R. Metz Drew

January 3, 2012

R. Metz Drew, a lifetime resident of Osage, died on Sunday, January 1, 2012, at his home, at the age of 90, to go home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, January 5, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, with the Rev. Roy Ott and Rev. Stephen Bohling officiating. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery. Visitation is from 4-6:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

Metz was born on January 17, 1921 in Osage, the son of James Willis and Clara (Seebach) Drew. He attended the Osage Schools, graduating in 1939. He attended Cornell College at Mount Vernon, Iowa. Metz was called into military service and served his country from 1942-1945 during World War II, in the 348th Engineer Battalion. During his 39 months of service, Metz was overseas for two years in the European Theater and wore five battle stars. In addition to the French Arrowhead Citation for landing on the Normandy Beachhead, Metz also received the Presidential Unit Citation.

After World War II, Metz returned to Osage, where he was employed in the post office for 37 years. He was both a city letter carrier and later, a rural mail carrier. On August 15, 1952, Metz and Kathleen Cordes were married at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, when it was still located on Mechanic Street. Two daughters were born from this union, Dorothy (Drew) Olsen and Rochelle Drew. Metz had a strong love for his Savior and for his family. He was praying man, who was very passionate in his Christian faith. Metz sang in church choirs for over 20 years, served as a Sunday School teacher and participated in Bible studies. He and his wife, Kathleen, sang many duets together at church services, weddings and funerals.

In his earlier years, Metz was a trombonist, an avid golfer and tennis player. He helped manage the Cordes family farm for many years, raising farm animals. Metz was a member of the Our Savior's Lutheran Church, the American Legion, and the Rural Letter Carriers' Association.

May God bless Metz's memory.

Those left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 59 years, Kathleen of Osage; his two daughters, Dorothy (Bruce) Olsen of Blaine, Minnesota and Rochelle Drew of Chanhassen, Minnesota; four sisters-in-law, Cleone (Evan) Currence of Rochester, Minnesota, Kay Drew of Cedar Falls, Dolores Gross of San Diego, California and Elaine Cordes of Seguin, Texas; and many nieces and nephews.

Metz was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Joseph and James Drew.

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

Richard "Dick" Greeley

January 3, 2012

Richard "Dick" Allen Greeley, age 65, of Osage, died on Monday, January 2, 2012, at the Faith Home in Osage. 

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, January 7, 2012, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Father Jack McClure, CPPS, officiating. Visitation will be from 4-7:00 p.m., on Friday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage. Following the visitation, cremation will take place. Inurnment will be in the Osage Cemetery.

Richard was born on May 6, 1946 in Osage, Iowa, the son of William and Gladys (Wagner) Greeley. He attended school in McIntire, Iowa. On October 3, 1964, he married Dawn Gilles at the Sacred Heart Church in Adams, Minnesota. Richard worked for and retired from L.R. Falk Construction. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Church in Osage. Richard enjoyed hunting, playing cards, camping, fishing, watching westerns and football.

Richard is survived by his daughter, Darcy (Mike) Betts of Osage and children, Tina Betts and Nicole (Matthew) Bartz; his daughter, Ann (Alan) Hoisington of Osage and children, Jessica (Troy) Wickham and Julie Hoisington; his daughter, Jane (Wayne) Johnson of Dexter, Minnesota and children, Jeremy Johnson, Jamie Johnson and Jason (Katie) Johnson;  five great-grandchildren, Drew Shimek, Aden and Haley Wickham, Tait and Heath Johnson; a brother, John (Bev) Greeley of Osage; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dawn Greeley in 2011; a great-grandson, Jayden Wickham; parents, William Greeley and Gladys Greeley Jacobus; step-father, Ray "Doc" Jacobus; and brother and sister-in-law, James and Nancy Greeley.

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

Patricia Van Deusen

January 10, 2012

Patricia "Patti" Van Deusen, 56, died on Thursday, January 5, 2012, at her home.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date. Should friends desire, memorials may be directed to the Patti Van Deusen Memorial in care of her husband, Eric Van Deusen.

Patricia Mae Duistermars, was born on September 19, 1955, in Artesia, California, the daughter of Robert Dale and Martha Mae (Veenendaal) Duistermars.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Eric Van Deusen of Osage; her mother, Martha Duistermars of California; her children, daughter, Stephanie of Plainville, Kansas; sons, Jeff and his wife, Robyn Milwaukee, Oregon and Matt of Cresco; grandchildren, Christian, Ethan, Madilyn, Madison, Emma and Ella; one great-grandson; siblings, Bob and his wife, Jeannie, Janet and her husband, Jim and Mary; four nieces; four nephews; three great-nieces; nine great-nephews; along with other relatives and friends.

Patti was preceded in death by her father, Robert Duistermars.

Memorial Park Funeral Home, Hwy. 122 West, Mason City, was in charge of the arrangements.
www.colonialchapels.com

Beulah Mae Cockrum

January 10, 2012

Beulah Mae Cockrum, age 96, of Osage and formerly of Little Cedar, passed away on Thursday, January 5, 2012, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, January 14, at the Little Cedar United Methodist Church in Little Cedar, with Rev. Peter Chang officiating. Inurnment will be in the Liberty Cemetery at Little Cedar. There will be a gathering for family and friends from 5-8:00 p.m., on Friday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorials be directed to the Little Cedar United Methodist Church, Little Cedar, Iowa.

Beulah Mae Cockrum, was born on May 22, 1915 in Little Cedar, Iowa, to Roy and Emily (Balsley) Smith. She received her education in Little Cedar, graduating in 1933. She attended Teachers College in Cedar Falls. After graduation, Beulah taught at the Rock 5 and Brownville country schools. On December 25, 1936, she married Herbert Cockrum in Fredericksburg, Iowa. To this union, three children were born. Beulah taught seventh and eighth grades in Little Cedar, starting in 1954 until the reorganization of schools in 1960. She then went to teach sixth grade in Osage. Beulah graduated from Upper Iowa University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1965 at 50 years of age. She continued teaching in Osage until her retirement in 1980. She and Herb went to sunny Arizona and made their winter home in Mesa. After Herb's death, she continued to go to Mesa for the winters until five years ago.

Beulah enjoyed dancing, crocheting, playing cards, gardening and was an avid Minnesota Twins fan. She was a member of the Little Cedar United Methodist Church and of the United Methodist Women's group. She truly enjoyed playing "500" on Mondays at Evergreen where she lived. Beulah also loved spending time with her family. She was affectionately known by all her grandchildren as Grandma Bea.

Beulah is survived by a daughter, Mona (Wayne) King of Estherville; a son, Terry (Shirley) Cockrum of Atlanta, Georgia; a daughter, Kathy (Chuck) Mallow of Osage; a sister-in-law, Margaret Cockrum of San Diego, California; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren - five generations in all.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Herbert in 1990; an infant brother, Donald Austin Smith; a sister, Naida Cockrum Goergen; two sisters-in-law; five brothers-in-law; and a special friend, Norb Neuerburg. Information available and condolences accepted at www.champion-bucheitfuneralhome.com

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

Frances Meinders Severs

January 10, 2012

Frances Meinders Severs, 80, of Dumont, went home to her Savior on Sunday, January 8, 2012, in the comfort of her home and in her sleep.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, January 13, at the Dumont Reformed Church in Dumont, Iowa. Friends may call on Thursday, from 4-8:00 p.m., at the Sietsema Vogel Funeral Home in Dumont. Burial will take place in the Dumont Cemetery in Dumont. Pastor Jeff Fiet will be officiating.

Frances Jurene Kuper, was born on November 3, 1931, to Jerry and Marian Aukes Kuper on her grandparents' farm near Wellsburg in Grundy County. She, along with her parents, soon moved to a farm SE of Ackley. Frances was baptized on June 2, 1935 in the West Friesland Church. She accepted Jesus as her Savior in March 1946. She received her education in the country school of German #5 in Grundy County and 2 years of high school in Ackley. She then worked as a hired girl until she married Harold Meinders on November 6, 1949, at the Congregational Church in Osage. Frances became a member of the Dumont Reformed Church in March 1950. Harold worked at the Dumont Elevator and they soon started farming and having their family. Their marriage was blessed with 8 children. Along with happy times, they suffered heartbreak by losing their infant daughter, Julie in a house fire in April 1967. After the fire, they picked up their family and moved to Osage and bought a farm from Jerry and Marian. In November 1970, the family again suffered another loss when their son, Lynn died in an auto accident.

They bought the Drug Store in Dumont, more popularly known as "Meinders Variety" which Frances managed for 12 ½ years. She was also involved with many community and church activities during her life in Dumont.

Frances was united in marriage to Lester Severs in July 2006. They enjoyed spending time traveling marking trips to Hawaii, Germany, Texas and Arizona. They also enjoyed dancing at the Senior Citizens' events. Lester and Frances recently moved to a different home in Hampton helping to ease her ability to be mobile.  

Frances is survived by her husband, Lester Severs of Hampton; six children, LaDonna (Larry) Estal of Reeds Springs Missouri, Keith (Becky Jo) Meinders of Osage, Steve (Sue) Meinders of Kearney, Missouri, Marcia (Randy) Lunn of Maplewood, Missouri, Verla (Dale) Pecha of Dumont and Mari (Kirk) Petersen of Hampton; 14 grandchildren, Jason(Tina) Estal, Matthew (Katie) Estal, Lorinda (Jason) Sedillo, Shanlyn (Adam) Doll, Judd Meinders, Jared (Sandy) and Alex Meinders, Wendy(Darren) Malcolm, Joshua Pecha, Rachel (Tyson) Burton, Dustin and Kelsey Schwab, Kendra and Hannah Petersen; 14 great-grandchildren, Haley, Lucas, Evan, Caleb, Nicholas, Joel, Madison, Jamison, Adam, Max, Brevin, Jaeley, Parker and Ava, plus 3 more due this year; three brothers and one sister, Melvin (Vera) Kuper of Romeo Illinois, Beverly Hansen of Salem Oregon and Gary (Eloise) Kuper and Myron (Sue) Kuper, both from Osage; two sisters-in-law, Edna Reiners of Dumont and Phyllis Card of Hampton; one brother in law, Duane Seibert of Rockford; and two aunts, Iva Terry and Mildred Kuper Huisman. Frances' life was also blessed by the special friendship from Louise Buseman who could always be counted on for a special visit, or phone call especially in the last several months. Also, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends too many to mention.

Frances was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Harold in December 2001; son, Lynn and daughter, Julie Ann; her parents; a brother; and an infant sister.

Gilman Olson

January 11, 2012

Gilman Olson, age 76, of Osage, died on Tuesday, January 10, 2012, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center Emergency Room in Osage. 

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Tuesday, January 17, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the charity of the donor's choice.

Gilman was born on May 9, 1935, on the family farm near Osage, Iowa, the son of Allert and Rikka (Haugen) Olson. He graduated from the Osage High School in 1953 and attended Iowa State University in Ames. Gilman then returned to the family farm and was active in farming until the time of his death. He married Janice McCoy at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage. They were later divorced.

Gilman enjoyed flying and was a certified pilot. He also enjoyed downhill skiing and reading, especially items regarding agriculture. 

Gilman is survived by his children, A. G. Olson, III of Osage, Diedre Loecher of Waterloo and Bruce Olson of Laguna Niguel, California; and a sister, Aida (Edward) Knudson of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Yvonne Goodman and Joyce Williams. 

Lucille Jean Mackin

January 17, 2012

Lucille Jean Mackin, 85, of St. Ansgar, passed away peacefully at the Good Samaritan in St. Ansgar, on Friday, January 13, 2012. 

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, January 19, at the First Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, with Pastor Paul Weeg officiating. Inurnment will be in the First Lutheran Cemetery in St. Ansgar. Visitation for friends and family will be held at the Schroeder and Sites Funeral Home, from 4-7:00 p.m., on Wednesday.

Lucille was born on November 30, 1926 in Mitchell County, to Donald and Leona (Hollatz) Thorson. She attended school in Otranto, and graduated from the St. Ansgar High School in 1944. She worked in the office of the REC and later as a teller at the St. Ansgar State Bank. On April 10, 1947, she married Virgil Horgen and had 2 children, James and Linda. Lucille was preceded in death by her husband Virgil on October 26, 1963.

Lucille later married Galt Mackin of Osage, Iowa in 1973. She was preceded in death by her husband Galt on May 19, 1998.

Lucille based her life on a strong faith in God. She once said her deepest values were "faith-ask God for guidance and you will get it, and always take one day at a time." Lucille greatly enjoyed her work at the St. Ansgar Bank for many years, and she also was a member at both First Lutheran and Our Savior's Lutheran in Osage, where she was active in Women's Circle and sang in the family choir. She especially enjoyed her grandchildren and loved their school music programs and birthdays. More recently Grandma Mackin was blessed with 10 great-grandchildren, who became her focus and loves of her life.

Lucille is survived by a son, James (Diane) Horgen of St. Ansgar; a daughter, Linda Trobaugh of Peotone, Illinois; two stepdaughters, Marie (Norman) Ockman of Longwood, Florida and Joann (Lanny Wilson) Mackin of Waterloo; three stepsons, Jere (Lois) Mackin of Plymouth, Minnesota, Patrick (Kathy) Mackin of San Antonio, Texas and Richard (Deb) Mackin of Manly; a brother, Harold Thorson of Albuquerque, New Mexicoa; a sister, Elaine Hansen of St. Ansgar; a brother, Allen (Joyce) Thorson of St. Ansgar; 7 grandchildren, Becky (Shad) Gordon, Ryan (Renee) Horgen, Renae (Derek) Mauser, Darin (Dani) Horgen, Evan Trobaugh, Adrian Trobaugh, Tristan Trobaugh ; 7 step-grandchildren, Adam Ockman, Will and Kathryn Mackin, Anne Marie and Joe Mackin, Mike and Marissa Mackin; and 10 great-grandchildren, Hannah, Emma, Austin, Justin, Jessica, Henry, Kaylee, Isabelle, Carly and Ella.

Lucille was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Leona Thorson; her husband, Virgil Horgen; her second husband, Galt Mackin; a brother, Gene Thorson; a sister-in-law, Pat (Harold) Thorson; and brother-in-law, Dean (Elaine) Hansen.

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

Kenneth E. Anderson

January 17, 2012

Kenneth E. Anderson, 82, of Osage, died on Saturday, January 14, 2012, at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Osage. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, January 18, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Visitation is from 5-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home. Following services, cremation will take place. Inurnment will occur at a later date in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Mitchell, with military honors at the grave by the Osage American Legion Post 278.

Kenny was born on May 2, 1929 in Osage, the son of John and Myrtle (Nelson) Anderson. He attended the Osage High School. Kenny enlisted in the United States Air Force at the age of 17 and served from 1947-1951. He worked at and retired from Winnebago Industries. Kenny was a past Post Commander and squad member of American Legion Post 278 of Osage.

He enjoyed being outdoors, fishing, gardening and woodworking. Kenny also loved spending time with family and friends.

Kenny is survived by his two sons, Ronald (Shelly) Anderson of Osage and Rodney (Sharon) Anderson of Osage; his beloved companion, Bonnie Fischer of Osage and her sons, Dennis Fischer of Mitchell, John (JoAnn) Fischer of Mitchell, Lynn (Kathy) Fischer of Mitchell; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and an infant brother.

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

Marian Mae Rust

January 17, 2012

Marian Mae Rust, 79, of St. Ansgar, died on Monday, January 16, 2012, at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, Hospice Care in Osage, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 20, at 1:30 p.m., at the United Methodist Church, St. Ansgar, with Rev. Peter Chang officiating. Burial will be in the First Lutheran Cemetery, St. Ansgar. Visitation will be on Thursday, from 4-7:00 p.m., at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, and one hour prior to the services at the church.

Marian was born on November 27, 1932 in Osage, Iowa, to Frank and Clara (Cummings) Tyler. On June 3, 1950, Marian married Allen Rust of St. Ansgar, where after a few brief military stops, they resided for over 50 years. During those years she was an incredible wife, homemaker and mother to four children, as well as an even better grandmother to her four grandchildren. She was also active in the Legion and VFW Auxiliaries.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Allen; parents, Frank and Clara; sister, Dorothy; in-laws, Gilmand and Myrtle; brothers-in-law, Gene and Charles; sister-in-law, Katherine Bullis; and niece, Nancy Bullis.

Marian is survived by her four children, David (Amber) Rust of Chesapeake Beach, Maryland, Todd (Kathy) Rust of West Des Moines, Kara (Tony) Adams of Osage and Gary (Jodi) Rust of Farmington, Minnesota; four grandchildren, Jacob Rust, Cody Adams, Cameron Rust and Delaney Rust: a brother, William Tyler of Janesville, Wisconsin; and several nieces and nephews.

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

Jennie Adams

January 24, 2012

Jennie Marie (Onken) Adams, age 83, of Osage, died on Wednesday, January 18, 2012, at the hospice room at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage, where she was surrounded by her kids. 

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, January 23, at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville, with Father Jack McClure, CPPS, officiating. Burial was in the Visitation Catholic Cemetery.  

Jennie was born on October 18, 1928 in Orchard, Iowa, the daughter of Enno and Jennie (Rademacher) Onken. She attended school in Orchard. Jennie married Raymond Adams at the Visitation Church in Stacyville on May 11, 1948. They made their home in Stacyville and then moved to California for 15 years before returning to Iowa. Jennie was enjoying her retirement after more than 17 years cooking at the Mitchell County Memorial Hospital in Osage.

She loved to sew, cook, do jigsaw puzzles and gamble at casinos. She was also known for baking cakes for weddings, birthdays and other celebrations. Jennie was a member of the V.F.W. and American Legion Auxiliaries as well as the Sacred Heart Guild. 

She will be greatly missed by her kids, Pat (John) Fisher of Dale City, Virginia, Mar Adams of Osage, Colleen Upton of Santa Ana, California, Sue (Don) Weber of Stacyville, Liz (Rick) Stevens of Osage and Mike Adams and special friend, Jen Blaha of Osage; grandchildren, Jeff Fisher of Dale City, Virginia, David Fisher of Holyoke, Massachusetts, Jackie (Matt) Hanna of Stacyville, Chris (Kathy) Weber of Lincoln, Nebraska, Adam Stevens of Ames, Ricky Stevens of Osage, Devon Adams of Riceville, Dominique Adams of Osage and Jen's daughters, Jasmine and Emma Blaha of Osage. Great-grandma, Jennie enjoyed time spent with her youngest family members, Jonathan Fisher of Wethersfield, Connecticut, Dylan, Taylor and Lanie Hanna of Stacyville and Connor Weber of Lincoln, Nebraska. She is also survived by her brothers, Art Onken of Osage, Jim (Jean) Onken of Orchard; sister, Donna Onken of Omaha, Nebraska; sister-in-law, Ruth Onken of Rudd; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ray in 1981; her siblings, Martha Miller, Walter Onken, John Onken, Edward "Weasel" Onken, George Onken, Frank Onken, Eno Onken, Keith Onken and Dorothy Onken.

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

Anna Marie Meyerhofer

January 24, 2012

Anna Marie Meyerhofer, age 87, of Osage, died on Monday, January 23, 2012, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.  

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, January 27, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Father Jack McClure, CPPS, officiating. Cremation has taken place. Inurnment will be held at a later date in the Visitation Catholic Cemetery in Stacyville. Following the memorial service, there will be lunch and fellowship at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Osage. 

Anna was born on August 23, 1924 in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Anton Clemens and Ervina Mary Rose (Schwind) Bassler. On August 12, 1942, Anna married Wilfred "Fritz" Meyerhofer at the St. Columbkille's Church in Dubuque. They lived in Dubuque until 1954, when they moved to Stacyville to operate the family farm, where she and Fritz raised their thirteen children. In 1980, they retired and moved with their youngest daughters, Judy and Elayne, to Osage. Anna treasured her independence, her home, and her family.

She enjoyed reading, gardening, fishing and greatly enjoyed the many years that she and Fritz spent wintering in Apache Junction, Arizona. Anna was the last of the Bassler siblings.

Anna is survived by her sons, Thomas (Ali) of Farmington, Minnesota, Russell (Yvonne) of Pueblo, Colorado, Anthony (Jane) of Leesburg, Virginia, David (Brenda) of Riceville, Allen of Austin, Minnesota, Don (Bernie) of Osage and Kevin (Cyndy) of Stacyville; her daughters, Sandra (John) Almgren of Kremmling, Colorado, Sheila (Monte) North of Mitchell, Judy (Bob) Picknell of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, and Elayne (Kevin) Eckel of Huxley; 29 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilfred "Fritz" Meyerhofer in 2007; two sons, Wilfred, Jr. and Philip; her parents; two sisters; and three brothers.

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

Claire Brasch

January 31, 2012

Claire Brasch, a long-time resident of St. Ansgar, owner of St. Ansgar Grain and Feed, later NorOats and a decorated WW II veteran, died on Thursday, January 26, 2012, at the age 95.

Memorial services were held on Monday, January 30, at 10:00 a.m., at the United Methodist Church, St. Ansgar, with Rev. Peter Chang and Rev. Lance Kittleson officiating. Visitation was on Sunday, from 4-6:00 p.m., at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar.

Born in 1916 near Hudson, Iowa, he came of age during the Great Depression, working a family farm with his two brothers, Roland and LeRoy, and his parents, Ceola and Art Brasch. When the war broke out, he volunteered as a Marine and spent the next four years fighting in the Pacific theater, seeing action on the islands of Saipan, Tarawa and Guadalcanal, among others. He received a purple heart for his actions on Saipan, where he suffered shrapnel wounds after a brutal battle to take the island.

He met his wife, Dorothy a Navy Wave and native of New York, when she was training in Cedar Falls. They were married the next year, 1945 in San Diego before he was shipped off to a planned invasion of Japan. Enroute, the war was declared over, and he returned with his new wife to New Hampton, Iowa. With help of the GI Bill, he built their first home and began work as an electrician.

Within a few years, he had heard of a business opportunity to operate a grain elevator in St. Ansgar and with Curtis Taylor, the two bought St. Ansgar Grain and Feed in 1950. After dissolving the partnership, he continued to operate the feed mill until 1977, when he expanded operations to process race horse feed. Upon his retirement, a group of investors bought the business and transformed it into NorOats. Today, after continued expansion and another name change, Grain Millers now runs 24-hours shifts, employing more than 100 people in a town of 1,000.

Besides his business acumen, Claire was known for his woodworking, carving, and model railroad. His woodwork graces the homes of many St. Ansgar residents, from grandfather clocks to shaker boxes. His model train winds through the story of his life, from farmstead to St. Ansgar--in miniature. During winters, he could be found with wood chips at his feet as he perfected the wings on the carvings of his cardinals and ducks.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Dorothy Brasch; his daughters, Sally Emerson-Brasch and Barbara Ray and husband, Rex Ray; his son, Bob Brasch and wife, Susan Brasch; his grandchildren, Tara Thorson and husband, Corey Thorson and their children, Elle Sue, Cadence, Mayzie and Kemper; Eric Kline and his wife, Sunny Kline and their children, Tyson and Charlie; Kim Opstvedt and husband, Shawn Opstvedt and their children, Emily and Colin; Christopher Poulos and wife, Jessica Poulos and their children, Logan and Brayden; Kelsey Brasch; Michael Brasch; and Jacob Brasch.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Susan Kline; and his brothers, LeRoy Brasch and Roland Brasch.

He was deeply loved and his gentle, caring spirit-and dry wit will be missed. He left us with his favorite parting words: "keep working."

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

Glenn Robert Kronemann

January 31, 2012

Glenn Robert Kronemann, age 84, of Carpenter, died on Friday, January 27, 2012, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt of a sudden illness.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, February 1, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Father Jack McClure, CPPS officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Osage, with military honors at the grave by Walter T. Enneberg American Legion Post 358 of St. Ansgar. Visitation will be held from 5-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with a scripture wake service at 7:00 p.m.

Glenn was born on March 20, 1927 in Rock Township, Mitchell County, the youngest of 9 children to Emil and Mary (Neuman) Kronemann. He attended country school in Rock Township. Glenn served in the Army Air Force during WW II in the Pacific. He was united in marriage to Dolores Wagner at the Sacred Heart Church in Osage on August 21, 1950. They farmed near St. Ansgar until 1970, when they moved to Britt. They moved to Carpenter in 1990. Glenn was the drummer for the Grafton Boys Band for 40 years.

He was a member of the St. Ansgar American Legion Post 358. Glenn enjoyed playing his drums, hunting, fishing, gardening and listening to music. He also enjoyed spending time with his family.  

Glenn is survived by his wife, Dolores Kronemann of Carpenter; his eight children, Douglas (Linda) Kronemann of Osage, Diane (Lyle) Passmore of Minnesota Lake, Minnesota, Nancy (Marvin) Trenary of Kanawha, Lynn (Daniel) Doughan of Britt, David Kronemann of Crystal Lake, Susan Marshall of Gig Harbor, Washington, Wayne (Michelle) Kronemann of Britt and Brian Kronemann of Kanawha; a brother, Lloyd Kroneman of Grafton; 22 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters; three brothers; and a great-grandson.

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

Loma J. Roske

January 31, 2012

Loma J. Roske, age 73, of Osage, passed away on Saturday, January 28, 2012, at the St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, February 3, at the First United Methodist Church in Osage, with Pastor Sam Mack officiating. Inurnment will be in the Riverside Cemetery in Riceville. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Thursday, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home. The family asks that memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society or the First United Methodist Church, Osage.

Loma was born on February 18, 1938 in Mitchell, the daughter of John L. and Alyce (Holmquist) Bakkum. She was confirmed at the Lutheran Church in Mitchell. Loma attended and graduated from the Riceville High School in 1956. She lived in the Riceville and Osage areas most of her life. Loma worked as a secretary in California for a short time and as a dispatcher for the Riceville Police Department. She married Robert Wilcox on January 25, 1958 and to this union three children were born. They later divorced. Loma worked at and retired from Pettit's Café in Riceville, where she worked for over 20 years. Loma married Floyd Roske on June 25, 1988.

She enjoyed gardening, canning, her cat "Blackie," bus trips to Branson, The Floyd Gospel Sing and the Masters Voice Quartet. Loma also enjoyed volunteering at the Osage Senior Center, playing 500 and Skipbo and occasional trips to the casino. She loved spending time with her family.

Loma is survived by her daughter, Julie (Gary) Lucas of Mason City and their children, Laurie Lucas and her friend, Cody Davis of Mason City, Nathan (Stephanie) Lucas and son, Carter of Mason City; daughter-in-law, Lisa Wilcox of LeRoy, Minnesota and her children, Cole (Stephanie) Wilcox and son, BB of Slidell, Louisiana, Jake (Lisa Weis) Wilcox of LeRoy, Minnesota, Sam (Nicole Klomp) Wilcox of LeRoy and Robert Wilcox of LeRoy; two sisters, Jacqueline (Robert) Lack of Osage and Sandra (Leland) Shultz of Panama City, Florida; step-children, Russ (Rowie) Roske of Spring Grove, Wisconsin and their children, Brian (Erin) Roske and children, Bennett and Madelyn, Justin (Kellie) Roske and children, Isabelle and Lola,  Adam (Kim) Roske and children, Roman and Lincoln, Emily (Wes) Milligan and William Roske; Kevin (Julie) Roske of Hillsdale, Wisconsin and their children, Nathaniel (Liz) Roske and children, McKenna and Korbin and Joshua (Tanya) Roske; Wendy (Les) Gibbs of Shell Rock and their children, Dan (Christina) Gibbs and children, Anna and Gabe and Melissa Gibbs; Jill (Steve) Johnson of Lime Springs and their children, Lukas (Lindsay) Johnson and children, Beau and Cora and Chelsea Johnson; Sue (Tom) Miller of Claremont, Minnesota and their children, Amanda (Jared)Benson and children, Hannah, Nikole, Brennan and Celsie, James (Diana) Miller and children, Tristan and Evan, Michael (Natasha) Miller and children, Valarie and Valek, Brandi Mayer and Derek Mayer; and several nieces, nephews and cousins; 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Floyd Roske on October, 27, 2011; a daughter, Laurene Faye Wilcox; a son, William Joseph Wilcox; and a brother, John A. Bakkum.

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

Lucille Corell

January 31, 2012

Lucille M. Corell, 90, of Nora Springs, Iowa, died on Saturday, January 28, 2012, at the Nora Springs Care Center, Nora Springs.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Tuesday, January 31, at the Rudd Wesleyan Church, Rudd, with Rev. Martin Miller and Rev. Gordon Berryman officiating. Burial will be in the Newburg Cemetery, Carpenter, Iowa. Visitation will be on Monday, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Sheckler Colonial Chapel, Nora Springs and then one hour before the services on Tuesday at the church. Family suggests memorials to the Lucille M. Corell memorial fund.

Lucille was born on July 22, 1921 in Rock Grove Twp., rural Nora Springs, Iowa, the daughter of Fred S. and Elizabeth (Kossack) Robinson. She attended the Rock Grove Twp. School thru 8th grade and then attended and graduated from the Nora Springs High School in 1938. She married Arnold W. Corell on December 5, 1939. They owned and operated an ice cream shop in Toledo, Iowa, until they moved to the Nora Springs area in 1942. She worked as a nurses aide at the Nora Springs Nursing Home and did home health care.

She enjoyed crocheting and making afghans for all her grandchildren. She took great care of her children, grandchildren and extended family. She was a kind and compassionate to all who crossed her path. She will be missed by all those who had the good fortune to be a family member or friend. She was a life-long Christian and loved to tell others about her love for God. She had been an involved and active member of the Rudd Wesleyan Church for over fifty years and a member of the Christians Women's Association, Osage.

She is survived by her five children, Marilyn (Ed) O'Connor of Osage, John (Carolyn Gaiser) Corell of Nora Springs, Ronald (Theresa) Corell of Manly, Bruce Corell of Nora Springs and Christine Youngerman of Osage; sixteen grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Kathleen Corell of Mason City; nieces and nephews, Bill (Elle) Riemersma of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Luetta (Jerry) Theissen of Mankato, Minnesota, John (Mary) Woodring of Fredericksburg, Robert Woodring of Gainesville, Illinois, Jim Woodring of Santa Rosa, California and Andrea (Billy) Williams of Panama City, Florida; and also extended family, Donna (Fred) Oliver of Nora Springs and Donna Corell of Clear Lake.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two sons, Roger and Arnold James Corell; son-in-law, William Youngerman; daughter-in-law, Kathy Corell; three brothers, Matthew Tatum, Franklin Tatum and Lawrence Nissen; and two sisters, Lucile Riemersma and Maybelle Plowman.

The Sheckler Colonial Chapel, Nora Springs, was in charge of the arrangements.