Allison “Ally” Smith

November 2, 2011

Allison “Ally” Marjie Smith, age 17, of Stacyville, died on Tuesday, November 1, 2011, of injuries sustained in an auto accident.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, November 5, at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville, with Father Jack McClure, CPPS, officiating. Burial will be in the Visitation Catholic Cemetery. Friends may greet the family from 4-7:30 p.m., on Friday, at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville, with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour before the services at the church on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to the Allison Smith Memorial Fund.

Ally was born on October 10, 1994 in Osage, the daughter of Paul and Lesa (Penney) Smith. Ally was a junior at the St. Ansgar Community High School. She loved sports and was involved in volleyball, basketball, softball, and kept statistics for the football team. Ally was also a member of FFA. She enjoyed hanging out with her friends and riding horses with her brother. Ally loved animals and was considering going to college for veterinary medicine.

Ally was most comfortable wearing jeans and a t-shirt. The family would like those attending the visitation and funeral to know that Ally would have wanted everyone to feel free to dress in casual attire.

Ally is survived by her parents, Paul and Lesa Smith; her brother,  Cole Smith; her grandparents, Earle and Beverly Penney; uncles and aunts, Kathy Sonne, Kenneth Smith, Dale and Mary Smith, Vance and Joyce Krebsbach, Dennis and Carrol Smith, Todd and Sherry Brandt,  Roger Smith, Mike and Julie Smith, Joe and Karla Smith, Glen Smith, Larry and Donna Adams, Steve and Shirley Penney; and many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Ray and Marjorie Smith.

Dean Wetherell

November 8, 2011

Dean Frank Wetherell, age 79, of Osage, died on Friday, November 4, 2011, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage, following a brief illness.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, November 8, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with Pastor Jan Tjaden officiating. Visitation is from 5-7:00 p.m., on Monday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home. Following the funeral service, cremation will take place with inurnment in the Orchard Cemetery at a later date.

Dean was born on February 11, 1932 in rural Colwell, Iowa, to Frank and Myrtle (Kahney) Wetherell. He attended the Colwell School until the spring of 1942, when his family moved to their farm southeast of Orchard. He attended country school through eighth grade, graduating from the Orchard High School in 1949. He was very active in sports, playing basketball and baseball through high school.

He married Joan Kleespies on April 12, 1950, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, Iowa. They lived in Orchard until 1953, when they moved to the Kleespies family farm north of Orchard. Dean was a farmer all of his life. He loved the cattle business. He would talk for hours about buying, selling and feeding cattle with his many friends in the business. He especially liked to talk to his rancher friends in North Dakota where most of the cattle were purchased.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Joan of Osage; two children, Pat (Monte) Rogers of Orchard and Bob Wetherell of Osage; one grandson, Jeff (Brandie) Rogers of Orchard; four great-grandchildren, Savanah, Jaycee, Aubry and Laila; sister-in-law, Jean Taets of Osage; brother-in-law, Joe Kleespies. Jr. of Walla Walla, Washington; and sister-in-law, Jean Wetherell of Osage; and by many nephews, nieces and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Richard Wetherell; and two brothers, Lynn Wetherell and Glenn Wetherell. 

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

Clyll Decklever

November 8, 2011

Clyll Delores (Wilder) Decklever, age 95, of St. Ansgar, passed away on Friday, November 4, 2011, at the Faith Home in Osage. 

Private memorial services will be held at a later date.

Clyll was born on July 16, 1916, on her grandparents' farm near Lyle, Minnesota, the only child of Clifford and Hazel (Murphy) Wilder. She was united in marriage to Glenn Decklever on November 18, 1937. They were blessed with seven children. Glenn passed away in 1978.

Clyll will be remembered for her deep love and devotion to her family, her generous spirit, ready smile and delicious meals. She was thankful to God for each day and some of her final words were "I'm so happy." We will miss her and look forward to seeing her again in the resurrection.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Dean (special friend, Jill Adams), Dale (Carol), Mary Ann (Gary) Nelson,  Glenda Bahnsen, David (Darlene), Kenneth (Pat) and Don (Sue); 16 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

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

Beverly Ramker

November 8, 2011

Beverly Ramker, age 57, of Osage, died on Friday, November 4, 2011, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage, after a three year battle with cancer.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, November 9, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Father Jack McClure, CPPS, officiating. Burial will be in the St. Mary's Cemetery at Greene, Iowa. Visitation will be from 4-7:30 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Sacred Heart Gymnasium in Osage, with a scripture wake service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue from 9-10:15 a.m., on Wednesday, at the Sacred Heart Gymnasium. Those attending the visitation are asked to enter the gymnasium using the south entrance.

Beverly (Laubenthal) Ramker, was born to Maurice and Marguerite (Bormann) Laubenthal on March 30, 1954 in Algona. She was raised on the family farm north of Wesley. Beverly graduated from the Algona Garrigan High School in 1972 and then continued her education at the College of St. Teresa in Winona, Minnesota. After graduating with a degree in music education, she started teaching music and piano at the Immaculate Conception School in Charles City. She was united in marriage to Duane Ramker on July 22, 1978. They resided on the farm north of Rudd for 30 years, where they raised their four children. In 2007, Bev and Duane built a new home in Osage and moved off the farm.

Her greatest joys were watching her children grow, teaching piano lessons, attending her children's activities, crocheting, card making, baking, crafts, playing the guitar with the contemporary choir and spending time with her grandchildren. Beverly's passion for music and teaching was truly shown through her 31 years at the Sacred Heart School in Osage. She began her career as a band instructor in 1979 and then later also taught elementary music classes at the school. Bev became well known for her Christmas and spring programs which took many hours of planning and rehearsing.

Beverly is survived by her husband, Duane of Osage; her mother, Marguerite Laubenthal of Wesley; children, Janet (Lynn) Rinken of Greene, Melinda (Brett) Darrow of Osage, Jared Ramker of Rudd, Daniel Ramker and fiancé, Hillary Roll of Rudd; grandchildren, Haley, Garret, Jayden, Kiley, Dace, Tess, and Kate; siblings, Marie Laubenthal of Waukee, Ambrose (Mary) Laubenthal of Wesley, Coleen (Paul) Glaza of Manchester, Vern (Kris) Laubenthal of Wesley, Gary Laubenthal of Wesley; brother-in-law, Keith (Judy) Ramker of Leesburg, Florida; sister-in-law, Marge (Dennis) Wasicek of Mason City; brother-in-law, Tom (Diane) Ramker of Greene; and sister-in-law, Linda Posekany of Sheffield.

She was preceded in death by her father, Maurice Laubenthal; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Mary Jean and Gerald Ramker; and nephew, David Wasicek.

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

Floyd A. Nitschke

November 15, 2011

Floyd A. Nitschke, 92, of Lamar, Arkansas, died on Sunday, November 6, 2011, at the Johnson Regional Medical Center, Clarksville, Arkansas.

A funeral service was held at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, November 11, at the Bride Colonial Chapel, Manly. Burial was in the Grafton Cemetery, Grafton. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Floyd was born on April 14, 1919, the son of Fred and Helen (Glassel) Nitschke. Floyd was baptized and affirmed in the Lutheran faith. Floyd attended school in Otranto. He was united in marriage to Viola A. Wirtjes on March 5, 1940 in Austin Minnesota and to this union two children were born. Floyd farmed and after retiring he worked for the Hoover Hatchery, Rudd. He also worked at Winnebago Industries, Forest City when he retired for the second time. After retirement he moved to Lamar, Arkansas. Floyd was an avid camper, traveler and liked bowling.

Floyd is survived by his children, Gloria Vaughn of Cotter, Arkansas and Jerry Nitschke of Lamar, Arkansas; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren; along with many other relatives and friends.

Floyd was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Viola; one granddaughter; and one infant brother.

The Bride Colonial Chapel, Manly, was in charge of the arrangements.

Harvey M. Hanson

November 15, 2011

Harvey M. Hanson, 68, of St. Ansgar, died on Thursday, November 10, 2011, in Waterloo, of a heart attack.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 15, at 11:00 a.m., at the First Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar, with Rev. Paul Weeg officiating. Burial will be in the Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood. Visitation was held on Monday, November 14, from 5-8:00 p.m., at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar.

Harvey Mathias Hanson, was born on April 7, 1943 in rural Worth County, to Carl and Thelma (Rohne) Hanson. He was the youngest of six children. He attended rural country schools, the Otranto Public School and the Carpenter High School, graduating in 1961. Harvey graduated from Waldorf College in Forest City, in 1963 and from Iowa State University in Ames in 1967, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science. For 19 years Harvey was employed by the Hormel Corporation as a Livestock Buyer in Ringsted, Iowa and St. Ansgar, Iowa. He resigned in 1985 to begin his own buying and livestock-transportation business, aptly named Double H Livestock, Ltd. He operated the business up until his death.

On September 17, 1966, Harvey married Gwenyth Hillman at the First Lutheran Church in Northwood. They made their home in Austin, Minnesota, Ringsted, rural Grafton and St. Ansgar. They had three children: sons, Kevin and Cameron and daughter, Kathryn. Harvey was an active member of the First Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, serving as a Deacon and on the church council. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and driving semi. Harvey will also be remembered for his baritone voice, singing solos in church, at weddings and at funerals.

Living family members include his wife of 45 years, Gwenyth of St. Ansgar; son, Kevin Hanson and Stacy of Osage and their children, Jenna, Jayden and Joryn; son, Cameron Hanson and his wife, Stephanie of Charles City and their two sons, Carter and Brady; and daughter, Kathryn Mills and her husband, Chad of Northwood and their two sons, Tyler and Justin; his siblings, Wayne (Mavis) Hanson of Mona, Craig (Marilyn) Hanson of Northwood, Luther (Ila) Hanson of Des Moines, Sharon (Robert) Gordon of Spirit Lake and Darlene Meling of Northfield, Minnesota; a brother-in-law and his wife, Wayne and Wanda Hillman of Northwood; many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and cousins.

Harvey was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Thelma Hanson and parents-in-law, Harry and Evelyn (Sime) Hillman, all of Northwood.

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

Stanley W. Pringnitz

November 15, 2011

Stanley W. Pringnitz, 83, of Osage, passed away on Sunday, November 13, 2011, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage. 

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, November 23, at the United Church of Christ in Osage, with the Rev. Duane A. Lookingbill officiating and a flag presentation by the Osage V.F.W. Post 7920. Inurnment will be held at a later date. There will be a gathering of family and friends from 5-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, November 22, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage. 

Stanley was born on February 7, 1928 in Kanawha, the son of Frank and Minnie (Heinz) Pringnitz. He attended country school for eight years and graduated from the Kanawha High School. Stanley served in the Army during the Korean War. On April 23, 1955, he was united in marriage to Eunice Button at the First Congregational Church in Riceville. Stanley was a farmer, a fertilizer plant manager at McIntire and Grafton, and a salesman of feed and livestock products.

He was a member of the United Church of Christ, served on the Osage School Board for nine years, was a 4-H Leader for seven years, and was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. Stanley and Eunice enjoyed spending 14 winters in Texas and traveling with friends and family. Stanley's hobbies included fishing, gardening, playing cards and having coffee with friends at Hardee's, Stangs and Kountry Kupboard. He had a passion for farming, agriculture and spending time with family, especially his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Eunice of Osage; daughters, Diane (Wayne) Budding of Wilton, Kathy (Jim) Abens of Eau Claire, Wisconsin and Wanda Hoven of Ankeny; sons, Doug (Nancy) Pringnitz of Spirit Lake, Dick (Loni) Pringnitz of Nevada, Iowa and Scott (Deana) Pringnitz of Clarksville, Ohio; and 16 grandchildren.

Stanley was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Arthur, Lloyd and Harley Pringnitz; sister, Evelyn Mehus and infant sister, Cleva.

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

Gene D. Kuntz

November 22, 2011

Gene D. Kuntz, 81, of St. Ansgar, died on Saturday, November 19, 2011, at home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, November 22, at the First Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar, with Rev. Paul Weeg officiating. Burial will be in the Grafton Cemetery, Grafton. Visitation will be held on Monday evening from 4-7:00 p.m., at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar.

Gene Dale Kuntz, was born in Worth County on January 31, 1930, the son of Fred and Lydia (Bruesewitz) Kuntz. He married Arliene Wilde on October 9, 1955. Gene farmed all his life. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially with his children, grandchildren and friends.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Roy Wilde; daughter, Debra Voight; brothers, Earl, Vernon and Kermit; sisters, Ruth Krueger, Ella Priem, Pearl Rosenberg and Ethel Walk.

Gene is survived by his wife of 65 years, Arliene of St. Ansgar; three sons, Robert (Judy) Kuntz of St. Ansgar, Dennis (Joanne) Kuntz of Gilbert and Douglas Kuntz of Pleasant Hill; five daughters, Kathy Willis and friend, Terry Masengill of Dallas Center, Becky (Brian) Juenger of Stacyville, Mary Nelson of St. Ansgar, Linda (Gary) Schotanus of Grafton and Janet Kuntz and fiancé, Jim Evans of Ankeny; eighteen grandchildren, Jennifer Christensen, David and Nathan Voight, Danny VanHorn, Andrew Willis, Travis, Jessica and Bailey Kuntz, Brett and Bridget Juenger, Joshua and Lucas Nelson, Nicole and Kyle Schotanus, Brittnay, Kaitlin, Jorden and Kaden Kuntz; five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Marcella Kuntz of Mason City and Lois Westendorf of Des Moines; mother-in-law, Rose Wilde of Osage; and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

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

Rogene E. Gordon

November 29, 2011

Rogene E. Gordon, 55, of Stacyville, died on Wednesday, November 23, 2011, at her home.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, November 28, at the Deer Creek Lutheran Church, Carpenter, with Rev. Lance Kittleson officiating. Burial was in the First Lutheran Cemetery, St. Ansgar.

Rogene Elayne Gordon, was born to Robert and Lucile (Warrington) Gunsallus, on November 29, 1955 in Osage, Iowa. Rogene graduated from the RRMR High School in 1974. She attended the nursing program at NIACC and received her RN Degree. On September 14, 1982, she married Duane Gordon and was later divorced after 14 years. Rogene was a caring and compassionate nurse, working in various health care facilities. She was also a businesswoman, owning the 4 Star Lanes in Stacyville from 1994-1998.

Rogene enjoyed playing bingo, attending auctions, crocheting and was an excellent bowler until her health prevented her from competing. She was an active member of the Deer Creek Lutheran Church and various community activities, including Community Club. She loved to visit with family and friends, and provided transportation for many errands and appointments to family and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her mother, Lucile; and a brother, Curtis.  

Rogene is survived by her daughter, Jamie Rose Gordon of Ames; father, Robert Gunsallus of Osage; siblings, Marsha Schultz of Lapeer, Michigan, Holly (John) Van Heel of Fort Dodge, Ken Gunsallus of Dexter, Minnesota and Beth (Russell) Rightmire of Willis, Texas; five nieces, Margaret Van Heel, Katherine Van Heel, Courtney Sedorchuk, Taylor Rightmire and Bobbi Gunsallus; and many cousins, friends and close friend, Marcia Carlson.

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

Paul D. Leidall

November 29, 2011

Paul D. "PD" Leidall, 87, of Osage, Iowa, formerly St. Ansgar, died on Friday, November 25, 2011, at the the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage, with his wife, Melba and his four children by his side.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, December 2, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar, with Rev. Dr. Byron Northwick officiating. Burial will be in the St. Ansgar Cemetery, St. Ansgar, with full military honors. Visitation will be from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, December 1, at the Schroeder and Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar.

Paul Duane Leidall, was born on April 18, 1924 in Austin, Minnesota, to Clifford and Clara (Reuter) Leidall. Two other children were born to this union, Cleo (Leidall) Libersky of St. Ansgar and his late brother, Myron (Mike) Leidall of Pomona, California. Paul attended schools in the Rose Creek and Mona areas while working with his father on the family farm. In March 1944, Paul joined the U.S. Navy and completed his basic training in Idaho. He served as a gunners mate while assigned to the battleship U.S.S. West Virginia. He was deployed to the South Pacific and primarily involved in battles in the Philippines. He was discharged in April 1946.

Paul was united in marriage to LoRetta Myhre at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa on June 29, 1947. This union was blessed with four children. Paul was hired by the Interstate Power Company in 1947 as an electrical service man and later promoted to service representative for the St. Ansgar region. In part, one responsibility was reading meters, and as a result he came to know almost everyone in the communities of St. Ansgar, Lyle and Mitchell. One of his favorite jobs was hanging the city Christmas lights every year. He retired in 1986 after 39 years.

Passionate and dedicated to the American Legion Post 358, he volunteered countless hours. He truly enjoyed the camaraderie and membership for sixty-five years. Paul's hobbies included camping, golfing and playing pool and cards with friends. Curious by how things worked he loved puttering in his shop building on motor scooters, go-carts, trailers and finally a motor home. Paul cherished his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved spending time with them. Paul was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church and also attended the Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Osage.

On July 19th, 1993, Paul wed Melba Mayer of Osage. Paul and Melba spent many memorable times together traveling, golfing and playing cards with friends and family.

Survivors include his wife, Melba (Mayer) Leidall of Osage; two sons, Terry of St. Ansgar and Dennis (Skeet) Leidall of Santa Barbara, California; two daughters, Debbi (Leidall) Shouman of La Quinta, California and Tori (Leidall) Lowe of La Quinta, California; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; a sister, Cleo (Leidall) Libersky of St. Ansgar; and several nieces and nephews.

Paul was preceded in death by his wife, LoRetta; daughter-in-law, Marcia (Johnson) Leidall; parents, Clara and Clifford; and brother, Myron (Mike).

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

LaRayne E. Kleckner

November 29, 2011

LaRayne E. Kleckner, 83, of St. Ansgar, died on Sunday, November 27, 2011, at the Good Samaritan Center, St. Ansgar, where she had been a resident for the past 2.5 years. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, December 1, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Osage, with Father Jack McClure, CPPS officiating. Burial will be in the St. Ansgar Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday evening from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar.

LaRayne Esther Attlesey Kleckner, was born on October 23, 1928, to Harry and Isabel (Webber) Attlesey in Stacyville, Iowa. At an early age, her family moved to Lyle, Minnesota, where she attended school, graduating in 1946. On July 1, 1947, she was united in marriage to Raymond Kleckner at the Sacred Heart Church, Osage. They lived on a farm near Little Cedar before moving to rural St. Ansgar, where they continued to farm until moving into St. Ansgar in 1974. LaRayne was a housewife for several years until she began working in Al Jordan’s Gamble store, St. Ansgar and Dr. Smith’s office in Stacyville. She then worked for Dr. John Lafferty in St. Ansgar, until her retirement in 1993. 

LaRayne and Raymond loved to travel, especially enjoying their visit to Italy to see Larry and his family in 1985. They also traveled to Texas, Colorado and California many times to visit family.

LaRayne was a woman of great faith and was an active member of the St. Ansgar Catholic Church. She served as an officer for the Rural Mail Carriers Auxiliary Association for several years. She was active in the American Legion Auxiliary and was a member of the Chat & Stitch Club. She enjoyed going on bus trips with her friends and the occasional day trips to casinos. Family reunions were great fun. She made the best potato salad and fried chicken. LaRayne was always interested in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s activities and wanted to be kept up to date on each of them. They will truly miss her.

LaRayne is survived by her son, Larry Kleckner and wife, Renee of Garland, Texas; her daughter, Susan Hartwig and husband, Andy of Northwood; her grandchildren, Tom and Lisa Hartwig of Gowrie, Kerry Hartwig of Mason City, Scott Kleckner of Garland, Texas, Paula (Charles) Schandelmeier of Melissa, Texas and Rex (Andrea) Kleckner of Garland, Texas; great-grandchildren, Chase and Chad Schandelmeier, Jordan Hartwig; and great-great-granddaughter, Astoria; aunt, Wanda Attlesey of Rochester, Minnesota; sister-in-law, Jane Attlesey of Lyle, Minnesota; sisters-in-law, Bernice Paulson, Leona Kleckner, Frances Kleckner and Mary Schwalbe; and brothers-in law, Jim Kleckner and Bill (Kristen) Kleckner. 

LayRayne was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Raymond in 1987; brother, Ronald in 2010; and several brothers and sisters-in-law.

Mom, you are now free to take those deep breaths you yearned for… God has chosen to give you much needed rest. You will be missed and cherished forever.

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

Earle "Ike" Penney

November 29, 2011

Earle "Ike" Penney, age 82, of Osage and formerly of Little Cedar, died on Monday, November 28, 2011, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage. 

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Friday, December 2, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with Pastor Gary Gilbert officiating. Burial will be in the Liberty Cemetery in Little Cedar. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m., on Thursday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home.

Ike was born on February 19, 1929, on the family farm near Little Cedar, the son of Sidney "Jigg" and Helen (Fairbanks) Penney. He graduated from the Little Cedar High School in 1946. On April 11, 1948, he married Beverly Gelner at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Ike farmed all of his life and custom combined soybeans for many years.

He was a member of the Little Cedar United Methodist Church and the Farm Bureau. Ike was an avid hunter and loved to deer and duck hunt. He enjoyed farming and raising livestock.

Ike is survived by his wife, Beverly Penney of Osage; his son, Steven (Shirley) Penney of Osage; his daughter, Lesa (Paul) Smith of Stacyville; four grandchildren, Rachel (John) Fisk of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, Chris (Sheridan) Penney of West Des Moines, Sara Penney of St. Paul, Minnesota and Cole Smith of Stacyville; great-granddaughter, Sydney Fisk and great-grandson, Quinn Fisk, twin great-grandsons, Hayden and Holden Penney; and his twin brother, Merle "Mike" (Marge) Penney of Osage.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his granddaughter, Allison "Ally" Smith; brother, Vinus "Bill" Penney and his wife, Lorraine; and sisters, Doris Canny and her husband, Glen and Mildred Canny and her husband, Clifford.

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

Germaine Blake

November 29, 2011

Germaine Blake, 79, of Stacyville, died on Monday, November 28, 2011, at the St. Mary's Hospital, Rochester, Minnesota. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, December 2, at the Visitation Catholic Church, Stacyville, with Father Jack McClure, CPPS officiating. Burial will be in the Visitation Cemetery,  Stacyville. Visitation will be held on Thursday evening, from 4-8:00 p.m., with a Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m.

Germaine was born on October 14, 1932, on a farm outside of Stacyville, Iowa, the youngest child of Albert and Pauline Mayer. She attended the Visitation Grade School and High School and then moved to Cedar Falls, Iowa, for two years where she obtained a teaching certificate at the Iowa State Teacher's College. She first taught at the Sacred Heart School in Meyer, for three years before "retiring" to get married. On June 10, 1954, Germaine married her high school sweetheart, Willie. She raised three children, Debra, Diane and Mark, until 1964 when the Visitation Grade School called her to teach fifth grade. She later moved to the lower grades teaching second and third for the remainder of her career. While teaching, she returned to college taking night classes and attending summer school to obtain her bachelor's degree at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. During her tenure at Visitation, she also became the First Communion teacher preparing hundreds of children to receive the Eucharist. She retired in 1997 after 33 years of teaching at the Visitation School.

After retirement, Germaine continued to tutor individual children until one week prior to her death. In 1999, she received the Distinguished Graduate Award from the Department of Elementary Schools of the National Catholic Education Association. In 2000, she was named to Who's Who Among America's Teachers for excellence as an educator.

Germaine's interests and abilities ranged widely. Early in her marriage, she sewed many outfits for herself and her children taking after her mother, Pauline, a seamstress. Her garden was always an important part of her life. Initially, she grew and canned vegetables and after retirement, she tended a colorful array of flowers. She was especially known for baking tasty pies, bars, cookies and coffee cake. She also loved reading, solving crossword puzzles and traveling. She was able to achieve one of her lifetime goals by visiting the Vatican and obtaining an audience with the Pope. In recent years, she traveled to England, Puerto Rico, Hawaii and other places to visit family.

In retirement, she bowled, played bridge and volunteered extensively. She was active in the Stacyville Nursing Home Auxiliary and the American Legion Auxiliary, serving as Education Chairman for many years. She also served on the auxiliary for the Mitchell County Regional Health Center and volunteered in the hospital gift shop. She delivered Meals on Wheels to hometown residents and served as a Eucharistic Minister for Visitation Church, presenting communion at Mass and taking communion to elderly community members and nursing home residents. She was a member of the Cedar Valley Chapter of the Iowa Retired School Personnel Association. 

Germaine is survived by her husband, Willard Blake; two daughters, Debra Blake of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Diane (Ron) Peterson of Lakeville, Minnesota; one son, Mark Blake of Polk City, Iowa; two grandchildren, Erick and Adam Peterson; one brother, Edwin (Estelle) Mayer of Bella Vista, Arkansas; and numerous nephews, nieces and brothers and sisters-in-law.

Germaine was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Pauline Mayer; brothers, Jerome Mayer and Leo Mayer; and sisters, Cecilia Meinders and Helen Cerrato.

We feel your strength, love and guidance as our Guardian Angel.

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