Lavern D. "Bud" Funk

September 8, 2009

Lavern D. "Bud" Funk, age 82, of Osage, died on Thursday, September, 3, 2009, in Osage.

Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., on Tuesday, September 8, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Dennis Hanson and Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery. Visitation was held from 4-7:00 p.m., on Monday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with a Masonic Service at 7:00 p.m. by the Osage Masonic Lodge 102 A. F. & A. M.

Lavern was born on February 13, 1927 near Osage, the son of Roy and Mabel (Olson) Funk. Bud was united in marriage to Shirley Feldt on December 4, 1949, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. He graduated from the Osage High School in 1944. Following graduation, Bud served in the military and was in the 82nd Airborne Division. Following his return from the military, he attended Iowa State Teachers College. After graduation, he taught for two years in New Hartford, Iowa. Bud returned to Osage in the spring of 1953 after his father suffered a heart attack and continued the family farm.

He was a member of the Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Osage Masonic Lodge and the Osage American Legion. He served on the board of the Osage Farmers National Bank/First Citizens National Bank for several years. Bud enjoyed wood working, mechanics, science, cars, fatherhood, good friends and family.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley of Osage; his four sons, Steven of Vancouver, B.C., Tracy of Osage, Todd of Winona, Minnesota and Spencer of Onalaska, Wisconsin; daughters-in-law, Paige Amsler, Peggy Funk, Heather Funk, Cindy Funk and Elizabeth Funk; twelve grandchildren; a sister, Betty (Keith) Morse of Mason City; and a sister-in-law, Helen Funk of Austin, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Keith Funk.

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

Larry Lee Ackley

September 8, 2009

Larry Lee Ackley, age 48, of Osage, was called to heaven on Thursday, September 3, 2009, after a brave battle with cancer, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center-Hospice Unit in Osage.

Memorial services will be held at 6:30 p.m., on Tuesday, September 8, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with Edward Bard, Chaplain-Hospice of North Iowa, officiating. There will be a gathering of family and friends from 6-6:30 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home.

Larry was born on October 6, 1960 in Osage, the son of Neil and Joan (Philipp) Ackley. Larry was united in marriage to Julie Heffron on July 6, 1990. He was employed with ACT in Northwood until he quit, due to illness.

He loved spending time with his family and friends, reading, his Harley and Tiger Lilies. Larry will be remembered for his big grin and great sense of humor. He had a heart of gold.

Larry is survived by his wife, Julie Ackley of Osage; a son, Eric Young of Bonita, California and his daughter Megan; a son, Andrew Young of Greeneville, Tennessee; a daughter, Savanna (Kevin) Lane of Mason City and their children, Lorali and Collin; his mother, Joan Ackley of Nora Springs; his father, Neil (Connie) Ackley of Mason City; a brother, Mark (Nancy) Ackley of Charles City and their sons, Mark Jr. and Phillip; a sister, Kim (Tim) Hofler of Nora Springs and their children, T.J. and Krysta; a brother, Steven (Jennifer) Ackley of Yerington, Nevada and their children, Jordan, Jacob, Chubby and Taiwana; and many other relatives and friends.

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

David Paul Palmer

November 3, 2009

David Paul Palmer, age 42, formerly of New Haven, died unexpectedly on Thursday, September 10, 2009, at his home in Fort McDowell, Arizona, following several years of suffering from heart disease.

A celebration of David's life will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Friday, November 6, 2009, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Fellowship will follow in the church basement.

David was born on June 6, 1967 in Osage, to Mary E. (Simmons) Palmer Fox and Paul E. Palmer. He attended the Sacred Heart School, Osage Middle School and finished his education in Scottsdale. David spent most of his working years in the landscape business in Arizona. He married Liddy Dorchester on December 10, 2002 in Arizona. They lived in Osage for two years and then returned to Arizona.

His life was centered on his family and friends, especially his daughter, Stormy. He will be remembered as a kind and giving dad, husband, son and brother. David was a talented artist. He loved to go fishing. He also enjoyed cooking for family and friends and playing cards.

David is survived by his wife, Liddy of Fort McDowell, Arizona; his daughter, Stormy and her mother, Deb of Scottsdale, Arizona; his mother, Mary Fox of Osage; his father, Paul Palmer of Sun City, Arizona; sisters, Paige (John) Ziemer of North St Paul, Minnesota and Nikki Thome of San Diego, California; brother, Jason Palmer of Osage; step-sister, Tiffany Palmer of Red Oak and children, Tori, Remington and Mattie; step-children, Christopher, Bobby Jo, Alexandra, Sunshine and Jazmine, all of Fort McDowell, Arizona; and his nieces, Megan Thome and Claire Pasch.

He was preceded in death by an infant brother, James Nathan; and his grandparents, Ralph and Bertha Simmons and James and Zelma Palmer.
© 2009 Mitchell County Press

Gertrude Brandau

September 15, 2009

Gertrude Brandau, age 102, of Osage, died on Thursday, September 10, 2009, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., on Monday, September 14, at the Eden Presbyterian Church, Rudd, with Rev. John Bates officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery at Rudd. Visitation was from 1-2:00 p.m., on Monday before the services at the Eden Presbyterian Church.

Gertrude was born on December 19, 1906, to Harm and Jennie (Buntjer) Hoppen in Rosemont, Nebraska. She was one of five children. On March 16, 1936, she was united in marriage to Edgar Brandau at her parents' home in Rosemont. Edgar and Gertie farmed in the Rudd area until his death in May of 1969. She then moved to Charles City, living there until 2004, at which time she moved to the Evergreen Senior Living Apartments in Osage. She was a resident of the Faith Lutheran Home for the past 2 1/2 years.

Gertie was a member of the Eden Presbyterian Church and the Ladies Aid. She was also a member of the Rudd Jolly Jacks and was a 4-H Leader. She enjoyed playing "500", gardening and was a great cook. She also enjoyed doing crafts, quilting, crocheting and knitting.

Survivors include a daughter, Elaine (Charlie) Fouts of Floyd; grandson, Dana (Julie) Aschenbrenner and children, Joseph, Sam and John of Iowa City; grandson, Mike (Beth) Aschenbrenner and children, Corey, Emma and Mikayla of Lake Mills; grandson, Steve (Kristi) Aschenbrenner and children, Dylan and Claudia of Osage; granddaughter, Michelle (Barry) Sweet of Charles City; sister-in-law, Ruth Ploeger of Charles City; brother-in-law, Robert Brandau of Burlington; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Edgar in May of 1969; three sisters; and one brother.

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

Gaye G. Younker

September 15, 2009

Gaye G. Younker, age 76, of Osage, died on Friday, September 11, 2009, at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Osage.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, September 19, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with Rev. Anna Blaedel officiating. There will be a time for lunch and fellowship following the service at the First United Methodist Church in Osage.

Gaye G. Younker, was born on a farm five miles north of Osage, Iowa, on October 16, 1932, the third child of Earl C. and Doris (Cole) Schmidt. She spent most of her life in Mitchell County, attended rural country school and the Osage High School. Gaye worked in the office at the Mitchell County Memorial Hospital from 1966 until her retirement in 1994.

In her off hours, she enjoyed gardening, rock collecting, reading, cooking and spending time with her family. Gaye was a loving mother and grandmother and will be sadly missed by all.

Gaye is survived by one son, Rodney "Zeke" (Sally) Ogden of Osage; one daughter, Jessica (Larry) Voight of Osage; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Robert Schmidt of Moline, Illinois; and 13 nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Randy Ogden; two brothers, Paul and Frederick Schmidt; one great-grandson, Chayce Duncomb; and one niece, Debra Schmidt.

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

Shirley (Palmer) Duenow

September 15, 2009

Shirley (Palmer) Duenow, 87, of St. Ansgar, died on Friday, September 11, 2009, in Osage, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, September 15, at 10:30 a.m., at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar, with Rev. Byron Northwick officiating. Burial was in the St. Ansgar Cemetery.

Shirley was born on January 24, 1922 in Lyle, Minnesota, to Justus and Theressa (Nelson) Palmer. She was baptized on October 7, 1923 in the Union Presbyterian Church. She attended grade school in Union Township and the St. Ansgar Schools, graduating from High School in 1939. She was later confirmed at the Immanuel Lutheran Church. Shirley married Kenneth Duenow on September 27, 1941, in the Immanuel Lutheran Parsonage by the Rev. Paul Brammer with Gena Palmer and Mrs. Brammer as witnesses. Their daughter, Judith Kay was born on March 21, 1943 and passed away on March 13, 1997.

Shirley was an active member in the Lutheran Women's Missionary League in Immanuel and Trinity, Osage. She spent 11 years with the Mitchell Co. 4-H organization as a leader. She was an active member of the St. Ansgar Garden Club for 45 years and served as a Flower Show Judge for 30 years. Mitchell Co. Fair Superintendent of the Floral Hall was a 30 year activity.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Judith Kay; and two sisters, Charlotte Haack and Peggy Ziebell.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Kenneth of St. Ansgar; three grandchildren, Daniel of Strawberry Point, Laurel Feldt and her husband, Spencer of Osceola, Wisconsin and Kari Low of Cedar Rapids; three great-grandchildren, Gabriel, Jack and Morgan Feldt; one sister, Faye Dow and husband of Torrance, California; and many nieces and nephews.

Arrangements made by the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, Iowa.
© 2009 Mitchell County Press

Ralph P. Mullenbach

September 15, 2009

Ralph Paul Mullenbach, 91, of Stacyville, died on Monday, September 14, 2009, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit of North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, September 17, at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial will be in the Visitation Cemetery, Stacyville. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, from 6-8:00 p.m., at the Visitation Catholic Church.

Ralph was born on May 11, 1918, to Steve and Katie (Huemann) Mullenbach on a farm near Stacyville. He lived in Stacyville most of his life. He served in the United States Army during World War II and was a member of the American Legion Post 569 for 66 years. He married Zola Emerson of Little Cedar on May 19, 1944. They had three children: Verlyn, Curt and Cheryl.

Ralph bought a livestock buying business and International truck from Leon and Ralph Green in 1947. He operated the business until 1985 when his son, Verlyn, took it over. Ralph continued to buy cattle up to a year before his death. He was a fireman and councilman for many years. He drove school bus for the St. Ansgar Community Schools and continued as unofficial "bus driver" for his grandchildren. It was not an unusual sight to see Ralph driving around Stacyville visiting and joking with his friends and acquaintances.

Ralph was a loving and devoted grandfather to Kristie (Jeff), Troy (Tami), Cory, Kelly (Dan) and Danielle. He always kept the candy drawer full and was grateful his grandchildren were thoughtful enough to leave one piece of candy for grandpa. He was a proud great-grandfather to Jake, Bailey, Ty, Zack, Sophia, Brooklyn and Emerson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Irvin, Del, Al and Norbert; sister, Virginia; grandson, Robbie; and granddaughter-in-law, Mandy.

He is survived by his wife, Zola; children, Verlyn (Sue), Curt (Sandy), and Cheryl (Richard Wohlgamuth); his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters, Dorothy (Tom) Mc Carthy and Helen Brown; sisters-in-law, Bertilla, Gladys, Irene and Vivian; and many nieces and nephews.

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

Dolores G. Weinberger

September 18, 2009

Dolores Genevieve Weinberger, passed to her eternal home on Friday, September 18, 2009, at the age of 88, surrounded by her family, at the Faith Home in Osage, after a short battle with cancer.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday, September 22, 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 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.

Dolores was born to Eddie and Genevieve (Byrnes) Rogers on January 14, 1921, on a farm near Osage. Later she was joined by two brothers, Urban and Jim. She attended country school for two years and then moved with her family to Osage where she graduated from high school in 1939. Dolores taught country school from 1939 until 1943 when she married Lawrence Weinberger of Osage. They began their married life on the Weinberger farm west of Osage. This union was blessed with four children, Margaret, Virginia "Ginger", Kenneth and Theresa "Terri".

Dolores had many interests but first and foremost was the time she spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a 4-H Leader, rug hooking teacher and was a member of DAR, Sacred Heart Guild and the Mitchell County Historical Society. She and Lawrence hosted three foreign exchange students. Dolores and Lawrence enjoyed genealogy and took a trip to Germany to become more informed. They played many cards with family and friends and traveled on many bus trips throughout the United States. One of Dolores' many wishes was to visit Ireland which came true in the 1980's. She loved to work in her beautiful flower gardens, both on the farm and when they retired to Osage. After retiring to town, she loved the birds in the yard.

Survivors include her devoted husband of 66 years, Lawrence; children, Margaret Hellman and special friend, George Simpson of Belmond, Virginia (Dick) Meirick of New Haven, Kenneth (Joellyn) Weinberger of Osage and Theresa Beland and special friend, Mike Pitt of Northwood; 13 grandchildren, Mary (Jesse) Gamble, Eddie (Shannon) Hellman, Chris (Kristine) Meirick, Laura (Tony) Wynohrad, Angie (Derrick) Huffman, Beth (Kevin) Mitchell, John Meirick, Cory (Michelle) Weinberger, Alicia (Jason) Trout, Jamie Beland, Jeff (Steph) Beland, Katie (Tom) Koenigs and Sunsett Reynolds; 17 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Urban Rogers of Sante Fe, New Mexico and Jim (Mildred) Rogers of Osage.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a grandson, Aaron Weinberger; and a great-granddaughter, Jasmine Jo Beland.

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

Dorcas Ask

September 21, 2009

Dorcas Ask, age 91, of Osage, passed away on Sunday, September 20, 2009, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, September 26, at the First United Methodist Church in Osage, with Rev. Anna Blaedel officiating. Inurnment will be in the Osage Cemetery. There will be a time for lunch and fellowship following the service at the church.

Dorcas Luella, was born on January 10, 1918 in Charles City, to Frank and Mildred (Carter) Shelledy. She graduated from the Osage High School in 1936. Dorcas married Manvil Ask on June 14, 1940 in Osage. Manvil and Dorcas farmed west of Osage for 43 years and moved to Osage in 2003. Dorcas worked as a cook for the Osage Community Schools and the West End Drive-In.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church for 81 years, enjoying her church circle and those long lasting friendships. Dorcas enjoyed neighborhood coffee parties and dancing. Those that knew Dorcas knew that her family was her world. Dorcas will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Dorcas is survived by her children, Dick (Beth) of Rochester, Minnesota, Don (Judy) of St. Ansgar, LuAnn (Neil) of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Mike (Carol) Ask of Mesa, Arizona, Greg (Kimber) Ask of Longmont, Colorado, Jeremy (Brenda) Ask of Canton, South Dakota and Gina (Eric) Goddard of Osage; step-grandchildren, Lisa Brenno, Shelly (Todd) Pyfferoen and Krista (Mark) Brenno; nine great-grandchildren, Michael, Maddisyn, Tasmyn, Kale, Bodie, Carson, Nathan, Thayer and Autumn; four step-great-grandchildren, Ashley, Allen, Alicia and Trevor; and a brother, Keith (Rosie) Shelledy of Mesa, Arizona.

Dorcas was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Manvil in 2005; a brother, Alvin Shelledy; and a sister, Wilma Herr.

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

Mary C. Ries

September 29, 2009

Mary C. Ries, age 91, of Elma, Iowa, died on Monday, September 21, 2009, at the Colonial Manor in Elma.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, September 25, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, in Elma, with Father Ray Atwood as celebrant. Burial was in the St. Mary's Cemetery at North Washington.

Mary Catherine (Schwickerath) Ries, was born on November 15, 1917, to Lambert and Barbara (Pierre) Schwickerath in North Washington, Iowa. Mary attended the St. Mary's School in North Washington. On November 26, 1940, Mary was united in marriage to Ralph M. Ries at the Immaculate Conception Church in North Washington. To this union eight children were born. Mary and Ralph rented farms for seven years in Chickasaw County and in 1947 they purchased their farm in Howard County, a mile west of Elma. In 1975, they retired and built a new home on the west side of Elma where Mary resided until moving into the Colonial Manor in January of 2007.

She was an active farm girl growing up and farmed side by side with Ralph and their children. In 1978, she became a kitchen employee at Colonial Manor. The residents, staff and visitors fell in love with Mary's cookies and all the many baked goods she made. In 1993, Mary retired again to continue with other hobbies.

Mary enjoyed crocheting, quilting, playing cards, baking and cooking, spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and even a great-great-grandchild. Family was number one to Mary. She was an active member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and a member of a women's club called Friends and Neighbors.

Mary is survived by four sons, John L. (Cathy) Ries of Elma, Ed R. (Jean) Ries of Spring Valley, Minnesota, Mike L. (Janice) Ries of Cresco and Gary L. (Mary Jo) Ries of Elma; two daughters, Elaine (Chuck) Laures of Osage and Marilyn (Gary) Schaudenecker of Alta Vista; 17 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; one brother, Reynold (Corrine) Schwickerath of New Hampton; and one sister-in-law, Margaret Schwickerath of Ionia.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ralph on December 3, 2001; two daughters, Janice and Mary Ann in infancy; two sisters, Josephine Schwickerath and Martha (Vernon) Sinnwell; and four brothers, Walter Schwickerath, Ed Schwickerath, Louis (Orella) Schwickerath and Vincent (Marie) Schwickerath.
© 2009 Mitchell County Press

Phyllis J. Berry

September 29, 2009

Phyllis J. Bettesworth Berry, 75, of Charles City, died on Thursday afternoon, September 24, 2009, at the Cedar Health in Charles City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, September 30, at the Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Charles City. Pastor David Werges will officiate. Burial will be in the Rock Creek Lutheran Cemetery, rural Osage. Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City, from 5-8:00 p.m., on Tuesday. Visitation will continue an hour before the services at the church on Wednesday.

Phyllis Joann Scheidegger, was born on October 4, 1933 in Worth County, the daughter of Chester and Viola (Olson) Scheidegger. She moved with her parents in 1933 to Mitchell County, nine miles west and two and half miles south of Osage. She graduated from the St. Ansgar High School in 1952. Phyllis was baptized and confirmed at the St. John Lutheran Church near her home. In 1953, she married Howard Bettesworth. They lived around Charles City. In 1978, they divorced.

Phyllis worked outside on the farm most of her life while also working in nursing homes. In 1993, she retired from the Faith Nursing Home in Osage. In 1981, Phyllis married Kenneth Berry. She was a member of the Son's of Norway. Her interests included flowers, animals, outdoors and she loved impatiens.

Living family members include her three children, daughter, Victoria Ries of Belvidere, Illinois, Vincent (Ann) Bettesworth of Charles City and Virginia (Dennis) Tynan of Charles City; and six granddaughters, Hope (Tom) Polak of Rockford, Illinois, Stacy, Amy, Kelly Tynan, Morgan and Brandy Bettesworth, all of Charles City.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kenneth; a great-grandson; and a special friend, Lester Selvig.

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

"Jeanne" Dvorak

October 5, 2009

Irma Jean Dvorak, age 83, of Riceville, Iowa, known to all as Jeanne and "Hummy" to a few, died on Tuesday, September 29, 2009, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center, Osage.

A Funeral Mass was held at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Riceville, on Saturday, October 3, at 10:30 a.m., with the Rev. John A. Moser officiating. Burial was in the Calvary Cemetery in Riceville.

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

Dale W. Feldt

October 5, 2009

Osage, Iowa--Dale W. Feldt, age 68, of rural Osage, died on Wednesday, September 30, 2009, at his residence.

Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., on Saturday, October 3, at the St. John's Lutheran Church, Rock Township, rural Grafton, Iowa, with Rev. Wayne Ellingson officiating. Burial was in the St. John's Cemetery.

Dale W. Feldt, was born on July 2, 1941, to Lloyd and Freida (Dieterich) Feldt at Osage, Iowa. He was baptized on July 20, 1941, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar. He was then confirmed at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, on April 14, 1957. He went to rural school in Rock Township, Mitchell County, Iowa and later attended school in St. Ansgar.

Farming was a very big part of his life having farmed the family farm all of his life. He loved and looked forward to his fishing trips to Canada with his brother and nephews. He always looked forward to flying his power parachute.

He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents.

Survivors include his mother, Freida Feldt of Osage; sister, Kathy Tusler and her husband, Scott of Osage; brother, Larry Feldt and his wife, Elaine of Osage; one niece and seven nephews.

Arrangements made by the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar.
© 2009 Mitchell County Press