Collette Marie Rogers

May 5, 2009

Collette Marie Rogers, age 83, of Orchard, died on Friday, May 1, 2009, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, May 5, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial was in the Orchard Cemetery at Orchard. Visitation was from 4-7:30 p.m., on Monday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with a rosary at 4:30 p.m. and a scripture wake service at 7:00 p.m.

Collette was born on February 15, 1926, in rural Alta Vista, Iowa, to Anthony "Andy" and Mabel (Smith) Rennier. She grew up in the Floyd area and graduated from the Floyd High School in 1944. Collette worked for her father's tiling business and then for the Floyd County Memorial Hospital as an x-ray technician. She married Hilbert W. Rogers on September 2, 1947, at the I.C. Church in Charles City. They farmed in the Floyd and Orchard areas from 1947 to 2006. She entered the Faith Lutheran Home in August 2006.

Collette was a member of the Orchard Legion Auxiliary, Osage V.F.W. Auxiliary, Saint Theresa Circle and the Sacred Heart Guild. She served on the County Election Committee and the Faith Lutheran Home Patient Advocate Board. She was also a nursing home volunteer and worked on the Orchard Chit-Chat Newspaper. Her hobbies included caning chairs, decorating graves on Memorial Day and crossword and crypt a quote puzzles. Collette had many friends and neighbors that she enjoyed visiting with daily. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family.

Collette is survived by two sons, Rick (Darlys) Rogers of Osage and children, Angie (Jim) Boehmer of Lake Mills and children, Lincoln, Grant and Cael; Jennifer (Travis) Tresch of Charles City; Beth (Josh) Olson of Osage and children, Kendall, Kaitlyn and Kolton; Nick Rogers and special friend, Roxanne Bush of Washington, Iowa; Monte (Pat) Rogers of Orchard and son, Jeff and special friend, Brandie Wadey of Orchard and children, Aubry, Savannah and Jaycee; two daughters, Terri (Ron) Muhlenbruck of Orchard and children, Chad (Judi) Halbach of Orchard and children, Gracie, Chase, Brooklynn and Brett; Lora Mae (Ty) Williams of San Francisco, California and son, Talix and another son due in August; Kathy (Jim) Orsland of Ankeny and children, Jake Orsland of Ankeny and Kaylene Orsland of Madison, Wisc.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Hilbert "Hilly" in 2007; and an infant brother, Vincent.

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

Amanda L Mullenbach

May 5, 2009

St. Ansgar-Amanda L Mullenbach, 29, of St. Ansgar, died on Sunday, May 3, 2009, at her home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, May 7, at the Deer Creek Lutheran Church, Carpenter, with Rev. Lance Kittleson officiating. Burial will be in the St. Ansgar Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, from 5-8:00 p.m., at the Schroeder and Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar.

Mandy found peace on Sunday, May 3, 2009. Attending schools in St. Ansgar, Castle Rock, Washington and Northwood, she was a graduate of the St. Ansgar High School in 1998. She graduated from NIACC, receiving an Associates Degree as an Administrative Assistant. Her dream was to be a marine biologist based on her love of the ocean when her family lived in Castle Rock, Washington and also from her time spent at the Minnesota lake home.

She enjoyed collecting shells and dolphins. She also loved animals, the outdoors and especially her dog, Nieko.

For her mother, Cheryl Jones and her father, Charles Morse and his special friend, Jere Smith, she leaves behind a deep hole that can only be filled by fond memories of their youngest daughter and by the love and prayers of family and friends. Her sister, Melissa was more than just a sister, but also a close friend. She looked up to her older brother, Dan and his wife, Pam. She very much loved and enjoyed spending time with her nieces, Lexus and Aurora, her nephew, Anthony, godson, Isaac Strouf and goddaughter, Jaden Lafferty. Sharing joy and laughter with her many cousins and friends, she was a ray of sunshine. Cory Mullenbach, whom she married, was close to her and she appreciated his caring and kindness.

She was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Norman Strouf and Beverly Morse and aunt, Mary Morse.

Those remaining to mourn her death are her parents; her brother, Dan and wife, Pam; her sister, Melissa and friend, Alex; grandmothers, Faye Strouf and Frances Morse; and aunts, uncles, cousins and numerous friends.

Though young, Mandy made an impact on all who knew her, by her kindness, her generosity and her thoughtfulness.

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

Evelyn L. Duenow

May 5, 2009

St. Ansgar-Evelyn "Evie" L. Duenow, 86, of St. Ansgar, passed away on Monday, May 4, 2009, at the Good Samaritan Society in St. Ansgar.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, May 9, at the St. Peter Lutheran Church, Toeterville, with Rev. Lance Kittleson officiating. Interment will be in the St. Peter Church Cemetery, immediately following the service. Visitation will be held from 5-7:00 p.m., on Friday, May 8, at the Schroeder and Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar.

Evelyn Lutina Noble, was born on March 1, 1923 in Mower County, Minnesota, to Hannible and Katherine (Rowland) Noble. She married William O. Duenow on May 27, 1945 at the St. John's Lutheran Church, Austin. Days later, Bill was sent to basic training and later on to Germany where he served his country during World War II. Evie waited patiently at home, the two exchanging letters nearly everyday. In 1947, upon Bill's honorable discharge from the service, they became the third generation of the Duenow family to farm northeast of St. Ansgar. They loved the land and the simple pleasures that it provided. Their son, Stephen, was born in 1957 completing the family that they had longed for. Evie and Bill spent 51 happy years together until his death in 1996.

A long-time member of the St. Peter Lutheran Church, Toeterville, Evie especially enjoyed being part of the sewing group and making quilts for those in need. In the months preceding her death, she demonstrated her strong faith while facing a battle with incurable cancer.

Evelyn's most cherished times were spent in the company of family and friends. In 1987, she gave her sister, Judy, a life-saving bone marrow transplant. It was truly a gift given and received.

Survivors include her son, Steve (Beth) Duenow of St. Ansgar; a granddaughter, Lindsay of St. Louis Park, Minnesota; two grandsons, Keith (friend Meagan and her daughter, Lily) and Kevin, all of Forest City; brothers and sisters, Roger Noble, Robert (Bessie) Noble, Ross (Karen) Noble, all of Austin, Minnesota, Janet (Joe) Bjork of Embarrass, Minnesota, Barb (Gary) Underland of Owatonna, Minnesota and Judy (Robert) Beck of Conger, Minnesota; brother-in-law, Rudy (Arlene) Tesch of St. Ansgar; sister-in-law, Irene Noble of Austin; aunt, Mildred Noble of Austin; and nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; sister, Virginia Tesch; brother, Ronald Noble; sister-in-law, Geraldine Noble; and uncle, Stephen Noble.

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

Jayden Edward Wickham

May 12, 2009

Jayden Edward Wickham, infant son of Troy and Jessica (Hoisington) Wickham, died shortly after birth on Tuesday, May 5, 2009, at the Rochester Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Private graveside committal services were held in the St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery in New Haven, with Rev. Ray E. Atwood officiating.

Jayden is survived by his parents, Troy and Jessica Wickham of Osage; his twin brother, Aden Alan Wickham of Osage; his paternal grandparents, Ed and Pat Wickham of New Haven; his maternal grandparents, Alan and Ann Hoisington of Osage; paternal great-grandfather, Donald Myers of Waucoma; maternal great-grandmother, Myrna Hoisington of Orchard; maternal great-grandparents, Richard and Dawn Greeley of Osage; two great-great-grandmothers, Gladys Jacobus of Riceville and Gloria Gilles of Adams, Minnesota; and two aunts, Tesia Wickham of New Haven and Julie Hoisington of Osage.

He was preceded in death by three paternal great-grandmothers; two paternal great-grandfathers; a maternal great-grandfather; four great-great-grandfathers; and two great-great-grandmothers.

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

Mary Magdalene Duenow

May 12, 2009

Mary Magdalene Duenow, died peacefully on Friday morning, May 8, 2009, at the age of 101.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, May 12, at the Church of St. Dominic in Northfield. A private interment will be held in the Calvary Cemetery in Austin. Memorials are preferred to the St. Jude's Hospital.

Mary was born in Coldwater, Ohio in 1908, the second of six children of Mathias and Elizabeth Weber. The family moved to Stacyville, Iowa, where Mary grew up, completed high school and in her late teens played the piano in her family's dance band that performed throughout the region. Mary attended college at Iowa State Teachers College and returned home to work as a bookkeeper at the local bank. She married Lawrence C. Duenow in 1933 and for a few years lived wherever jobs were available in Iowa and Missouri. In 1939, they settled in Austin, Minnesota, where they went into the restaurant business. Together they owned and operated the "Blue Plate" cafe for over 12 years, then acquired the M&J Drive-In and later the Park Drive-In. In the mid 50's they were recruited by Colonel Sanders to introduce his chicken recipe into their thriving business and later became charter franchise members of the newly established Kentucky Fried Chicken Corporation. Mary was a full-time partner with her husband through all their business ventures and continued to expand their chain of stores following her husband's death in 1972.

In addition to her career in the restaurant business, Mary took a keen interest in the education and various pursuits of her children. She enjoyed sewing, gardening and was an organist and sang in the church choir. She was an avid bridge player and enthusiastic Twins fan her entire life. She was an active member of the Queen of Angels Altar Society and frequently volunteered at the St. Edwards Catholic Church in Austin. In her late eighties she moved to a retirement complex in Apple Valley, Minnesota and spent her last few years at "The Rivers" in Burnsville and then the Three Links Care Center in Northfield, Minnesota.

Mary is survived by her sister, Kathleen Bensmiller of Vista, California; daughters, Jane Nelson of Louisville, Colorado and Carol (Jay) Bambery of Woodbury, Minnesota; sons, James (Diane) Duenow of San Luis Obispo, California and Gene (Peg) Duenow of Elko, Minnesota; 14 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence; brothers, Ottmar and Walter; sisters, Eleanor and Florence; son-in-law, Larry; and great-grandchildren, Oliver and Spencer.

Arrangements made by the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home in Northfield.
© 2009 Mitchell County Press

Melba Benker Kuper

May 12, 2009

Melba Edna (Bruesewitz) (Benker) Kuper, age 88, of Osage, died on Sunday, May 10, 2009, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, May 15, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Dennis Hanson and Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Burial will be in the Grafton Cemetery. Visitation is from 6-7:30 p.m., on Thursday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

Melba was born on June 30, 1920 at Ottertail, Minnesota, to William and Ella (Heckstein) Bruesewitz. She grew up in the Grafton area and attended Grafton Schools. Melba married August Benker of Blue Hill, Nebraska on September 5, 1943. He died in 1982. She then married Jerry Kuper of Osage on September 10, 1987. He died in 1999.

Survivors include her two daughters, Phyllis Brandau of Osage and Shirley (Charles) Bentley of Waterloo; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and two brothers, Earl (Dora) Bruesewitz of Osage and Don (Rose) Bruesewitz of Mesa, Arizona.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, August Benker; her second husband, Jerry Kuper; a brother, Elmer Bruesewitz; and a great-great-granddaughter, Bryanna.

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

Robert Patten

May 12, 2009

Robert "Bob" Patten, age 75, of Osage, died on Monday, May 11, 2009, at the Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, May 16, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Dennis Hanson and Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Inurnment will be in the Riverside Cemetery in Charles City, with military honors at the grave by the Osage American Legion Post 278.

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

Alexander "Al" Kloberdanz

May 19, 2009

Alexander "Al" Kloberdanz, 81, of Charles City, died on Tuesday, May 12, 2009, at the Floyd County Medical Center in Charles City.

A funeral Mass was held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Reverend Carl Ries will celebrate the Mass. Burial was at 1:30 p.m., on Friday, in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, rural Osage, with a flag presentation by the Charles City Ceremonial Unit.

Alexander Frederick Kloberdanz, was born on June 10, 1927 in Osage, the youngest of 10 children to John and Rose (Lauer) Kloberdanz. He was baptized and confirmed at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage. Al graduated from the Osage High School, where he was a state champion in wrestling and was inducted into the Osage Wrestling Hall of Fame. Following graduation in 1945, he enlisted in the United States Navy serving as Quarter Master First Class on a patrol craft escort stationed in Guam. Upon his honorable discharge he attended the Brown Radio School in Minneapolis, Minnesota and served as an announcer for WHOW in Clinton, Illinois. He later graduated in 1952 from the University of Iowa with a Political Science Degree.

Al met the love of his life, Mary Lou Hove, in Northwood and they were married on May 2, 1953, at the St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Mason City. They began their life together in Austin, Minnesota, where Al worked at the Austin Loan Company. His insurance career began at the Osterud Insurance Agency in Rochester, Minnesota in 1955. In 1957, he purchased his own insurance agency in Lakefield, Minnesota. Al became the director of the Community Chest at Mason City in 1962. He reentered the insurance business purchasing an agency in Manchester in 1964. In July of 1968, Al and his family settled in Charles City where he purchased several small agencies to establish The Insurance Office, Inc. which has remained a family business for over 40 years.

Al and Mary enjoyed bike riding, walking, gardening, attending Hawkeye games, spending time at the family farm, trying their luck at casinos and traveling throughout the world. He especially enjoyed his annual family fishing and hunting trips where he was a founding member and Field Commander of S.A.G.E.

Al is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Mary Kloberdanz of Charles City; five children and their families, Steve Kloberdanz of Marshalltown, Emily and Alex; Brenda (Tom) McGinn of Iowa City, Stephanie and Michael; Bret (SuAnne) Kloberdanz of Charles City, Peter and Adam; Scott (Michelle) Kloberdanz of Johnston, Colby and Alayna; Bob (Amy) Kloberdanz of Charles City, Ellie and Kate; a brother, Johnny (Cassie) Kloberdanz of Osage; two sisters, Katie Arickx and Leona Niddrie both of Osage; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Wenzel, Pete and Joe Kloberdanz; and three sisters, Madge Lechman, Rose Marreel and Peggy Gorrell.

The Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2009 Mitchell County Press

Marian Stibal

May 13, 2009

Marian Stibal, age 90, of Osage, died on Wednesday, May 13, 2009, at the Faith Home in Osage, surrounded by her loving and devoted family.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, May 16, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Inurnment will be in the St. Peter's Cemetery in New Haven. Visitation with the body present will be held from 4-7:30 p.m., on Friday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with a rosary at 4:30 p.m. Cremation will take place following the visitation.

Marian was the oldest daughter of Frank and Winifred (Fox) Marley, born September 3, 1918, on the family farm north of New Haven. She was educated in the Riceville and New Haven Schools and received her teaching certificate in 1937. For six years she taught in local one-room schools. She married Robert E. Stibal, a Riceville High School classmate, in December of 1942. The family farm six miles south of New Haven became the home for their 11 children.

Tragedy struck the Stibal family in 1958 when Robert died suddenly three days after the birth of the youngest child. The older children remember how their New Haven neighbors pitched in to help with the harvest that fall. To raise her family, Marian updated her teaching certificate by taking night classes at NIACC, UNI, Upper Iowa, University of Minnesota and correspondence classes. She was a teacher at the Visitation Grade School in Stacyville. Besides teaching, she also drove the New Haven school bus to Stacyville's Catholic School from 1965-1977. After she retired from teaching, she was the bookkeeper at the New Haven Hardware.

Marian always enjoyed doing things with her family, like dressing up as a clown at the school carnivals and playing her accordion and having her children perform at school talent shows with songs and dances that she wrote and choreographed.

She not only had to teach her 11 children how to drive a car, milk a cow and bake a cake, she also taught them how to dance the polka, since Marian loved to dance, as did her husband Bob. She was an accomplished oil painter, a gardener, a good card player and friend, a ruthless Scrabble player, and a devoted member of St. Peter's in New Haven and the Sacred Heart Parish in Osage. She was also devoted to saying the rosary every day.

But above all, her greatest pride was her 11 children. They all remember how she would lead them into church at St. Peter's in New Haven for Sunday Mass, where her family would take up an entire pew. She taught her children love and respect and the importance of working hard. That was the Stibal children's beloved mother Marian.

Marian is survived by all 11 children, Sharon Morton of Port St. Lucie, Florida, Mike (Susan) of Coralville, Tom (Yvonne) of Mason City, Mary of Boston, Massachusetts, John of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Judy (Dave Mayer) of Osage, Jim (Kathy) of Peoria, Illinois, Bill (Deb) of Burnsville, Minnesota, Theresa (Neil Hernan) of St. Ansgar, Ann (David Lammers) of Brookline, Massachusetts and Marlene (Gerry Talbot) of Concord, Massachusetts; 18 grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; five of her six siblings, Cassie Kloberdanz, Luella Kloberdanz, Gene Marley, Dave Marley and Sister Ann Marley; and one sister-in-law, Eileen (Stibal) Fox.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert; her sister, Madeline Shovein; a son-in-law, Carl Morton; and a step-granddaughter.

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

Sybil Evenson

May 19, 2009

Sybil Evenson, age 90, of Winter Springs, Florida and formerly of Osage, passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2009, in Longwood, Florida.

Visitation was from 10-11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, May 19, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with graveside services to follow in the Osage Cemetery, with Pastor Paul Brown officiating. A family memorial service will be held in Winter Springs, Florida. The family requests that any donations be given in Sybil's memory to the First Baptist Church, Osage or to the Friendship Baptist Church, Clinton, Arkansas.

Sybil Marie Whipple, was born on December 31, 1918, on a farm west of Osage, Mitchell County, Iowa. Her parents were Herman F. and Laura May (Hovelson) Whipple. Sybil grew up at 418 Chestnut Street and attended school in Osage. She worked during her young adult life at the Gardner Nursery, Daylight Savings Store and the Montgomery Ward Catalog Center.

She was an active member of the First Baptist Church, Osage, involved in Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, World Wide Guild for Girls, Baptist Youth Fellowship, women's circles and the Yoke Fellowship adult class.

On New Year's Eve, 1943, Sybil was married in her parent's home at Osage, to Pfc. Melvin Evenson from Austin, Minnesota. In 1947 their daughter, Nancy Marie, was born in Osage. The family moved to Mason City in 1954. Sybil worked as a sales associate for JC Penney and then became a drapery seamstress. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, Mason City. In 1966, the family moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where she continued as a drapery seamstress and then later worked for Collins Radio (now Rockwell International). She was an active member of the Edgewood Baptist Church there.

In 1976, Sybil and Melvin retired and moved to Fairfield Bay, Arkansas, where she led the women's ministry at Fairfield Bay Baptist. They then moved to Clinton, Arkansas and became active members of the Friendship Baptist Church. Melvin passed away in 2000 and Sybil moved to Winter Springs, Florida, to be near her daughter, Nancy and family in 2001.

Sybil's devotion was shown in her work for the Lord and her love for her family which includes daughter, Nancy (Jim) Irwin of Winter Springs, Florida; three granddaughters, Anne-Marie (Scott) Spraberry of Lynn Haven, Florida, Bronwen (Sergio) Jurado of Casselberry, Florida and Charity (Chris) Peterson of Deltona, Florida; one grandson, Dan Oakley of Deltona, Florida; eight great-grandchildren, Lauren Dimalanta, Autumn Spraberry, Lily, Maddie, Esther and David Jurado, Austin and Amber Peterson; two step-grandchildren, Debbie (Toby) Hammonds of Winter Springs, Florida and Scott (Nicole) Irwin of Tucson, Arizona; six step-great-grandchildren, Ashley, TJ and Wyatt Hammonds, Jadyn, Giana and Jazmynne Irwin; one niece, Carol Evenson of Austin, Minnesota; and one nephew, Alan Evenson of Grand Marais, Minnesota.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Celia Jane in 1912; her father, Herman in 1959; and her mother, Laura in 1970.

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

A. Helena Oetken

May 19, 2009

Alice Helena Oetken, age 100, of Osage, died on Saturday, May 16, 2009, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Friday, May 22, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with Pastor Paul Brown officiating. Burial will be in the St. John's Cemetery, Rock Township, east of Grafton. Visitation is from 5-7:00 p.m., on Thursday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

A. Helena Oetken, was born in Schyler County, Queen City, Missouri on February 2, 1909, to Clarence and Clara Edna (Johnson) Van Meter. During her early childhood, the family moved to northern Iowa and in 1916 established their home in Hurley, Iowa. She received her education in the Hurley School and the Rockwell High School. On September 19, 1927, she was united in marriage to Fred Oetken at the Baptist Parsonage in Swaledale, Iowa. During the early years of their marriage, they made their home in several towns in Iowa and Illinois. Then in 1939, with their young family, they moved to Northwood, Iowa and resided there for a number of years.

Helena enjoyed her homemaker tasks of baking, preserving food and sewing. During the summer months, she enjoyed working with her husband maintaining their big yard with beautiful flower beds and bird life. In the early 1950's, her artistic talent was beginning to spark her interest as she began to study oil painting from the Campana School of Art, Chicago, Illinois, which eventually included the study of porcelain decorating. In 1960, she began teaching this art to others and continued for thirty-six years. Color was her great interest; she made an eight year study of mineral colors experimenting with combined color values. She published a booklet on these combinations which was sold in the United States and some foreign countries. From 1970 to 1985, she was a porcelain art consultant in Iowa and neighboring states. In addition, she attended a number of state and national art shows in Washington, D.C., California, Florida and other states. Her professional naturalistic talent enabled her to produce a number of landscape scenes that depicted flowers and bird life which graced the homes of her children. Other artistic skills included painting and dressing porcelain dolls, designing and sewing garments for herself and daughters, and knitting and crocheting beautiful articles for family, friends and missions.

She was the last surviving charter member of the Iowa State Porcelain Teachers, organized in July of 1966. In that organization, she served in all offices and was president for two years. In July 1967, she was accepted as a member of the International Teachers of Porcelain Art and was featured several times in the International Magazine. In addition, she was a member of the World Organization of China Painters and organized the Flower-de-Luce China Club in Osage, Iowa. She also was a member of the Audubon Society for 50 years. In 1978, she moved from Northwood to Osage to be closer to her daughter and family. She continued her china painting classes in her Osage home which included students from Forest City, Albert Lea, Freeborn, Austin and Riceville. She taught these weekly classes until October 1996, retiring at age 87. She enjoyed her fellowship with her many friends in the Osage Senior Citizen Organization. During the years, she was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Osage and the "Ever Ready Circle".

Survivors include a son, Armand F. (Phyllis) Oetken of Mason City; a daughter, Mariedna (Allen) Wilde of Osage; son-in-law, Orville Jorgenson of Oskaloosa; four grandsons, Mark D. Lindflott of Polk City, Terry F. (Susan) Oetken of Northwood, Brian G. (Phyllis) Wilde of Stratford and Barry A. Wilde of Edina, Minnesota; four great-grandchildren, Dr. Sherri Oetken of Harrison Township, Michigan, Kati Oetken of Cedar Falls, Blair Wilde of Webster City and Brittaney Wilde of Stratford; three step-grandsons, Merill and Daniel Jorgenson of Newton and Charles Jorgenson of Waterville, Minnesota; nieces and nephews, Clarence (Ruth) Oetken of Rockwell, Jerry (Sandra) Oetken, Ruth Godwin and Bonnie Harmon, all of Florida, Gary Frerichs, Sandra Treadway and Cynthia Paulsen, all of Clear Lake, Jerry (Carol) Miller of Lynnwood, Washington and Nola Jean Miller of California.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Fred on February 17, 1975; a daughter, Bette Lou Jorgenson on March 1, 2005; two sisters, Eugenia Oetken and Juanita Frerichs; and a brother, Lieutenant Colonel Clarence M. Van Meter.

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

Diane Muller

May 19, 2009

Diane Muller, age 58, of Iowa City and formerly of Osage, died on Sunday, May 17, 2009, at the Hospice of North Iowa in Mason City.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, May 20, at the First United Methodist Church in Osage, with Rev. Anna Blaedel officiating. There will be a gathering of family and friends from 4-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

Diane was born on July 10, 1950 in Osage, the daughter of Arthur and Audrey (McKee) Altick. Diane was employed in Osage as an x-ray technologist and later obtained a Master's Degree in Nursing from the University of Iowa. She worked as a nurse at the University of Iowa Hospital and at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Iowa City, where she was currently employed. Diane loved being a nurse and especially loved her family.

Diane is survived by her daughter, Laura (Matt) Muller-Jones and their daughter, Ryann of Grayslake, Illinois; her son, Zach (Lauryn) Muller and their son, Cayl of Osage; Terry Muller of Osage; two brothers, Dennis (Mary) Altick of Sundance, Wyoming and David Altick and friend, Colleen Martin of Lead, South Dakota; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

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

Daniel Paul Meirick

May 26, 2009

Las Vegas, Nevada-Daniel Paul Meirick, 60, of Las Vegas, Nevada, died suddenly of a heart attack, at 1:56 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2009.

Arrangements are being made at the Bunker Mortuary, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dan will be cremated and buried with military rites in the Veteran's Cemetery in Boulder City, Nevada. A memorial service will be held in New Haven at a later date.

Dan was born on October 4, 1948 in Mason City, at Mercy Hospital, to Paul and Gertie Meirick of New Haven, Iowa. He attended the St. Mary's School in New Haven and graduated from the Marion High School in Stacyville. Dan attended Loras College. He joined the United States Air Force, serving his country in the USAF from 1968 through 1991. Dan's military duty included assignments in Viet Nam, Italy, Germany, Cambodia, England, Thailand and Las Vegas. Following retirement from the Air Force, Dan made his home in Las Vegas and worked at the Nellis AFB Golf Course in North Las Vegas.

Surviving are Dan's sister, Ann (Pat) O'Brien of Dubuque; brothers, Bill (Ann) Meirick of Protivin and Dick (Ginger) Meirick of New Haven, and 18 nieces and nephews.

Dan was preceded in death by his mother, Gertrude (Marr) Meirick; his father, Paul Meirick; and his niece, Kathy Meirick.
© 2009 Mitchell County Press

Merlyn Duane Huset

May 20, 2009

Merlyn Duane Huset, age 81, of Winnebago, died on Wednesday, May 20, 2009, at the St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 23, at 11:00 a.m., at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Winnebago, with Rev. Ronald Jobe officiating. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery, Winnebago. Visitation time will be from 4-7:00 p.m., on Friday, at the Spencer-Owen Funeral Home in Winnebago and one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday.

Merlyn Duane Huset, was the youngest child of Clarence and Alma (Olson) Huset, born in Osage, Iowa on January 20, 1928. He was educated in the Osage Public Schools. He worked for several farmers in the area before being employed by the Cedar Valley Produce. In 1946, he enlisted in the U.S Army at Fort Snelling, Minnesota and served with Company 1, Motor Battalion, as an automotive equipment operation with General Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. During this assignment he was given the honor of being chauffer for General Douglas A. MacArthur. He was honorably discharged in September, 1947 and received the Army of Occupation Medal, Japan and World War II Victory Medal.

After discharge he worked as a plumber for George B. Laughlin Plumbing in Osage. On June 18, 1950, he was united in marriage to Bonnie (Watts) Huset. In June, 1954 the family moved to New Richland, Minnesota then to Winnebago, Minnesota where he was manager of the tile plant until he purchased the Huset Ready Mix plant. He had been employed for thirty years by Royer Plumbing and Heating of Winnebago until he retired in 1993.

He was a member of Jaycees, the Winnebago Fire Department and the American Legion, and a former Legion Commander.

Survivors include wife, Bonnie; daughter, Debra of Burnsville; son, David (Cindy) Huset of Fairmont and their children, Timothy and Jayden; daughter-in-law, Cheryl (Jim) Ferguson of Canby and her son, Sean Huset; sister-in-law, Madeline of Osage; brother-in-law, Blll (Claudia) Watts of Vancouver, Washington; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters; two brothers; two sons, Douglas Huset and Daryl Huset; one grandson, Matthew Huset; and one granddaughter, Stephanie Shupick.
© 2009 Mitchell County Press

Kenneth A. Borchardt

May 26, 2009

Kenneth Arnold Borchardt, age 85, of Grafton, died on Thursday, May 21, 2009, at the Floyd County Memorial Hospital in Charles City.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Tuesday, May 26, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton, with Rev. Wayne Ellingson and Irmgard Ellingson, Associate in Ministry, officiating. Burial will be in the Grafton Cemetery, with a flag presentation by the Grafton American Legion Post 616. Arrangements made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage.
© 2009 Mitchell County Press

Alma M. Retterath

May 27, 2009

Stacyville-Alma M. Retterath, 94, died on Monday, May 25, 2009, at the St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, May 29, at the Visitation Catholic Church, Stacyville, with Rev. John Moser as Celebrant. Burial will be in the Visitation Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-7:00 p.m., on Thursday, May 28, at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville.

Alma Mary Retterath, was born on November 30, 1914 in St. Ansgar, Iowa, to George and Theresa Firsching, as one of nine children. She attended the Stacyville Catholic School until eighth grade. On December 30, 1939, she was united in marriage to Bernard "Barney" Retterath at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. To this union six sons were born. Alma spent many hours helping her husband and family on their farm. She was known to pitch in and help with whatever was needed, a true "Jack of all Trades". Alma loved to help Barney, Sr. with the Apiaries and often reminisced about trips they would take to deliver their bees and honey.

One of Alma's greatest accomplishments was when she earned her High School G.E.D. at the age of 63.

Alma's family came first and foremost in her life. She loved to spend time with her sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Perhaps some of her most cherished times were spent fishing, going for airplane rides, traveling and cooking with her family. Alma also enjoyed playing any and all card games with her friends, reading, bowling and watching soap operas and game shows on TV. She was a member of the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville, Iowa and was a former member of numerous circles.

Alma is survived by her children, Barney (Betty) Retterath of Meyer, Steve (Janice) Retterath of Boca Raton, Forida, Bill Retterath of Delray, Florida, Tom (Sharon) Retterath of Minnesota, Bob Retterath of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; thirteen grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren; siblings, Laura Firsching of San Pedro, California, Gertrude (Fred) Retterath of Austin, Minnesota, Theresa Ungaro of San Pedro, California, Joe Firsching of Mason City; sister-in-law, Cordella Frisching of Stayville; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Alma was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Barney Sr.; son, David "Hunz"; daughter-in-law, Rachel Retterath; great-granddaughter, Cecilia Retterath; brothers, Lawrence (Elvira) Firsching, George Firsching; sisters, Rose (Art) Rauen, Margaret (Louie) Schmitt; sister-in-law, Helen Firsching; and brother-in-law, Frank Ungaro.

The Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, Mason City, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2009 Mitchell County Press

Ruth I. Lockie

May 27, 2009

Ruth Irene Lockie, 80, of Riceville, passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2009, at the Riceville Family Care and Therapy Center, after a brief and courageous struggle with cancer. Her love for her Lord and Savior guided her through the struggle.

Funeral services will be held at the Riceville United Methodist Church, on Saturday, May 30, at 2:00 p.m., with the Rev. Dan Christensen officiating. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery. Friends may call at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Riceville, on Friday during the hours of 4-8:00 p.m. and one hour before the services at the church.

Ruth was born on December 29, 1928 in the Osage Hospital, to Laura M. (Funte) and Roy B. Grace. When Ruth was 4, her mother passed away. She was raised by her father and stepmother, Doarthy Kapka Grace. She was educated in the McIntire school system and graduated from the McIntire High School in 1946. She attended the University of Upper Iowa in Fayette, for one year to obtain a teaching certificate. She taught for one year in the Burr Oak Township School. On June 6, 1948, she was married to Duane Lockie at the McIntire Methodist Church. To this union were born four children, Karla (Phil) Jensson of Riceville, Kevin (Tove) Lockie of Riceville, Korwin (Marilyn) Lockie of Woodbury, Minnesota and Kerri (Dave) Swancutt of Riceville.

Ruth loved music and was well known for singing at funerals and weddings. She was active in the Mitchell Co. Farm Bureau women's organization and she sang in the Mitchell Co. Farm Bureau chorus, traveling with the chorus to Washington, D.C. She was a Past Worthy Matron of the order of Eastern Star. Ruth was very active in the Riceville United Methodist Church and UMW. Her love for family was foremost to her and she followed as many activities as she could for her kids and grandkids. She loved to dance and play cards. She worked at the Riceville Recorder for a few years.

Surviving besides her husband, Duane of Riceville and her children are the following grandchildren and great grandchildren, Karla Jensson's family: Joy (Rudy) Evertsen and Michel and Annika of Rockford and John Jensson of West Des Moines; Kevin Lockie's family: Pastor Chris (Corinne) Lockie and Levi and Anna Ruth of Rapid City, South Dakota, Kyle (Sara) Lockie and James of Ankeny and Mariah Lockie of Riceville; Korwin Lockie's family: Jennifer (Chad) Buran of St. Paul, Minnesota, Alicia (Mike) Murzyn of Woodbury, Minnesota and Brianna Lockie of Woodbury, Minnesota; and Kerri Swancutt's family: Abby and Benjamin of Riceville; two brothers, Harley and Phyllis Grace of Hudson, Florida and Earl and Virginia Grace of Riceville; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her step-mother.
© 2009 Mitchell County Press

Richard John "Dick" Lickteig

June 2, 2009

Richard John "Dick" Lickteig, age 59, of Austin, Minnesota, died on Friday, May 29, 2009, at his wife's home in Otranto, Iowa, after a courageous two year battle with ALS.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, June 2, at the St. Augustine Catholic Church in Austin, with Father Joe Fogal officiating. Interment was in the Calvary Cemetery, with military rites by the American Legion Post #91. Memorials are preferred to the ALS Association.

Dick was born on July 21, 1949 in Austin, Minnesota, to Stephen and Esther (Nordland) Lickteig. He grew up in rural Austin, graduating from the Pacelli High School and received his Associate of Arts Degree from the Austin Community College. Dick farmed with his father in the Austin area and successfully taking over the family farm after his father's retirement. He was a Vietnam veteran serving in the United States Army from 1970 to 1972.

Survivors include his wife, Linda; one daughter, Mrs. James (Jennifer) Bastyr; three grandchildren, Brynn Elizabeth, Bridget Katherine and James John; one brother, Stephen (Gwen) Lickteig of Morristown, Minnesota; sisters, Mrs. Steven (Suzanne) Haeny of Sauk Centre, Minnesota and Mrs. Danny (Sandra) Hendrikson of Burnsville, Minnesota.

Arrangements made by the Mayer Funeral Home, Austin, Minnesota.
© 2009 Mitchell County Press