Shelley Fox

May 3, 2011

Shelley Fox, age 58, of Cresco and formerly of New Haven, died on Monday, May 2, 2011, at the Gunderson Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse, Wisconsin, of complications from a brain aneurysm. 

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Friday, May 6, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with Rev. John Moser officiating. There will be a gathering of family and friends from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., on Friday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home.

Shelley Fox was born on January 10, 1953 in Osage, Iowa, the daughter of Verne and Catherine (Palmer) Kempf. She enjoyed gardening, knitting and woodworking.

Shelley is survived by four sons, Chet Fox and daughters, Allison, Kaylie and Hannah of Greene, Andy Fox and children, Katerina and Christopher of Ionia, Ben Fox of Lima, Peru, Justin Fox and daughter, Jaycee of Osage; her mother, Catherine of Charles City; and nine brothers and sisters.

She was preceded in death by her father; a brother; and a daughter-in-law.

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

Geraldine Fox

May 3, 2011

Geraldine Fox, age 93, of Riceville, passed away at the Riceville Family Care & Therapy Center, on Monday, May 2, 2011.

Funeral services will be held at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Riceville, on Friday, May 6, at 10:30 a.m., with the Monsignor John Hemann officiating. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery in Riceville. Friends may call on Thursday, May 5, at the Lindstrom Funeral Home during the hours of 4-7:00 p.m. There will be a rosary at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday.

Geraldine Fox was born on February 14, 1918, on a farm near New Haven, Iowa, to Herman and Winnie (Toelle) Jahnel. She graduated from the St. Mary's Academy in 1936. She lived her entire life in the New Haven and Riceville area. She was united in marriage to Ralph Fox on December 27, 1943 in New Haven, Iowa and to this union seven children were born.

Geraldine is survived by her children, Carol (Steve) Jennison of Littleton, Colorado, Mike (Marjorie) Fox of Riceville, Gary (Arlene) Fox of Rochester, Minnesota, Jane (Tracy) Messer of Chanhassen, Minnesota, Susan (Shawn) Yavari of Oak Park, California and Sara (Terry) Byrnes of Riceville; fifteen grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death was her husband, Ralph in 1998; her son, Jack in 1995; and two brothers, Bob and Jim Jahnel.

Anita Joan Rustad

May 10, 2011

Anita Joan Rustad, 79, of St. Ansgar, died on Tuesday, May 3, 2011, at the Good Samaritan Center in St. Ansgar.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, May 7, at the First Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, with the Rev. Robert Porisch officiating and burial in the First Lutheran Cemetery followed the service.

Anita was born on February 17, 1932, to Clifford and Marie (Mehus) Thorson. Anita spent her entire life in the St. Ansgar area, graduating from the St. Ansgar High School in 1950. Anita married her high school sweetheart, Robert Rustad, on October 21, 1951. This October would have been their 60th anniversary. To this union, six children were born. A busy mother and farm wife, she devoted her life to raising her children and helping on the farm. When her own children were grown, Anita became a day care provider for many of the area youth.

A life long member of the First Lutheran Church, where she was baptized, confirmed and married. She enjoyed singing in the choir, quilting, doing crafts and playing cards. One of her greatest joys was watching her children and grandchildren participate in their numerous activities. Anita rarely missed a school concert or sporting event from the 1970's until just before her death.

In 1996, Anita suffered from a renal disease, which left her requiring life-long dialysis. She was a fighter, spending fourteen and a half years on dialysis, the longest for any patient of the Mason City Mercy Dialysis Center.

Left to cherish her memory include her husband, Robert; her children, Deb and her husband, Dan Freeman of St. Ansgar, Dennis and his wife, Michelle of Des Moines, Duane and his wife, Patti of Grafton, Dave and his wife, Cindy of St. Ansgar and Deanna Rustad of Waterloo; grandchildren, Jon (Tracy) Heimer, Joe (Sam), Danielle and Rachel Freeman; Bayley, Violet and Opal Rustad; Aaron, Megan, Taylor and Klay Rustad; Jamie Rustad, Mandi (Casey) Graham and Tyce Rustad; great-grandchildren, Shelby, Zach and Ashley Heimer and Drew Freeman; step-grandchildren, Jeff (Bobbi), James Freeman and Jennifer (Kevin) Tucke; step-great-grandchildren, Nicholas and Jessie Jo Freeman and Coryssa, Makaya and Brayden Tucke; sisters, Delores Feldt and Arlene (Rudy) Tesch; sister-in-law, Cleo (Ray) Kolpin; and 3 nieces and 3 nephews.

Anita was preceded in death by her parents; mother and father in-law; and infant daughter, Gloria.

Memorials may be given to the First Lutheran Church Building Fund or to the St. Ansgar Booster Club.

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

Merle Kessler

May 10, 2011

Merle Lester Kessler, age 87, of Osage, died on Tuesday, May 3, 2011, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

Private graveside services will be held in the Riverside Cemetery in Riceville. The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Merle was born on December 20, 1923 at Belmond, the son of Theodore and Alice (Saatof) Kessler. Most of his youth was spent on a farm south of Clear Lake near Thornton, with the family later moving to a farm south of Saratoga. He was educated in country schools. Merle married Hazel Irene Wesp on June 21, 1948, in New Hampton. Two daughters were born to this union, Linda Lou Kessler and Cathy Ann Kessler. They lived in Riceville for over 50 years. Merle worked for the CO-OP Oil, Dale's TV and Larry's TV. They moved to Osage in 2001.

Merle was an accomplished musician, having started playing the guitar and singing at age 16. Cousin Merle and the Maple Leaf Cowboys played at many dances and area events. He made a commercial and recorded numerous records between 1967 and 1980 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Merle is survived by his wife, Hazel Kessler of Osage; a sister, Sylvia Voyna living in Arkansas; two brothers, Leonard of Lime Springs and Ervin of Riceville; and a sister-in-law, Viola Kessler of Meservey.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter, Cathy Ann; his daughter, Linda Lou in 2004; and nine sisters and brothers.

Edith May Johnson

May 10, 2011

Edith May (Farmer) Johnson, 91, passed away surrounded by her family members on Wednesday, May 4, 2011, at the Silvercrest at Deer Creek in Overland Park, Kansas.

A Celebration of Life will be held in July 2011, at the First United Methodist Church in Osage. A private burial will occur in the Osage Cemetery.

Edith May Farmer, was born on January 7, 1920 in Fairfield, Iowa, to Samuel and Mertie (Sears) Farmer. She grew up on the family farm and attended elementary school in a one room schoolhouse. In 1937, she graduated from the Fairfield High School and attended Parsons College for two years. She then went to Iowa State College in Ames, Iowa and graduated in 1942. Following college she moved to Osage, to become the Mitchell County Extension Home Economist. On November 19, 1944, May married James Claire Johnson at the Congregational Church in Osage. They farmed in Union Township for 28 years.

They were both members of the Union Presbyterian Church and subsequently the United Methodist Churches in St. Ansgar and Osage where she was UMW President. Claire's Norwegian heritage was celebrated through their involvement in the Sons of Norway and she served as president of the local chapter. Claire preceded her in death in October 2001.

May was asked to return to the position of Iowa State University Extension Home Economist and later became the Extension 4-H and Youth Agent for Mitchell and Floyd Counties retiring in 1980. Her professional recognitions include Honorary 4-H Club Member 20 years service, Citation for Distinguished Service to 4-H on the behalf of the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents 1975, The R. K. Bliss Extension Citation in recognition of outstanding educational leadership in Extension 4-H and Youth Programs 1976 and induction into the Centennial Class Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame for Outstanding Service and Dedication to 4-H in 2002.

May Johnson was a talented seamstress, needle worker, and cook. She made her own and her young children's clothing plus curtains and draperies and was known for her yeast breads and pies. In retirement she completed several hand stitched quilts and made counted cross stitch and hardanger items which are proudly displayed in her children's homes. Gardening and playing golf were outdoor activities she enjoyed. She was an avid reader and enjoyed her membership in the Shakespearean Study Club.

Survivors include four children, Pamela (Herbert) Haack of Rochester, Minnesota, Mary Lynn Johnson (Denise Robertson) of Spokane, Washington, Lee (Janelle) Johnson of Overland Park, Kansas and Lu Johnson of Apple Valley, Minnesota; five grandchildren, Natalie Haack of San Diego, California, Leah (John) Deane of Goodyear, Arizona, Renee Johnson of Alpharetta, Georgia, Adam Johnson of New Orleans, Louisiana and Todd Johnson of La Jolla, California; two step-great-grandchildren, Samantha and Andrew Deane; her sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Harry Fay of Glen Ellyn, Illinois; sister-in-law, Helen Johnson of Osage; and four nieces and one nephew.

Memorial contributions to the Mitchell County 4-H Foundation or the First United Methodist Church of Osage.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared with the family at www.CremationCenterKC.com

Kathryn Diane Lucero

May 10, 2011

Kathryn Diane Lucero, passed away on Thursday, May 5, 2011, surrounded by her loving family. 

Services were held on Monday, May 9, at the Faith Lutheran Church, Albuquerque, with visitation at 9:00 a.m., followed by the memorial service at 10:00 a.m.

Kathryn was born in Osage, Iowa, on December 20, 1956. Kathryn was preceded in death by her father, Albert G. Dunkelberg and her mother-in-law, Genevieve Lucero.

She is survived by her husband of 25 years Rudohph A. Lucero, daughter Elizabeth, and son Michael. Her dear mother Leone K. Dunkelberg, brother Kermit, wife Kim and daughter Zoe, brother Kendall, wife Kim and son Ardan. Father-in-law Rudy Lucero Sr.; In laws Myra, Andy and family; Michelle, Clint and family; and Dennis.

Kathryn's care has been entrusted to the Daniels Family Funeral Services, 7601 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The Parker Mortuary and Crematory of Joplin, Missouri, was in charge of the arrangements.

Irene Hanke

May 10, 2011

Irene Hanke, age 86, of Osage, died on Saturday, May 7, 2011, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, May 11, at the Sacred Heart Oratory in Meyer, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Meyer.

Irene was born on January 9, 1925 at Mona, Iowa, the daughter of Walter and Frances (Paulus) Perzynski. Irene graduated from the Little Cedar High School in 1944, she then attended the Frances Nystrom Beauty School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Irene was united in marriage to John Hanke on June 11, 1949, at the Sacred Heart Church in Osage. They farmed in the Stacyville - Meyer area. John died in 1989 and then Irene moved to Osage in 1993.

She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Christian Mother's Society in Meyer. Irene enjoyed gardening, flowers, sewing, antiquing, cooking and especially spending time with her family.

Irene is survived by her children, Richard (Joyce) Hanke of Lakeville, Minnesota, Robert (Rita) Hanke of Little Cedar, Janet (Calvin) Niess of Little Cedar, Randy (Mary) Hanke of Stacyville, Patricia (Patrick) Durkin of Shakopee, Minnesota and MaryAnn (Harold) Berg of Ahsahka, Idaho; 17 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John; her son, Ronald in 1966; an infant son, Howard; two sisters, Jeanette Johnson and Lydia Penney; and two brothers, Edward and Theodore Perzynski.

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

David Butner

May 17, 2011

Dave Butner, age 37, of Charles City and formerly of Osage, died on Friday, May 13, 2011, at his home. 

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Thursday, May 19, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home. Following the funeral service, cremation will take place. Inurnment will be in the Osage Cemetery.

Dave was born on July 18, 1973 in Omaha, Nebraska, to Lloyd and Kathlene (Meyers) Butner. He spent his youth growing up in Lockridge, Olds, and Osage, Iowa. He was united in marriage to Shelly Winterink on March 25, 1995, in Osage. To this union, two children were born, Christopher and Michaela. They were later divorced. Dave later became a father to Jillian and Shelby through other relationships.

He loved fishing with his children, spending time outdoors, bicycling with his brother-in-law, Joe, and spending time with his friends. He also enjoyed listening to music and was an avid fan of the Fighting Irish.

Dave is survived by three daughters, Michaela Butner of Charles City, Jillian Butner of Osage and Shelby Yanzer of Osage; one son, Christopher Butner of Charles City; his mother, Kathy Butner (Robert)Wogstad of May City; his sister, Lorrinda (Joe) Kisley of Osage; the children that Dave thought of as his own, Lilly, Olivia and Elizabeth Lickteig; and numerous aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lloyd Butner; paternal grandmother, Norma Jean Butner; maternal grandmother, Lillian Hooten; and maternal grandfather, Edward O'Brian.

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

Nicholas Duryee

May 24, 2011

Nicholas Bradley Duryee, age 27, of Little Cedar, died on Tuesday, May 17, 2011, at the St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, from a sudden illness.

Graveside inurnment services were held at 2:00 p.m., on Friday, May 20, at the Liberty Cemetery in Little Cedar, Iowa, with Pastor Gary Gilbert officiating.

Nick was born on July 15, 1983. He was the son of Leslie Duryee of Little Cedar, Bruce Abben of Mason City and his step-father, Lonnie Conrad. Nick thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his uncles, aunts, cousins, friends and especially his mom. He enjoyed fishing, campfires, playing video games, lounging in the swimming pool and being with family and friends. Nick will be greatly missed by everyone.

He is survived by his mother, Leslie Duryee; his sister, Natasha Duryee; his father, Bruce Abben; and his step-father, Lonnie Conrad.

Survivors also include his sister, Ashley Abben; his brothers, Adam and Travis Abben; his grandparents, Marian and Wayne Duryee and Bud and Dixie Abben; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews; and his little dog, James.

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

James C. Champion

May 24, 2011

James C. Champion, age 77, of Osage, died on Sunday, May 22, 2011, at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Osage.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, May 25, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Inurnment will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, with a flag presentation by the Osage American Legion Post 278. There was a gathering of family and friends on Tuesday night at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

Jim was born on September 23, 1933 in Osage, the son of Maurice K. and Maurine E. (Mayer) Champion. He graduated from the Osage Community High School in 1951 and attended St. Ambrose College, Arizona State University and the University of Northern Iowa. Jim served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. He married Judy Dunkelberg in 1965 in Tempe, Arizona. Jim was an owner of the Champion Furniture Store in Osage.

He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Osage American Legion, and the Osage Chamber of Commerce. Jim enjoyed World War II history, philosophy, crossword puzzles, talk radio and current events. For many years, he sponsored a child through the Pearl Buck Charities. Jim was a Minnesota Twins fan and enjoyed Iowa and Iowa State athletics. He doted on his dogs, Larry and Toby.

Jim is survived by his wife, Judy Champion of Osage; his son, David Champion of St. Petersburg, Florida; his brother, Craig (Connie) Champion and family of Iowa City; a sister-in-law, Sue (Gary) Schulz and family of Melrose; a brother-in-law, Jim Dunkelberg and family of Osage; and the families of Jim's 15 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father in 1989; and his mother in 1990.

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

Marilyn E. Helfter

May 24, 2011

Marilyn Elizabeth Helfter, age 83, of New Haven, died on Sunday, May 22, 2011, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center Emergency Room in Osage. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, May 26, at the St. Peter's Catholic Church in New Haven, with Rev. Ray E. Atwood officiating. Burial will be in the St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery in New Haven. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with a rosary at 5:30 p.m.

Marilyn was born on October 2, 1927 in Austin, Minnesota, the daughter of Loren and Frances (Kortuem) Reed. She graduated from the St. Augustine Catholic High School in Austin in 1945. On April 7, 1947, she married Donald J. Helfter at the St. Augustine Catholic Church in Austin. Marilyn was a farm wife and a homemaker.

She was a member of the St. Peter's Catholic Church in New Haven and was a member of the Ladies Altar Society. Marilyn enjoyed reading, Scrabble, puzzle books, gardening, cooking, baking and spending time with her family.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, Donald J. Helfter of New Haven; her children, Michael (Eileen) Helfter of Jasper, Indiana, Frank (Joann) Helfter of Osage, Theresa (Dale) Newton of Stacyville, Ellen (Mark) Vogel of Scottsdale, Arizona, Henry Helfter of Hollandale, Minnesota, Mary Helfter and husband, Bill Thompson of Primghar, Rebecca Helfter of Wilmington, Delaware and Anthony (Kristy) Helfter of New Haven; grandchildren, Todd and Ryan Helfter, Kayla Williams, Christopher Helfter, Nick Newton, Allison Schroeder, Diana Newton, Dana and Scott Vogel, Adam, Kiel and Ellen Helfter; seven great-grandchildren; a sister, Sharon Miller and two brothers, Richard (Char) Reed and Clifton (Nancy) Reed, all of Austin, Minnesota.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Ken; a granddaughter, Rhonda Wagner; a great-grandson, Tyler Wagner; and a sister, Dorothy Schroeder.

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

Gary K. Smolik

May 24, 2011

Gary Keith Smolik, age 69, of Floyd, died on Sunday, May 22, 2011, at his home in rural Floyd. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, May 28, at the First Congregational Church, U.C.C. in Orchard, with Pastor Jan Tjaden officiating. Interment will be in the Osage Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-8:00 p.m., on Friday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with a Masonic Service by the Osage Masonic Lodge 102, A.F. & A.M. at 8:00 p.m.

Gary was born on May 23, 1941 in Osage, Iowa, the son of Ernest and Velva (Wright) Smolik. He graduated from the Osage Community High School in 1959 and from the Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. On August 7, 1965, he married Margaret Grguric in Chicago, Illinois. Gary owned and operated the Orchard Grain Elevator for many years and then worked at Metalcraft in Mason City.

He was a member of the Osage Masonic Lodge, the Kiwanis Club, Cedar Valley Memories and the Antique Auto Club of Mason City. Gary enjoyed model railroad building, antique cars, taking care of his acreage and watching his grandchildren grow up.

Gary is survived by his wife, Margaret Smolik of Osage; his children, Sr. Katherine Ann Smolik, OSB of Beech Grove, Indiana, Frank (Becky) Smolik and daughter, Megan of Bondurant, Iowa, Mark Smolik of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Michael (Gloria) Smolik and children, Alejandro, Adrian and Adam of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Velva Smolik.

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

Wayne I. Bork

May 24, 2011

Wayne I. Bork, 86, of St. Ansgar, died on Sunday, May 22, 2011 at the Good Samaritan Society Center, St. Ansgar, Iowa, after a long battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 25, at 2:00 p.m., at the First Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar, with Rev. Robert Porisch officiating. Burial will be in the St. Ansgar City Cemetery. Military Honors will be by the Walter T. Enneberg Post #358. Visitation was held on Tuesday, May 24, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar.

Wayne Ivan Bork, was born on September 9, 1924 in Iowa City, Iowa. Following the death of his mother, Clara Bork when he was age 3, he lived with his grandparents, August Sr. and Berth Bork and then with aunt and uncle, August and Lillie Bork. He was baptized and confirmed at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Grafton. He attended school at Grafton and Otranto. He served in the army in WW II in the European Theater. He was wounded in action in Italy. He received European, African, Middle Eastern Theater medal with Bronze Service Star, Good Conduct Medal and Purple Heart. He was honorably discharged on July 3, 1945.

Wayne was united in marriage to Ellen Elizabeth Laabs on April 14, 1946, at the Deer Creek Lutheran Church, Carpenter. They celebrated 65 years of marriage. They lived in Carpenter and worked as a self-employed truck driver, later lived and farmed near Otranto, moved to St. Ansgar and continued trucking with son, Gary until retirement at age 77.

He was a 65 year member of the American Legion in Carpenter, serving as commander and adjutant and later joining the St. Ansgar post. He was also a member of the DAV. In his leisure he enjoyed fishing, hunting, shooting sporting clays and trap, and golfing. He loved spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and having coffee with his friends.

Wayne is survived by wife, Ellen of St. Ansgar; two sons, Gary (Linda) Bork of St. Ansgar and James (Venita) Bork of Alamo, Georgia; two daughters, Barbara (Dean) Feldt of Milford, Iowa and Susan (Michael) Nicholson of Osage; one brother, Dale (Donna) Bork of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota and one sister, Betty (Gene) Rosenberg of St. Ansgar; nine grandchildren, Brian (Tori) Steinberg of St. Ansgar, Spencer (Laurel) Feldt of Osceola, Wisconsin, Brian (Tara) Bork of St. Ansgar, Kimberly (Joe) Beland of St. Ansgar, Jeremy (Lisa) Nicholson of Osage, Neko (Ethan) Kleckner of Grimes, Jesse Nicholson and fiancée, Brianne Newton of Iowa City, Adam (Christine) Bork of Waterloo and Sarah Bork of New Bedford, Massachusetts; and 22 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Clara Bork; aunt and uncle, Lillie and August Bork; sister, Gala Stelter; and great-granddaughter, Anna Kleckner.

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

Gladys Brych

May 24, 2011

Gladys Brych, age 90, of Osage, died on Monday, May 23, 2011, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage. 

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, May 27, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Dennis Hanson and Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Inurnment will be in the Bohemian Cemetery in Plymouth, Iowa. There will be a time for light lunch and fellowship following services at the church.

Gladys was born on January 20, 1921 near Osage in Mitchell County, Iowa, the daughter of Andrew and Ida (Seffinga) Anderson. Gladys was baptized and confirmed at the Rock Creek Lutheran Church near Osage. She graduated from the Grafton High School in 1940. She married Frank J. Brych on June 15, 1940 at Manly, Iowa. They farmed in the Plymouth, Grafton and Osage areas, and moved in to Osage in 1972. Gladys was employed at Mitchell County Memorial Hospital as a nurse's aide and in the housekeeping department. She was a very active member of the Our Savior's Lutheran Church.

Gladys is survived by her daughter, Mary Ann (Daryl) Riensche of Jesup; her son, Leslie (Linda) Brych of Stacyville; seven granddaughters; 12 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Katherine (Ray) Christiansen of Marshalltown and Adeline Beinke of Fort Dodge; three brothers, Glen (Elida) Anderson of San Antonio, Texas, Melvin (Joyce) Anderson of Ionia  and Arnold (Sylvia) Anderson of Surprise, Arizona.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Frank in 1972; two sisters, Bernice Peterson and Darlene Buckmaster.

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

Armella Kramer

May 31, 2011

Armella Kramer, age 102, of Osage, died on Friday, May 27, 2011, at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Osage. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, May 31, 2011, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial will be in the Visitation Catholic Cemetery in Stacyville. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m., on Monday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with a scripture wake service at 7:00 p.m.

Armella was born on October 12, 1908 at Meyer, Iowa, the daughter of John and Anna (Blake) Blaser. She married Ray Kramer on January 31, 1939 in Meyer. They farmed west of Stacyville for over 30 years and retiring to Osage in 1976. Ray died in 1984. Armella enjoyed playing cards and fishing.

Armella is survived by one sister, Kathleen Wiste of Adams, Minnesota; and two brothers, Kenneth (Lucille) Blaser of Osage and Gervis Blaser of Osage.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ray; three brothers, Roger, Richard and Norbert Blaser; and three sisters, Mildred Blaser, Irene Jax and Rita Smith.

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