Carl A. Schultz

July 6, 2009

Carl Adolph Schultz, age 88, of Osage, died on Thursday, July 2, 2009, at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Osage.

There was a gathering of family and friends from 5-7:00 p.m., on Monday, July 6, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage. Private graveside inurnment services will be held at a later date.

Arrangements made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home.
© 2009 Mitchell County Press

Ben F. Chatman

July 6, 2009

Benjamin Frank Chatman, age 82, a lifelong resident of Osage, passed away on Friday, July 3, 2009, at the Stacyville Community Nursing Home.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, July 8, at the United Church of Christ in Osage, with Pastor Ruth Moerdyk officiating. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

Ben was born in Osage on August 22, 1926, the son of Frank and Nellie Chatman. He graduated from the Osage High School in 1944, served in the Navy and then attended Cornell College. Upon returning to Osage, he worked in his father's grocery store on Main Street in Osage until his marriage to Alma Hefty. Ben's other occupations included working in other food related industries, at Winnebago Industries and for the Osage Community Schools.

Ben was a member of the Osage Masonic Lodge 102 A. F. & A. M., Osage American Legion Post 278 and the United Church of Christ. He was an avid bowler and enjoyed spending time with his peers, whether at the bowling alley, at the coffee shops or going to Osage Green Devil football games every Friday night for nearly sixty years. He loved to travel with his wife and logged many miles visiting their siblings, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Music was a big part of Ben's life as he liked to sing and was in the church choir for many years.

Ben is survived by his wife of 56 years, Alma Chatman; his children, Silvia (Fred) Thull of Las Vegas, Nevada and their children, Sara Martinie and her children, Serenity, Xavier, Sophia & Zoe; Stephanie (Paul) Rogers and their children, Sadye, Paul & Aurora; Dianna Toscano of Palm Harbor, Florida and her children, Darin, Tara & Melissa; Ben (Doreen) Chatman of Polk City and their children, Kirsten, Matthew & Andrew; Jennifer (Mark) Magnuson of Isanti, Minnesota and their children, Tyler, Elissa and Alexander.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Alfred; a son, James Chatman; and a granddaughter, Crystal Tuggle.

Arrangements made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home.
© 2009 Mitchell County Press

Neil G. Newton

July 6, 2009

Neil G. Newton, age 74, of Osage, died on Friday, July 3, 2009, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday, July 7, at the First United Methodist Church in Osage, with Rev. Anna Blaedel officiating. Burial was in the Osage Cemetery.

He was born on December 20, 1934 at St. Ansgar, the son of Everett and Blanche (Bartusek) Newton. Neil graduated from the Little Cedar High School in 1954. He hauled milk for the Little Cedar Creamery and worked at the Little Cedar Elevator. Neil also farmed for a short time and drove school bus for the Little Cedar and Osage Schools. In 1959, Neil married Ardelys Bistline at the Osage United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Iowa National Guard, 34th Infantry, Red Bull Division for 9 years. Neil served as an Osage police officer from 1960 until medically retiring in 1993, taking his police training at the Police Academy in Iowa City and at Camp Dodge in Des Moines.

Neil was a life member of the Iowa Association of Chiefs of Police and Peace Officers Inc. and The National Rifle Association. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, target shooting and tinkering in his garage. Neil was an avid gun collector.

Survivors include his wife, Ardelys Newton of Osage; daughters, Karla (Joe) Smith of Stacyville and their children, Lindsey (Tanner) Hansen of St. Ansgar, Morgan of Storm Lake and Dillon of Stacyville; Karri (Jon) Gansen and their pets, Judge and Bobbi of Plymouth; son, Keith (Amy) Newton and their 3 sons, Adam, Carter and Tucker of Mason City.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Ernest; and one sister, Ruby.

Arrangements made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage.
© 2009 Mitchell County Press

Stella M. Smith

July 6, 2009

Stacyville-Stella Marie (Heimermann) Smith, 99, of Stacyville, died on Friday, July 3, 2009, at the Stacyville Nursing Home, Stacyville.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, July 7, at the Visitation Catholic Church, Stacyville, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial was in the Visitation Cemetery.

Stella Marie (Heimermann) Smith, was born on June 25, 1910 in Mitchell County, Iowa, to Michael and Anna (Rauen) Heimermann. She grew up on a farm northeast of Stacyville. Stella married Leo Smith on October 26, 1937 at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville. Leo and Stella farmed northwest of Stacyville for nearly 50 years. They moved to Stacyville in 1986.

Stella is known for her strong faith, hard work and love of family. She loved to garden and was the best cook and baker. She loved to make quilts, especially quilts she made for each of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was a 4-H Leader for over 30 years, teaching many members sewing, cooking, and gardening techniques. She was active in Christian Women's organization of the Visitation Parish. She cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved to teach them some of her baking skills.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo; her parents, Michael and Anna Heimermann; sisters, Rose Mullenbach and Cecelia Gilgenbach; brothers, Gregor, Paul, Francis, Joseph, Sylvester and Michael; great-grandsons, Sam and Adam Bruggeman; and son-in-law, Norbie Thome.

Stella is survived by her son, Daniel (Sharon) Smith of Burnsville, Minnesota; three daughters, Barbara Thome of Stacyville, Marilyn (Robert) Lermon of Mantorville, Minnesota and Marian (Art) Anderson of Faribault, Minnesota; nine granddaughters; nineteen great-grandchildren; sister, Dorothy (Loris) Larson of Austin, Minnesota; brothers, John E. (Thresia) Heimerman of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota and Gilbert (Shirley) Heimerman of Austin, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews.

The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2009 Mitchell County Press

Mildred J. Coonradt

July 6, 2009

Mildred Coonradt, age 86, of Osage, died on Saturday, July 4, 2009, at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Osage.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Wednesday, July 8, at the First United Methodist Church in Osage, with Rev. Anna Blaedel officiating. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery. Visitation is from 4-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

Mildred was born on April 14, 1923 at Luverne, Minnesota, the daughter of Ray and Inez (Smith) Bucknam. Mildred attended school in Luverne and graduated from the Luverne High School in 1941. She was united in marriage to Dean Coonradt on November 25, 1948, at the Little Cedar Methodist Church. They lived their entire married life in Osage. Mildred was a homemaker until 1967 when she and Dean bought the North Side Grocery which they operated until they retired in 1986.

Mildred was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Osage, Opportunity Village Parents Group in Clear Lake, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Regional Health Center Auxiliary. She served as a volunteer for the Mitchell County Regional Health Center Auxiliary and for the Mitchell County Food Bank.

Mildred is survived by two sons, Tom Coonradt of Clear Lake and Bill (Marilyn) Coonradt of Kasson, Minnesota; daughter, Jo (Bob) Stearns of Salina, Kansas; granddaughter, Sara Coonradt of La Crosse, Wisconsin; step-grandsons, Fr. Michael Stearns of Fort Worth, Texas and Christopher (Candius) Stearns of Sterling Heights, Michigan; 6 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dean in 1991; 2 brothers, Vern and Vincent Bucknam; 4 sisters, Eunice Jensen, Zeni Helling, Lorna Conrad and Viola Schuchart.

Arrangements made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage.
© 2009 Mitchell County Press

Stanley H. Lorence

July 21, 2009

Middletown, Rhode Island-Stanley H. Lorence, 87, of the Forest Farm Health Care Center, Middletown, RI, formerly of Portsmouth, died on Monday, July 6, 2009, at the Newport Hospital, Newport, RI.

His funeral was held on Friday, July 10, at 10:00 a.m., at the Connors Funeral Home, Portsmouth. Burial was in the Newport Memorial Park in Middletown.

He was the husband of Elsie Leah (Paquin) Coggeshall Lorence. Born in St. Ansgar, Iowa on June 24, 1922, he was the son of the late Anton and Anna (Mach) Lorence. Mr. Lorence served in the United States Navy during World War II, retiring after 22 years. While serving on the USS Anteres he spotted and reported the Japan Sub to the Captain. He then worked as a civil servant on the Newport Naval Base for 20 years. He was a Pearl Harbor Survivor. He was a member of the Portsmouth Senior Center.

Besides his wife of 15 years, he is survived by his step-son, Gardner L. Coggeshall, Jr. of Tiverton, RI; his step-daughter, Karen M. Buonvino of Portsmouth, RI; his sister, Bessie Gunther of Osage; five step-grandchildren; five step-great-grandchildren; and two step-great-great-grandchildren.

He was the husband of the late Louise (Pollitt) Baker; brother of the late Hedy Lorence, Mary Lorence, Joseph Lorence, Clement Lorence and Carl Lorence; step-father of the late Ronald D. Coggeshall; and step-grandfather to the late Gardner S. Coggeshall..

Donations in his memory may be made to the Portsmouth Rescue Wagon Fund, Portsmouth, Rhode Island.
© 2009 Mitchell County Press

Gene Gerlach

July 13, 2009

St. Ansgar, Iowa-Gene Gerlach, a pioneer in north Iowa rural electrification and a former Mitchell County Supervisor, died on Tuesday, July 7, 2009, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage. A native and long-time resident of St. Ansgar, he was 94 years old.

A visitation for friends and family was held from 4-7:00 p.m., on Friday, July 10, at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, with a prayer service at 4:30 p.m., with Rev. Peter Chang of the St. Ansgar United Methodist Church presiding. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, August 25, at the St. Ansgar United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Roy Nilsen of Des Moines and Rev. Peter Chang of St. Ansgar officiating. A luncheon in the Methodist Parish Hall follows the service. Burial will be in the Gerlach Grove at the Priem Family Cemetery in rural Newburg Township.

Gene Wayne Gerlach, was born on March 1, 1915, on the Gerlach family's Century Farm in Newburg Township, Mitchell County, the youngest of nine children of Frank and Emma (Priem) Gerlach. The Gerlach and Priem families emigrated to north Iowa and Newburg Township from Germany in the early 1870s. Gene graduated from the St. Ansgar High School in 1932 and married his high school sweetheart, Norma Rosel of St. Ansgar on May 22, 1938. They were married 50 years until Norma's death on December 19, 1988. Gene was a life-long athlete, playing on the St. Ansgar Saints basketball teams in the 1930s and continuing by riding his bicycle daily at his retirement home in Mesa, Arizona well into his upper 80s. Six times he was the St. Ansgar town golf champion, winning the "Dryer Cup" in 1970, 1973, 1980, 1982, 1983 and 1989.

The family includes a son, Gary, born on June 8, 1941 and a daughter, LuAnn, born on October 25, 1945. LuAnn died unexpectedly of leukemia at age 20 in 1965, during her junior year in the College of Nursing at the University of Iowa. A memorial fund for LuAnn established by Gene and his family has awarded nursing scholarships annually for 45 years to over 100 University of Iowa students. In May 2000, the university conferred on Gene its Citizenship Award and made him an Honorary Nurse.

In 1939, Gene began work at the Cedar Valley Electric Co-op (now Heartland) in St. Ansgar. Cedar Valley REA and the Dairyland Power Co-operative were among Iowa's earliest rural electrification projects, initially organized by Gene's older brothers, dairy farmers Earl and Arthur Gerlach, and other area farmers. Over a 34-year career Gene rose from Line Superintendent to President and General Manager of the Cedar Valley REA. "My father enjoyed the perfect career," son Gary said. "He had the double satisfaction of starting at the bottom as a young man digging light pole holes by hand, and ending up on top running Cedar Valley as President and General Manager. He helped revolutionize rural Iowa by bringing the magic of light and electricity to farms and small towns, banishing the drudgery of the old ways. When he and his boys brought the light wires to a farm for the first time they were greeted as heroes."

Gene was inspired by a wide array of community work. He was a 50-year member of the St. Ansgar Lions Club and served as a Boy Scout Troop Master and was President of the St. Ansgar Methodist Church. He was devoted to the St. Ansgar Community Schools, serving several terms on the School Board and as President in 1957. He and his brothers in the early 1950s reconstructed old wind mills into light towers so the St. Ansgar Saints could have one of North Iowa's first lighted baseball diamonds. The St. Ansgar Saints Booster Club added Gene and his brother, Wilmer to their Hall of Fame in 2000, and the brothers enjoyed being grand marshals of several St. Ansgar town parades. In 1953, Gene was the chairman of the elaborate pageant marking St. Ansgar's 100th birthday celebration - the St. Ansgar Centennial Pageant Program, "The Birth and Rise of St. Ansgar."

Gene was a life-long New Deal Democrat because of his admiration of what he and his brothers called "the crown jewel of the New Deal" -the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) and its noble work of bringing electrification to rural America. He held various offices in the Iowa State Rural Electric Co-operative Association along with the Presidency of the Dairyland Power Co-operative Association of Managers, which includes the states of Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois.

Gene was elected to the Mitchell County Board of Supervisors in 1976 and served two four-year terms. He was Chairman of the North Iowa Council of Governments in 1982-83. He served as President of the North Iowa Community Action Organization 1984.

Survivors include Gene's son, Gary G. Gerlach, an attorney and retired publisher of the Des Moines Register and a daughter-in-law, Dr. Karen A. Conner, Professor Emeritus of Drake University, both of whom reside in Scottsdale, Arizona; and his 96-year old brother, Wilmer Gerlach of St. Ansgar.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Norma; his daughter, LuAnn; three brothers, Roy, Earl and Arthur Gerlach; and four sisters, Irma Ball, Rose Nickerson, Lucille Groth and infant Ruth Gerlach.

In memory of Gene, memorials may be given to the Gene W. Gerlach Memorial Fund in care of the St. Ansgar United Methodist Church, St. Ansgar or to the LuAnn Gerlach Scholarship Fund at the College of Nursing, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.

The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2009 Mitchell County Press

Floyd W. Dohrmann

July 13, 2009

Floyd W. Dohrmann, 89, of Rockford, Iowa, died on Friday, July 10, 2009, at the Mercy Medical Center, North Iowa.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, July 14, at the Zion Lutheran Church, Rockford. Officiating was Robert Orr. Internment was in the Riverside Cemetery, Rockford.
© 2009 Mitchell County Press

Robert Lee Nauman

July 13, 2009

Robert Lee Nauman, age 80, of Osage, died on Sunday, July 12, 2009, at the St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Thursday, July 16, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with Pastor Gary Gilbert officiating. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery, with military honors at the grave by the Osage American Legion Post 278. Visitation will be from 4-7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

Bob was born on March 18, 1929 near Floyd, Iowa, the son of Phillip and Margaret (Fredricks) Nauman. He graduated from the Floyd High School in 1947. Bob served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. He was united in marriage to Dorothy Kuehne at the Little Brown Church in Nashua on December 26, 1952. They farmed in the Floyd area, moving to Osage in 1997.

Bob was a member of the Osage Masonic Lodge 102 A. F. & A. M. and the U.S.S. Kidd Association. He was a former member of the co-op board in Colwell. Bob enjoyed his family, grandchildren and great-grandson. He loved being outdoors and watching things grow on the farm.

Bob is survived by his wife, Dorothy Nauman of Osage; a daughter, Connie (Cecil) Hansen of Austin, Minnesota; a son, Ron (Barb) Nauman of Floyd; four grandchildren, Cory Hansen, Colby Hansen, Rob (Jillian) Nauman and Brandy Nauman; a great-grandson, Cayden Hansen; a sister, Joyce (Carroll) Bishop of Osage; an uncle, Albert Nauman of Charles City; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Donald, LaVerne and Victor Nauman; and a niece, Debra Nauman.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home.
© 2009 Mitchell County Press

Lawrence "Larry" R. Gehrke

July 21, 2009

Lawrence "Larry" R. Gehrke, 55, of Osage and formerly of Redwood Falls, died on Monday, July 13, 2009, in Columbia, Missouri, as the result of a motorcycle accident.

Funeral services were scheduled for 3:00 p.m., on Saturday, July 18, from the Nelson-Martin Funeral Chapel in Redwood Falls. Private inurnment will be held at a later date. The Nelson-Martin Funeral Service of Redwood Falls is handling the arrangements.

Lawrence Richard Gehrke, the son of Harold and Ardith (Wright) Gehrke, was born on July 2, 1954 in Redwood Falls. He grew up in Redwood Falls and received his education there. Following high school, Larry entered the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. He returned to the Redwood Falls area and later moved to Iowa, where he was employed in the construction industry. Larry married Patty Armbruster; the marriage ended in divorce.

He loved riding his motorcycle, bowling, shooting pool, camping and being outdoors. Larry enjoyed antique tractors and was involved with the Cedar Valley Memories in Iowa - an antique tractor and threshing show. He was in the process of remodeling a barn on his farmstead into his residence.

Larry is survived by his sons, Jesse Armbruster (and Amanda) of Faribault, Jeremy Gehrke (and Samantha) of Faribault and Tony Gehrke of Owatonna; his mother, Ardith Juenemann (and Harry Fank) of Hector; his grandchildren, Hanna, Kyle, Wyatt, McKayla and Shauna; and his siblings, Veanne Battistini (and Norman) of Wabasso, Gene Gehrke of Oak Grove, Brenda Prescott (and Les) of Morton, Dede Eischens (and Rick) of Crystal, Steven Gehrke (and Deanna) of Redwood Falls, Curtis Gehrke of McHenry, Maryland, Alan Juenemann of Redwood Falls and Michele Prescott (and Denny) of Redwood Falls.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Gehrke; and his step-father, Francis Juenemann.

Blessed be his memory.
© 2009 Mitchell County Press

James Thompson

July 21, 2009

James Carl Thompson Sr., 84, of Riceville, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, July 16, 2009, at the Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Elma, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Monday, July 20, at 10:30 a.m., at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Riceville, with Monsignor John Hemann officiating. Burial was in the Calvary Cemetery in Riceville, with military honors by the Roy Gue Post 244.

Arrangements made by the Lindstrom Funeral Home, Riceville.
© 2009 Mitchell County Press

Kathryn "Kay" Elliott

July 21, 2009

Kathryn "Kay" Elliott, age 88, of Osage, died on Sunday, July 19, 2009, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

She was born on July 22, 1920 near Manly, the daughter of Robin and Mary (Popp) Pelleymounter. Kay graduated from the Osage High School in 1939. She married Max L. Elliott on November 27, 1941 in Pacific Beach, California. Kay worked in a defense plant in San Diego, California during WW II. She also worked as a clerk at the Daylight Store in Osage, before starting her family.

Kay was a member of the Sacred Heart Church, the American Legion Auxiliary, the Sacred Heart Guild and was a volunteer at the Mitchell County Hospital. Kay enjoyed being with family and friends, playing cards, singing in the church choir and participating in all church functions.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, July 23, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visitation is from 4-7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, where there will be a Rosary at 4:30 pm. and a scripture service at 6:00 p.m.

Kay will be truly missed by two daughters, Mary Jo Deprey of Cedar Rapids and Marcia (Steve) Eggers of Polk City; a son, Kurt Elliott of Osage; seven grandchildren, James Young, Robert Young, Erick Mehmen, Nickolas Mehmen, Stacie Monson, Michael Eggers and Manessa Elliott; six great-grandchildren, Karli, Desirae, Jason, Ella, Jaycie and Jillian; and two brothers, Roman (Marjorie) Pelleymounter of Osage and Bernard Pelleymounter of Ackley.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Max in 1985; sister, Austie Smith; and brothers, Kenneth, Richard and Robert Pelleymounter.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2009 Mitchell County Press

Richard A. Beyer

July 27, 2009

Richard A. Beyer, age 74, of St. Ansgar, died on Monday, July 20, 2009, at the Stacyville Community Nursing Home.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, July 24, at the First Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, with Rev. Robert Porisch officiating. Interment was in the St. Ansgar Cemetery, with military honors at the grave by the Walter T. Enneberg American Legion Post 358 of St. Ansgar. Visitation was from 5-7:30 p.m., on Thursday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

Richard was born on December 23, 1934 on the family farm, the son of Joseph and Mary (Crooks) Beyer. He attended country school. Richard entered the U.S. Army in 1954, completed his basic training and was deployed to Panama to assist with the canal construction at Fort Clayton and Fort Kobby. While stationed in Panama, he met his "Cookie," Olga. Richard and Olegaria "Olga" Cherigo were married on November 20, 1958, in Balboa Canal Zone, Panama. Together, they raised five children. He completed his duty with the military in 1960. He worked for a short time in St. Ansgar and then moved to rural Manly where he was a hired hand for Leroy Strand. Richard owned and operated a Standard station in St. Ansgar, was employed by Williamson Plumbing and Heating in Lyle, Minnesota, drove milk truck for Bill Squier, West Brothers Truck Line, Young Truck Line of Lyle, Minnesota, and was employed and retired from the United Postal Service and Heartland Power.

He was a jack-of-all trades, a man of great knowledge and know-how. Richard was always there to assist someone if something needed to be fixed. He had many hobbies, talents and interests including flowers, gardening, pedal and toy tractors, collecting dolls, raising fowl, bargain shopping, auctions, hot rod tractor pulls, baking and sewing. He was famous for taking road trips with his coffee in hand and was always ready to stop if he saw a green house or rummage sale along the way. Richard was a Master gardener and belonged to the Men's Garden Club in Mason City. He was a member of the St. Ansgar Heritage Association and the First Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar. Richard was a very giving and caring individual.

Richard is survived by his wife, Olga Beyer of St. Ansgar; children, Rose (Doug) Hanna of St. Ansgar, Jose (Diane) Beyer of Westfield, Indiana, Liz (Andy) Meyerhofer of Osage and Myra (Dave) Sjostrand of Mason City; twelve grandchildren, Monica (Kurt) House, Matt (Jackie) Hanna, Chad (Klair) Meyerhofer, Chris (Michael) Hamarstrom, Ryan Meyerhofer, Alexis (James Baker) Beyer, Terrance Beavers, Emma, Blane and Selena Sjostrand, Katherine and Anthony Beyer; eight great-grandchildren, Luke, Seth and Leah House, Dylan, Taylor and Lanie Hanna, Sirenity Beyer-Whaley and Avery Baker; siblings, Fred (Jan) Beyer of Danville, Arkansas, Charles Beyer and special friend, Esther Haeley of Des Moines, Edward Beyer and special friend, Carol Callow of Rudd, Paul Beyer of St. Ansgar, Joe (Pam) Beyer of St. Ansgar, Esther Kanzenbach of Albert Lea, Minnesota, Marian (Stephen) Bell of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Verona (Norm) Spooner of Nora Springs, Jorene Gunderson and special friend, James Iverson of Northwood, Leone (Don) Kofoot of St. Ansgar, Myrna (Greg) Klemesrud of Mason City, Ruth Evans of Des Moines and Sharon (Anthony) Brown of Stacyville; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Innocente (Carmen) Cherigo of Panama, Ines Sedeno of Panama; and thirty nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Flora Elliott; several nieces and nephews and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2009 Mitchell County Press

Mary Helen Rosensweig

July 27, 2009

Mary Helen Rosensweig, age 83, of Osage, died on Thursday, July 23, 2009, at her home in Osage.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, July 25, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Burial was in the Riverside Cemetery in Riceville. Visitation was from 10-11:00 a.m., on Saturday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

Mary was born on January 19, 1926 in Cresco, Iowa, the daughter of Fred and Fannie (Havens) Wieland. She married Bob Rosensweig on April 2, 1950 in Stewartville, Minnesota. They made their home in Riceville. Mary and Bob started Bob's Truck Line in 1969. They retired in 1988 and moved to Osage in 2003. Mary and Bob enjoyed traveling and seeing the country. She enjoyed gardening and her dog, Sadie.

Mary is survived by a brother, Howard (Mavis) Wieland of Osage; a sister, Doris Sonberg of Charles City; a nephew, Butch (Ann) Wieland of Oklahoma; a great-niece, LaVonne (Patrick) Wolf of Osage; and their daughters, Samantha and Jessica Wolf; other nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and her faithful companion, Sadie.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bob Rosensweig in 2007; two brothers; and one sister.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2009 Mitchell County Press

Ronald Mark Frana

July 27, 2009

Ronald Mark Frana, 63, of Lawler, Iowa, formerly of Ridgeway, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2009, in Burlington, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Wednesday, July 29, at the St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Milan, Illinois. Visitation was from 3-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, Milan, with a Rosary recited at 3:00 p.m. and a Christian Wake Service at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be in the National Cemetery, Rock Island Arsenal. Memorials may be made as requested or the family's choice.

Ronald was born on April 18, 1946 in Decorah, Iowa, the son of Raymond S. and Alice D. (Uhlenhake) Frana. He married Carol S. Parker on June 14, 1969 in the St. Ambrose Church, Milan. Ronald was a United States Army Veteran having served in Vietnam. Mr. Frana was currently employed at Case-New Holland in Burlington as a quality assurance engineer.

He was a member of the American Legion and V.F.W., both of Lawler, Iowa. Ronald enjoyed spending time with his family and especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed working on the farm, fixing things up, fishing, boating and spending time in the outdoors.

Survivors include his wife, Carol; sons and daughters-in-law, Demetrius (Kathleen) Frana of Clinton, Iowa, Raymond Frana of New Haven, Iowa, Eric Frana of Rock Island, Illinois and Chad (Molly) Frana of Washington, Iowa; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Joshua, Kurt, Wyatt, Handy, Jade, Jacob, Samantha and Lane; siblings and spouses, LaVonne (Jim) Prochaska, Jane Lane, Tom (Connie) Frana, Rebecca (Brian) Guthrie and Ted (Cindy) Frana.
© 2009 Mitchell County Press

Modesta Wegner

July 27, 2009

Modesta Wegner, age 89, of Osage, died on Friday, July 24, 2009, at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Osage.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, July 30, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with Rev. Dennis Hanson officiating. Private inurnment will take place in the Osage Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 1-1:45 p.m., before the services on Thursday at the funeral home.

Modesta was born on March 14, 1920 in Charles City, Iowa, the daughter of John and Mayme (Dobberschutz) Magliocco. Modesta graduated from the Morton High School in Cicero, Illinois. She married Elgy Wegner on September 21, 1940. He served in WW II and following his discharge in 1945, they moved to Alta Vista, Iowa. They then moved to Osage in 1962.

Modesta was a member of the Our Savior's Lutheran Church. She enjoyed gardening and especially enjoyed her flower garden.

Modesta is survived by two sons, Allen (Jane) Wegner of Memphis, Tennessee and Keith (Sue) Wegner of Linthicum, Maryland; a daughter, Gloria (Joseph) Galiana of Copperas Cove, Texas; 7 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Wanita Skager of Addison, Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Elgy in 2006.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2009 Mitchell County Press

Evelyn Nicholson

July 28, 2009

Evelyn Louise Nicholson, age 80, of Osage, died on Tuesday, July 28, 2009, at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Osage.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, July 31, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., on Thursday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with a Rosary at 6:00 p.m.

Evelyn was born on June 6, 1929 near Lourdes, Iowa, the daughter of Louis and Louise (Shimek) Maravetz. She married Richard Nicholson on July 29, 1952 at Lourdes, Iowa. They moved to Osage in 1976. Evelyn was a homemaker and daycare provider. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Sacred Heart Guild in Osage. Evelyn loved gardening, her flowers, dancing, polka music and embroidery.

Evelyn is survived by her husband, Richard of Osage; two daughters, Nancy (Gary) Bailey of Story City and Theresa (Gary) Gauger of Bennington, Nebraska; a son, Ron (Diane) Nicholson of Waverly; four grandchildren, Beth Nicholson, Sean Bailey, Jessica Gauger and Emily Gauger; one sister, Marjorie (Leo) Weber of Charles City; two brothers, Arnold Maravetz of Elma and Ray (Ann) Maravetz of Riceville.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two grandsons, Matthew Nicholson and Ryan Bailey; and a sister, Clementine Meier.

Arrangements made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage.
© 2009 Mitchell County Press

Marie E. Walsh

July 30, 2009

Marie E. Walsh, age 89, of Osage, died on Wednesday, July 29, 2009, at the Stacyville Community Nursing Home in Stacyville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, August 1, 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 Friday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with a Rosary at 5:15 p.m. and a Scripture Wake Service at 7:00 p.m.

Marie was born on October 27, 1919 at Little Cedar, Iowa, the daughter of John Salz, Jr. and Anna (Weisbrack) Salz. She married Glen Walsh 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.

Marie is survived by four daughters, Helen (Dennis) Stecher of Lime Springs, Jean (James) Knavel of Elkhorn, Wisconsin, Ann Walsh of Moline, Illinois and Nancy (Eddie ) Cheung of Durango, Colorado; four sons, Robert (Judy) Walsh of Rogers, Arkansas, Thomas (Dian) Walsh of Emmett, Kansas, Dennis (Dianne) Walsh of Ankeny and Richard (Rose Mary) Walsh of Olathe, Kansas; 20 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two sisters, Frances Kratoska of Evansdale and Joan Toye of Osage; and one brother, John (Arlene) Salz of Mason City.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Glen in 2006; three brothers; and two sisters.

Arrangements made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage.
© 2009 Mitchell County Press

Jasmine Jo Beland

August 18, 2009

Jasmine Jo Beland, infant daughter of Jeff and Stephanie (Rosenberg) Beland of Northwood, left this earth to be with her Lord and Savior on July 30, 2009.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, August 5, at the Faith Lutheran Church, London, Minnesota, with Reverend Kent Otterman officiating. Burial was in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood. Visitation was held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the services on Wednesday at the church. The Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood, was in charge of the arrangements.

Those left to cherish her memory are her parents, Jeff and Stephanie Beland of Northwood; her sister, Jadyn Beland of Northwood; her paternal grandparents, Terri Beland and special friend, Mike Pitt of Northwood and Mike Beland of Stacyville; maternal grandparents, Jim and Rita Rosenberg of Kensett; paternal great-grandparents, Lawrence and Dolores Weinberger of Osage and Martha Beland of Stacyville; paternal uncles and aunt, Jamie Beland of Livermore, California, Katie and Tom Koenigs of Lyle, Minnesota and Sunsett Reynolds of Ames; maternal aunts and uncles, Lisa and Andy Buechele of Northwood and Travis and Lindsay Rosenberg of St. Ansgar; special cousins, Emma and Kiley Koenigs, Hayley, Dylan and Briar Buechele and Addison Rosenberg.

Jasmine was preceded in death by her maternal great-grandparents, Leslie and Irene Eilertson and Elmer and Pearl Rosenberg; and her paternal great-grandfather, William Beland.
© 2009 Mitchell County Press

Daniel Paul Meirick

July 30, 2009

Daniel Paul Meirick, age 60, of Las Vegas, Nevada, died on Tuesday, May 19, 2009, in Las Vegas.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, August 8, 2009, at the St. Peter's Catholic Church in New Haven, with Rev. Ray E. Atwood officiating. There will be time for lunch and fellowship following services at the church.
© 2009 Mitchell County Press