Scott Haakenson and his wife, Lara and their children, Sydney and Avery of Carroll; his daughter, Julie Potter and her husband, Spencer and their children, Miranda, Madison and Chase of Janesville, Wisconsin; as well as cousins and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

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

Marjorie Helen Hamilton

February 22, 2006, Page 2A

Marjorie Helen Hamilton, 81, of Hampton, passed away on Friday, February 3, 2006, at the Hampton Health Care Center where she had been a resident since August 2004.

Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Friday, May 5, at the Hampton Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Hampton Cemetery.

Marjorie was born on January 24, 1925 in Hampton, the daughter of John and Ada Raper Hamilton. Marjorie taught physical education in schools in Greenfield and Osage for many years before retiring in 1984.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Winona Maxine Stroberg

February 8, 2006, Page 2A

Winona Maxine Stroberg, age 84, of Osage, died on Sunday, February 5, 2006, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center-Hospice Unit in Osage.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Wednesday, February 8, 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 5-8:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage and will continue one hour before the services at the church on Wednesday.

Winona was born on November 12, 1921, at home near Mitchell, the daughter of Walter and Wilma (Zemanek) Adams. She was united in marriage to Louis Stroberg in Osage on April 2, 1942. As a loving mother and wife, she enjoyed dancing, cards, baking, and canning. After entering the Good Samaritan Center in St. Ansgar in 1979, Winona participated in many of the activities provided there for the residents. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were a very important part of her life. Winona was a member of the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage.

Winona is survived by her seven daughters, Evelyn and Carol Stroberg of Osage, Sandra (Gary) Grandbois of Fremont, California, Darlene (James) Wilkinson of Austin, Minnesota, Ida (David) Stangl of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Nancy (Mark) Knutson of Boone and Dr. Christine Stroberg of San Jose, California; three sons, Louis Stroberg Jr., David Stroberg and Arnold (Sheila) Stroberg of Osage; 12 grandchildren, Brett Grandbois of Melbourne, Australia, Marc Grandbois of San Jose, California, Camille Grandbois and Russell Grandbois of Fremont, California, Jennifer (Rod) Hegna of Hayfield, Minnesota, Jeffrey Wilkinson of Brownsdale, Minnesota, Lindsey (Jeremy) James of Clear Lake, Blake Stroberg of Osage, Nicholas Stangl and Elizabeth Stangl of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Travis Knutson and Trent Knutson of Boone; four great-grandchildren, Logan and Brayden Hegna of Hayfield, Minnesota, Nepkea and Abiagayle Stroberg of Osage; two sisters, Bonnie (Sonny) Grimm and Juanita Arickx of Osage; two brothers, Donald (Lillian) Adams of Austin, Minnesota and Dean (Louella) Adams of Delavan, Wisconsin; two sisters-in-law, Shirley Adams of Mitchell and Lillian Stroberg of Flushing, New York. She is also survived by her family at the Good Samaritan Center in St. Ansgar.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Louis; daughters, Donna and Elaine; brothers, Glen, Wayland, Gene and Rene Adams; and a sister, Virginia Peronteau.

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

Bertha R. Lievrouw

February 15, 2006, Page 2A

Bertha R. Lievrouw, 98, of Osage, died on Monday, February 6, 2006, at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, February 11, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial was in the Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Bertha was born on February 11, 1907 in Arsele, Belgium, the daughter of Charles and Irma (Vergotte) Arickx. She immigrated with her family to the United States in 1910 and had lived in Mitchell County since 1918. Bertha married Dell Lievrouw on February 27, 1927, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage. They lived in the Osage area their entire married life. Dell died in 1985. Bertha was a lifetime member of the Sacred Heart Guild.

Bertha is survived by four daughters, Rose (Gerald) Ostrander of Ottumwa, Mary Lee Galey of Lubbock, Texas, Dorothy Robertson of Mitchell and Erma (Kenneth) Johnson of Spokane, Washington; three sons, Charles J. (Eloise) Lievrouw of Fort Worth, Texas, Dale (Kathy) Lievrouw of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Richard (Lisa) Lievrouw of Colorado Springs, Colorado; a sister, Evona Moeykens of Adams, Minnesota; a daughter-in-law, Carol Lievrouw of Arlington, Texas; two sisters-in-law, Catherine Arickx and Juanita Arickx, both of Osage; 25 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dell Lievrouw; a son, Walter Lievrouw; a granddaughter, Stephanie Shay Cartwright; and a son-in-law, Bob Galey.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Allene Marian (McCord) Minnis

February 15, 2006, Page 2A

Allene Marian (McCord) Minnis, age 89, of Osage, died on Tuesday, February 7, 2006, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

Funeral services were held on Friday, February 10, at the United Church of Christ in Osage, with Rev. Robert Melhorn officiating. Burial was in the Riverside Cemetery in Riceville.

Allene was born on April 2, 1916 near Iowa Falls, the daughter of Everett and Mabel (Ellefson) McCord. She graduated from the Iowa Falls High School and Ellsworth College. Allene was united in marriage to Robert W. Minnis on July 6, 1940, at Allene's parent's home in Iowa Falls. Allene taught at the Racine Country School near Iowa Falls. She co-owned the Red Hut in Riceville with Inez Holmes, substitute taught in Osage Schools and worked at Tesch's Paint and Sundries in Osage.

She loved flowers, reading, cooking, was a wonderful pie maker and enjoyed traveling to her grandchildren's events. When remembering times and places of events, her memory was second to none. Allene was a member of the United Church of Christ, Wa Tan Ye and DAR.

She is survived by three children, William (Debbie) Minnis of Sheppard, Michigan, Sara (James) Krueger of Neenah, Wisconsin and Frank (Sara) Minnis of Des Moines; grandchildren, James (Heather) Minnis of White Bluff, Tennessee, Rebecca ( Bobbie) Rose of Nashville, Tennessee, Heather (Al) Helgeson of De Pere, Wisconsin, Jenny (friend Mike) Krueger of Neenah, Wisconsin, Emily (partner Leslie) Minnis of Bend, Oregon and Ben (friend, Kacy) Minnis of Eugene, Oregon; great-grandchildren, Robert Rose Ill. of Nashville, Tennessee and Mallory and Cade Minnis of White Bluff, Tennessee; sister, Connie Priestly of Sacramento, California; brothers, Robert (Lillian) McCord and Frank (Cathy) McCord of Iowa Falls; sister-in-law, Jean Minnis of Norman, Oklahoma; and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

Allene was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert in 2004; son, Bruce Minnis; sister, Ruby Kane; brothers-in-law, Jerry Kane and Leonard Priestly.

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

Betty Folkers

February 15, 2006, Page 2A

Betty Folkers, died on Tuesday, February 7, 2006, at her home in Osage.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, February 14, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Dennis Hanson and Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Interment was in the Osage Cemetery.

Betty was born at Cedar Rapids on January 11, 1941, the daughter of Otto and Vietta (Pederson) Bruns. Betty grew up in Marion and later the family moved to Slater where she graduated from the Slater High School. Betty attended the University of Iowa where she was a Honor Student earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

She was united in marriage to Jerry H. Folkers on September 8, 1962, at the St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Rockwell. They moved to Osage in 1966, where Jerry was County Attorney and Betty became a Registered Nurse at the Mitchell County Memorial Hospital. Jerry died on January 28, 2002. She was a member of the Our Savior's Lutheran Church and the Church Circle.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Anna DeKruif and her husband, James of Cedar Rapids and son, Cameron and daughter, Zoe; her son, Eric Folkers and his wife, JoAnne of West Des Moines and their children, Steven, Andrew, Jeremy and Alyssa; her mother, Vietta Bruns of Rockwell; and a brother, Donald Bruns of Los Angeles, California.

Betty was preceded in death by her father, Otto Bruns; and her husband, Jerry H. Folkers.

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

Irene F. Schaeffer

February 15, 2006, Page 2A

Irene F. Schaeffer, passed away on Friday, February 10, 2006, at the Rotary Ann Nursing Home in Eagle Grove, at the age of 93.

Funeral Services were held on Monday, February 13, at the United Church in Eagle Grove, with Pastor James Cunningham officiating. Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Eagle Grove.

Irene Flora Gerbig, the daughter of Edward and Edna (Woolworth) Gerbig, was born on March 14, 1912 in Union Township, near Stacyville, Iowa. She attended elementary school in Union Township and graduated from the Osage High School in Osage. She was the manager of the Scott Store in Osage for several years.

In 1944, Irene was united in marriage with Verne Schaeffer of Eagle Grove at the Union Presbyterian Church, where Irene was a longtime member. The couple made their home in Eagle Grove where Irene became manager of the Scoot Store. She also was a clerk at the Gamble Store and Christ Furniture.

Irene was a member of the Congregational Church now the United Church of Christ. She was an active volunteer for Meal on Wheels, distributing commodities and working for the blood bank. Irene loved her flowers and spent many hours outside keeping the flower beds trimmed and mowing her lawn.

She is survived by nieces, Maradee Jackson Fox of Osage, Dorothy Snell of Memphis, Tennessee and Beverly McVicker of Eagle Grove.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Verne in 1968; a sister, Maurine Gerbig Jackson; and a nephew, Dennis Jackson of Osage.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Glen Walsh

February 15, 2006, Page 2A

Glen Walsh, 93, of Stacyville and formerly of Osage, died on Sunday, February 12, 2006, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, February 15, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, where there will be a Rosary at 5:15 p.m. and a Scripture Wake Service at 7:00 p.m.

Glen was born on December 30, 1912, on the family farm south of Stacyville, the son of James and Ida (Seggessenman) Walsh. He graduated from the Little Cedar High School in 1931. Glen married Marie Salz on October 15, 1940, at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville. They farmed on the Walsh family farm until they retired in 1978 and moved to Osage.

Glen is survived by his wife, Marie Walsh of Stacyville; four daughters, Helen (Dennis) Stecher of Lime Springs, Jean (James) Knavel of Elkhorn, Wisconsin, Ann Walsh of Moline, Illinois and Nancy (Eddie) Cheung of Newbury Park, California; four sons, Robert (Judy) Walsh of Rogers, Arkansas, Thomas (Dian) Walsh of Emmett, Kansas, Dennis (Dianne) Walsh of Ankeny and Richard (Rosemary) Walsh of Olathe, Kansas; a brother, Leonard Walsh of St. Paul, Minnesota; 20 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Ivan Walsh.

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

Jack Kuehn

April 12, 2006, Page 2A

On Monday, February 13, 2006, my dad, Jack Kuehn slipped effortlessly into the pages of his latest paperback novel, becoming the main character on an adventure of excitement and intrigue. Now his story is told by the family narrator, his youngest son, Daniel.

Dad cherished his time with family and liked nothing better than to tell stories, listen to the latest family happenings or wax philosophic about current events. Where possible, he'd throw in a joke, usually told as a barely believable story.

Jack dearly loved my mother, Mary and helped raise two step-sons, David Jeffrey (Jeff) and Daniel Howard Life. Mary and Jack were introduced by mutual friends, Dude and Marilyn Cremer, and were married in June of 1969. We first lived in Ottumwa, moved for a three year assignment to Austin, Minnesota, and then returned to Ottumwa, about six blocks from Mary's brother, John Frevert. My brother Jeff is married and lives in Florida with his wife, Lori. I live in Saint Paul, Minnesota with my wife, Caroline.

As a man, Jack took the vows of the Boy Scout law into his daily life, adding to 'trustworthy, loyal, helpful...' his own values of humor, thoughtfulness, patience, generosity and unconditional love. Though his courage had been tested many times, including the death of his parents, his wife of 11 years, Mary Lee Frevert, losing many precious friends and his own personal struggles with health, he remained a positive spirit for those around him.

As a son of Grafton Iowa, folks who met my dad clearly felt the small town courtesy and grace that growing up in such a special community imparted. After they got to know him a bit, they'd sense his love for language, cars, gadgets, appreciation for art, culture, and interest in far-away places such as Japan, where he served in the Army during the Korean War. He was fascinated by the Pacific Northwest and particularly the Oregon coastline.

In the years after Mom passed way, Jack befriended Hanna Jo Kyhl. Jo's family opened their hearts to share special occasions and fellowship while facing their own life challenges. Their warmth and closeness was very precious for my dad and continues to be for me.

Jack enjoyed problem solving and working with people. These two strengths served him well throughout his career. He worked as a sales representative for a number of hardware and wholesale plumbing and heating companies (Plumb Supply in Mason City, Austin, and Ottumwa) and as an estimator for mechanical contracting firm, Winger Contracting in Ottumwa, as well as Paul's Plumbing and Heating in Osage.

His last days were measured in lots of reading, listening to Garrison Keillor, Vivaldi, coffee spoons and a few scotch and waters. He would regularly hold council with his buddies at the Gobblers Roost in Grafton and pal around with his cousin, Gene Bruesewitz, at the Chevy dealership their fathers founded.

When he wasn't 'up town' he'd often kept in touch with family, including his younger sister, Barbara Hansen and her husband Jay, who live in Seattle, Washington. Barb and Jay's oldest, Eric Hansen and his wife, Angela have a child, Abigail in Albany Oregon. Barb and Jay's youngest, Jennifer Schripsema and her husband, Mike reside in Korea (USAF).

Jack's younger brother, Richard and his wife, Catherine have three children. Their oldest, Debbie lives in Corvallis, just down the road from her sister, Laura and Joel Davis. The Davis family includes a daughter, Sarah and a son, Aaron. Michael Kuehn, Dick and Kay's youngest son, is married to wife, Alaina and resides in Glendale, California.

Jack lost his mother, Clara (White) Kuehn in 1974 and his father, Alvin Emil Kuehn in 1989.

Those who knew him often remark on his sense of humor, love of people and generosity. His family is grateful to the town of Grafton for being the village that raised, loved and cared for a wonderful man whose memory is alive in their hearts. Your warm embrace was Jack's comfort and anchor.

Memorials for Jack are suggested for the Grafton Depot Historical Association and the American Cancer Society.

A celebration of life services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, April 15, 2006, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton, Iowa with Rev. Wayne Ellingson and Irmgard Ellingson AIM officiating. Military Honors conducted by Grafton American Legion Post 616, will be held at 10:00 a.m. at the Grafton Cemetery. Following the memorial service, there will be a luncheon and story telling session at the church.

Arrangements for the service are being managed by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Ruth E. Helfter

February 22, 2006, Page 2A

Ruth E. Helfter, age 81, of Lake Havasu City, Arizona and formerly of New Haven, died on Tuesday, February 14, 2006, at the Havasu Nursing Center in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, February 20, at the St. Peter's Catholic Church in New Haven, with Rev. Ray E. Atwood officiating. Burial was in the St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery in New Haven. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Chicago, Illinois.

Ruth was born on April 19, 1924 in Floyd, to Herbert and Amy (Smith) Clark. After graduation from the Floyd High School in 1942, Ruth moved to Washington D.C. to work at the Pentagon and the Department of Agriculture during the war years. She moved back to Osage in 1946 and met and married John "Gene" Helfter on January 2, 1947.

They farmed for 46 years in Mitchell and Howard counties where they raised five children. Ruth worked for 19 years for the Sherman Nursery in Charles City as a bookkeeper/secretary. Ruth and John retired from the farm in 1993 and moved to Parkview to be near two of their children. In October of 2005, they relocated to Lake Havasu City, Arizona to be close to their daughter.

Ruth is survived by her husband, John "Gene" Helfter of Lake Havasu City, Arizona; her five children, Beth (Dale) Silhanek of Toledo, Iowa, Mary Cannon-James (Chuck James) of Lake Havasu City, Arizona, John (Sherri) Helfter of Eldridge, Iowa, Rita (Bob) Arwine of Green Bay, Wisconsin and Bill (Geri) Helfter of Forest City, Iowa; 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren; three sisters, Francis Voight of Hayward, Wisconsin, Grace Conway of Austin, Minnesota and Betsy Zeibell of Webster City, Iowa; and a brother, Marvin Clark of Hayward, Wisconsin.

Preceded her in death were her parents; a sister, Josephine Lovejoy; two brothers, Herbert and Robert Clark; and a grandchild, Patrick Helfter.

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

Gladys Sophia Furness Bartlett

February 22, 2006, Page 2A

Gladys Sophia Furness Bartlett, 92, died on Wednesday, February 15, 2006, at the Denton Good Samaritan Village Health Center, Denton Texas. 

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 24, at 11:00 a.m., at the Bethel United Methodist Church, Manly, Iowa. Burial is in the Manly Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-7:00 p.m., on Thursday, February 23, at the Hogan, Bremer, Moore Colonial Chapel, Mason City, Iowa.

Gladys was born on April 4, 1913 at Hanlontown, Iowa, the first child of Sivert and Ida Furness. She graduated from the Hanlontown high school in 1931 and graduated from Waldorf Collage with a business degree. She married John Bartlett on June 14, 1937. After graduation she worked as a teller in the Forest City National Bank at Forest City, Iowa.

She and John owned and operated the Tipton Feed and Seed store at Tipton, Iowa. After selling the business, they moved to Earlham, Iowa, where she worked as a Home Health Aide while John taught Farm Manpower Development. In 1967, they moved to Fort Dodge where she managed the Iowa Central Community Book Store while John taught.

Since retirement in 1980, they traveled and spent winters in Arizona. She was a past president of the Business and Professional Women's Association in Tipton. After John passed away in 1992, she moved to Denton, Texas, to be close to her daughter, Luanne.

Survivors include four children, John Clifford Bartlett and wife, Carol of Whitney, Texas, James Lowell Bartlett and wife, Elizabeth of Cedar Rapids, Paul Russell Bartlett and wife, Connie of Liberty, Missouri and Luanne Linke and husband, Gayle of Denton, Texas; six grandchildren, Christopher, Maria, Karen, Connie, Joseph and Timothy; nine great-grandchildren, Emily, Sophia, John, Kaitlyn, Rachel, Matthew, Stephanie, Tyler and Macy; sisters-in-law, Ardith Furness, Julia Bartlett and Dorothy Bartlett; as well as other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Bartlett; both parents; and two brothers, James Furness and Edwin Furness.

The DeBerry Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Nancy Jean Reichenbacher

February 22, 2006, Page 2A

Nancy Jean Reichenbacher, age 57, of Osage, died on Wednesday, February 15, 2006, at her home near Little Cedar.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 18, at the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Osage, with Pastor Rich Cogan and Pastor Monte Follis officiating. Burial was in the Osage Cemetery.

Nancy was born on June 20, 1948 in Aurora, Illinois, the daughter of Edward and Evelyn (Bowers) Stewart. She graduated from the East Aurora High School. Nancy married John Reichenbacher on October 19, 1968, at the Fourth Street United Methodist Church in Aurora. She worked at the Aurora Savings and Loan.

Nancy enjoyed her role as a faithful farmer's wife, a stay at home mom and owner of Days Gone Bye. She loved her family and friends and treasured being a grandma to her eight grandchildren. She also enjoyed sewing, crocheting and crafts. Nancy loved people. Her heart was big enough to love anyone.

She was a member of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, Christian Women's Club and was a Bible study leader. Nancy was a faithful prayer warrior and follower of Jesus Christ. She believed in the youth of today and financially supported them in the church. She had a patriotic spirit and believed in the freedoms of our country and honored those who fought for it. Her ultimate dream was to be a wife and a mom. Nancy fulfilled both roles with her whole heart.

Nancy is survived by her husband, John Reichenbacher of Osage; her children, William (Aimee) Reichenbacher of Nashua, Jennifer (Kris) Beam of Long Lake, Minnesota and Andrew (Melissa) Reichenbacher of the Philippines; her mother, Evelyn Stewart of Coulter; her eight grandchildren, Ed, Brienna and John Reichenbacher, Vivian, Anna and Allison Reichenbacher, Emeleine and Lillian Beam; and her sister, Judy (Jim) Krause and their children, Robert and Kathleen of Latimer.

She was preceded in death by her father, Edward Charles Stewart.

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

Harlan M. Sponheim

February 22, 2006, Page 2A

Harlan M. Sponheim, 76, of St. Ansgar, died on Thursday, February 16, 2006, at home.

Funeral services were held on Monday, February 20, at 10:30 a.m., at the First Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar, with Rev. Robert Porisch officiating. Burial was in the First Lutheran Cemetery, St. Ansgar.

Harlan Marshall Sponheim, was born on November 25, 1929, to Melvin and Alma (Evenson) Sponheim in Osage, Iowa. He was baptized on January 27, 1930, and confirmed on April 18, 1943, at the First Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar. Harlan graduated from the St. Ansgar High School in 1947 and attended Iowa State University for one year.

He married Dorothy Groth on November 19, 1950, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar and to this union three children were born. Harlan served on the church council, as a soil conservation commissioner and on the Osage Elevator Board. He will be remembered as a loving father and husband.

Harlan is survived by his wife, Dorothy of St. Ansgar; children, Dennis (Bunita) Sponheim of St. Ansgar, Wayne (Anita) Sponheim of St. Ansgar and Dianne (Craig) Stange of Bismark, North Dakota; seven grandchildren, Amy (Mike) Brandau, Terry Sponheim, Shawn, Drew and Kara Jo Sponheim, Kimberly and Christopher Stange; and a sister, Agnes (Vernon) Gordon of Northwood, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

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

Carolyn Jean Rodewald

March 1, 2006, Page 2A

Carolyn Jean Rodewald, 74, passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2006, at the Sunnyview Independent Living in Rockwell City, Iowa.

Funeral services were held at the United Methodist Church, on Monday, February 20, where she had been an active member. Burial was in the Rosehill Cemetery, Rockwell City.

She is survived by her son, William and his wife, Pam; two grandchildren; a sister; two brothers, George Stang and Dale Stang, both of Osage; and nieces and nephews.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Wallace.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Gertrude Weinschenk

February 22, 2006, Page 2A

H. Gertrude Weinschenk, age 91, of Osage, died on Friday, February 17, 2006, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, February 21, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial was in the St. Peter's Cemetery at New Haven.

Gertrude was born on November 18, 1914 at Osage, Iowa, the daughter of Hans and Anna (Rinnan) Walstad. She graduated from the Osage High School and received her teacher's normal training at the Cedar Valley Seminary in Osage. She taught for two years at a country school and for one year at the Sacred Heart Catholic School in Osage. On July 22, 1936, she was married to Melvin J. Weinschenk at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church by Father Baxter. They had five children.

Throughout her life, she enjoyed playing basketball, cards, tennis, bowling, golf, cooking, gardening and traveling. She was a member of the Sons of Norway, the Sacred Heart Guild and Bible Study Group. Gertrude lived her entire life in Osage and resided at the Faith Home since December of 2000.

Gertrude is survived by a daughter, Sonia Angell of Osage; two sons, Russell (Janice) Weinschenk of Rochester, Minnesota and Jerome (Lorrie) Weinschenk of Mason City; 15 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Melvin in 1973; a daughter, Colleen Card; a son, Marcus; three sisters, Harriet, Thelma and Ellen; a brother, Ernest; and a stillborn great-granddaughter.

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

Father John P. Smith

February 22, 2006, Page 3A

Father John P. Smith, age 89, of Dubuque, died on Saturday, February 18, 2006, at the Stone Hill Care Center in Dubuque.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, February 22, at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville, Iowa, with Archbishop Jerome Hanus as Celebrant, priests of the Archdiocese as Concelebrants, Monsignor Walter Brunkan, Homilist and Deacon Earl Weisenhorn assisting. Burial will be in the Visitation Cemetery. Friends may call from 5-7:30 p.m., at the Visitation Catholic Church on Tuesday, with a Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m.

John P. Smith, was born on August 7, 1916 in Waterloo, Iowa, to Dr. John C. and Rose Mary (Hennigan) Smith. He attended Marquette University in Milwaukee, Loras College in Dubuque and studied theology at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He was ordained in Dubuque on May 30, 1942, saying his first Mass at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville.

He then became associate pastor of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Elma, Iowa. In February, 1944, he was assigned as associate pastor of St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville and in July, 1947, at the Sacred Heart Parish in Dubuque. For a few months in 1951, Father Smith was an associate at St. Boniface Parish in New Vienna, before receiving his first pastorate at St. Patrick's in Britt. Father was then named pastor of Our Lady of Seven Dolor's in Festina in July, 1957. In August of 1960, he joined the Missionary Society of St. James the Apostle to work in Bolivia. He returned to the Archdiocese in March of 1967 to become pastor of St. Joseph's in Rickardsville and in 1968, Father Smith went back to Bolivia to serve at the Archdiocese's Parish of San Raphael, Cochabamba. Father Smith was pastor of St. Mary's Parish in Williams, Iowa, from June, 1974 to December, 1975, when he returned to Cochabamba due to the death of Father Hermann. In July of 1978, he was named pastor of St. Ansgar's Parish, St. Ansgar and then assumed pastor of Immaculate Conception, Wexford and St. Ann-St. Joseph's Parish, Harper's Ferry, in July of 1985.

Father Smith retired in July of 1987 and lived in Cresco, helping parishes there, as well as assisting on weekends in other parishes in the area. In 1998, he moved to Villa Raphael in Dubuque and in February, 2001, he moved to the Stone Hill Care Center, where he resided until his death. Father Smith enjoyed the outdoors and liked nothing better than hiking in the hills and along rivers and streams, playing the piano and singing. He enjoyed a good joke with a hearty laugh.

Father Smith is survived by two sisters, Germaine Gwynn of Niceville, Florida and Virginia Roberts of Denver, Colorado; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Carol Tara; and brother, Alfred Smith.

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

Sidney E. Wakefield

March 1, 2006, Page 2A

Sidney E. Wakefield, age 91, of Austin, Minnesota, died on Monday, February 20, 2006, at the St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester.

Funeral services were held on Friday, February 24, at the Fellowship United Methodist Church in Austin. The Reverend Dennis Tamke officiated.

Sidney was born on September 16, 1914, to Elmer and Edith (Beltz) Wakefield in Pleasant Valley Township, near Dexter, Minnesota. He married Jean L. Harris on September 1, 1940, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. They made their home in Austin where Sidney worked at Hormel Foods for over 42 years.

Besides giving many volunteer hours to the Fellowship United Methodist Church where he was a charter member, Sidney was active at the senior citizen center and was a past board member. He enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, taking care of his flowers and yard and feeding birds, as well as co-organizing the Wakefield cousins' reunion.

Survivors include his wife, Jean Wakefield of Austin; daughter, Susan (John) Ryner of Rudd, Iowa; two grandchildren, Michelle (Jason) Holst of Ankeny, Iowa and Jayson (Sarah) Ryner of Nora Springs, Iowa; three great-grandchildren, Joshua and Ryan Holst and Jordan Ryner; sisters, Mary Hart of Fullerton, California and Ruth (Jon) Goldsberry of San Diego, California; brother, Gerald (Pat) Wakefield of Dewey, Arizona; brother-in-law, Ray Erdal of Maple Plain, Minnesota; sister-in-law, Irene Wakefield of Austin, Minnesota; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Preceding Sidney in death were his parents; brothers, Robert, Edgar and Keith; and a sister, Naomi Erdal.

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

Helga Nemeth

March 1, 2006, Page 2A

Helga Nemeth, 84, of St. Ansgar, died on Thursday, February 23, 2006, at the Good Samaritan Center, St. Ansgar.

Funeral services were held on Monday, February 27, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Osage, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial was in the St. Ansgar Cemetery.

Helga was born on February 23, 1922 in Rock Township, Mitchell County, Iowa, to Karl and Gena (Erickson) Miller. She married Emil Nemeth on February 26, 1952 in Mitchell County. Helga was self-employed as a day-care provider for 20 years and enjoyed cooking, baking and visiting with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Helga is survived by her children, Carl and his wife, Jill Nemeth of Phoenix, Arizona, Cindy and her husband, Mike Plenge of Chatfield, Minnesota and John Nemeth of Clarion, Iowa; one sister, Anna Pajer of Osage; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; three brothers; and two sisters.

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

Rose A. Meyer

March 1, 2006, Page 2A

Rose A. Meyer, age 96, of Osage, died on Saturday, February 25, 2006, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center Hospice Unit in Osage.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, March 2, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial will be in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery at Riceville. Visitation will be from 4-7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, where there will be a 4:30 p.m. Rosary and a 6:30 p.m. Scripture Service.

Rose was born on March 22, 1909, at the family farm near Bailey, Iowa, the daughter of William and Mary (Jordan) Dunlay. She graduated in 1926 from the Riceville High School and then attended Iowa State Teacher's College in Cedar Falls for two years, receiving her Teaching Certificate. She then taught in various country schools in the area.

Rose married Melvin Meyer on May 18, 1935 in Riceville. In 1946, Rose and Melvin purchased the general store in New Haven with Rose's sister, Irene and her husband, Venie Weber and called it "Meyer & Weber General & Feed Store." They ran the store until 1981, when they sold the store and moved to Osage. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Melvin and Rose built and maintained Lake Melrose in New Haven.

Rose is survived by 13 nephews and four nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Melvin in 1987; four sisters, Irene Weber, Ellen Becvar, Kathryn Dunlay and Mary Dunlay; a brother, Robert Dunlay; two brothers-in-law, Venie Weber and George Becvar; a sister-in-law, Letha Dunlay; and a niece, Beverly Keim.

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

Dale Emmet Rockafellow

Mach 8, 2006

Dale Emmet Rockafellow, 73, died on Saturday, February 25, 2006, at the RTA Hospice of Casa Grande, Arizona, after a year long battle with cancer.

Memorial services will be held in St. Ansgar, Iowa at a later date. The J. Warren Mortuary provided cremation.

Dale was born on February 14, 1933, in rural Mitchell County, Iowa, to Mary Lou (Springer) and Laurence Irving Rockafellow, the youngest of four children. He was baptized at the Union Presbyterian Church, Stacyville, Iowa. He attended and graduated from high school in St. Ansgar, Iowa.

Dale served in the U.S. Army as a cook and his interest and enjoyment in cooking remained with him his entire life. Dale was united in marriage to Joan Rohne on November 14, 1954, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Osage. In 1983 they moved from Osage, Iowa to Arizona City, Arizona.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Joan; four children, Mark and wife, Nina of Austin, Minnesota, Annette and husband, Curt Halvorson of St Ansgar, Judy and husband, Don Garrison of Coolidge, Arizona and Melinda and husband, Jeff Schumacher of Rosemount, Minnesota; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild; two brothers, Dean of St. Ansgar and Delos of Iowa City; and one sister, Mary Lou Amundson of St. Ansgar.

His parents preceded him in death.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press