Gisela Rieman

October 4, 2011

Gisela Rieman, age 87, of Osage, died on Sunday, October 2, 2011, at her daughter's home in Mason City. 

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, October 6, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with Pastor Steve Hansen officiating. Inurnment will be in the Little Cedar Cemetery. Following services, there will be a time for lunch and fellowship at the V.F.W. Club in Osage.

Gisela was born on August 1, 1924 in Frankfurt, Germany, the daughter of Michael and Katharina (Rossler) Meister. She married Jule Rieman on December 4, 1948 in Frankfurt, Germany. They farmed near Rudd, Sargeant, Minnesota, McIntire and Little Cedar before moving to Osage. Gisela was employed for 52 years by the Cummings/Kratchmer Law Office as a bookkeeper and tax preparer.

She was a member of the Little Cedar United Methodist Church and most recently attended Grace United Methodist Church in Mason City. Gisela was also a member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary and the David Ladies Aide Church Circle. Gisela enjoyed needlework, crafts, crocheting, playing cards and games, and bowled for over 50 years. She also enjoyed her German club, camping club and getting together with her many dear friends. Gisela loved her work and helping others.

Gisela is survived by her daughter, Shirley Stephen of Mason City; a grandson, Ryan Stephen of Mason City; and her family, who all live in Germany, Klaus Peter (Hedwig) Meister, Holger Meister, Raimund (Verina) Born, Carola (Hans) Korntheuer, Angela (Klaus Peter) Duewel, Andreas Meister, Guido (Manuela) Born, Anneliese Meister and Erich Born.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jule Rieman in 2000; a brother, Kunibet Meister; and a sister, Edeltraud Born.

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

Barbara A. Markham

October 11, 2011

Barbara A. Markham, age 70, of Osage, passed away on Tuesday, October 4, 2011, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage, surrounded by her family.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, October 8, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Father Jack McClure celebrating the mass. Casket Bearers will be Mark Dempsey, Chris Markham, Mike Muller, Larry Muller, Scott Karau, Jared Markham, Adam Markham, Daniel Markham, and Joe Markham. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the family.

Barbara Ann Markham, was born on February 7, 1941, to Glenn and Shirley (Duenow) Markham on a farm near Osage, Iowa. She attended the Osage Public Schools and graduated from the Osage Community High School in 1960. Barb was kind and caring to everyone she met. She loved music, dancing, playing piano and listening to her favorite singer, Elvis Presley. She greatly enjoyed visiting with family, friends and even strangers became quick friends with Barb. She was the unofficial greeter at the Faith Home where she resided. She will be greatly missed by many.

Barb is survived by her mother, Shirley Markham of Osage; her sisters, Janice (John) Demspey of Osage, Joan Blake of St. Ansgar and Patricia (Roger) Karau of Elko, Minnesota; her brothers, Ronald (Kristine) Markham of New Hampton, Richard (Marge) Markham of Osage, Robert (Kate) Markham of Lakeside, California and Keith (Jessica) Markham of Gig Harbor, Washington; one sister-in-law, Dolly Markham of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father, Glenn Markham; her brother, William; her niece, Carol Shannon; her brothers-in-law, Tom Blake and Dean Penney; and her maternal and paternal grandparents.

The family would like to thank the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home for assisting the Conway-Markham Funeral Home with the arrangements.
conway-markhamfh.com and champion-bucheitfuneralhome.com

Frances Lillian Evenson

October 18, 2011

Frances Lillian Evenson, passed away with her husband and family by her side, on Sunday afternoon, October 9, 2011, at the Southview Suites on the campus of the Northfield Retirement Community, at the age of 83.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, October 13, at the Chapel of the Northfield Retirement Community, with Rev. Kristine Braaten-Lee officiating. Interment was in the Osage Memorial Cemetery, Osage, Iowa. Visitation was from 4-7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, October 12, at the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home in Northfield. Memorials are preferred to Alzheimer's Research or the donor's choice.

Fran was on born May 8, 1928, in West Lincoln Township, Mitchell County, Iowa, the daughter of Henry and Lillian Thressa (Peterson) Altman. She received her elementary education at the West Lincoln Township School in Mitchell County, her secondary education at the Osage High School; her B.A. Degree in public school music/piano in 1949 at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls; and her M.A. Degree in music education in 1953 at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. Fran taught school in New Providence, Waterville and Dike, all in Iowa. She married Bernard J. Pelleymounter of Osage on August 13, 1950, at the Osage Lutheran Church. To this union were born two sons, Douglas and Steven. They were later divorced.

On December 21, 1973, she married John L. Evenson at the Nazareth Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The couple moved to Northfield, Minnesota, in 1983 following John's retirement.

She was a member of the St. John's Lutheran Church in Northfield and was active doing volunteer work there as well as accompanist for Jubilate and Hosanna choirs. She also accompanied solos, small ensembles and choir in the Northfield Middle School and High School, the Four Friends and served as accompanist for the Northfield Youth Choirs for ten years as well. She was employed as secretary/receptionist at the Benson Funeral Home in Northfield for 15 years. In addition to her music activities and secretarial work, Fran enjoyed being a grandmother, doing embroidery - mostly counted cross stitch, latch hook, researching family history and doing needlepoint for Christmas stockings as gifts for her family and special friends.

Survivors include her husband of 37 years, John; two sons, Douglas (Evelyn) Pelleymounter of Northfield and Steven Pelleymounter of Grand Rapids, Minnesota; two granddaughters, Jodi (Peter) Durow of Cape Girardeau, Missouri and Katie (Andrew) Carlson of Golden Valley, Minnesota; one grandson, Michael Pelleymounter of Grand Rapids; two step-daughters, Laurey (Bill) Stanley of Portsmouth, Virginia and Julie Evenson of Cedar Falls; three step-granddaughters, Melody, Alyse and Crystal Stanley; one step-grandson, Joseph Duchow; and one brother, Frank Altman of Cedar Falls.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Arrangements were with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home.

Roderick M. Crain

October 18, 2011

Rod Crain, 84, of Crane Lake, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, October 10, 2011, at his residences.

Memorial services were held at 1:00 p.m., on Thursday, October 13, at the Crane Lake Chapel at Crane Lake, Minnesota. Pastor Roger Parrish-Siggelkow was the officiant. Honorary bearers were Rod's grandchildren. Military honors were accorded by the combined Honor Guards of the Cook Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1757 and Orr American Legion Post #480. Burial was in the Forest Home Cemetery in Buyck, Minnesota.

Roderick Max Crain, better known to most people as Rod, was born on April 1, 1927, to Raymond and Caroline (Wilkes) Crain in Riceville, Iowa. Rod attended the Riceville Schools and was involved in sports, hunting and fishing at an early age. Rod was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy aboard a floating dry dock as a carpenter's mate in the Pacific Theater. After his discharge from the Navy, Rod met and married Arlene Lucille North, from the nearby town of Osage, Iowa. They moved to the twin cities area, where they both attended schools to further their education, Rod went to Airframe and Powerplant Technical School and Arlene to the Hamlin School of Business. Upon graduation, Rod worked in the aircraft maintenance field for a short time for North Central Airlines, but did not care for the life in the big city, so they moved back to Northern Iowa, settling in Osage.

Rod worked in mechanical positions and auto body work for several years. He then took a job working at a lumber yard in Osage, where he worked his way into a managerial job. He had started flying lessons while in the twin cities. Having been on vacation in Crane Lake, Minnesota, starting when he was just 14 years old, first with friends, and then with Arlene and family, he and Arlene decided to make the big move to the North Country where he loved to fish and hunt. Rod started Crain Construction in the summer of 1965 at Crane Lake. He was active in the business for nearly the rest of his life.

Rod and his two sons, who where also involved in flying, bought an airplane, the first, an Aeronca Champ on floats, skis and wheels, then several years later upgraded to a Cessna 172. Rod finished his private license while owning the Champ, and went on to fly to the age of 80. He loved to maintain the airplane as much as fly it. That airplane is still in the family. Rod was active in the Crane Lake Chapel as a board member for several terms, was active in maintenance of the chapel, and a regular attendee. Rod was a charter member of the Crane Lake Volunteer Fire Department, active for more than 20 years, and a past fire chief for many of those years.

Rod and Arlene spent 15 winters after semi retirement in Florida, and another 6 years in the dryer climate of southern Texas, before a major stroke limited them to enjoying the last winter in Crane Lake.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son-in-law, John Lee.

Rod is survived by Arlene, his loving wife of 64 years; a daughter, Terri Lee of Osage; two sons, Michael (Ginny) Crain of Princeton, Minnesota and Jerry (Jill) Crain of Crane Lake, Minnesota; nine grandchildren, Corinne (Dan) Walker, Michael (Melinda) Lee, Jerrett Crain, Jason (Geraldine) Crain, Brooke (Amie) Caines, Brandon (Kasie) Ziegler, Carlee (fiancé, Jake) Crain, Rebecca Crain and Kyle Crain; 11 great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-laws, Doris and Dorothy North; along with numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.

Arrangements were with the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook, Minnesota.

David "Big Dave" Adams

October 18, 2011

David Allen Adams, age 50, of Osage, died on Friday, October 14, 2011, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage, of Melanoma.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, October 18, 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 Monday, at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville, with a Rosary at 4:30 p.m. and a Scripture Service at 7:30 pm. Visitation will continue one hour before the services at the church on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the David Adams Memorial Fund.

David was born in Osage on September 1, 1961, the son of Dean and Veronica (Schrage) Adams. He graduated from the St. Ansgar High School in 1979. He married Janelle Marple on June 19, 1993, in Charles City. They moved to Algona and he was employed at Ernie Williams John Deere. In 2001, they moved to Osage where he was employed at North Country Equipment. He enjoyed camping, golfing and hunting with family and friends.

David is survived by his wife, Janelle of Osage; two children, Rachael and Zach at home; parents, Dean and Veronica Adams of Stacyville; two sisters, Susan (Bill) Theobald of Kasson, Minnesota and Jill (Jason) Reams of Osage; two brothers, Kenny (Jude) Adams of Stacyville and Roger (Barb) Adams of Mason City; and eleven wonderful nieces and nephews; also survived by his mother and father- in-law, Linda and Chuck Marple of Cedar Rapids; and brother and sister-in-law, Neal and Jane Marple of Texas.

David was preceded in death by his grandparents.

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

Grace Barenz

October 18, 2011

Grace Maxine Barenz, 78, of Osage, died on Saturday, October 15, 2011, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage, from complications associated with multiple myeloma.

According to her wishes, Grace's remains were cremated immediately after her death. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, October 22, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with Pastor Roy Ott officiating. Inurnment will be in the Liberty Cemetery in Little Cedar at a later date. A gathering of family and friends will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., on Friday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home.

She was born on October 14, 1933 in San Antonio, Texas, the daughter of Ward and Ivle (Laughlin) Gage. In 1936, the family moved to Charles City, Iowa, where Grace attended school and graduated from the Charles City High School. Following graduation, she attended the University of Northern Iowa for one year. On March 8, 1953, Grace was united in marriage to Duane Barenz at the United Methodist Church in Charles City. They farmed and raised six children in the Little Cedar area until 1982, when they moved to an acreage near Osage. Following the move, Grace was employed as a home health aide at Mitchell County Home Health Care & Public Health for 26 years. Grace enjoyed her job and interacting with her co-workers and clients, many of whom she considered to be her second family.

Grace was a member of the United Methodist Church and was a Mitchell County Master Gardener. She took special joy in gardening, watching birds and wildlife along the Cedar River, many crafts, cooking, reading and spending time with her family and friends.

Grace is survived by five children, Josanne (Doug) Six of Boone, Roxanne (Marlin) Clemens of Ogden, Dianne Menden of Ames, David (Therese) Barenz of Solon and Rita (Kent) Pitzen of Cresco; seven grandchildren, Sara and Christopher Niemand, Terry and Michelle Groesbeck, Andrew Barenz, Casandra (Zach) Emerson and Alexis Pitzen; two great-grandchildren, Shayne and Abby Groesbeck; and Grace's beloved dog, Pete.

Grace was preceded in death by her husband, Duane; a son, Darrell Barenz; her parents; two brothers, Keith and Dean Gage; and foster brother, Max Ferch. 

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

Glenn Wagner

October 25, 2011

Glenn Wagner, age 97, of Osage, died on Thursday, October 20, 2011, at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Osage. 

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, October 24, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with Father Jack McClure, CPPS officiating. Visitation was from 5-7:00 p.m., on Sunday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage. Burial was in the Riverside Cemetery at Riceville, with military honors at the grave by the Osage American Legion Post 278. 

Glenn was born on August 16, 1914 at New Haven, Iowa, the son of Stephen and Ellen (Fox) Wagner. He married Grace Backhaus on July 16, 1938 in LeRoy, Minnesota. Glenn served in the U.S. Army during World War II. While living in Spring Valley, Minnesota, he drove a gas transport truck for Ruan. They then lived in the Riceville area and later moved to Osage. Glenn enjoyed fishing, hunting, and camping.

Glenn is survived by his wife, Grace of Osage; his daughter, Sharon Lynch of Osage; two grandchildren, Mark (Kris) Lynch of Ware, Massachusetts and Cheryl (Tony) Woodman of West Brookfield, Massachusetts; three great-grandchildren, Krista (Jesse) Sorel of Rochester, New Hampshire, Josh Lynch of Ware, Massachusetts and Ashley Woodman of Worcester, Massachusetts.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Gladys Jacobus and Agnes Anderson; two brothers, Robert and Leonard Wagner.

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

Cynthia L. Youngblut

October 25, 2011

Cynthia Lou "Cindi" Youngblut, 62, of Osage, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, October 22, 2011, at the Hospice of North Iowa Inpatient Unit in Mason City, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, October 26, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Father Jack McClure, CPPS officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-7:30 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with a scripture wake service at 7:30 p.m. Memorials may be directed to the Cynthia L. Youngblut Memorial Fund, with the family's intent being to expand the statuary collection at the Osage Public Library.

She was born on October 19, 1949, to John and Jessie (McQuerry) Nagle. Cindi was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and graduated from the Washington High School in Cedar Rapids. She graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with bachelor's and master's degrees. She was united in marriage to Thomas Youngblut on August 3, 1974, at the St. Stephen's Student Center in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Cindi and Tom moved to Osage in 1974 and Cindi taught elementary students at the Mitchell School and Sacred Heart. Cindi later became the director of the Osage Public Library and served in that role for 33 years before retiring in 2010.

She enjoyed Hawkeye football, reading, traveling, camping in Lanesboro, decorating, spending time with her children and grandchildren, and shelling in Florida. Cindi was a lifetime member of the Iowa Library Association, as well as a member of the Sacred Heart Church, Sacred Heart Guild and the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.

Survivors include husband, Thomas Youngblut of Osage; son, Bradley Youngblut and wife, Emily and their children, William and Sophia of Ankeny; son, Michael Youngblut and wife, Erin and their son, Christian of Dubuque; and brother, John Nagle of Cedar Rapids; mother-in-law, Pauline Youngblut; brothers-in-law, Bill (Lisa) Youngblut, Tim Youngblut, and sister-in-law, Jan Youngblut, all of Waterloo; sister-in-law, Julie (Doug) Youngblut-Smith of Cedar Rapids; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Carmela; father-in-law, Ray Youngblut; and sister-in-law, Nancy Youngblut.

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

Paul K. Morgan Jr.

October 25, 2011

Paul K. Morgan Jr., 68, of Osage, died on Saturday October 22, 2011, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Iowa Cremation is assisting the family. www.iowacremtaion.com

Paul Kenneth Morgan Jr., was born on May 24, 1943, to Paul and Mary (Wallace) Morgan in Ft. Madison, Iowa. He was an electrician for the U.S. Navy for 24 years and served in Vietnam. Paul married Judy Morgan on November 5, 1994 in Nashua, Iowa.

He was a member of the American Legion and will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by wife, Judy Ann (Chrencik) Morgan of Osage; and two sisters, Ruth Bergstrom of Mt. Dora, Florida and Cindy Byrd of Waterloo.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Charles "Charlie" Fouts

October 25, 2011

Charles "Charlie" Arthur Fouts, age 69, of Floyd, died on Sunday, October 23, 2011, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, October 27, at the Gospel Lighthouse Church in Floyd, with Pastor Paul Phillips officiating. Burial will be in the Eden Presbyterian Cemetery, rural Rudd. Visitation is from 4-7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

Charlie was born on June 6, 1942 in Waterloo, the son of Eugene and Lillian (Frazier) Fouts. He graduated from the Waterloo East High School in 1960. On November 15, 1975, he married Elaine (Brandau) Aschenbrenner at the Eden Presbyterian Church. Charlie was employed at Hawkeye Steel in Waterloo from 1962 to 1975 and at Winnebago Industries from 1975 until retiring in 2007.

He was a member of the Gospel Lighthouse Church for 30 years, Northeast Iowa Square Dance Callers Association and the Southeast Minnesota Square Dance Callers Association. Charlie enjoyed spending time with family and friends, high school sporting events, golf, square dancing and attending grandchildren's events. 

Charles is survived by his wife, Elaine Fouts of Floyd; children, Michelle and Barry Sweet and Charley of Charles City; Dana and Julie Aschenbrenner and Joe, Sam and John of Iowa City; Mike and Beth Aschenbrenner and Corey, Emma and Mikayla of Lake Mills; Steve and Kristi Aschenbrenner and Dylan, Claudia and Ally of Osage; sisters, Yvonne and Sheridan Knapp of Henderson, Kentucky, Beverly and Robert Mullan of Everton, Missouri, Coral Williams of Puyallup, Washington, Lynda and James Baker of Waterloo; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his in-laws, Edgar and Gertrude Brandau.

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

Clifford George Powers

October 25, 2011

Clifford George Powers, 74, of St. Ansgar, died on Sunday, October 23, 2011, at the Good Samaritan Society Center in St. Ansgar.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, October 27, at the Visitation Catholic Church, Stacyville, with Father Jack McClure CPPS officiating. Burial will be in the St. Ansgar Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar. 

Clifford George Powers, son of George and Helena (Boehmer) Power, was born on January 8, 1937 at Elma, Iowa. He attended Osage Schools and graduated from the Osage High School in 1956. He was united in marriage to Suzanne Ziegler on November 28, 1959, at the St. Ansgar Catholic Church. Following high school, he served in the US Navy for four years. After returning to the Osage area, he was employed by Don's DX and Oliver in Charles City. In 1969, he and Sue purchased the East End Grocery Store in St. Ansgar. They later purchased Thirsty's Lounge in Rockwell. After his years as a business owner, he drove truck for International Transport, Young Trucking and Falk Construction.

Cliff enjoyed visiting with family and friends, having coffee at the Sportsman's and driving around town checking out the sites.  

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sue; his parents; two brothers; brother-in-law; and father-in-law. 

Left to cherish his memory are his four sons, Eric and his wife, Deb, Greg and his wife, Annette, Troy and his wife, Sandy and Mike and his wife, Ann, all of St. Ansgar; thirteen grandchildren, Brian (Jenna) Powers, Bridget Powers, Brooke (Anthony) Weipert, Megan Hebrink, Andrew Powers, Darren (Amanda) Powers, Derrick (Amy) Powers, Damon (Megan) Powers, Darcy (Dustan) Knecht, Ben, Abbey, Aaron and Alyssa Powers; 10 great-grandchildren with 2 more on the way.  

Cliff leaves one brother, Tom (Zoe) Powers; two sisters, Donna Mae Mobley and Sandra (Dallas) Bushbaum; mother-in-law, Eleanor Tracy; sister-in-law, Carol Power; brothers-in-law, Denny (Veronica) Ziegler and Steve (Candi) Ziegler; and numerous nieces and nephews.  

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

Floyd Roske

November 1, 2011

Floyd Roske, age 75, of Osage, passed away on Thursday, October 27, 2011, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center Emergency Room in Osage.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, November 1, at the First United Methodist Church in Osage, with Pastor Sam Mack officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Riverside Cemetery in Riceville. The family requests that memorials be given to the Osage Senior Center, Osage, Iowa.

Floyd was born on August 13, 1936 in Owasa, Iowa, the son of Harry and Annie (Mein) Roske. He graduated from the Zearing High School. Floyd married Joan Stuehrk and they were later divorced. Floyd farmed in the Riceville area for many years and then later worked for FS in Osage. On June 25, 1988, he was united in marriage to Loma Wilcox at the United Methodist Church in Riceville. After Floyd's retirement, they moved to Osage, where he was very active in the Senior Center.

Floyd is survived by his wife, Loma Roske of Osage; sons, Russ (Rowena) Roske of Spring Green, Wisconsin and Kevin (Julie) Roske of Hillsdale, Wisconsin; daughters, Wendy (Les) Gibbs of Shell Rock, Jill (Steve) Johnson of Lime Springs and Susan (Tom) Miller of Claremont, Minnesota; a step-daughter, Julie (Gary) Lucas of Mason City; 22 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Annie Reinke; his father, Harry Roske; step-father, Herbert Reinke; his uncle, Hilko Mein; step-son, William Wilcox; step-daughter, Laurene Wilcox; mother and father-in-law, John and Alice Bakkum.

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

Elwood Gayland Bentten

November 1, 2011

Elwood Gayland Bentten, 76, of Manly, died on Friday, October 28, 2011, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., on Tuesday, November 1, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Manly, with Pastor Linda Johnson Prestholt officiating. Burial was in the Manly Cemetery, with graveside military honors conducted by members of the Edward-Tosel American Legion Post #110 of Manly. Elwood's family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Manly, Hospice of North Iowa, or to the Manly Lions Club.

Elwood Gayland Bentten, was born on June 30, 1935 in Plymouth, Iowa, the son of Emil and Laura (Thompson) Bentten. Elwood was baptized and reaffirmed the faith of his baptism through confirmation at the Manly English Lutheran Church. He graduated from the Manly High School in 1955. Elwood was inducted into the United States Army on January 2, 1958 and served his country faithfully until his honorable discharge on January 1, 1961. He was united in marriage to Marilyn Lindflott on September 14, 1958, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Manly. Elwood was employed for 40 years at the Northwestern States Portland Cement Company in Mason City. He also worked part-time for 13 years as a custodian for the North Central Community School.

Elwood coached Little League Baseball in Manly and was a baseball umpire in Mason City for several years. Elwood enjoyed being a Lion, and was a member of the Manly Lions Club; serving as secretary for many years. Elwood was Lion of the Year for 2003-2004, and was awarded by the Lions district "I Believe" award in September of this year.

Elwood was a faithful member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church and along with his wife, Marilyn enjoyed being custodian at the church. He also served on the church council. He delivered meals on wheels and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Elwood and Marilyn were members of a 500-card club in Manly for 48 years and also belonged to a dominoes group. He was an avid bowler and golfer and member of the Pioneer Town & Country Club. Elwood treasured his family and friends, and took great pride in his home and yard.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Marilyn Bentten of Manly; four children, Ronald (Leanne) Bentten of Osage, Julie Valler of Whitewater, Wisconsin, Susan Porter (special friend, Steve Mohlis) of Mason City and Scott (Dawn) Bentten of Lisbon, North Dakota; five grandchildren, Jae Bentten, Abigail Morgan, Greyson Porter, Hunter and Isac Bentten; three step-grandchildren, Jessica Hanson, Caitlin Hanson and Conner Lifka; his sister, Loretta (Gene) Halfman of Manly; as well as many special nieces, nephews and many other extended family members and friends.

Elwood was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gordon Bentten; and a nephew, Robert Bentten.

The Bride Colonial Chapel was in charge of the arrangements.

Albert Andrew May

November 1, 2011

Albert Andrew May, 97, of Stacyville, died on Sunday, October 30, 2011, at the Stacyville Community Nursing Home, after a long and full life.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, November 3, at 10:30 a.m., at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville, with Father Jack McClure, C.P.P.S. officiating. Burial will be in the Visitation Catholic Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the Hale Penney Fuller Post #569 of the American Legion. Visitation is on Wednesday, from 4-7:00 p.m., with a parish prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at the church.

Albert "Al" was born on May 30, 1914, to John P. and Margaret (Hackenmiller) May on the family farm northwest of Meyer. He grew up with a sister and six brothers. He attended the Sacred Heart Catholic School in Meyer through eighth grade, continued his education at the Hemphill Diesel School in Chicago and correspondence courses, and in 1974 earned his GED certificate. Life on the May farm included much music; his father ordered musical instruments for his children from Sears Roebuck and organized an at-home band. Al played saxophone and clarinet and learned the basics of the piano keyboard from his sister. As a teenager, Al played with area dance bands. His interest in music continued throughout his lifetime: as a founding member of and 40 years with the Forte Milers barbershop chorus, choir director at Visitation Church in Stacyville, playing with the Rollo Sissel and the Henry Charles dance bands, and delighting audiences with old-time melodies at area banquets and events.

Al's other talents included a passion for working with machines. He was most proud of the half-scale Reeves replica steam engine he designed and built. The engine chugged through Main Street parades in Lyle, Stacyville, and other locales, and delighted young and old demonstrating portable sawmills, corn shellers and hay balers at area fairs and engine shows. Al also restored a massive diesel engine for the Cedar Valley Engine Club. In his early 20s, Al managed the diesel generators at the St. Labre Indian Mission in Ashland, Montana.

Al served in the U.S. Navy in 1943-1945 aboard Yard Mine Sweeper 113 and on the attack transport USS Rockingham in the South Pacific.

Al was blessed with two devoted families. He married Angela Pitzen on August 5, 1944 at the Visitation Church in Stacyville. They lived in California while he was stationed in the Navy, and upon return to Stacyville, they purchased Falk's Hardware Store and operated it as May's Hardware for 20 years. He was a member of the Visitation Parish, Knights of Columbus, Catholic Order of Foresters, Stacyville volunteer Fire Department, Stacyville City Council and Commercial Club, and the American Legion. They built a home northwest of Stacyville after the sale of the hardware store, where they lived until after Angela's death from cancer in 1975.

On October 10, 1980, Albert married Elizabeth (Betty) Halbach Brown and gained a new family of four daughters and a son, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Al and Betty continued their involvement with Forte Milers, American Legion, and Visitation Parish, and enjoyed many sightseeing trips. In 2007, Al and Betty began residence at the Stacyville Community Nursing Home. Betty passed away in 2009, while Al lived out his final two years under the compassionate and loving care of the staff at the Home. In 2009, Al made one final grand trip on the Honor Flight to Washington, DC with WW II veterans. He collected many wonderful memories through his long and interesting life. He enjoyed the visits from friends and family at SCNH, reading his stack of daily newspapers and nonfiction books, and sharing a glass of beer or wine at the end of the day.

He will be missed by his May family: son, Dennis (Elizabeth) May of Ankeny, daughters, Sherilyn (Bob) Thome of Little Falls, Minnesota, Paula (David) Prescott of Walker, Minnesota and Marcia (Jack) Seip of Woodinville, Washington; nine May grandchildren, their spouses, and five great-grandchildren, and his Brown family: stepson, Tony (Sharon) Brown of Stacyville; stepdaughters, Carol (David) Hopkey of Grinnell, Eileen (Dan Palmer) Rosenberg of Belleville, Wisconsin, Marian (Mike) Hegland of Cedar Rapids; 10 Brown grandchildren, their spouses, and 13 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his sister, Julia Koenigs (age 104) who resides at SCNH and brother, Ernest May (age 100) of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his wives, Angela May and Elizabeth Brown May; infant son, Leslie Albert; stepdaughter, Paulette Brown (Bob) Harrar; and his brothers, Roman, Ray, Alois, William and Joseph.

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