Phyllis I. Bethke

June 7, 2006

Phyllis I. Bethke, 69, of Osage, died on Saturday, June 3, 2006, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, June 7, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, with Rev. Bruce Kaltwasser officiating. Interment will be in the Osage Cemetery. Visitation is from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Funeral Home in Osage.

Phyllis was born on July 24, 1936, to Wilhelm "George" and Vera (Buttolph) Wendorff. She had two step-sisters, Helen and Virginia, and a step-brother, Dale. Phyllis was joined in marriage to Marvin E. Bethke Sr. on February 15, 1953 in Osage.

She was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary in Osage. Phyllis loved to knit, camp and was the gate-keeper for her "brother and sister" Sid and Vernice Wilkins of the "Hillbilly Auction" at Devonia, Iowa for over 30 years.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her mother, Vera in 1974 and father, Wilhelm "George" in 1976.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Marvin Sr. of Osage; eight children, LeRoy of Osage, David (Jennifer) of Northampton, Pennsylvania, Carl (Mary) of Osage, Darlene (Allyn) Sheldon of Osage, Barbara Cornwell of Mable, Minnesota, DeWayne of Devonia, Marvin Jr. (Mary) of Osage and Kenneth (Debra) of Stewartville, Minnesota; 17 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren.

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

Irvin Wilde

June 7, 2006

Irvin Wilde, 83, of rural Osage, died on Sunday, June 4, 2006, at the Hospice, Mitchell County Regional Health Center, Osage, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Wednesday, June 7, at the St. John's Lutheran Church Rock Township, rural Osage, with the Rev. Wayne Ellingson and AiM Irmgard Ellingson. Burial will be in the St. John's Cemetery.

Irvin Walter Daniel Wilde, was born on February 9, 1923 in rural Osage, the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Neuman) Wilde. He attended the Rock # 5 School, rural Osage. He was baptized and later confirmed on March 21, 1937, at the St. John's Lutheran Church. A life-long member of the church, he held various offices on the Church Council. His faith and church family were very important to him.

He was united in marriage to Irene Eske on February 15, 1942. They farmed together for 55 years, raising livestock and grain.

Family and friends will remember Irvin's generosity, helping others, hard work, and especially his sense of humor. As his health declined in late 2005, he became a resident at the St. Ansgar Good Samaritan Center, where he was cared for by many supportive staff members.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Henry and Elizabeth Wilde; mother-in-law, Lydia Sawyer and her husband, Gale; infant daughter; brothers, Arnold, Roy, Ferdinand and Elmer Wilde; sisters, Alice Kuntz, Wilma Hackbart and Vianora Feldt.

Irvin is survived by his wife of 64 years, Irene; daughters, Jan Rysavy of St. Ansgar and Karen Kittleson and her husband, Lowell of Osage; grandson, Pete Rysavy, his wife, Heather and their son, Logan of St. Ansgar, Nic Rysavy and his fiancée, Heidi Fossey and his sons, Eric and Austin of St. Ansgar, Ryan Kittleson and Amy Felper and their children, Jake and Nate Felper and Gianna Kittleson of Osage; granddaughter, Lauryn Muller and her husband, Zach of Coralville; sisters-in-law, Rose Wilde of Osage, Margaret Eske of Buffalo, Missouri, Loreen Seeley of Osage and Ruth Wilde of Osage.

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

Esther Schwab

June 14, 2006

Esther Schwab, 86, of Charles City, died on Wednesday, June 7, 2006, at the Mercy Medical Center in Mason City.

A funeral Mass was held on Saturday, June 10, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Reverend Carl Ries, pastor, celebrated the Mass. Burial was in the Calvary Cemetery.

Esther Frances Pint Schwab, was born on August 15, 1919 in Mitchell County, the daughter of William and Bessie (Mullen) Pint. She received her education from the Osage and Floyd Schools. On April 28, 1936, she was united in marriage to Patrick Schwab at Osage. They lived in the Osage, Floyd and Charles City areas all of their lives. During her working career Esther was employed at Gibbons Apparel, Stewart Shoe Store and Prichard's Apparel.

She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Rosary Society, St. Jude Circle and Heritage Club. She enjoyed fishing, playing cards, reading and working puzzles. Most of all, as her first priority, Esther looked forward to spending time with her family.

Living family members include two sons, James (Dorothy) Schwab of Cedar Falls and Gary (Martha) Schwab of Colorado Springs, Colorado; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; a brother, Robert (Norma) Pint; a sister-in-law, Velma Pint; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two brothers, Leo and Harold Pint; and a sister, Viola Poe Self.

The Hauser Funeral Home, in Charles City, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Lois A. Mahoney

June 14, 2006

Lois A. Mahoney, age 91, of Osage, passed away on Wednesday, June 7, 2006, at the Manly Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Manly.

Funeral services were held on Monday, June 12, at the First Presbyterian Church in LeRoy, Minnesota, with Rev. Neal Solomonson officiating. Burial was in the LeRoy Cemetery

Survivors include her three sons, Donald (Carol) of New Hampton, Larry (Janice) of Osage and Richard (Cindy) of Rochester, Minnesota; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; six great-great grandchildren; a brother and a sister.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Merle E. Carter

June 14, 2006

Merle Eleanor Carter, 89, of Osage, departed this life on Wednesday, June 7, 2006, at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Osage.

Memorial services were held at 11 a.m., on Tuesday, June 13, at the First United Methodist Church in Osage, with Rev. Dr. J. Samuel Subramanian officiating. Inurnment was in the Osage Cemetery.

Merle was born on April 24, 1917 in Midland, South Dakota, the daughter of L.W. and Hazel (Stokes) Williams. She and her family lived in Pierre, South Dakota, until she was in the eighth grade. At that time they moved to Osage. Merle graduated from the Osage High School. She then went to business college and took secretarial training. On August 3, 1943 she married C. Wentworth Carter at the First United Methodist Church in Osage. To this union two sons were born, William and Bradford.

Merle and Went lived in New Orleans, Louisiana early in their marriage, before returning to Osage to raise their family. Merle worked at Montgomery Ward, Mitchell County Hospital and Conway and Casey Law Offices, all in Osage. She served on the Osage Library Board for 15 years, directed the Methodist Church Choir for 23 years, participated in barbershop quartet and Sweet Adelines and was a member of the Eastern Star. Her hobbies were singing, reading, gardening and taking care of cats.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Went in March 2006; and two brothers, Guy and Dale.

Merle is survived by two sons, Bill and his wife, Joy Carter of Wilton and Brad and his wife, Gail Carter of Waterloo; two grandchildren, Carolyn and Alex Carter; step-grandchildren, Eric and his wife, Jill Brodahl and Beth Brodahl.

Merle was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She will be missed by all who knew her.

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

Richard "Dick" Mathre

June 14, 2006

Richard "Dick" Mathre, 74, of Nora Springs, Iowa, died on Thursday, June 8, 2006, at his home, as the result of an accident.

Funeral services were held on Monday, June 12, at the First United Methodist Church, Nora Springs, with Pastor Jim Turner officiating. Interment was in the Spring Grove Cemetery, Nora Springs, with military by the Mason City Veterans Memorial Association, Nora Springs American Legion Post 449 and the North Iowa Detachment Marine Corp. League.  In Lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Nora Springs American Legion Post 499, Nora Springs Ambulance, Nora Springs Fire Dept. or the First United Methodist Church, Nora Springs.

Dick was born on February 8, 1932 in Mason City, the son of Severt Arthur and Mary Emma (Smith) Mathre. He grew up in Mason Township, where he attended rural school and then graduated from the Mason High School in 1951. While going to school he was a member of the Mason Booster Boys 4-H club.

Dick attended Mason City Jr. College following high school and then enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. in December 1951. He served during the Korean War and at the time of his discharge was a Sergeant. Following the service he moved back to Mason City and farmed in the Mason City and Nora Springs areas. He married Dorothy "Nadine" Gast on September 11, 1962 at the E.U.B. Church, Nora Springs.

He enjoyed visiting and having coffee with his friends, playing cards at the Rock Falls Grain Company, reading and especially working on his farm.

He was a former member of the Nora Springs Coop Board, Cerro Gordo Co. Mutual Insurance Board and Cerro Gordo County A.S.C. Board. He was a member of the Pleasant Ridge Club, Mitchell Co. Democrats, Cerro Gordo Cattlemen's Association, Nora Springs American Legion Post 449, Mason City Veterans Memorial Association and the North Iowa Detachment Marine Corp. League.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers-in-law; and one nephew.

He will be sadly missed by his wife, Nadine Mathre of Nora Springs; two daughters, Amy Mathre and her husband, Paul Hedman of Park City, Utah and Bunny Mathre of Charlotte, North Carolina; three sisters, Florence Ferden and her husband, Gene of Manly, Jean Biederman of Osage and Mary Ann Watson and her husband, Delbert of Clear Lake; one brother, Roger Mathre and his wife, Pat of Nora Springs; one sister-in-law, Mabel Hays of Nora Springs; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Sheckler Colonial Chapel, Nora Springs.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Sandra R. Hawkins

June 21, 2006

Sandra R. Hawkins, 63, of Manly, Iowa, died on Tuesday, June 13, 2006, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City.

A celebration of life service was held on Saturday, June 17, at 11:00 a.m., at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Manly, with Father David Kucera officiating.

Sandy was born on November 5, 1942 in Waterloo, Iowa. She graduated from the Mason City High School in 1960.

While in high school she worked at the Hanford Inn in Mason City. Following high school she started working for Interstate Power in the office in Mason City and continued to work there for 39 1/2 years. After retiring from Interstate she attended and graduated from N.I.A.C.C. with an Associates Degree. She most recently worked part time for Opportunity Village in Mason City, Iowa.

She loved spending time with her granddaughters and her days off babysitting her granddaughter, Zoey. She enjoyed walking with her friends, rummage sales, sewing, crocheting, quilting and collecting angels.

Sandy would do anything at any time for her friends and family. She would always put the other person before her self.

Sandy served on the board of directors for the Gas and Electric Employee's Credit Union in Mason City, for over 30 years and was also a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Manly.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Madge Lechman; and one infant brother.

She will be sadly missed by her husband, Monte Hawkins of Manly; three children, Angie Sorenson and her husband, Jamie of Hanlontown, D.J. Hawkins and his wife, Karey of West Liberty and Tina Francis and her husband, Jeff of Manly; six grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Kyra Sorenson, Kenni and Bayley Hawkins and Zoey and Jacey Francis; and brother, Dennis Lechman and his wife, Judy of Salem, Oregon.

Sandy's large extended family and many dear friends also share in the family's loss.

The Bride Colonial Chapel of Manly, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Frank Meyer

June 21, 2006

Frank Meyer, age 89, of Fort Atkinson, Iowa, died on Wednesday, June 14, 2006, at the Aase Haugen Nursing Home in Decorah, Iowa, following a short illness.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, June 17, at the St. John's Catholic Church, Fort Atkinson, with Rev. David Beckman officiating. Interment was in the St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Fort Atkinson.

Frank Henry Meyer, was born on January 27, 1917, the son of Henry and Rose (Meyer) Meyer on the family farm near St. Lucas Iowa. Frank attended rural parochial school and helped on the family farm. He married Viola Kuboushek on October 14, 1941 at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Spillville, Iowa. Together they farmed near Fort Atkinson, retiring and moving to Fort Atkinson in 1990.

Frank enjoyed watching baseball, especially the Chicago Cubs. Frank was a member of the St. John's Catholic Church and the Order of the Catholic Foresters, in Fort Atkinson, where he was a member for 56 years.

Frank's survivors include his daughter, Joan (John) Swestka of Cresco; two sons, Vern (Pam) Meyer of Osage and Gerald "Jerry" (Marcia) Meyer of Fort Atkinson; nine grandchildren, Jessie (Jeff) Havel, Jadie Meyer, Brenda Suckow, Wendy Suckow, Jennifer (fiancée, Jeremy Johnson) Suckow, Katie Suckow, Brian Swestka, Terri Swestka and Tim Swestka; three great-grandchildren, Chloe Suckow, Braylon and Blayze Havel; two brothers-in-law, Ted Schmitt of Decorah and Rudy Gerleman of Calmar; five sisters-in-law, Christine (Herb) Rausch of Fort Atkinson, Dolores Kuboushek of Decorah, Laura Kuboushek of Calmar, Agnes Meyer of Decorah and Leosa Meyer of West Union.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Viola in 1996; three brothers, Arnold (Katie) Meyer, Ted Meyer and Leo Meyer; four sisters-in-law, Wilma Gerleman, Marcella Schmitt, Mildred (Ed) Silhacek and Christina Kuboushek in infancy; and two brothers-in-law, Robert and Raymond Kuboushek.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Schluter-Balik Funeral Home Chekal Chapel, Fort Atkinson, Iowa.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Marc John Rogers

July 5, 2006

Marc John Rogers, 49, of St. Maries, Idaho, died on Monday, June 19, 2006, as a result of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.

Marc was preceded in death by his father, John Rogers; grandparents, John and Margaret Rogers and Hans and Mabel Peterson.

He is survived by his three daughters, Kassandra, Michelle and Johnny; two grandsons, Jayden and Steven, all of Idaho; mother, Merlene Rogers of Topeka, Kansas; brother, Bryan (Renata) Rogers and their son, Justin of Osage; sister, Laurel Richter and her husband, Wayne of Green Bay, Wisconsin and their children, Matthew of Schumburg, Illinois, Megan and Michael of Green Bay, Wisconsin.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press

Vernon Heckstein

June 28, 2006

Vernon Heckstein, 72, of Osage, died on Saturday, June 24, 2006, at the Rochester Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Wednesday, June 28, at the First Baptist Church in Osage, with Rev. Douglas Brown and the Rev. Robert Melhorn officiating. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery, with Military Rites at the grave by the Osage American Legion Post 278. 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.

Vernon was born on August 17, 1933 near Mitchell, the son of Frank and Alice (Jones) Heckstein. He attended school in Mitchell and graduated from the Osage High School in 1951. Vernon served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. He was united in marriage to Sandra Krones on February 8, 1958, at the First Baptist Church in Osage. Vernon farmed the family farm near Mitchell and he drove truck for various trucking companies, most recently for Condon Brothers Trucking, retiring in 1995.

Vernon was a life member of the American Legion and a 50 year member of the Osage American Legion Post 278, where he had served as the Post Commander. He was a 4th District American Legion Commander and a past State Vice Commander of the American Legion for the state of Iowa. Vernon was also a life member of the Osage V.F.W. Post 7920 and had served as the Post Commander.

Vernon and Sandra had enjoyed wintering the last 10 years in Harlingen, Texas. He enjoyed golfing, following his grandchildren in their school activities and camping at the "Ponderosa".

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sons, Kevin and Kenneth.

Vernon is survived by his wife, Sandra of Osage; a daughter, Kris (Bill) Huebsch of Osage and their sons, Josh, Nick, and Billy; a son, Keith (Karen) Heckstein of Osage and their children, Kaleb, Kelly, Kimberly and Kraig; a daughter-in-law, Sherri Heckstein of Decorah and her children, Kory Heckstein of Cresco, Jenny (Brian) Hermanson of Waukon and their children, Kreyton, Marissa, and Ainsley.

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

Francis X. Brumm

June 28, 2006

Francis X. Brumm, 91, of Stacyville, died on Sunday, June 25, 2006, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Wednesday, June 28, at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial will be in the Visitation Catholic Cemetery, with Military Rites at the grave by the Stacyville American Legion Post 569. Friends may call from 5-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Visitation Catholic Church and a scripture service will be at 7:00 p.m. Friends may also call one hour before the services at the church on Wednesday.

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

Rita Marie Smith

June 28, 2006

Rita Marie Smith, age 76, of Stacyville, died on Monday, June 26, 2006, at the St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, June 29, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Meyer, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Meyer. Visitation will be from 5-8:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Meyer, with a rosary at 5:30 p.m. and a scripture service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour before the services at the church on Thursday.

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

Shirley G. Heimer

July 5, 2006

Shirley Heimer, age 76, of Stacyville, passed away on Monday, June 26, 2006, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage, after a long and courageous battle with MS.

A Memorial Mass was held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, June 29, at the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Johnsburg, Minnesota, with Father Ruben Spinler officiating. Inurnment was in the St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Johnsburg.

Shirley was born to Arnold and Verna (Feldt) Brown on May 7, 1930 in Rock Township, Mitchell County, Iowa. She attended a country school through 8th grade and then attended high school in Osage, graduating in 1948. She was united in marriage to Melvin Heimer on September 8, 1948, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage. For many years, Shirley helped on the home farm, and also worked with the family painting business.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Melvin in 2004; two brothers, Charles and Eugene; and an infant son, Michael.

Shirley is survived by her children, Tom (Sandy) Heimer of Forest City and family, Bill (Jana) and their children, Anna Grace and Emma; Dusty (Molly) and their children, Jace and Hale; Tony (Sue) and their daughter, Bailey, Kris (Allison) and Brandon; Jim (Tess) Heimer of St. Paul, Minnesota and family, Jon (Traci) and their children, Shelby and Zachery; Mary (Dennis) Hanson of St. Ansgar and family, Nick (Kendra); Larry (Theresa) Heimer of St. Ansgar and family, Amanda (Steve) and their daughter, Brenna and Christopher; Mark (Penny) Heimer of Stacyville and family, Stephanie and her children, Javier and Jacienah and Travis.

Also surviving are her sister, Bonnie (La Verne) Mullenbach of Osage; and her sister-in-law, Arlene Brown of Osage.

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

Erling K. Johnson

July 19, 2006

Erling K. Johnson, 63 of Sun City, Arizona, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, June 29, 2006, after a six-month battle with cancer.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, July 6, at the American Lutheran Church in Sun City, Arizona.

Erling was born on October 21, 1942 at Albert Lea, Minnesota, to Kenneth B. and Olga Johnson. Erling proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps and received an honorable discharge.

He was dearly loved not only by his family, but by everyone who knew him. He had a zest for life and lived it to the fullest. His humor, friendship and courage have been an inspiration to all.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 41 years, Cheryl (Tourtellott) Johnson; two daughters, Amber Close (Darren) of Phoenix, Arizona and Shawna (Jim) Gardner of Peoria, Arizona; son, Chad M. (Kelly) Johnson of Glendale, Arizona; five grandchildren, Michelle, Brittany, Shantel, Siera and Brendan; mother, Olga of Albert Lea, Minnesota; brother, John (Jeanne) of Empire, Minnesota; four sisters, Barbara (Jerry) Sveen of Emmons, Minnesota, Ruth (Paul) Moe of Eldorado, Wisconsin, Becky (John) Severtson of Albert Lea, Minnesota and Janice (Gene) Ouverson of Tillamook, Oregon; as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins.
© 2006 Mitchell County Press