Elston Lee Brown

September 13, 2011

Elston Lee Brown, 73, of Suffolk, Virginia and formerly of Osage, suddenly went to be with his Lord, at his home in Suffolk, on Saturday, September 3, 2011. 

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, September 17, at the First Baptist Church in Osage, with Pastor Brown presiding.

Elston was born on August 11, 1938 near McIntire, the son of Charles and Irene (Bird) Brown. He attended schools in Mitchell County, graduating from the Riceville High School in 1956. He attended Wessington Springs College in South Dakota and Seattle Pacific College in Seattle, Washington. While at Wessington Springs, Elston met the love of his life, Bonnie Collins and they were married on July 25, 1958. To this union two children were born. They moved from Seattle to Idaho Falls, Idaho and then to Virginia, where Elston was Pastor of the Chesapeake Vineyard Christian Fellowship at the time of his death. We will miss our God loving, God fearing, God chasing cowboy! 

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Bonnie Brown of Suffolk, Virginia; his daughter, Charmaine (Nathan) McKinney and their son, Kaj, all of Caldwell, Idaho; his son, Allyn (Kris) Brown and their children, Wesley, Ally and Melody, all of Suffolk, Virginia; his sister, Nancy Hall of Osage; his brother, Paul (Joan) Brown of Osage; and numerous cousins, three nieces, two nephews and other relatives and friends. 

Preceding Elston in death were his parents; a brother-in-law; and aunts, uncles and one cousin.

Mary Anne Kluender

September 6, 2011

Mary Anne (Copp) Kluender, age 74, of rural Osage, died on Sunday, September 4, 2011, at her home. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, September 8, at the St. John's Lutheran Church, south of Osage, with Pastor Byron Northwick and Pastor Dave Byrd, Iowa Hospice Chaplain, officiating. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery at Rockford, Iowa. Visitation is from 5-8:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

Mary Anne was born on September 28, 1936 in London, Minnesota, the daughter of William and Agnes (Pell) Copp. She graduated from the Lyle High School in 1954. Mary Anne married Gary Kluender, Sr. on July 22, 1978 in Reno, Nevada. They owned and operated the Orchard Tavern.

Mary Anne enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, taking care of loved ones, helping on the farm and loved meeting new people. She collected many antiques and loved doing puzzle books.

Mary Anne is survived by her husband, Gary Kluender, Sr. of rural Osage; her son, Gary Kluender, Jr. (fiancée, Diane Toussaint) of Ionia; her grandchildren, Brett Kluender and Arianna Kluender of Ionia; sister, Reta Perrin of Osage; brother-in-law, Daryl Kluender (fiancée, Donna Eggena) of Orchard; nieces and nephews, Kevin Perrin, Sue Wilson, Brian Perrin, Vernon Kluender and Katie Wood.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother, Billy Copp.

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

Lorell Delphin Christensen

September 13, 2011

Lorell Delphin Christensen, age 83, of Riceville, lost his courageous, three year battle with pancreatic cancer in his home on Wednesday, September 7, 2011.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, September 10, at the St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Riceville. Reverend Tom Wegener officiated. Burial was in the St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery in rural Riceville. Memorials can be sent to the St. Peter's Lutheran Church, The American Cancer Society and the Howard County Hospice.

Lorell was born on September 23, 1927 in Hardy, Nebraska, to Ansgar Emil and Mabel Emily Andrea Christensen. As a teenager, the family moved to Iowa where he graduated from the Riceville High School. Lorell was joined in marriage to Reberta Marie Ring on October 3, 1946. To this union, six children were born, Dee (Jon) Baldock of Verona, Wisconsin, Dennis (Ann) Christensen of Riceville, Iowa, Gerald (Lori) Christensen of Nora Springs, Iowa, Judy (Galen Mehl) Christensen of Lehigh, Iowa, Chris (Cindy) Christensen of Riceville, Iowa and Sue (Dan) Barnes of Adams, Minnesota. Lorell farmed in the Riceville area until retirement.

He enjoyed his winters in Arizona, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, fireworks, fishing, golfing, horses, watching chuck wagon races and the Kentucky Derby, card parties with friends, shooting pool, campfires and traveling.

Following Reberta's death, he married Myrtle Linkenmeyer on August 3, 1991. On this date his family more than doubled with the addition of Myrtle's six children, Kathy Shaw of Riceville, Mary (Jim) Langreck of Lawler, Dona (Lee) Braun of Lakeville, Minnesota, Richard (Rita) Linkenmeyer of Riceville, Susan (Craig) Burggraf of Grand Rapids, Minnesota and Ruth (Dennis Peyton) Meirick of Kasson, Minnesota; 25 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. 

Lorell is survived by his wife, Myrtle; his six children; his 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; his 6 stepchildren; 25 step-grandchildren; 7 step-great-grandchildren; his sisters, Zelda Buse Christensen and Berdean Ring; his brother, Merlin (Fay) Christensen; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ansgar and Mabel Christensen; his first wife, Reberta Christensen; and his brothers-in-law, Marvin Ring and Earl Buse.

Marvel J. Kubicek

September 13, 2011

Marvel J. Kubicek, age 81, of Osage, died on Tuesday, September 13, 2011, at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Osage.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, September 16, 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 4-7:00p.m., on Thursday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home.

Marvel Jane (Rowe) Kubicek, was born on a farm 9 miles southwest of Osage on April 11, 1930. She was the sixth and last child born to Ray Lester and Tena (Nelson) Rowe. Marvel was baptized on September 12, 1942 and confirmed on May 28, 1944 at the Osage Lutheran Church, by Rev. T. P. Solem. She attended country school at Rock #7 through 8th grade and graduated from the Osage High School in 1947. On August 8, 1948, Marvel was united in marriage to Donald Daryl "Wig" Kubicek at the Osage Lutheran Church, by the Rev. T. P. Solem. This union was blessed with two children, Dennis Daryl and Kathy Jane. Marvel was employed as a secretary to Osage High School Principal Ira E. Larson for six years and then became an employee of Farmers Mutual Insurance Association in 1955, from where she retired in December of 1993.

She was a member of the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage and of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post # 7920. Marvel enjoyed playing cards, bingo and visiting casinos with her special friends, Delores Hemann and Arlene Brown. She also sent cards to family and friends for all occasions.

Marvel is survived by her son, Dennis and his wife, Theresa of Glendale, Arizona; two grandchildren, Kelly John Kubicek of Galesburg, Illinois and Amy Jane Kubicek of Scottsdale Arizona; a great-grandson, Vincent William Thomas, Jr. of Scottsdale Arizona; a great-granddaughter, Josephine Barbara Kubicek of Galesburg, Illinois; a brother, Alan Rowe of Port Orchard, Washington; three sisters-in-law, Dona Kubicek of Osage, Olive Ellis of Charles City and Ruth Kubicek of Mason City; and many nephews and nieces.

Marvel was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Donald "Wig" in 2001; a daughter, Kathy in 1975; and four brothers, Paul in 1984, Clyde in 1976, Earl in 1977, and Lester in 2005.

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

Birney B. Gast

September 20, 2011

Birney Bryce Gast, age 83, of Osage, died on Tuesday, September 13, 2011, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage, from complications of Parkinson's disease. 

Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., on Sunday, September 18, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Burial was in the Rock Creek Lutheran Cemetery, rural Osage. Visitation was from 5-7:30 p.m., on Saturday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

Birney was born on November 9, 1927 near Nora Springs, Iowa, the son of Glen and Christine (Bahnsen) Gast. He graduated from the Plymouth High School. On December 26, 1949, Birney married Betty Williams at the Rock Creek Lutheran Church in Meroa. They farmed near Nora Springs and Riceville. In 1958, Birney started working as a State Farm Insurance agent in Cresco. They moved to Osage in 1959, where Birney continued working as a State Farm agent for the next 45 years.

He was a charter member of the Comprehensive Systems Board and also served as president. Birney enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in their activities.

Birney is survived by his wife, Betty Gast of Osage; his sons, Bryce Gast (special friend, Jean Canny) of Osage, Brock of Jonesboro, Arkansas and Bryan Gast of Osage;; his daughter, Becky Jo (Keith) Meinders of Osage and children, Shanlyn (Adam) Doll of Adel and Judd Meinders of Vinton; his daughter, Bunita (Dennis) Sponheim of St. Ansgar and children, Shawn (Amanda) Sponheim of St. Ansgar, Drew Sponheim of Urbandale and Kara Jo Sponheim of St. Ansgar;  and two great-grandchildren, Brevin and Jaeley Doll.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Wally Gast.

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

Gloria (Moore) Strupp

September 20, 2011

Gloria (Moore) Strupp, 70, of La Crosse, Wisconsin, passed away surrounded by her family and friends, at the Mayo Clinic Health System, La Crosse, on Wednesday, September, 14, 2011, after complications from surgery.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, September 17, at 3:00 p.m., at the Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Home, La Crosse. Rev. Travis Marshall officiated. A Private burial was in the Oakland Cemetery, Dresbach, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, Gloria and family would like people to "pay it forward" and help others in need. The family also intends to establish a scholarship in Bill and Gloria's memory.

She was born on June 7, 1941 in Onalaska, to Allan and Odessa (Severson) Moore. Gloria was raised in Dresbach, Minnesota and graduated from the Central High School in La Crosse in 1959. Gloria married William "Bill" Strupp on August 13, 1960 in Coon Valley. She and Bill started Strupp Trucking, a trucking and excavating company, where she was the co-owner, secretary, and treasurer. Bill preceded Gloria in death on March 24, 2010.

Gloria was known to have been an adventurous traveler and losing track of time while fishing and playing games. She was a passionate reader, an aspiring writer and enjoyed staying connected with her dear friends. Gloria's greatest joy was spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Gloria is survived by three daughters, Gennean (David) Vetrano of Bangor, Tracy (Terry) Scharper of Osage, Iowa and Kelly (Art) Herbst of La Crosse; three sons, Brian (Janice), William "JR" (Marie) and Patrick (Amy), all of Holmen; her beloved grandchildren, Stuart, Megan, William "Bud," Michael, Benjamin, Coleton and Braxton Strupp, Jessica Vetrano, and Brooke, Samantha and Luke Scharper; her mother, Odessa Moore; two brothers, David (Clydine) Moore and Dennis Moore; sisters-in-law, LaVon (Karl) Leinfelder and Diane Strupp; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her father; an infant twin sister, Gennean Moore; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Edward and Berdina Strupp; and a brother-in-law, James Strupp.

Besides being a mother to her own six children, Gloria was very generous and opened her door to numerous others lending them support and considered them part of the family. Gloria and her family have been blessed with many friends and relatives who have offered their help, support and prayers through this difficult time. The family is grateful and proud to know that Gloria meant so much to so many.

Online condolences may be sent at www.jandtfredrickson.com.

Ruth V. Newton

September 27, 2011

Ruth Vera Newton, age 96, of Stockton, California and formerly of Riceville, passed away on Wednesday, September 14, 2011, in Stockton, California.

Private graveside services were held at the Liberty Cemetery in Little Cedar, with Pastor Gary Gilbert officiating.

Ruth was born on Christmas Day, 1914, to Mary and Joseph Baldwin. She lived most of her adult life on the Newton farm near Riceville and lived the past ten years in California near her daughter. She enjoyed needlework and jazz, and was a member of the San Joaquin Dixieland Jazz Association, Widowed Persons Association and enjoyed attending church at Central United Methodist Church in Stockton. While in Iowa, she was active in the David Community Church and David Ladies Aid.

 She is survived by her daughter, Neta M.Wright-Martin of Stockton California; her son, Jerry Lee (Joyce) Newton of Riceville; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded by her husband, Stanley G. Newton in 1999; her great-grandson, Richard Newton; five brothers and two sisters.

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

Shirley J. Kittleson

September 27, 2011

Shirley J. Kittleson, 73, of St. Ansgar, died on Wednesday, September 21, 2011, in Hospice Care of North Iowa, Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, September 24, at 10:30 a.m., at the First Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar, with Rev. Ed Bard officiating. Burial was in the First Lutheran Cemetery, St. Ansgar. Visitation was on Friday, September 23, from 4-7:00 p.m., at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar.

Shirley Jean Clausen Kittleson, was born on January 5, 1938, to Elmer and Marie Clausen near Stacyville, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed into the Christian faith at the Union Presbyterian Church, Stacyville. She attended the Union School and graduated from the St. Ansgar High School. On September 16, 1956, Shirley was united in marriage to Norman Kittleson in Toterville, Iowa. They made their home near Carpenter, farming for 16 years before moving to St. Ansgar in 1982. She enjoyed working the fields alongside Norm and loved caring for their horses.

Shirley held bookkeeping and accounting positions for several employers including the Carpenter Elevator, Gross & McPhail until taking a position as Office Manager with the St Ansgar Grain and Feed (currently Grain Millers) in St. Ansgar. She held that position for 34 years until her retirement in 2006. She was described by the Chairman of the Board, Rolf Abdon in the following way: "Shirley was a part of the foundation of Grain Millers and she set the tone from the beginning in the company. Her human great qualities have been of immense importance to our success."

Shirley spent a great deal of her time traveling and following the many activities her sons and grandchildren participated in. She and Norm were inducted into the STA Booster Club "Hall of Fame" in 2004 for their many years of dedication to STA athletics. Shirley was active in the First Lutheran Church as a Sunday School teacher, Church Choir and Hand Bell Choir member. She enjoyed a large garden including her many flower beds. Family was her priority, especially her grandchildren who were her pride and joy. Shirley loved music including piano, accordion, guitar and spent many hours teaching her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Marie Clausen; and sister, Myrna Heskett.

Survivors include her husband, Norm of St. Ansgar; three sons, Brian (Sheila) of Janesville Iowa, Barry (Pam) of St. Ansgar and Randy (Pam) of Verona Wisconsin; seven grandchildren, Matt, Megan, Trevor, Kelsey, Stephanie, Kaden and Kyrah Kittleson; one sister, Ann (Dean) Boynton of Anoka Minnesota; two brothers, Ronald (Audrey) Clausen of Rochester Minnesota and Rodney Clausen of Red Wing Minnesota; and one brother-in-law, Eugene Heskett of Madera, California.

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

Rev. Msgr. Leon L. Connolly

October 4, 2011

Rev. Msgr. Leon L. Connolly ("Padre Leon"), 79, of Dubuque, Iowa, died on Tuesday, September 27, 2011, at 1:30 p.m., at the Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque. 

Services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, September 30, at the St. Raphael's Cathedral in Dubuque, with Archbishop Jerome Hanus presiding. Concelebrating the mass was many fellow priests from the Archdiocese. Homilist was Rev. Carl A. Ries. Deacon of the Word was Raymond Noonan. Deacon of the Eucharist was Nick Francois. Lectors were Mary Kluesner and Marie Duster. Petitions were read by Carolyn Wiezorek. Placing of the Pall was done by Janell Then, Sr. Lillian Connollyu, R.S.M., Vivian Steffen Joan Gibbs, Lois Schueller, and Jean Connolly. Giftbearers were Sr. Jeri Cashman, O.P. and Dave Donovan. A private burial will be held in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Fillmore, Iowa. Casketbearers for Leon were Keith Hoefler, Tim Lehmann, Ed Lehmann, John Lehmann, Bob Connolly, Mike Connolly, Joe Connolly and Steve Then. A memorial Mass will be held for Rev. Msgr. Leon Connolly at the Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Waterloo at a later date.

Leon was born on June 18, 1932 in Cascade, Iowa, son of Louis and Jessie (Dolphin) Connolly. He graduated from Loras College and completed his theological studies at Mount St. Bernard Seminary, both in Dubuque. He was ordained on February 1, 1958, by Archbishop Leo Binz at the St. Raphael's Cathedral in Dubuque. He served as associate pastor of St. Joseph the Worker, Dubuque from 1958-63; and St. Edward's, Waterloo from 1963-68. In 1968, he volunteered to serve with the archdiocesan mission in Cochabamba, Bolivia. He served there for 14 years and was involved with the "Fe and Algeria" education program for the poor and helped build five schools and the Center of Rehabilitation in Cochabamba-the first, and for many years, the only agency in the country serving those with mental and physical challenges.

In 1982 he returned to the archdiocese, serving as associate pastor of St. Pius X Parish in Cedar Rapids and worked with mission education in conjunction with the office of Propagation of the Faith. In 1984, he was appointed pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Osage, serving there until 1991, when he joined the Maryknoll Missions Associate Program and returned to Latin America. There he served for six years as a pastor of St. Anthony Parish, Sayaxche, Peten, located in the rainforests of northern Guatemala. While serving in the missions, he built sixty plus churches and picked up the title "Padre," and preferred to be called "Padre Leon," and was fondly known by that name.

He served as pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Waterloo from 1997 until his retirement on July 9, 2002. He also served as sacramental and pastoral minister to Hispanics in the Waterloo region and/or Cedar Rapids Deanery, 1998-2002. He was Vicar for Hispanic Ministry, 2003-2010. He was named a Prelate of Honor (Monsignor) in 2003. After retirement, he resided at the Raphael Villa and then Stonehill Care Center, both in Dubuque.

He is survived by three sisters, Janell Then of Epworth, Sr. Lillian Connolly, RSM and Vivian Steffen, both of Dubuque; two sisters-in-law, Jean Connolly of Dubuque and Margaret Lehmann of Farley; and 24 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Pat Connolly, Vincent Connolly and Jeremiah Connolly in infancy; and two sisters, Verla Lehmann and Sr. Nancy Connolly, R.S.M.; three brothers-in-law, Clarence Lehmann, Tom Then and Donald Steffen; two nephews, Terry Then and Andrew Connolly; and a great-niece, Kristi Nurre.

A Msgr. Leon L. Connolly memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com