Paul R. Hegland

December 4, 2012

Paul Raymond Hegland, 77, of Osage, died on Sunday, December 2, 2012, at his home in Osage.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, December 6, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Bruce Kaltwasser officiating. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-8:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

Paul was born on February 23, 1935 in Avery Township, Hancock County, Iowa, the son of Raymond and Pearl (Carberry) Hegland. He was confirmed in 1950 at the Six Mile Grove Church near Lyle, Minnesota. Paul graduated from the St. Ansgar High School in 1953. On June 20, 1959, he married Margaret Perau at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Osage. He was active in the Trinity Lutheran Church his entire married life. Paul held various jobs throughout his life and retired from Fieldstone Cabinetry in 1998.

He always enjoyed farming, gardening and spending time with his family, most especially attending all of the activities of his grandchildren. Paul also enjoyed coffee time and fellowship with the guys.

Paul is survived by his wife, Margaret Hegland of Osage; his children, Sheryl (Alan) Nelson of St. Ansgar, Sharlene (Fred) Sorensen of Waltham, Minnesota, Mary Ann (Kevin) Hudziak of Wild Rose, Wisconsin, Marjorie (Kevin) Simpson of Hudson and Merlyn (Lisa) Hegland of Rudd; 10 grandchildren, Jacob, Maria, and Leah Nelson, Lezlie and Lyle Sorensen, Darren and Tanner Hudziak, Spencer and Connor Simpson, Lilly Hegland; and two nieces and two nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two infant grandchildren; his brother, Glenn Hegland; an infant brother and sister; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Orlan and Laurina Perau; and sisters-in-law, Marlys Perau and Carolyn Hegland.

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

Diane Feldt

December 11, 2012

Diane K. Feldt, 64, of St. Ansgar, died on Thursday, December 6, 2012, at the Mitchell Regional Health Center Hospice Unit in Osage.

Funeral services were held on Monday, December 10, at 11:00 a.m., at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, with burial in the St. Johns Cemetery. Visitation was on Sunday, December 9, from 4-7:00 p.m., at the Schroeder and Sites Funeral Home in St. Ansgar.

Diane K. Mehmen Feldt, was born on October 4, 1948 to Raymond Gus Mehmen and Dorothy Maxine Collings Mehmen at Waverly, Iowa. She attended a local country school, finishing in the Plainfield Schools and continuing her education at Tech school to become a surgical technician, graduating with honors. On December 11, 1970, she married Charlie Feldt. To this union were born three children, Allen of Toeterville, Sherry (Mike) Marr of Riceville and Ray (Kelly) of Orchard. Diane spent most of her life in the medical field with a brief stint as a church secretary and part-time restoring woodworks. But her true passion was her family, especially the grandchildren. 

Her hobbies were many and varied, from painting, to cross stitch, sewing, crafts and cooking to anything outdoors, such as hunting, fishing, camping and any other outside activities.

She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.

Diane is survived by her husband, Charlie; sons, Allen Feldt and Ray (Kelly) Feldt; daughter, Sherry (Mike) Marr; grandchildren, Mitchel and Abby Marr; step-grandchild, Isabella Martin; brothers, Steve (Terri) Mehmen and Stan (Karmen) Mehmen; sister, Daleth (Dale) Pothast; and a great number of family and friends.

John Bauman

December 11, 2012

John Leonard Bauman, age 84, of Osage, died on Saturday, December 8, 2012, at his home in Osage.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Friday, December 14, at the First Baptist Church in Osage, with Pastor Paul Brown officiating. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., on Friday, at the First Baptist Church.

John was born on June 13, 1928 on the family farm near Stacyville, Iowa, the son of Arthur and Florence (Gerbig) Bauman. The family lived on the farm near Stacyville until moving to Lanesboro, Minnesota, in 1936 and to Osage in 1941. While working at the Scott Store in Osage, John met his future wife, Betty Heller. They were married on June 16, 1946. He spent 30 years working in Charles City for Oliver, later known as White Tractor Company. From February 1970 until July 1973, John and Betty owned and operated Bauman’s Hobbies and Crafts in Hampton, Iowa.

He was very active in the First Baptist Church, being janitor for years and serving on various boards. John enjoyed traveling, painting, sculpting and woodworking. He also enjoyed writing poetry and won several awards for his poetry.

John is survived by his son, Steven (Eleanor) Bauman of Emmons, Minnesota; his brother, Benjamin Bauman of Osage; his sister, Arlene Garden of Charles City; two sisters-in-law, Verla Heller of Charles City and Linda Heller of Mason City; three step-grandchildren, Monica Gordon of Lakeville, Minnesota, Kevin (Cary) Levorson of Albert Lea, Minnesota and Darren Levorson of Emmons, Minnesota; seven step-great-grandchildren; two step-great-great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty in 1999; and brothers-in-law, Kenneth Heller, Bob Heller and Ralph Garden.

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

Maurice Elliott

December 11, 2012

Maurice Elliott, 83, of Hampton and formerly of Postville, passed away on Saturday, December 8, 2012, at the Franklin General Hospital Nursing Facility in Hampton.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 12, at 11:00 a.m., at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Hampton. Visitation was on Tuesday, December 11, from 4-8:00 p.m., at the Sietsema Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton. A Celebration of Life will also be held from 1-4:00 p.m., on Saturday, December 15, at the St. Bridget Catholic Church in Postville. Private burial will take place at a later date in the Liberty Township Cemetery, Little Cedar, Iowa.

Maurice Elliott, was born on August 6, 1929 at Aberdeen, South Dakota, to Orin and Jesse McMinn Elliott. He attended the Fullerton, North Dakota and Little Cedar Iowa Schools and graduated from the Little Cedar High Schools in 1947. He and his family moved to Mitchell County in 1936 and he helped his family run the family farm in Little Cedar. He served in the U. S. Air Force from 1948 to 1952. In 1950, he married Kathleen Schrage in Osage. They later divorced. He lived in Florida and returned to Iowa in 1952. He was part of the first guided missiles that were the first part of the space age. He worked for Zeigler's as a diesel mechanic and shop supervisor for 39 years. During this time, he also owned Elliott's Camper Service, selling campers and snowmobiles.

In 1992, he retired and became a fulltime RVer. He immensely enjoyed traveling. Visiting all 48 states and making many friends during his travels.

Survivors include four daughters, Maureen Shaner of Sumner, Denise Liddle of Waverly, Vickie Burington of Fayette and Angela (Jeff) Lund of Waterloo; two sons, Dan (Lynn) and John of Postville; 13 grandchildren, Carolyn (Dave) Wagner, Jess Liddle, Jonnie (Charlie) Becker, Travis (Kelly) Elliott, Chris (Amber) Burington, Matt (Stacie) Burington, Jenny Burington, Samantha Lund, Gage Lund, Devon Lund, Grace Lund, Jonathon Lund, and Alexandra Lund; 8 great-grandchildren; and his sister-in-law, Alene Elliott of Fullerton, North Dakota.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Max L. Elliott, Guy Marvin Elliott; his grandson, Nickolas Elliott; and his sister-in-law, Kathryn Elliott.

Michael C. Boekemeier
January 23, 1948 - December 8, 2012

Michael C. Boekemeier, age 64, of Osage, died on Saturday, December 8, 2012, at his home.

Cremation has taken place and inurnment will be in the Holy Cross Cemetery in Phoenix, Arizona.

Michael Charles Boekemeier, was born on January 23, 1948 in Osage, Iowa, the son of Oliver II and Dorothy (Prochaska) Boekemeier. He resided in Osage until the age of seven, then moved with his family to Phoenix, Arizona. He returned to Osage in 1965, when his parents purchased the Orchard Tavern. He graduated from the Osage High School in 1966 and then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served four years in Germany. He then moved back to Phoenix and worked at Sperry Rand, a major military contracting company. After several years there, he moved to Payson, Arizona and eventually moved back to Osage, where he resided until his death.

Michael is survived by his brother, Bernard Boekemeier and his sister, Mary Meyer, both of Phoenix, Arizona; and two nieces and one nephew.

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

Kenneth Smith
March 9, 1949 - December 15, 2012

Kenneth “Kenny” Raymond Smith, age 63, of Mason City, died on Saturday, December 15, 2012, at his home in Mason City.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, December 19, at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville, with Msgr. John Hemann officiating. Burial will be in the Visitation Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10-11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, at the church.

Kenny was born on March 9, 1949 in Osage, Iowa, the son of Ray and Marjorie (Blake) Smith. He graduated in 1967 from the Marian High School in Stacyville. Kenny then attended NIACC where he studied nursing and horticulture. He chose a career in healthcare becoming an orderly and worked at the Mercy Hospital in Mason City for more than 43 years. Kenny was dedicated to the compassionate care of all those he served there.

Kenny possessed a true Franciscan spirit. He loved all animals and cared deeply about the health of the environment. Kenny had a special devotion to Our Lady, Mary. His favorite radio station was KCMR and he especially liked to “pray along” as they broadcast the recitation of the Holy Rosary. Above all Kenny was a dreamer, with many varied interests, including art, architecture, gardening, angels and all things spiritual. Though his health prevented him from reaching many of them, one dream Kenny was proud to have achieved was to own his home.

Kenneth is survived by his eleven sisters and brothers, Kathy Sonne, Dale (Mary) Smith, Joyce (Vance) Krebsbach, Dennis (Carol) Smith, Sherry (Todd) Brandt, Roger Smith, Mike (Julie) Smith, Joe (Karla) Smith, Glen Smith, Donna (Larry) Adams, Paul (Lesa) Smith; 19 nieces and nephews; 4 great-nieces and nephews; and special friends, Lucy Varrellman, Laura Henderson and Jerry and Sharon O’Neill.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a niece, Allison Smith; and a brother-in-law, Alan Sonne.

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

Melvin Weaverling
February 20, 1932 - December 16, 2012

Melvin Weaverling, age 80, of Osage, died on Sunday, December 16, 2012, at the St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, December 20, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Msgr. John Hemann officiating. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7:30 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with a rosary at 5:30 p.m.

Melvin Perry Weaverling, was born on February 20, 1932 in Osage, Iowa, to Perry and Anna (Popp) Weaverling. He graduated from the Osage High School in 1951. Melvin served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict as an antiaircraft guard in Detroit, Michigan. He married Marianne Rushford on June 26, 1954, in Detroit and they returned to Osage to make their home. Melvin was employed by the Osage Municipal Utilities for 34 years until his retirement in 1994. One of Melvin’s enjoyments in life was following Chicago Cubs baseball.

Melvin is survived by his two children, Michael (Melinda) Weaverling of Cedar Rapids and Marilyn (Michael) Myers of Smithfield, Pennsylvania; his grandchildren, Kristen and Bradley Weaverling; brother, John (Cleone) Weaverling of Osage; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marianne in 2004; his parents; brothers, Loren, Donald and Marold Weaverling; and sister, Hazel Betts.

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

William L. Morrow
December 7, 1951 - December 19, 2012

William L. Morrow, 61, of Grand Island, Nebraska, died on Wednesday, December 19, 2012, at the St. Francis Medical Center.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, December 24, at the Apfel Funeral Home, Grand Island. Further services will be at 3:00 p.m., on Monday, at the Naponee Wesleyan Church in Naponee, with inurnment of the ashes following in the Naponee City Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the family. The Apfel Funeral Home is caring for the family.

William L. Morrow, was born on December 7, 1951 at Charles City, Iowa, the son of Urschel and Blanche (Lewis) Morrow. He grew up in Osage and Rudd, Iowa and received his education at the Osage Community School, graduating with the class of 1970. He entered the United States Army serving during the Vietnam War. He was a graduate of the Bartlesville Wesleyan University, Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where he received his Bachelor's Degree in 1980. He was a member of the Wesleyan church. He was united in marriage to Bonnie Hasket in 1985, at Camp Joy, Republican City, Nebraska. The couple made their home in Osage, Iowa, where he was employed as a truck driver for the St. Ansgar Mills, St. Ansgar, later moving to Grand Island in 1992. He worked for Monfort /Swift/JBS Distribution for 17 years and then First Security for a year and half before retiring in 2011.

He brought joy to everyone he met and had a smile for them, too. He enjoyed watching movies, the television and taking his kids bowling. He also liked to build model cars and trucks and had quite a collection of miniature tractors and semi's. During the summer he could be found in the yard, mowing and listening to tunes in the "Dog House" shed.

Survivors include his wife, Bonnie Lou Morrow of Grand Island; his children, Caleb Jon Morrow, Matthew Ian Morrow, Jacob Sean Morrow, Michael Ivan Morrow and Candace Janae Morrow, all of Grand Island, Nebraska; and cousins in Iowa and Minnesota and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and infant daughter, Elizabeth Janelle.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.apfelfuneralhome.com

Kenneth Harms
November 17, 1938 - December 21, 2012

Kenneth Harms, age 74, of Osage, died on Friday, December 21, 2012, at the Mitchell County Health Center Emergency Room in Osage.

According to Kenneth’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Private family services will be held at a later date.

Kenneth was born on November 17, 1938 in Titonka, Iowa, the son of John “A.J.” and Bertha (Wessels) Harms. He graduated from the Riceville High School. On February 7, 1960, Kenneth married Glenda Funte in Riceville. He was the retired owner/operator of a trucking business. Kenneth enjoyed tractors, trucks, race cars, and his grandchildren.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Glenda Harms of Osage; his children, Sue (Doug) Badker of Osage, Richard (Peggy) Harms of Mankato, Minnesota and Shelia Winkels of St. Ansgar; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Shannon Harms; infant granddaughter, Hannah Badker; and sister, Rhadora Fesenmeyer.

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

Lowell Olsen
March 10, 1925 - December 26, 2012

Lowell Olsen, age 87, of Osage, died on Wednesday, December 26, 2012, at the Great River Medical Center Emergency Room in West Burlington, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, December 29, at the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Bryan Lagerstam and Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Burial will be in the Rock Creek Cemetery, rural Osage. Visitation will be from 5-8:00 p.m., on Friday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

Lowell was born on March 10, 1925 at Meroa, Iowa, the son of Lawrence and Clarice (Williams) Olsen. After graduating from the Osage High School, he farmed with his parents for three years. He married Margaret Johnson on October 12, 1946 at the Rock Creek Lutheran Church, rural Osage. They farmed for six years, moving to Osage in 1952. In 1953, they started Olsen Implement after purchasing an implement business in Osage.

Lowell was a member of the Rotary and the Sons of Norway. He served on the boards of the Osage Community Schools, Mitchell County Hospital, Mitchell County Industrial Development and the Home Trust and Savings Bank. He was past president of the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Council and the Osage Chamber of Commerce. He also served on the NIACC Advisory Committee. Lowell received the Outstanding Young Businessman of the Year award. He enjoyed farming and was passionate about all sports. Lowell especially enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Lowell is survived by two daughters, Marcia (Keith) Taeger of West Burlington and Diane (Larry) Kleckner of Audubon; three sons, Jim (Beth) Olsen of Osage, Jeff (Jayne) Olsen of Osage and Jay (Sheila) Olsen of Osage; 17 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Margaret in 2003; his son, Jon in 2001; sister, Beatrice Gast; and brother, LaVerne Olsen.

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