Jon R. Witt

November 6, 2012

Jon R. Witt, 70, of Osage, passed away on Saturday, November 3, 2012, at the Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, November 7, at the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage. Memorials may be directed to the Mitchell County Transit, Salvation Army - Adult Day Care, Mason City, or to the Hospice of North Iowa.

Jon was born on August 31, 1942 in Osage, to Roy and Laura (Nelson) Witt. He attended grade school in the Plymouth and Rock Township country schools and graduated from the Osage High School in 1960. On August 29, 1965, Jon married Janet Beckett at the Collegiate Methodist Church in Ames. He graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1967. Jon developed a five man veterinary practice in Melbourne, Iowa from 1967 to 1980. Jon and his family returned to the family farm west of Osage in 1980, where he practiced veterinary medicine, farmed and co-owned J&J Auctions. He was an instructor at the World Wide College of Auctioneering for 33 years after graduating from this school in 1969.

Jon was a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association for 40 years. He was a member of the American Association of Swine Practitioners and Iowa Pork Council. Jon was active in the Osage United Methodist Church and was former president of the Osage Chamber of Commerce. He initiated the Mitchell County Town and Country Ag Breakfast in 2001. He was also a member of the Mitchell County Concert Series for a number of years. Most of all, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Jon was happiest when talking about and sharing with others the accomplishments of his family.

Jon is survived by his wife, Jan Witt of Osage; their three children, Linda (Phil Kolbet) Kuehne of Osage, Julie (Tim) Fuller of West Des Moines and Alan (Jill) Witt of Osage; and their grandchildren, Bradie Kuehne, Jacey Kuehne, Whitney Fuller, Hannah Fuller, Shea Fuller, Jenna Fuller, Addy Witt, Riley Witt, Regan Witt and Ava Witt.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

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

LaVerne D. Gunderson

November 6, 2012

LaVerne D. Gunderson, 79, of Hudson, Wisconsin, formerly of Osage, passed away on Monday, November 5, 2012, at the American Heritage Care Center in Hammond, Wisconsin.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 10, at 11:00 a.m., at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, Hudson, Wisconsin, with a gathering of friends and family one hour prior to the services at the funeral home. Burial in the Osage Cemetery will be held at a later date. 

LaVerne Dean Gunderson, was born at home to Ruby (Woodard) and Theodore Gunderson in Osage, on August 31, 1933. He grew up in Osage and attended the Osage High School, graduating in 1951. He was known as Babe or Gundy to his friends and classmates. While a student at OHS, he participated in sports and was a standout in wrestling. He achieved a gold medal at the NE Iowa Conference, a silver metal at the NE Iowa District Conference and brought home a bronze metal from the Iowa State Wrestling tournament in 1951 at 155 pounds. He loved to talk about his wrestling days at OHS.

In July of 1951, he was inducted into the U.S. military and served in the Second Battalion, 5th Marine Corp. He served on active duty during the Korean Conflict and received a Letter of Commendation in 1952 from the Corp for an act of heroism that saved many members of his battalion. He also received a Purple Heart when shrapnel tore into his arm in Korea. He was honorably discharged in July of 1954.

On December 11, 1954, he married Maxine J. Behl at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Osage. Soon after their marriage, they moved to the Chicago area where they lived for 22 years. Gundy worked carpentry construction most of those years. While living in Palatine, he became active in the American Legion Post 690 and rose through the ranks to become Commander in 1970. After their children were grown, Gundy and Maxine moved for a short while to Phoenix, Arizona, before moving to Hudson, Wisconsin, where they have made their home since 1978. Gundy worked security at Stanley Smith Security after moving to Hudson, retiring in 1998. 

His favorite past times were gardening, fishing, playing horse shoes, reading the newspapers and in later years, solving the New York Times Crossword puzzles. He was often chided about his worn and tattered dictionaries that were his aides and always by his side.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Maxine; daughter, Michele (John) Glomski of Island Lake, Illinois; 3 sons, Blair (Verla) Gunderson of Baldwin, Wisconsin, Duane (Susan) Gunderson of Newport, Minnesota and James Gunderson of Danbury, Wisconsin; five sister-in-laws, Jennie Gunderson of Phoenix, Arizona, Phyllis Gunderson of LaMesa, California, Lois Morris of Mason City, Myrna (Al) VanMeveren of Colman, South Dakota and Jeanette (Garth Jordan) Armstrong of Osage; eight grandchildren, Heather, Roger, Mitchell, Matthew, Loretta, Paul, Dennis and Dustin; 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; his parents; his brothers, Lauren and Eugene; sister, Frances Barker; and brother-in-law, Dennis Morris. 

Services are entrusted to the O’Connell Funeral Home, Hudson.

Tim Mullen

November 13, 2012

Timothy Jon Mullen, 50, of Osage, died suddenly on Monday, November 5, 2012, at his home in Osage of natural causes.

Private family services will be held.

Tim was born on September 29, 1962 in Mason City, Iowa, the son of Edward and Marcia (Fink) Mullen. He graduated from the Osage High School and Hamilton Business College. Tim was a multi-talented individual who had the ability to fix almost anything. He enjoyed fishing.

Tim is survived by his children, Brandon Mullen of Osage, Hilary Mullen of Des Moines and Matthew Mullen and his son, Christopher of Osage; his mother, Marcia Mullen of Osage; one sister, Wendy Kadner of Floyd; two brothers, Dallas Mullen of Rantoul, Illinois and Tracey Mullen of Charles City.

He was preceded in death by his father, Edward Mullen.

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

Robert E. Williams

November 13, 2012

Robert “Bob” Williams, 68, of Osage, died on Monday, November 12, 2012, at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Osage.

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

Bob was born on January 25, 1944 in Mason City, the son of Vernon and Marjorie (Stewart) Williams. In 1962, Bob joined the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged in 1965. On January 29, 1966, he married Ann Voaklander at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage. They made their home in Osage. Bob’s greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family.

Bob is survived by his wife, Ann Williams of Osage; his children, Theresa Shoger of Northwood, Joan (Steve) Jacobs of Osage, Brian (Kristy) Williams of Waukee, Amy (Rob) Ring of Osage; grandchildren, Alex, Madison and Peyton Shoger, Emma, Zachary and Nolan Williams, Trey (Amber), Cory (Robyn), Allison and Rachael Jacobs, Conner and Sydney Williams, Isaac, Caleb and Brianna Ring; great-grandchildren, Isabelle, Addison and Corbin Jacobs, Madden Jacobs; three sisters, Terry (Phil) Rasmussen of Forest City, Carol Smith of Altoona and Judy Graves of Phoenix, Arizona.

He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Stuart Walker; his son, Matt Williams; and his son-in-law, Doug Shoger.

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

Othmar C. Brumm

November 20, 2012

Othmar C. Brumm, 84, of Stacyville, died on Wednesday, November 14, 2012, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, November 17, at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville, with Msgr. John Hemann officiating. Burial was in the Visitation Catholic Cemetery, with military honors at the grave by the Stacyville American Legion Post 569. Friends greeted the family from 4-7:00 p.m., on Friday, at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville.

Othmar was born on December 31, 1927 in Stacyville, the son of Joseph and Sophie (Halbach) Brumm. He graduated from the Visitation High School in 1945. On January 17, 1946, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was discharged on November 22, 1947. Othmar worked at the Stacyville Creamery for two years. On April 21, 1951, he married Betty Blake at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church at Meyer. They started farming in 1952 and retired and moved in to Stacyville in 1995. He worked at the Stacyville Elevator in the spring and fall for many years.

Othmar was a 4-H Leader for ten years and was on the Board of the Stacyville Community Nursing Home for six years. He served on the Visitation Parish Council and on the Visitation School Board. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Order of Foresters, Farm Bureau and the American Legion Hale Penney Fuller Post 569 of Stacyville.

Othmar is survived by his wife, Betty Brumm of Stacyville; his children, Gary (fiancée, Pat Peterson) of Rochester, Minnesota, Denis (Margie) Brumm of Glendale, California, Brian (Joanne) Brumm of Cincinnati, Ohio, Ann (Glenn) Lutteke of Stewartville, Minnesota; grandchildren, Jennifer (Ryan) Dicecca, Elise (Brian) Marrero, Kelsey Brumm, Emily (Scott) Henry, Allison (Andrew) Harriman, Michael Brumm, Jared Lutteke and Kayla Lutteke; great-granddaughters, Claire and Paige Henry; and a sister, Joan Dworschak of Palmetta, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Martha Weber, Genevieve Lindberg and Mary Ann Kleespies; and five brothers, Herbert, Eddie, Albert, Ralph and Clarence Brumm.

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

Claire “Lefty” Doyle

November 20, 2012

Claire “Lefty” Doyle, 87, of Solon, died on Wednesday November 14, 2012, at the Mercy Hospital in Iowa City.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Solon. Burial followed in the Oakland Cemetery, with military honors provided by the Solon American Legion. Visitation was from 3-7:00 p.m., on Friday, with a vigil service starting at 7:00 p.m., at the Brosh Chapel in Solon. Memorials may be directed to the family.

Lefty was born on December 25, 1924 in Oxford, the son of Charles and Evelyn (Davis) Doyle. Lefty served in the United States Army during WW II. He married Arlene Jiroutek on September 28, 1948 at the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. He was a carpenter and farmer his entire life in the Solon area.

Lefty enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, golfing and jogging. Lefty was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the Solon American Legion.

Lefty is survived by his wife, Arlene; children, Patrick (Sonne) of Floyd, Jerry (Laurie) of Shellsburg, Connie (Rick) Tompkins of Solon and Ken (Jodie) of Solon; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; siblings, James (Lorraine) of St. Paul, Minnesota, Fr. Tom of Coralville and Carol (Roger) Hurt of Iowa City.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Margaret McGill and brother-in-law, Bob McGill.

The family would like to thank Mercy Hospice Iowa City for all their compassion in caring for Lefty and his family.

The Brosh Chapel in Solon, was in charge of the arrangements.

Lowell C. Shuman

November 20, 2012

Lowell C. Shuman, 75, of Osage, died on Wednesday, November 14, 2012, at his home in Osage after battling emphysema.

Memorial services were held at 1:30 p.m., on Saturday, November 17, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with Rev. Duane A. Lookingbill officiating. There was a time for refreshments and fellowship following the memorial service.

Lowell was born on December 10, 1936 in Lincoln, Nebraska, the son of Leo and Dorothy (Skinner) Shuman. He grew up in Nebraska and graduated from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Lowell married Karen Eidem in 1958. They made their home in Ames and Decorah. To this union two sons were born, Steve and Kevin. Most of Lowell’s years of employment were in the food service industry. On February 22, 1992, he married Pat Kulish. They lived in Decorah and then moved to Osage.

Lowell was a recent board member of the Mitchell County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity. He was an avid bicyclist and completed RAGBRAI several times while in his 60’s. Lowell enjoyed golfing and the annual Shuman Cousin Reunion.

Lowell is survived by his wife, Pat Shuman of Osage; his son, Steve (Gretchen Meyer) Shuman of Ames; two sisters, Janet (DuWayne) Furman of Macomb, Illinois and Ann Shuman of West Des Moines; two step-daughters, Jean Ann Haugen of Clear Lake and Cathy (Zach) Henaman of Bristow; 10 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Karen; his son, Kevin; and a brother, Lyle.

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

Herb Werner

November 20, 2012

Herb Werner, 87, of Osage, died on Thursday, November 15, 2012, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

A Memorial Mass was held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, November 19, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Msgr. John Hemann officiating. Inurnment was in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, with military honors at the grave by the Osage V.F.W. Post 7920 and Osage American Legion Post 278. There was a gathering of family and friends from 2-5:00 p.m., on Sunday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with a rosary at 2:30 p.m.

Herb was born on July 4, 1925 at Fall Creek, Wisconsin, the son of Hubert and Florentine (Weber) Werner. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. On October 29, 1947, Herb married Angela Hemann at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church at Meyer. He was employed by C.R. Champion and Sons Furniture Store.

Herb was a life member of the Osage V.F.W. and the Osage American Legion. He was also a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Herb enjoyed fishing, bowling, jigsaw puzzles, cards, reading and dancing.

Herb is survived by his wife of 65 years, Angela of Osage; his children, Jim (Dort) of Osage, Randy (Myra) of Northwood, Dori of Rochester, Andy of Greenwood, Arkansas, John (Carolyn) of Osage, Joe of Osage, LeGene (Al) Smith of Osage; 14 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; one brother, Clayton (Florence) of Osage; and two sisters, Marion Dachel of Hastings, Minnesota and Betty Williams of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Maylon Wigant.

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

Marti Friest

November 20, 2012

Marti Friest, 54, of Stacyville and formerly of Osage, died on Friday, November 16, 2012, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Tuesday, November 20, at the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Roy Ott officiating. There will be a time of lunch and fellowship following the memorial service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Humane Society, P.O. Box 877, Austin, Minn. 55912.

Marti was born on December 21, 1957 in Winfield, Kansas, the daughter of Larry and Martha Jo (Cole) Detwiler. She graduated from the Blytheville High School in Blytheville, Arkansas in 1975. Marti achieved her Master’s Degree from the University of Northern Iowa in 1990. She taught classes at Kirkwood Community College and at NIACC. Marti also worked at Workforce Development in Mason City and most recently at the LeRoy Independent Newspaper.

She was a member of the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, the Lions Club in Adams, Minnesota and the Mitchell County Historical Society. Marti enjoyed sewing, scrapbooking, needlepoint, card making, cooking, gardening and collected antique glass.

Marti is survived by her significant other, Ken Wendt of Stacyville; her two children, Andrea (Kurt) Zimmer of Seymour, Indiana and Zach (Tina) Friest of Charles City, Ed Friest of Charles City; five grandchildren; a brother, Jack (Cathy) Detwiler of Jackson, Tennessee; and a nephew, Matthew Detwiler.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

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

Lavon Dorsey

November 20, 2012

Lavon Dorsey, 86, of Osage, died on Sunday, November 18, 2012, at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Osage.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, November 21, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with Chaplain Dave Byrd, Iowa Hospice, officiating. Inurnment will be in the Osage Cemetery. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 5-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Iowa Hospice, 18 East Main Street, New Hampton, Iowa 50659.

Lavon was born on September 22, 1926 in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Glenn and Gladys (Hahne) Merkley. She graduated from the Schaller High School in Schaller, Iowa in 1943. Lavon then graduated from trade school in Omaha, Nebraska in 1945. She worked for the Illinois Central Railroad Company, Cedar Valley Produce, designed custom draperies, groomed dogs and helped her husband, Gene with the Dorsey Auction Business until Gene retired in February of 1996.

Lavon was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Osage and the Cedar Valley Quilters. She enjoyed gardening and quilting. Most of all Lavon treasured the time she spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Those left to cherish Lavon’s memory are her daughter, Becky (Roger) Schoonover of Des Moines; two sons, Pat (Teresa) Dorsey of Osage and Mike (Donna) Dorsey of Osage; four grandchildren, Jon Dorsey, Breanna (Justin) Fox, Keith Dorsey (Daniele Messersmith), Nicole Dorsey (Clark Jorgensen); seven great-grandchildren, Nick, Elizabeth, Talynn, Jaeger, Jaycee, Nickolas, Madison and two great-grandchildren on the way; a sister, Donna (Don) Davis of Storm Lake; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gene in 1996; a brother, Darrell Merkley; and a sister, Glennadean Merkley.

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