Richard J. Ginder

December 7, 2010

Richard J. Ginder, age 90, of Stacyville, passed away on Thursday, December 2, 2010, at the Stacyville Community Nursing Home in Stacyville.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, December 6, at the Sacred Heart Oratory in Meyer, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial was in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Meyer, with military honors at the grave by the Stacyville American Legion Post 569. Visitation was from 4-7:00 p.m., on Sunday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage. Visitation continued one hour before the services at the church.

Richard was born west of Osage on November 19, 1920, to Peter and Rose (Hemann) Ginder. His family bought a farm near Meyer and moved there in 1926. He attended the Sacred Heart Church and School in Meyer. Richard served in the Air Corps and was stationed in Europe during World War II. He was in the Battle of the Bulge. On October 16, 1951, he married Marian Srp. Three daughters were born to this union. Marian died on March 6, 1978. Richard married Angela (Mauer) Mayer on September 17, 1986. Marrying Angie, he added four more daughters and two sons to his family. Richard was a life-long farmer in the Meyer area. He was a Wayne Township Trustee for many years. After retirement, he built a new house in Stacyville.

He enjoyed farming, gardening, woodworking projects, playing cards, going for coffee and visiting. He was a member of the American Legion for over 60 years. Richard and Angie moved to the Stacyville Community Nursing Home in the fall of 2009.

Richard is survived by his wife, Angie Ginder of Stacyville; two daughters, Rose Ann (Steve) McCarthy of McIntire and Gladys (David) Kasel of LeRoy, Minnesota; grandchildren, Jason (Elizabeth) Rice of Ostrander, Minnesota, Chad (Sarah) McCarthy of Buffalo, Minnesota, Kristin (Bill) Newton of Little Cedar, Melissa McCarthy of Ames, Emily Kasel of LeRoy, Minnesota and Nicholas Kasel of LeRoy, Minnesota; and five great-grandchildren.

Richard is also survived by step-children, Tom (Beverly) Mayer of St. Ansgar, DeeLyn Mayer of Waterloo, Joyce Welch of New Hampton, Tony (Lori) Mayer of St. Ansgar, Barbara (Gary) Fossey of St. Ansgar and Mary (Paul) Brown of Auburn, Alabama; numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his twin, Roger (Marce) Ginder of Osage, other siblings, Paul Ginder of Madison Lake, Clarence (Ruth) Ginder of Osage, Sister Edna Ginder of Dubuque, Marie (Bob) Donner of Osage and Vernon (Sylvia) Ginder of Austin.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marian; daughter, JoAnn Rice; great-granddaughter, Mallory Rae Newton; and step son-in-law, John Welch.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.

Lucina Julia Blaser

December 7, 2010

Lucina Julia Blaser, age 80, of Osage, passed away on Friday, December 3, 2010, at the Faith Home in Osage.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, December 7, at the Sacred Heart Oratory in Meyer, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Meyer. Visitation was from 4-7:00 p.m., on Monday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with a rosary at 4:30 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour before the services at the church.

Lucina was born Lucina Julia Freund on August 23, 1930 in Johnsburg, Minnesota, to Isidore and Catherine (Klapperich) Freund. She graduated from the Adams High School in 1948. After high school, Lucina worked for the Hormel Estate in Austin, Minnesota. On August 30, 1950, she married Gervis Blaser. They made their home farming for over 50 years, most recently in Meyer, Iowa.

Lucina was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She always put other's needs before her own. She enjoyed music and was a long time member of the Sacred Heart Church Choir. She loved to dance, sew and nurtured a big garden every year and will be remembered for her homemade breads, especially her donuts and kolaches.

Lucina is survived by her husband, Gervis Blaser of Osage; eight children, Glenn (Carla) Blaser of Forest City, Charlotte (Craig) Podein of Spring Valley, Minnesota, Diane (Don) Hofland and Joyce (Jack) Morrow, both of St. Ansgar, Patricia (Matt) Flynn of Stewartville, Minnesota, Julie (Scott) Thurnau of Zumbrota, Minnesota, Mark Blaser of Forest City, Russell Blaser of Mason City; 17 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; nine brothers and sisters, Ardella Dahle of Placerville, California, Lucille (Kenneth) Blaser of Osage, Virginia (Dean) Elliott of Adams, Minnesota, Delphin (Phyllis) Freund of Austin, Minnesota, John (Jean) Freund of Winona, Minnesota, Mary Orth of Backus, Minnesota, Raphael (Ruth) Freund of Adams, Minnesota, Bertilla Noble and Angela Smith, both of Cedar Rapids.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and two sons, Allan and Gary.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.

Margaret Huemann

December 7, 2010

Margaret Huemann, 76, of Stacyville, died on Monday, December 4, 2010, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage, Iowa. She was a lifelong resident of the Stacyville area and resided at the Stacyville Nursing Home for several years prior to her death.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Visitation Catholic Church, at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, December 9, with the Monsignor John Hemann officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday, December 8, from 4-7:00 p.m., at the Visitation Catholic Church, Stacyville, with a Scripture Service at 5:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Thursday for one hour before the mass.

Margaret Frances Faas, was born on September 14, 1934 near Stacyville, Iowa, to Benedict and Mabel (Winer) Faas. Margaret Faas and Larry Huemann were united in marriage on September 15, 1951, at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville.

She was a member of the Christian Mothers Organization and the American Legion Auxiliary. She maintained a strong faith and was always a believer in the power of prayer. Family and friends were the beneficiaries on all matters great and small from eternal peace for loved ones to lost car keys.

Margaret continued to operate Huemann's Carwash & Laundromat in Stacyville following Larry's death.  For many years Larry and Margaret sponsored a local softball team. She was a generous person with a place in her heart to make everyone feel welcome. She took great pride in attaining her GED certificate. She was a loving mother and grandmother and will be greatly missed. She enjoyed corresponding with family and friends.  She loved planning and completing projects with her house and yard. Many memorable family gatherings took place in the Huemann backyard. She enjoyed travel and new experiences and staying abreast of politics.

Margaret now joins her husband, Larry;  parents, Ben and Mabel; brothers, Sylvan, John, Marvin and Robert Faas; and sister, Irene Neis who preceded her in death.

Margaret is survived by eight children, Deb (Larry) Miller of Waterloo, Mark (Deanna) of Stacyville,  Ann Marie (Vernal) Lyle of Austin, Minnesota, Gloria (Tom) Evanoff of Mason City, Sandra (Mike) Kelly of Vinton, Mike (Darlene) of Osage, Paul (Kym) of Mexico, Missouri and Paula (Scott) Thome of Waterloo; her sister, Marlene Mauer of Denver, Iowa; sisters-in-law, Monica Faas and Donna Wagner of Stacyville, Virginia Faas of St. Ansgar and Bernice Hackenmiller of Kasson, Minnesota; brothers-in-law, Bob Mayer and Gene Wagner of Stacyville; fifteen grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and step grandchildren and an abundance of friends, are left to remember her.

The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, is in charge of the arrangements.

Lloyd Schallock

December 7, 2010

Lloyd Emil Henry Schallock, age 85, of rural Osage, died on Sunday, December 5, 2010, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, December 13, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Bruce Kaltwasser officiating. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3-5:00 p.m., on Sunday, December 12, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

Lloyd was born on June 5, 1925 in Rock Township, near Osage, the son of Emil and Martha (Eske) Schallock. He was baptized at the St. John's Lutheran Church, rural Osage. He attended school in Orchard and graduated in 1944. Lloyd was united in marriage to Phyllis Cummings of Osage on September 3, 1949, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Osage. They farmed in the Floyd area until moving to Little Cedar in 1966. They moved to the New Haven area in 1974, where they retired. Lloyd enjoyed fishing, watching basketball and baseball, and spending time with his family.

Lloyd is survived by his wife, Phyllis Schallock of rural Osage; children, Barb (Gene) Murray of Webster City, Charles (Carolyn) Schallock of St. Ansgar, Mike (friend, Donna) Schallock of Decorah, Wayne (Nadine) Schallock of Mason City, Cindy (Ron) Flugge of Osage, Lori (Danny) Novak of Charles City, Colleen (Robert) Martin of Orchard; 21 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; four sisters-in-law, Eleanor Schallock, Mary Schallock, Pat Bublitz and Leona Zacharda.

He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Orville, Lawrence, Laverne, Emil and Clarence Schallock; three sisters, Olga Anderson, Leona Warrington and Elsie Hyland; five brothers-in-law, Joseph Anderson, Leonard Warrington, Stanley Hyland, Robert Bublitz and George Zacharda.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.

Ada Mae Hennigar

December 8, 2010

Ada Mae Hennigar, age 81, of Osage, died on Tuesday, December 7, 2010, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, December 11, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Visitation will be from 5-8:00 p.m., on Friday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with a scripture wake service at 8:00 p.m. Following services on Saturday, cremation will take place. Inurnment will be in the Rockwell City Cemetery, Rockwell, Iowa, at a later date.

Ada was born on September 22, 1929 at Rockwell, Iowa, the daughter of Clifford and Alice (Gallinger) Hennigar. She was raised and educated in Rockwell. On June 18, 1949, she married William "Bill" Bielefeld in Rockwell. To this union, six children were born. They farmed in the Dougherty and Rockwell areas and moved to Mason City in 1969. Ada became a securities broker and was employed at A.C. Nielsen. She later moved to Osage to be near family. Although Ada and Bill divorced, they remained friends and enjoyed their family together.

She enjoyed gardening, crafts, reading, crossword, number and word puzzles. Ada also enjoyed sports, especially the Atlanta Braves.

Ada is survived by her children, Margie (Glen) Hughes of Dixon, Illinois, Kathy (John) McLaughlin of Mason City, Teri (Ollie) Jeffries of Osage, Jane (Ken "Orville") Henderson of Floyd, William (Dewita) Bielefeld of Lindstrom, Minnesota, Marc Bielefeld of Osage; 26 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Layton Hennigar of Yakima, Washington and Jim (Mona) Hennigar of Fort Madison; one sister, Mary Smith of Anaheim, California; and one step-sister, Janet McCallister of California.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her step-mother, Winnifred Hennigar; by William "Bill" Bielefeld; one grandson, Daniel Tefft; two brothers, Don and Calvin Crass; and two step-sisters, Kay Austin and Jean Pierce.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.

Annette June Marshall

December 9, 2010

Annette June Marshall, age 86, formerly of Osage, died on Wednesday, December 8, 2010, at the Rose Haven Nursing Home in Marengo, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Saturday, December 11, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 1:30 p.m., before the services at the church on Saturday.

Annette was born on June 19, 1924 in Osage, Iowa, the daughter of Eric Robert and Cora (Hanson) Bloomquist. She graduated from the Osage High School in 1941 and attended Hamilton Business College in Mason City. She was united in marriage to Keith Marshall on May 19, 1946 in Osage. They lived in Osage where they raised their family. In 1978, Annette and Keith moved to Tucson, Arizona and in 1982, returned to Iowa to live in West Des Moines. Annette later returned to Osage. For the past year, she has lived at the Rose Haven Nursing Home in Marengo. 

Annette was active in her church, Girl Scouts, Sons of Norway and the Blinded Veteran's Association. Annette greatly enjoyed music and gave piano lessons in their home. She was very proud of her Scandinavian heritage and enjoyed traveling to Norway and Sweden.

Annette is survived by four daughters, Sheila (Jerome) Fawcett of Williamsburg, Kay (David) Tetrault of Tucson, Arizona, Jane Marshall of North Liberty and Wendy (Jim) Paulson of Boone; ten grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.                                                    

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Keith Marshall in 2003; and a sister, Geraldine Cockrum.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.

George Dean Betts

December 13, 2010

George Dean Betts, age 79, of Osage, died on Saturday, December 11, 2010, at the Faith Home in Osage.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, December 15, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-8:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

George was born on September, 17, 1931 in McIntire, Iowa, the son of Stoddard and Winifred (Eastman) Betts. He was raised by his grandparents, Derwood and Frances Eastman. They moved to Osage in 1939. He attended Osage Schools. George served with the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. On May 1, 1958, he married Mildred Ann Jasper in Osage. To this union, five children were born.

George is survived by his wife, Mildred of Osage; his children, Carol (Robert) Mack of Osage, Dean (Charlene) Betts of Osage, Mary (Randy) Ervin of Newton, Mike (Darcy) Betts of Osage and Paul Betts of Osage; his grandchildren, Michael, Mitchell, Matthew and Marshall Mack, Stephanie (Nick) Kloberdanz, Lindsey (Keith) Dyball, Jennifer and Mandy Olson, Jacob and Miranda Ervin, Chelsea (Brandon) Dunkerson, Tina and Nicole Betts; his great-grandchildren, Cully Driscoll, John Kloberdanz, Emma Dyball, Drew Shimek, and Hayden Dunkerson; and a half-sister, Mary Ann Vote of Riceville.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents; his granddaughter, Melissa Mack; sisters, Orla Mae Potter and June Murphy; brother, Phillip Betts; and an infant brother, Niles Betts.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Virginia B. (Callaway) Lenahan

December 21, 2010

Virginia B. (Callaway) Lenahan, age 90, of Howell, formerly of Osage, Iowa and Cleveland, Ohio, passed away on Saturday, December 11, 2010.

She was born February 9, 1920 in Osage, Iowa, the daughter of William L. and Virginia B. (Higgins) Callaway. Virginia was a retired registered nurse with a master's degree and a former member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society.

Survived by her sons, J. Michael (Judge Carol Sue Reader) Lenahan of Howell and Patrick W. (Geri) Lenahan of Plano, Texas; three grandchildren, Brigid K. Hirth of Elkridge, Maryland, Sean M. Lenahan of Missoula, Montana and Ryan of Plano, Texas; and three great-grandchildren, Katelyn, Connor and Broghan.

Former wife of the late Dr. John P. Lenahan. Cremation has taken place. Memorial contributions are suggested to your local ALANO Club (AA). Arrangements by MacDonald's Funeral Home - Howell, Michigan.

Priscilla McKinley

December 21, 2010

Priscilla McKinley, of Iowa City and formerly of St. Ansgar, died on Sunday, December 12, 2010, at her home in Iowa City.

Priscilla Leigh McKinley, was born on August 10, 1961 in Osage, Iowa, the youngest child of the late Philip and Phyllis McKinley. She grew up in St. Ansgar, graduating from the St. Ansgar High School in 1979. Despite losing her eyesight at age 22 due to complications of diabetes, and suffering serious health problems for many years, Priscilla lived an exceptionally full life and was an inspiration to many others as a successful, confident and competent blind person. She earned her B.A. Degree in English at the University of Iowa in 1993, followed by a Master of Fine Arts Degree with honors in Nonfiction Writing in 1998, and her Ph.D. Degree in Language, Literacy and Culture in 2006. Her doctoral dissertation, Literacy in the Lives of the Blind, investigated how literacy practices of the blind have been influenced by technology and sponsors of literacy, including parents, teachers, and rehabilitation professionals. As a strong advocate for making computing technology more accessible and of exploiting that technology to improve the lives of vision-impaired people, Priscilla's pioneering approaches gained the attention of the popular press, and she was featured in an article in the New York Times and on the CBS Evening News.

Priscilla won numerous scholarships and awards, including a 1996 National Federation of the Blind Scholarship and a 1998 NFB TenBroeck Fellowship. As a graduate student and instructor at the University of Iowa, Priscilla taught many writing courses and was an engaging and beloved teacher. In 2000, based on nominations by her current and former students, she was named Blind Educator of the Year by the National Federation of the Blind.

A prolific writer, Priscilla had numerous works published in technical journals, literary magazines and books. She was a seemingly tireless organizer and served in many positions, including vice president of the National Organization of Blind Educators, as a member of the Board of Directors of the NFB of Iowa, and as a mentor to many individuals who had recently lost their vision. She was serving as president of the Old Capitol Chapter of the NFB at the time of her death.

Through her stubborn refusal to give in to the complications of diabetes, she defied the odds so many times that those close to her began to feel she was invincible. Known for her independent spirit, feisty character, and perseverance, Priscilla was able to find humor in the most dire situations, even if it meant laughing at herself. In spite of many health setbacks, she was able to go on and reach outstanding personal achievements and touch the lives of many individuals outside her circle of family and friends. Priscilla was a loving and devoted mother, a beloved sister and aunt, and a cherished friend. She will be missed by all.

Priscilla is survived by her son, Jonathan Whalen of Vienna, Virginia; her companion, C. Thomas Foster of Iowa City; two sisters, Ann Randall of Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Jane McKinley of Hopewell, New Jersey; two brothers, William McKinley of Madison, Wisconsin and Philip McKinley of Okemos, Michigan; nine nieces and nephews; her sweet dog, Bella, and many relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Marcia McKinley.

A private burial will be held in the St. Ansgar City Cemetery. On Tuesday, December 28, at 2:00 p.m., friends are invited to gather to offer their condolences to the family at the United Methodist Fellowship Hall, St. Ansgar, Iowa. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, December 29, at 11:00 a.m., at the Iowa Memorial Union on North Madison Street in Iowa City. Arrangements have been made through the Lensing Funeral Service in Iowa City.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be made to the National Federation of the Blind of Iowa, Des Moines, Iowa.

Steven B. Martin, Sr.

December 21, 2010

Steven B. Martin, Sr., 59, of Orchard, died on Wednesday afternoon, December 15, 2010, at the Mercy Medical Center in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City. Pastor Paul Phillips of the Gospel Lighthouse Church will officiate. Burial will be in the Sunnyside Memory Gardens, rural Charles City. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City.

Steven Bruce Martin, Sr., was born on August 21, 1951 in Charles City, the son of Dean and Elsie (Allen) Martin. He attended the Charles City High School. On August 21, 1970, he was united in marriage to Theresa Nicholson in Orchard. Steven was employed as a truck driver for over 20 years. His interests included repairing cars, collecting eagles and riding motorcycles.

Living family members include his wife, Theresa Martin of Orchard; four children, Angela (Steve) Bartholmey of Orchard, Stephanie Martin, Steven Martin, Jr. and Paul Martin, all of Ft. Smith, Arkansas; seven grandchildren; two great grandchildren; mother, Elsie Martin of Charles City; brother, William Martin of Memphis, Tennessee; sister, Kathleen Simpson of Lake Mills; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents; father; grandson, Cody Martin; sister, Norma Hutchison; and a niece Shelly Marie Hutchison.

The Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City, is in charge of the arrangements.

Jana Kolbach Walsh

December 21, 2010

Jana Kolbach Walsh, age 46, of Osage, died on Thursday, December 16, 2010, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center Hospice Unit in Osage.

According to Jana's wishes, cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Walsh Children's Education Fund.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 p.m., on Sunday, December 19, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Dennis Hanson and Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Following services on Sunday, there will be a luncheon and a time to share memories at the CRC Events Center at the Mitchell County Fairgrounds in Osage.

Jana was born on November 6, 1964 in Mason City, Iowa, the daughter of Robert and Marilyn (Kitchen) Kolbach. She attended elementary school in Mason City and graduated from the Nora Springs-Rock Falls High School in 1983. Jana attended NIACC and Hamilton Business College. She married Mike Janssen on September 5, 1987, at the Lutheran church in Northwood. After Mike's death in 1989, Jana proceeded on with her life. On March 28, 1992, she married David Lee Walsh at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage. Jana was employed by the Osage Community Schools for the past 15 years.

She was a foster mother, a mentor, and a hospice volunteer. Jana was a member of the Our Savior's Lutheran Church. She enjoyed the outdoors, animals, motorcycle riding, kids and traveling. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family.

Jana is survived by her husband, Dave Walsh; and her children, Caden and Jadee Mae of Osage; her mother, Marilyn Kolbach Garl of Mason City; brothers and sisters, Steve (Mary) Kolbach of Denver, Colorado, Marc (Steve) Knebel of Iowa City, Karen Kolbach (Jim) Davis of Tacoma, Washington, Chris (Sam) Stoltenberg of Mason City, Barb (Tony) Nomina of Loveland, Colorado; sister-in-law, Jean Sheeley (the late Rob Kolbach) of Iowa City; mother-in-law, Linda Janssen of Osage; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Chuck Walsh of Osage, Cindy (Mark) Schallock of Chanhassen, Minnesota, Peg (Doug) Ledel of Savage, Minnesota, Don (Carol) Walsh of Cedar Falls; several awesome nieces and nephews; three great-nephews; and one great-niece.

She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Kolbach; her brother, Rob Kolbach; her first husband, Mike Janssen; her father-in-law, Don Janssen; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ivan and Vera Walsh; her step-father, Lawrence "Butch" Garl; and her friends, Becki Small and Monica Anderson.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Mickey (Milda) M. Kofoot

December 21, 2010

Mickey (Milda) M. Kofoot, 82, of St. Angar, formerly Mickey Hook died on Friday, December 17, 2010, of complications suffered from an auto accident on November 24, 2010, at the Mercy Medical Center, North Iowa, Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, December 21, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar, with Rev. Dr. Byron Northwick officiating. Burial will be in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, St. Ansgar. Visitation will be held on Monday, from 5-8:00 p.m., at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar.

Mickey was born on June 22, 1928 in Hollan, Iowa, to Harm and Anna (Nefke) Meyer, one of seven children. She graduated from the Lake Park High School in 1946. She then attended St. Luke's Nursing School in Cedar Rapids, where she later met her first husband, Kenneth C. Hook. They were married on July 15, 1950 in Round Lake, Minnesota. They made their home in Cedar Rapids, until 1965 when they moved to Guttenburg. They moved to Osage in 1966 and then to St. Ansgar, in 1970, where she has resided since. Kenneth died in 1990 and she was married to Marvin Kofoot of St. Ansgar until his death on November 24, 2010.

Mickey was a library clerk and homemaker. She was an active member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar and in Rachel Circle. Mickey enjoyed spending time with family and friends, growing flowers, and garden club, quilting, taking evening walks and traveling with her husband, Marvin and working at the library.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harm and Anna Meyer; husband, Kenneth C. Hook and husband, Marvin Kofoot; brothers, James and Wayne Meyer; and sisters, Dorlene Stricker and Joyce Meyer.

Mickey is survived by six children, Steven (Darcy) Hook of Kensett and their children, Michael, Scott, Jeff, Tammy, Stephanie and Sean, Dennis (Lucy) Hook of Mason City and their children, Adam and Kevin; Kathie (Richard) Peterson of Chicago, Illinois, Sheila (Jerry) Brown of St. Ansgar and their children, Sarah, Waylon and Clint; Wendy (Ronald) Heuton of St. Ansgar and their children, Johnnie, Desiree and Jason; Brian (Shelly) Hook of Denver, Colorado and their children, Amilea and Colton; Stepchildren, Larry, Dean, Allen, Vicki and Debra; sister, Lulu Settle of Rixeville, Virginia; brother, Vern Meyer of Worthington, Minnesota; and thirteen great-grandchildren.

The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, is in charge of the arrangements.

Elleanora Rex

December 21, 2010

Elleanora Rex, age 92, of Osage, died on Saturday, December 18, 2010, at her home in Osage. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, December 22, at the First Baptist Church in Osage. The celebrants will be family members. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, at the church. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery.

Elleanora Rex, was born to David and Laura (Critcher) Richman on January 9, 1918 near Hartville, Missouri. She attended schools in Missouri, St. Ansgar, Osage and Rudd, Iowa. She married Delber Loudermilk on July 21, 1934. Delber passed away on February 16, 1963. On January 1, 1965, she married Edwin Rex and he passed away in December of 2008. Elleanora enjoyed her family, painting and gardening. She was very active in church and community activities.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Della (Gene) Cordle of Osage, Clarissa (Harley) Johnson of Osage, Frances Johnson of Osage, Roland (Margit) Loudermilk of North Hollywood, California, Thelma (Larry) Scharper of Osage and Paul Loudermilk of Shreveport, Louisiana; 20 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Delber Loudermilk; second husband, Edwin Rex; special friend, Nolan Townsend; brothers, Charles Reed, Lloyd Richman and Ray Richman; granddaughter, Janine Johnson; great-grandson, Matthew Milbrandt; sons-in-law, Merwin "Irish" Comisky and Kenneth Johnson.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.

Leone Burkhardt

January 4, 2011

Leone Burkhardt, 100, of Charles City, died on Friday, December 24, 2010, at the 9th Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City.

A Funeral Mass was held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Monsignor Stanley Hayek will celebrate the Mass. Burial was in the Calvary Cemetery at Charles City.

Mary Leone Hagarty Burkhardt, was born on April 27, 1910 in Butler County, the daughter of Thomas and Edna (Addison) Hagarty. She graduated from the Sacred Heart Academy in Greene. On January 28, 1936, she was united in marriage to Edward Burkhardt at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Charles City. They farmed all their lives.

She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Saint Catherine's Circle, Sacred Heart Guild, Rosary Society and ACCW. Leone enjoyed cooking, sewing, quilting, knitting, vegetable and flower gardening, painting and making rosaries.

Living family members include her husband, Edward Burkhardt of Charles City; three children, Mary Jo (John) Hartogh of Elma, Stephen (Carolyn) Burkhardt of Osage and Linda (Jim) Lawless of Charles City; 10 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Eileen Burkhardt of Charles City and Kathleen Starbuck of Waterloo.

She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, James, Burr, Louis and Leland Hagarty; and five sisters, Esther Smith, Agnes Harrington, Ruth Huffman, Ardith Ochs and Rita Rivers.

The Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City, was in charge of the arrangements.

Gerald E. Ramker

January 4, 2011

Gerald E. Ramker, 88, of Mason City, died on Friday, December 31, 2010, at his residence.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, January 5, at the St. Joseph's Catholic Church, with Rev. Craig E. Steimel officiating. Visitation will be held from 4-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, January 4, at the Major Erickson Funeral Home, with a Rosary Service at 6:00 p.m. Interment will be held in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Greene, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to the Gerald E. Ramker memorial fund in care of the family.

Gerald Eugene Ramker, was born to Louis and Zula (Brown) Ramker on October 21, 1922 in a rural Greene, Iowa, farmhouse. He was raised on the family "Ramker Dairy" farm. He attended St. Mary's Academy until transferring to the Greene High School to play football his senior year. He married Mary Jean Meek on November 4, 1942. Their pride and joy was their family. Their five children, Keith, Margery, Thomas, Linda and Duane, all grew up on the farm East of Rudd.

They enjoyed family visits, special events, dancing to the "big bands", playing cards and most of all attending their children's activities.

On December 6, 1996, he married Norma Foote from Mason City. He shared his life with her until the time of his death. They enjoyed entertaining each other's families, wintering in Texas, attending auctions, fishing and playing cards with everyone and anyone who was ready for a game. He was an active 4-H member growing up and then with his children. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and St Joseph's Catholic Church. He attended Boys State in 1938. He was named Floyd County "Master Corn Producer" in 1959 and Floyd County Master Pork Producer.

Gerald is survived by his wife, Norma Ramker; his children, Keith Ramker and his wife, Judy of Leesburg, Florida, Margery Wasicek and her husband, Dennis of Mason City, Thomas Ramker and his wife, Diane of Greene, Linda Posenkany of Sheffield and Duane Ramker and his wife, Beverly of Osage; grandchildren, Heather (Peter) Ekstrom, Shannon (Tom) Meister, Chris (Curt) Wasicek, Kathy (Jeff) Brandow, Matt (Andrea) Ramker, Jeana (Gary) Nichols, Joy (Darin) Schrader, Kari (Herb) Munch, Mindy (Jade) Pecha, Janet (Lynn) Rinken, Melinda (Brett) Darrow, Jared Ramker, Daniel Ramker; 23 great-grandchildren; in-law, Muriel Heller and special friend, Gordon Ganske; 2 brothers-in-law, Keith (Sally) Strom and Tom Heller; step-children, Jeannine (Monty) Perry of Huntsville, Texas, Darwin (Gitte) Foote of Tracy, California, Jon (Ana) Foote of Mesa, Arizona, Jennifer (Tom) Shide of Urbandale and Fred (Sandra) Foote of Scotts Valley, California; and step-grandfather of 13.

Gerald was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Mary Jean Ramker; his parents; son-in-law, Gary Posenkany; grandson, David Wasicek; sister, Deon (Art) Herman; and several brothers and sisters-in-law.

Arrangements are with the Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory, Mason City, Iowa.