Shirley M. Wherry

January 11, 2006, Page 2A

Shirley M. Wherry, 78, of Osage, died of cancer on Friday, January 6, 2006, at home with her family at her side.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 5-7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, January 11, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage. Shirley wanted people to remember her as she was, so she chose for her body to be cremated. Her memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 12, at 11:00 a.m., at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, with the Pastors Dennis Hanson and Roy Ott officiating. A graveside service will be held at a later date. Memorials for Shirley will be given to the Hospice of North Iowa and Our Savior's Lutheran Church.

Shirley was born on March 13, 1927 in Austin, Minnesota, to Roy and Clara (King) Baldner. Clara passed away when Shirley was 6. Her father remarried to Helen Uglum, who became "mother" to the large family. Shirley graduated from the Austin High School in Austin, Minnesota.

She was united in marriage to Darrell "Mick" Wherry on September 12, 1948 in Austin, Minnesota. In 1952, Shirley moved to Germany to be near Mick, who was serving in the army. Upon returning, she began a 39-year employment at the Mitchell County Memorial Hospital. She retired as office manager in 1992.

Shirley was a long time member of the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage. She enjoyed going for long car rides and going out to eat with her husband. Shirley was always there to help her son, Jim. She treated her daughter-in-law, Deb as if she were her own daughter. Most of all, she loved her grandkids, Sarah and David, more than words can say. Prior to her illness, she attended almost all of her grandkids band and chorus concerts.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Darrell "Mick" Wherry of Osage; a son, James (Debra) Wherry and their children, Sarah and David, all of Osage; 6 sisters, Marcella (Myron) Meeker, Dorothy Swenson, Darlene (Harold) Trimble, Janice (James) Christiansen, Diane Haseth and Jewell Weeks, all of Austin, Minnesota; a brother, John (Linda) Baldner of Tempe, Arizona; two brothers-in-law, Lynn "Bud" Larson and Marvin Wherry, both of Osage; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Roy; mother, Clara; stepmother, Helen; sister, Marion "Toots" Larson; brother, Donald Baldner; brothers-in-law, James Swenson and Edward Haseth; and sister-in-law, Arla Wherry.

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

Donna J. (Naber) Durbin

January 11, 2006, Page 2A

Donna J. (Naber) Durbin, 74, of Osage, passed away on Friday, January 6, 2006, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

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

Donna was born on December 1, 1931 at Osage, the daughter of George and Dorothy (Pike) Naber. She graduated from the Orchard High School in 1949. Donna was united in marriage to Vernon "PeeWee" Durbin on November 19, 1954, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Osage.

She then worked for various law firms in Osage for 24 years, as well as being a bookkeeper for Judies Beauty Boutique and the Osage Auto Salvage. Donna was a member of the Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Rachel Circle, American Legion Auxiliary and the VFW Auxiliary.

She enjoyed playing cards (especially Bridge), spending time with her family and friends (especially her grandchildren).

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Vernon "Pee Wee" Durbin of Osage; a son, Jerry (Pat) Durbin of Osage; two daughters, Paula (Russ) Weaverling of Mitchell and Kathy (Mike) Clark of Osage; four grandchildren, Jordan Durbin, Paige Berentsen, Nick Clark and Jessica Clark; two brothers, Boyd (Dottie) Naber of Nancy, Kentucky and Lowell (Nancy) Naber of Elgin, Illinois; four sisters, Alene (Thyrol) McCollough of Webster City, Mary Holm of Mason City, Lucille "Luke" McCollough of Vancouver, Washington and Doris (Harry) Perschbacher of Albert Lea, Minnesota; two sisters-in-law, Frieda Naber of Mason City and Gina Naber of Cummings, Georgia; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents; and four brothers, Dale, Gary, Allen and Lynn.

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

Norma Jean Hannam

January 11, 2006, page 2A

Norma Jean Hannam, 79, of St. Ansgar, died on Saturday, January 7, 2006, at her home.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, January 11, at the St. Peter Lutheran Church, Toeterville, Iowa, with Rev. Lance Kittleson officiating. Burial will be in the St. Ansgar Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 10, from 5-8:00 p.m., at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar.

Norma Jean Hannam, was born on March 11, 1926 in Lyle, Minnesota, to Hans and Anna (Olswold) Richardson. She graduated from the Lyle High School. On June 27, 1948, Norma married Duane Albert Hannam in Lyle, Minnesota. She had a great love for her family which was evident in her homemaking skills.

Norma was a member of the St. Peter Lutheran Church, Toeterville for over 50 years, and was actively involved in Circle. She was a charter member of the St. Peter Lutheran Quilter's Guild and while participating enjoyed the companionship of the group, providing warmth to those in need and fellowship with other widows. Norma's pride and joy was attending her grandchildren's athletic activities and she was an avid supporter of the St. Ansgar Saints, UNI Panther's and Seattle Seahawks.

Norma is survived by her sons, David (Marlene) Hannam, Paul (Lowana) Hannam and James (Ruth) Hannam; daughters, Kathleen (Dale) Thrond and Patricia (Roger) Townsend; grandchildren, Heather Hannam, Christopher Hannam, Ryan Hannam, Robyn Hannam, Ross Hannam, Rachael Hannam, Reid Hannam, Matthew Thrond and special friend, Wendy Machalicek, Eric Thrond, Jason LaPolice, Chad LaPolice, Allison Hannam and Laura Hannam; great-grandchildren, Alexander Obdahl, Ethan Hannam, Derek LaPolice, Kailynne LaPolice, Devin LaPolice and Aubrey LaPolice; a brother, Lloyd (Esther) Richardson; a sister, Marlys Johnson; sisters-in-law, Darlene (Robert) Anderson and Shirley Hannam; brothers-in-law, Herbert (Gertrude) Hannam and Harlan (Arlys) Hannam.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Duane Hannam on April 5, 1989; her parents, Hans and Anna Richardson; parents-in-law, Herbert and Lavina Hannam; sisters, Opal Berg and Phyllis Wallace; brothers, Orwin Richardson and Maurice Richardson; brothers-in-law, Webster Johnson and Eugene Hannam; and granddaughter, Leslie Ann Thrond.

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

William Condon

January 18, 2006, Page 2A

William Condon, age 78, of New Haven, died on Monday, January 9, 2006, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center Hospice Unit in Osage, of complications due to cancer.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, January 17, at the St. Peter's Catholic Church in New Haven, with Rev. Ray E. Atwood officiating. Interment was in the St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery in New Haven, with Military Honors at the grave by the Osage American Legion Post 278. Memorials may be given to Hospice of North Iowa or to the St. Peter's Catholic Church in New Haven.

William Condon, was born on February 4, 1927 in New Haven, Iowa, to Maurice and Isabelle (Kleckner) Condon. Bill served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. On February 18, 1950, he married Betty Ethen in Stacyville, Iowa. He was in business with Jim McCarthy and Claire Condon in the New Haven Livestock. Later, he owned Condon Brothers Trucking with his brothers, Claire and Jack.

Bill was a member of the St. Peter's Catholic Church in New Haven and the American Legion in Osage.

Bill is survived by his wife, Betty Condon of New Haven; three sons, Steve (Ruth) Condon of Golden, Colorado, Mark (Ning) Condon of Savage, Minnesota and Scott (Ann) Condon of Carbondale, Colorado; two daughters, Carol Condon of Colville, Washington and Nancy Pagan of Mason City; six grandchildren; two brothers, Jerome (Martha) Condon of Bella Vista, Arkansas and Dick (Doris) Condon of Chandler, Arizona; and a brother-in-law, John Miles of Marshalltown.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Claire and Jack Condon; and his sister, Colleen Miles.

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

Elaine Gale Winemiller

January 18, 2006, Page 2A

Elaine Gale Winemiller, age 79, of St. Ansgar, Iowa, died on Friday, January 13, 2006, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center, Hospice Unit in Osage.

Memorial services were held on Monday, January 16, at the Faith Lutheran Church in Mitchell, with Rev. Wayne Ellingson and Irmgard Ellingson, Associate in Ministry, officiating. Interment will be in the Suisun Fairfield Cemetery in Fairfield, California.

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

Clem Theobald

January 25, 2006

Clem Theobald, 85, of Stacyville, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, January 15, 2006, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, January 19, at the Visitation Catholic Church, Stacyville, with the Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial was in the Visitation Cemetery, Stacyville.

Clem, son of Thomas and Gertrude Theobald, was born on February 19, 1920 in Meyer, Iowa. From the time he finished school in Meyer, Clem farmed east of Stacyville. He married Alvina Schrandt of Stacyville, in 1942 and together they operated the Theobald family farm until 1984. They then retired to their home in Stacyville.

Clem was an enthusiastic card player and also enjoyed bowling and reading, especially his two daily newspapers. Clem and Alvina enjoyed many fishing trips with friends and family to the lakes of Minnesota. Clem was a 4-H Leader and also served as an elevator board member and in the Knights of Columbus for many years.

Clem is survived by his seven children, Ron (Valerie) Theobald of Burke, Virginia, Sue (Verlyn) Mullenbach of Stacyville, Mike Theobald of Oskaloosa, Linda (Rob) Reding of Houston, Texas, Jane (Denton) Voss of Leawood, Kansas, Ed (Brenda) Theobald of Stacyville and Tom (Darla) Theobald of Mankato, Minnesota; sister, Helen Smith of Rochester, Minnesota; 18 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Alvina; two brothers, Paul and Walter; five sisters, Mary, Isabelle, Rosella, Marcella and Sister Angelita; and one grandson.

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

Judy Arzberger

February 22, 2006, Page 2A

Judy "Ardy" Fern Arzberger, 56, of Murrieta, California and Excelsior, Minnesota, passed away at home on Monday, January 16, 2006, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, February 25, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton, with pastor Wayne Ellingson officiating. Interment will be in the Grafton Cemetery.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Miller; step-sons, Jeff and Rob Miller; sister, Jane (Joel) Klapperich; brother, Steve (Kristy) Arzberger; her Westie, Maggie; nephews, Jesse, Scott and Ande Klapperich and Zane Arzberger; and nieces, Laura Huisman and Vanessa Arzberger.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Marlene Andrea Frein

January 25, 2006, page 2A

Marlene Andrea Frein, 64, of Osage, died on Friday, January 20, 2006, at the Mitchell Country Regional Health Center Hospice Unit in Osage, following a courageous battle with cancer.

A Memorial Mass was held on Tuesday, January 24, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with the Rev. John Moser officiating. Interment was in the Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Marlene was born on May 4, 1941 in Osage, the daughter of Erling O. and M. Janette (Forslund) Dahley. She grew up on a farm southwest of Osage, was baptized and confirmed at the Rock Creek Lutheran Church, and was later confirmed in the Catholic faith. Marlene attended elementary school in Rudd, Junior High School in Osage, graduating from the Osage High School in 1959, and was a graduate of the Minneapolis Business College. Marlene married Bob Frein on May 21, 1960, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage. She was employed by the Virgil Johnston Real Estate, Croell Redi-Mix and the Osage Community Schools.

Marlene was a longtime member of the Gamma Omega Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Osage Fireman's Auxiliary and the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, camping, cooking, was known for her excellent pies and was an avid shopper.

She was preceded in death by her father, Erling Dahley; and her in-laws, Joe and Julia Frein.

She is survived by her husband, Bob Frein of Osage; her children, Theresa (Richard) Grimm of Osage, Todd (Jen) Frein of Osage and Tonya (Terry) Adams of Osage; her mother, Janette Dahley of Osage; a sister, Corrine (Ron) Gambach of Cedar Rapids; three brothers, Elon (Judy) Dahley of Mason City, Wayne Dahley of Rockwell and Richard (Jeanne) Dahley of Osage; six grandchildren, Nathan Frein and fiancée, Sarah Hall, Joseph, Jadie and Trevor Frein, Madison and Cole Adams; her uncle and aunt, Odell and Alice Forslund of Forest City; and many nieces and nephews.

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

John F. Halbach

February 1, 2006, page 2A

John F. Halbach died on Thursday, January 26, 2006, at the Western Home Communities-Stanard Assisted Living Center in Cedar Falls.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, January 28, at the St. Patrick Catholic Church, with interment in the Fairview Cemetery, both in Cedar Falls. Memorials may be directed to the Western Home Communities, St. Patrick Catholic Church or St. Stephen the Witness Catholic Student Center at the University of Northern Iowa, all in Cedar Falls.

John was born on March 15, 1918 in Stacyville, Iowa, the son of Peter and Mary (Brumm) Halbach. On August 21, 1945, he married Rose Comisky in Osage, Iowa. He graduated from the IC Academy in Charles City in 1936 and Iowa State University in 1942. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force and trained as a heavy bomber pilot and airplane commander. His crew of 10 finished 50 combat missions with the U5AF in Italy. All returned home and three members are still living.

Following the war, he farmed near Osage for 20 years. He then worked as a milk sanitarian for the Carnation Company in Waterloo and finally as a sanitarian for the city of Waterloo.

He was a past president of the Iowa Milk and Food Sanitation Association of Iowa. John was a member of the American Legion, AMVETS, Knights of Columbus and on the Board of Directors at the Western Home Communities. He was very active as a volunteer with the Cedar Falls Historical Society, Sartori Hospital and the Red Cross National Disaster Teams.

Survivors include three sons, Thomas (Sally) of Boise, Idaho, Gerald (Patrice) of North Oaks, Minnesota and Michael (Valerie) of Minneapolis, Minnesota; three daughters, Anne (John) Hartson of Iowa City, Jane (Richard) Westley of Madison, Wisconsin and Patricia (Harold) Moore of Cedar Rapids; 13 grandchildren; a sister, Agnes Buch of Elgin, Illinois; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Carl and Marcella Obermeier of New Hope, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers; and three sisters.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Richardson Funeral Home, Cedar Falls, Iowa.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Shirley Koschmeder Hartwig

February 1, 2006, page 2A

Shirley Koschmeder Hartwig, 80, of Hamel, Minnesota and formerly of Osage, passed away on Thursday, January 26, 2006, in Hamel, at the home of her daughter, Kim Dykhoff-Green, where she had made her home for the last seven years.

Funeral services were held on Monday, January 30, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Interment was in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Mitchell.

Shirley was born on March 10, 1925 in Austin, Minnesota, the daughter of John and Christena (Adams) Thurnau. She lived in the Brownville area in her early years. She was united in marriage to Melvin Koschmeder on August 22, 1940. He passed away in 1974. Shirley worked at the Cedar Valley Produce and in later years as a baker at the Jack and Jill Grocery Store in Osage. She later married Edward Hartwig. He passed away in 1978. Shirley enjoyed her family and friends.

Shirley is survived by her four children, Leota (Amil) Felper of Riceville, Janice (Doug) Wall of Maple Plain, Minnesota, Michael (Kathy) Koschmeder of Rogers, Minnesota and Kim (Jim) Dykhoff-Green of Hamel, Minnesota; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Leslie (Sue) Thurnau of Osage and John (Olga) Thurnau of St. Ansgar; and one sister, Ruth (Archie) Rasmussen of Mason City.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands; and one brother, Albert Thurnau.

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

Gary Alan Janssen

February 8, 2006, Page 2A

Gary Alan Janssen, age 40, of rural Rudd, Iowa, died on Monday, January 30, 2006, at his home.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, February 2, at the Major Erickson Funeral Home, Mason City, Iowa, with Rev. Kathy Graves officiating. Interment was on Friday, at the Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City.

Gary Alan Janssen, was born on October 25, 1965, the son of Francis and Nancy (Moeller) Janssen in Osage. Gary attended school in Charles City and graduated from the Charles City High School in 1984. Gary served in the United States Air Force from which he was honorably discharged and later enlisted in the USAF National Guard. He was united in marriage to Judy L. DeMaris on August 19, 2000 in Nashua. Gary enjoyed woodworking, reading, attending auctions, fishing and especially deer hunting. Gary worked for Winnebago Industries in Charles City for nine years.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Paul Moeller; his paternal grandparents, Bernard and Alice Janssen; and his mother-in-law, Gloria DeMaris.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Barbara and Anne Janssen of Utah; his wife, Judy Janssen and their children, Kevin and Benjamin Janssen, all of rural Rudd; his parents, Fran and Nancy Janssen of Rudd; a brother, Jim Janssen and wife, Lori of Floyd; his maternal grandmother, Jean Moeller of Nora Springs; and his nephews, Cory, Andy and Joe Janssen, all of Floyd; and his father-in-law, Julias DeMaris of Clarksville.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press