Fred W. Rodemaker

October 9, 2012

Fred W. Rodemaker, 61, of Ionia, died on Thursday, October 4, 2012, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, October 9, at the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Stephen Bohling and Rev. Roy Ott officiating. There will be a flag presentation by the Osage V.F.W. Post 7920. Following the funeral service, cremation will take place. Visitation will be from 4-8:00 p.m., on Monday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

Fred was born on May 2, 1951 in Osage, the son of Albert and Naomi (Faber) Rodemaker. He graduated from the Osage High School in 1969. Fred attended computer school in Mason City prior to serving in the U.S. Army from 1971 to 1974. He married Karen Tidemanson on August 18, 1972 and to this union three children were born. In 1974, Fred started employment at Sara Lee in New Hampton, working there for 25 years. In 2000, he started working at Northwood Doors and then went to Woodharbor. Fred became disabled due to his declining health. He enjoyed fishing, playing cards, camping, gambling and being with family and friends.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 40 years, Karen of Ionia; his children, Rod (Dawn) of Osage, Terry (Dea) of Charles City and Kristy (Jason) of Enterprise, Kansas; adopted son, Chris Pitz of Osage; two sisters, Mary Newhouse and Joan Jeffries, both of Osage; one brother, Roger (Rayetta) of Raleigh, North Carolina; grandchildren, Laken, Arien, Brittney, Hunter, Billie Jean, Jayden, Aliya and Orion; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law; his grandparents; and a brother, Raleigh.

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

Kathryn Shoger

October 9, 2012

Kathryn Shoger, 80, of Osage, died on Thursday, October 4, 2012, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, October 8, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Bruce Kaltwasser officiating. Burial was in the Osage Cemetery.

Kathryn was born on April 10, 1932 in rural Osage, the daughter of Ted and Wilma (Brewer) Dieterichs. She graduated from the Rudd High School on May 23, 1950. Kathryn attended Iowa State University for two years and graduated from the Hamilton Business College in 1953. On November 6, 1954, she married Dale Shoger at the St. John’s Lutheran Church in rural Osage. Kathryn worked as a bookkeeper at Pritchard Auto in Mason City from 1953 to 1955, and was a farm wife and homemaker.

She was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, L.W.M.L. and the Cedar Valley Quilters. Kathryn enjoyed quilting, sewing, silk ribbon embroidery, gardening and golfing. She greatly enjoyed the time she spent with her grandchildren, with a special memory being the trip that she took them on to Disneyworld.

Kathryn is survived by her husband, Dale Shoger of Osage; her daughters, Linda (Ken) Brandau of Rudd, Donna (Bob) Counsell of Osage and Marcia (Jim) Rosendahl of Osage; grandchildren, Nicole Clark of Osage, Kimberly Brandau of Osage, Lucas Brandau of Rudd, Dustin Counsell (fianceé, Pavithra) of Boston, Massachusetts, Darin Counsell of Denver, Colorado, Megan Rosendahl of Chicago, Illinois, Lars Rosendahl of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Hakkon (Ashley) Rosendahl of Des Moines; great-grandchildren, Aubree Brandau of Osage, Henry and Owen Clark of Osage; sister, Janet Hince of Phoenix, Arizona; and brother, Bill (Jan) Dieterichs of St. Louis, Missouri.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her grandson, Daniel Counsell.

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

Bonnie Church

October 9, 2012

Bonnie Church, 84, of Osage, died on Saturday, October 6, 2012, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, October 10, at the First United Methodist Church in Osage, with Pastor Sam Mack officiating. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

Bonnie was born on January 13, 1928 in Osage, the daughter of Ward and Alma (Runge) Coonradt. She graduated from the Osage High School. Bonnie was united in marriage to Rolland “Bub” Church at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, on January 22, 1947. They started their farming life on a small farm in Floyd County. In 1951, they moved to a farm just east of Osage, where they remained until moving to the Runge Farm in 1980. They retired and moved to Osage in 1990 where her husband “Bub” died in 2001. For the past three years Bonnie has lived at the Faith Lutheran Home.

Bonnie loved to read, was an avid Iowa Hawkeye and Minnesota Twins fan. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, the ladies circle and the American Legion Auxiliary.

Bonnie is survived by her two daughters, Lynda Church of Osage and Deb (Kevin) Fischer of Miami, Florida; 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Rolland “Bub” Church; a daughter, Sandy Newton; a great-granddaughter, Mallory Newton; and six brothers and two sisters.

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

Chris Ceretti

October 9, 2012

Christopher John Ceretti, 31, of Osage, died on Sunday, October 7, 2012, of injuries he received from an accidental fall.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, October 11, at the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Stephen Bohling and Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Visitation will be from 6-8:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage. Cremation will follow the funeral.

Chris was born on May 12, 1981 in Des Moines, the son of Dominic Ceretti and Jody (Blakley) Wright. He graduated from the Johnston High School. Chris was employed at the Teluwut Grille House and Pub in Osage. He was very involved in music and enjoyed singing and was a member of the Our Savior’s Church Choir. He loved animals and spending time with friends and family.

Chris is survived by his mother, Jody (Herb) Wright of Osage; his father, Dominic (Yvonne) Ceretti of Des Moines; grandfather, Charlie (Cindy) Blakley of Bondurant; three brothers, Jason (fiancée, Whitney) Ceretti of Altoona, Caleb Ceretti of Des Moines and Chris (Megan) Wright of Norwalk; two sisters, Chelsea Ceretti of Des Moines and Cassie (Mike) Balik of New Hampton; and three nieces, Abby Ceretti, Madison and Penny Wright.

Chris was preceded in death by grandparents, Ray and Mary Ceretti and Joanne Mundy; and sister in-law, Dana Ceretti.

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

Wanda Thorsen

October 9, 2012

Wanda Thorsen, 88, of Osage, died on Monday, October 8, 2012, at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Osage.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, October 12, at the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Stephen Bohling and Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Inurnment will be in the Osage Cemetery. There will be a gathering of family and friends from 4-6:00 p.m., on Thursday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

Wanda was born on September 27, 1924 in Hansell, the daughter of Lloyd and Pearl (Cuffel) Murphy. She married Hubert “Hub” Thorsen on February 15, 1946, at the Little Brown Church. They made their home in Osage. In earlier years, Wanda worked as an aide at the Mitchell County Memorial Hospital. She enjoyed knitting and spending time with her family.

Wanda is survived by one son, Bill (Karen) Thorsen of Brighton, Michigan; two daughters, Janet (Jim) Grinstead of Osage and Shirley Van Scoyoc of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; four grandchildren, Krista Thorsen, Angele Bryant, Bunky Cabirac and Douglas Van Scoyoc; three great-grandchildren; and one sister, Ruby Hawke of Dumont.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Hubert “Hub” Thorsen in 2009; her son, John Thorsen; one granddaughter; one great-granddaughter; and one brother, Donald Murphy.

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

Diane E. M. Johnson

October 16, 2012

Diane E. M. Johnson, 79, of Osage, died on Wednesday, October 10, 2012, at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Osage.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, October 13, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Bruce Kaltwasser officiating. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30-10:30 a.m., on Saturday, at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Diane was born on October 29, 1932 in Kingsford, Michigan, the daughter of Mark and Leonora (Treankler) Thayer. She graduated from the Kingsford High School in 1950 and from the Milwaukee School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse. Diane was united in marriage to Lloyd Dale Johnson on March 22, 1958, in Kingsford, Michigan. Through the years, they made their home in Kingsford and Dollar Bay, Michigan, Hiawatha, Iowa, Coon Rapids, Minnesota, Davenport, Iowa and Kennewick, Washington, moving to Osage 13 years ago. Diane volunteered at various health centers throughout the years.

Diane was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church and enjoyed her involvement with the women’s group at the church. Her favorite hobbies were reading and cooking, and she was happiest when she was holding and caring for her grandchildren.

Diane is survived by her husband, Lloyd Dale Johnson of Osage; her children, Kimberly (Mike) Lewis of Osage, Leslie (Alan) Nichols of Evansdale and Casey (Rebecca) Johnson of Clive; eleven grandchildren, Kristin Lewis of Melbourne, Australia, Brian Lewis of La Jolla, California, Brooke Lewis of Osage, Tanner Lewis of Osage, Shannon (Jered) Engel of Raymond, Jacob Nichols of Waterloo, Daniel Nichols of Fort Dodge, Maggie Nichols of Evansdale, Benjamin Nichols of Evansdale, Tyler Johnson of Clive and Olivia Johnson of Clive; seven great-grandchildren; three brothers, Duane (Mary) Thayer of Dollar Bay, Michigan, Dale Thayer and Melvin (MaryAnn) Treankler of Oneida, Wisconsin.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

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

Margaret Mayer

October 16, 2012

Margaret Mayer, 85, of Osage, died on Friday, October 12, 2012, at the Faith Home in Osage.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, October 15, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Msgr. John Hemann officiating. Burial was in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visitation was from 6-8:00 p.m., on Sunday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with a rosary at 6:30 p.m. and a scripture wake service at 7:30 p.m.

Margaret was born on October 18, 1926 in rural Stacyville, the daughter of Joseph and Gertrude (Neis) Hackenmiller. She attended the Visitation School in Stacyville until the sudden death of her mother when she was only 13. Through her teen years, she helped her father and two older brothers maintain the family farm. On October 16, 1946, she married Paul Mayer at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville. They made their home in Osage raising their family of four children.

Margaret was a member of the Sacred Heart Guild. She enjoyed flower gardening, sewing, collecting antiques and playing cards. In 1966, she was hired by the Osage Community Schools. After five years, she became director of the entire hot lunch program. Margaret was creative and resourceful and she cherished the friendships of her coworkers. After 25 years of service and planning meals for 1,000 students every school day, she retired with her husband Paul to enjoy her favorite hobby growing flowers. They enjoyed many adventures together while traveling to Germany and trips to visit their family. Margaret will be deeply remembered for her kindness and caring nature.

Margaret is survived by her sons, Larry (Susan) Mayer of Mill Creek, Washington and Randy (Judy) Mayer of Fairfax Station, Virginia; her daughters, Colleen (Marty) Gulseth of Spokane Valley, Washington and Julie Jones of Osage; seven grandchildren, Nicole Hamblett, Heather Jones, Andy Gulseth, Duane Jones, Matt Gulseth, Jon Mayer, Joy Gulseth; three great-grandchildren, Abigail Hamblett, Audrey Hamblett and Viela Mayer Gulseth.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Paul in 1998; her brothers, Rudy and Joseph Hackenmiller; an infant grandson; and an infant great-granddaughter.

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

Monica “Mike” Faas

October 18, 2012

Monica “Mike” Faas, 80, of Stacyville, died on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, north of Osage of natural causes.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, October 22, at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville, with Msgr. John Hemann officiating. Burial will be in the Visitation Catholic Cemetery. Friends may greet the family from 3-7:00 p.m., on Sunday, at Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville, with a rosary at 3:30 p.m. and a scripture wake service at 6:00 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour before the services at the church on Monday.

Monica was born on June 7, 1932 in Osage, the daughter of Joseph and Mabel (Weinberger) Rogers. She graduated from the Osage High School. On November 16, 1954, Monica married John Faas at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage. This union was blessed with nine children, often referred to as “The Nine D’s”. They lived in Osage until 1969, when they moved to an acreage near Stacyville. In 2001, they moved in to Stacyville. Monica was an Avon representative and was the bar manager at the American Legion in Stacyville for several years.

She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and was a Gold Star Mother. She was also a member of Christian Mothers and was a 4-H Leader. Monica enjoyed gardening, flowers, quilting, weaving, baking, jigsaw puzzles and playing cards, especially solitaire. She especially enjoyed entertaining her family.

Monica is survived by her children, David (Cathy) Faas of Racine, Minnesota, Diane (Mark) Beckman of New Hampton, Daniel (Robin) Faas of Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Denise (Bruce) Mayer of Stacyville, Donald Faas of San Francisco, California, Debra (Warren) Davis of Fort Dodge, Darrell Faas of Owatonna, Minnesota and Doreen (Rodney) Bries of Monona; a daughter-in-law, Julie Faas of Salinas, California; honorary daughter, Sabine (Florian) Franke of Germany; 21 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; five sisters, Marie Boerjan of St. Ansgar, Eileen Kleckner of Osage, Lorraine (Joe) Prokopec and Kathleen (Jim) Prokopec, all of Owatonna, Minnesota, Marilyn (Bob) Doyle of Melrose, Minnesota; three brothers, Galen Rogers of Austin, Minnesota, Gerald Rogers of Osage, Brother Damian Rogers, O.S.B., of Collegeville, Minnesota; and four sisters-in-law.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John in 2008; her son, Douglas Faas in 1996; and three brothers, Clair, Maurice and Marvin Rogers.

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

Dorothy Marie Brasch

October 18, 2012

Dorothy Marie Brasch, a long-time resident of St. Ansgar, Iowa, died on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, at age 91.

A private service will be held. Cards and donations to a memoriam can be sent to Bob Brasch, St. Ansgar.

Born in 1921 in Mt.Vernon, New York, she was the daughter of Robert and Harriet Emerson. The family later moved to Pleasantville and New Rochelle, New York, where she graduated from high school in 1940. It was in Pleasantville at the community pool that she was first introduced to her long-time love, swimming.

When the war broke out, she joined the Navy Waves in 1943 to serve her country. With hopes of becoming a control tower operator and moving to California, she was instead sent to Yeoman School in Cedar Falls, Iowa. It must have been fated because it was there she met her husband of 66 years, Claire Brasch. After a whirlwind courtship, Claire sent her an engagement ring through the mail and she took a cross-country train to San Diego, where he was stationed in the Marines. They were married in San Diego in 1945 before he was shipped overseas again. With the war’s end, they would make their home first in New Hampton, Iowa and in 1950, St. Ansgar.

One of the first things they did after buying a house in St. Ansgar was to break ground on a swimming pool. Over the next 30 years, Dorothy would teach countless children to swim in that backyard pool. She would also stage elaborate synchronized swimming shows each year. She would later become a Red Cross Instructor Trainer and traveled the state teaching swimming instructors. She also spent several years volunteering with handicapped children, introducing them to the joys of water. She was active in volunteer activities in St. Ansgar throughout her life, an avid reader, and a gardener, and a lifelong devotee to fitness and athletics. She will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her daughters, Sally Emerson-Brasch and Barbara (Rex) Ray; son, Bob (Susan) Brasch; her sister, Bette Bonnet; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, as well loving in-laws, nieces, nephews and a host of long-time friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Claire Brasch; her daughter, Susan Kline; her son-in-law, Jerry Kline; her brother, Robert Emerson; and her sister, Ruth Backus.

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

Charles Whitesides

October 18, 2012

Charles Whitesides, 94, of Mitchell, died on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

Services will be private.

He was born on May 4, 1918 in Griffin, Georgia, the son of Walter and Nora (Pye) Whitesides. Charles married De Lone Bronner on March 15, 1978, in Reno, Nevada. Charles served in the U.S. Air Force for 32 years, retiring with the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. He served in WW II, two tours of duty in Vietnam and his last deployment was with the Strategic Air Command. Charles enjoyed fishing and his pets.

Charles is survived by his wife, De Lone of Mitchell; daughter, Caila (Ray) Blandford of London, England; son, David Whitesides of Rhode Island; and five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters and one brother.

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

Jake Schwab

November 6, 2012

Jake Schwab, 89, of Osage, died on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in Chandler, Arizona.

A Memorial Mass will be held at noon on Monday, November 12, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Msgr. John Hemann officiating. Inurnment will be in the Osage Cemetery. Following the Mass, there will be a time for refreshments and to greet the family at the K.C. Hall.

Jake Peter Schwab, was born on November 26, 1922 in Garner, the son of Peter and Anna (Frank) Schwab. He lived in Osage for most of his life and was educated in the Osage Schools. He served in the 193rd Glider Infantry, 17th Airborne Division of the Army in WW II, fighting in the Battle of the Bulge and was awarded three Bronze Stars for valor above and beyond the call of duty. Upon return from the War, he married Doris Anderson and they raised two children, Lonna and David Schwab. Jake worked as a machinist at the Oliver Tractor Plant in Charles City (a.k.a. White Farms) until his retirement in 1980. After retirement his favorite activity was to work in his beloved yard and garden from dawn to dusk, sharing his bountiful harvests with half the town! He loved helping others and was always eager to lend a hand. He spent his final six years with his daughter, Lonna, in Phoenix where he was able to experience the Arizona desert and mountains, and to spend time with his granddaughter, Darla, and her family.

Jake is survived by his daughter, Lonna Schwab and her daughter, Darla (Kelin) Whipple; a son, David (Susan) Schwab and his sons, David (Patty) Schwab Jr., Dana (Kelly) Schwab and Melissa Schwab; five great-grandchildren; and a sister, Katie (Ransom) Randall.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris; his parents; six brothers, Alex, Adolph, Pat, Andy, Feldie and John Schwab; two sisters, Margaret Sawyer and Rose Morrison; and one grandson, Darin Jon Smutka (son of Lonna Schwab).

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

Nancy A. Walters

October 23, 2012

Nancy A. Walters, 80, of Mason City, died on Thursday, October 18, 2012, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., on Monday, October 22, at the Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, Mason City, with the Rev. Rodney Allers of Holy Family Catholic Church officiating. Burial followed in the Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery, Mason City. Should friends desire, memorials may be left in Nancy’s name in care of her family.

Nancy Ann Hinich, was born on October 18, 1932 in Mason City, the daughter of Michael and Kathryn (Hodak) Hinich. She attended and graduated from high school in Mason City. On March 15, 1948, Nancy was united in marriage to Ray Walters at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa and together they would be blessed with a daughter, Nancy Rae “Tootsie” Walters. Nancy began working as a Nurse’s Aide before working many years as a Respiratory Therapist for Mercy Medical Center in Mason City until she retired to care for her daughter, Tootsie. Even after retirement, Nancy always had a caring aura about her. She fulfilled the role of caregiver to many family members and friends over the years.

Blessed with the gift of gab, Nancy was able to make friends wherever she went. She was known as a loving and giving woman who had a heart of gold. In her free time Nancy enjoyed cooking and baking, shopping, tending to her flower gardens and plants, and sharing the companionship of her pet Chihuahua, Angel.

Those grateful in sharing in her life are her nieces, Cindy Pettit and Kathy (John) Norman; her nephews, Michael (Andrea) Hinrich and Patrick (Hilary) Hinrich; her great-niece, Dawn (Doug) Barragy; her great-great-nieces, Kayla (Tony) Mullenbach and their son, Connor and Krystl Barragy; her great-great-nephews, Colby Barragy and Zach Pettit; her sister-in-law, Tina Hinich; her brother-in-law, Harvey Schauf; as well as many additional nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ray; daughter, Nancy Rae “Tootsie” Walters; siblings, Helen Schauf, Milly Bielik, Michael Hinich and Millivan Hinich; niece, Michelle Urrutia; great-nephew, David Pettit; and great-great-niece, Amber Nicole Richmond.

The Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, Mason City, was in charges of the arrangements.

Kenneth Miller

October 30, 2012

Kenneth James Miller, 70, of New Haven, died on Friday, October 26, 2012, at the Faith Home in Osage.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, October 31, at the St. Peter’s Catholic Church in New Haven, with Rev. Steve Garner officiating. Inurnment will be in the St. Peter’s Cemetery. There will be a gathering of family and friends from 5-8:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with a scripture wake service at 7:30 p.m.

Kenny was born on October 15, 1942 in Osage, the son of Maurice and Marguerite (Sullivan) Miller. He graduated from the St. Mary’s Academy in New Haven in 1960. Kenny was a member of the U.S. Army Reserve. He married Linda McCarthy in 1966. To this union, one son, Todd, was born in 1968. They later divorced. Together with his son, he operated Miller Livestock, Inc. and did custom chopping. For a few years, Kenny was the manager of the Riceville Golf Course.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Kenny loved spending time with his family and would stop chores to play with his granddaughters. He always remembered to send cards for birthdays and other occasions. Kenny enjoyed NASCAR, trapping and woodworking. He was an accomplished mechanic and welder and was famous for the charcoal grills he created.

Kenny is survived by his son, Todd (Patti) Miller and their children, Kara, Laura, Erin and Mary of New Haven; brothers and sisters, Dorthy (Gene) Sweeney of New Haven, Bob (Sally) Miller of New Haven, Ellen Hart of Montgomery, Texas, Ann (Randy) Hoel of Mason City; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother-in-law, Brian Hart.

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

Gladys S. Blake

October 30, 2012

Gladys S. Blake, 86, of Stacyville, died on Sunday, October 28, 2012, surrounded by her family, at the Stacyville Community Nursing Home in Stacyville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, November 3, at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville, with Msgr. John Hemann officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery at Meyer, Iowa. Friends may greet the family from 4-7:00 p.m., on Friday, at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville, with a rosary at 4:30 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour before the services at the church on Saturday.

Gladys was born on July 19, 1926 in Johnsburg, Minnesota, the daughter of Albert and Margaret (Mullenbach) Smith. She graduated from the Visitation Catholic High School in Stacyville. On October 21, 1947, she married Othmar Blake at Johnsburg, Minnesota. Gladys worked as a CNA at the Stacyville Community Nursing Home for over 30 years.

She was a member of the Visitation Catholic Church, the Thread Clippers and various card clubs. Gladys enjoyed quilting, cards, watching the Minnesota Twins, gardening, cooking, baking, and traveling. She especially enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made in memory of Gladys to the Stacyville Community Nursing Home Roofing Fund.

Gladys is survived by her daughter-in-law, Joan Blake of St. Ansgar, her children, John (Mary) Blake of Cottonwood, Minnesota, Jean (Dennis) Hemann of Osage, Janet (Jeff) Chapman of Marshall, Minnesota, Dan (Sue) Blake of Stacyville, David (Kathy) Blake of Osage, Tim (Kathie) Blake of Osage; 24 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Ruth Shotliff of Jordan, Minnesota, Ralph (Beverly) Smith of McIntire, Louise (Virgil) Juenger of Stacyville, Jerry (Joan) Smith of Adams, Minnesota; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Vera (Jim) Adams of Stacyville; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Othmar in 1999; daughter, Ruth Ann; sons, Tom and Dean; brother, Cyril Smith; brother-in-law, Bob Shotliff; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gene and Mildred Blake; nephews, Gary and Mark Smith; and niece, Susan Shotliff.

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

Howard W. Barrett

November 6, 2012

Howard W. Barrett, 96, of Charles City, died on Tuesday, October 30, 2012, at Cedar Health in Charles City.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, at the Gospel Lighthouse in Floyd. Pastor Paul Phillips will officiate. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery at Charles City. Military honors will be conducted by the Charles City Ceremonial Unit. Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home from 5-8:00 p.m., on Thursday and on Friday at the church an hour prior to the services.

Howard Wayne Barrett, was born on January 21, 1916 on a farm in Rudd Township, the son of Clarence and Katherine (Hills) Barrett. He attended rural school in Floyd County and high school in Orchard. Howard farmed for several years. On February 14, 1942, he married Ellen M. Morey in Fayette. In March 1942, he joined the U.S. Navy and served the entire wartime of three years and eight months in the Southwest Pacific aboard ship. Howard was a carpenter, painter, and spent over thirty years working at the Oliver-White Farm Corporation.

He liked to hunt, travel all over the United States, some in Canada and Mexico, but enjoyed most traveling to see all of his family. Howard was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church of Floyd, Moose Lodge and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Those thankful for sharing Howard’s life are his children, Thomas (Joy) Barrett of Blue Ridge, Georgia, Milan (Julie) Barrett of Wilber, Nebraska, Patrick (Judy) Barrett of Floyd and Karen (Bob) McGinn of Cedar Falls; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren; a sister, Lola Nelson of Osage; and special friend, June Stephens.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 60 years, Ellen; a son, Robert; brother-in-law, Obert Nelson; and a niece, Joyce Nelson.

The Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City, is in charge of the arrangements.

Zola Mullenbach

November 6, 2012

Zola Emerson Mullenbach, 94, of Stacyville, died on Tuesday, October 30, 2012, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

Private services were held.

Zola was born on August 18, 1918, on the family farm near Little Cedar, Iowa, to Robert and Pearl (Bucknam) Emerson. She graduated from the Little Cedar High School and the LaJames Beauty College in Mason City. She completed courses at NIACC for library certification. She married Ralph Mullenbach on May 19, 1944. They had three children, Verlyn, Curt and Cheryl. Zola was one of the founders of the Stacyville Public Library and she served as the first librarian.

She was a member of the Little Cedar United Methodist Church. Zola was a loving and devoted grandmother to Kristie (Jeff), Troy (Tami), Cory, Kelly (Dan) and Danielle. She was a proud great-grandmother to Jake, Bailey, Ty, Zack, Sophia, Brooklyn and Emerson. She passed her love of reading and learning on to all of them. It was a common sight to see a grandchild or great-grandchild sitting next to Grandma as she read to them. She always made sure she had a favorite cookie or bar ready when each child visited. Holidays were made special sitting by the fireplace with Grandma. She was especially proud of her Irish heritage and her skills on the basketball court.

Zola is survived by her children, Verlyn (Sue), Curt (Sandy) and Cheryl (Richard Wohlgamuth); her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and her sister, Vivian DuShane. She will be sadly missed by those she called "the best family."

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ralph; grandson, Robbie Mullenbach; and granddaughter-in-law, Mandy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Stacyville Public Library, Stacyville Daycare, or Playzone.

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

Lloyd “Shorty” Counsell

November 6, 2012

Lloyd “Shorty” Counsell, 89, of Osage, died suddenly on Tuesday, October 30, 2012, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center Emergency Room in Osage.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, November 5, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Msgr. John Hemann officiating. Visitation was from 3-5:00 p.m., on Sunday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 5:00 p.m. Following the Funeral Mass, cremation took place with inurnment in the Sacred Heart Cemetery at a later date.

He was born on May 13, 1923, on the family farm in Burr Oak Township, Mitchell County, Iowa, the son of Harriet (Strong) and Lloyd Counsell, Sr. Shorty graduated from the Osage High School in 1940. On June 21, 1944, he married Adelaide Neis at the Sacred Heart Church in Meyer. He worked at the Stacyville Creamery, farmed near Stacyville, worked at Oliver in Charles City and at the Little Cedar, Nora Springs and Osage Elevators, retiring in 1988.

Shorty was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He greatly enjoyed spending time with his family.

Shorty is survived by his wife, Adelaide Counsell of Osage; one son, Dan (Linda) Counsell of Climax, Minnesota; two daughters, Janice Henson of Conyers, Georgia and Elizabeth “B.J.” (Ron) Douglas of Orchard; seven grandchildren, Tina Rohwedder, Travis Counsell, Julie Vermillion, Tony Volpe, Tammy Conners, Jennifer Jo Douglas, Joshua Douglas; 17 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Owen “Bud” (Mary Alice) Counsell of Osage.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant twin sons, Michael John and Mark Frederick; one sister, Barbara Counsell; two brothers, Maurice “Skip” Counsell and Bob Counsell; and his son-in-law, Rodney “Bud” Henson.

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

Roger Osmonson

November 6, 2012

Roger Harold Osmonson, of St. Ansgar, passed away early in the morning on Wednesday, October 31, 2012, at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. He had received new life through the gift of a heart transplant there on July 12, 1996.

Roger was born on October 15, 1943 in Austin, Minnesota, to Denver and Irma (Pope) Osmonson. He started school in the Minnereka Country School, continued his education in Otranto and was in the last graduating class at the Carpenter High School in 1962. Roger completed auto/machinery mechanics training through the Austin Area Vocational School in Austin, Minnesota. From a young age, Roger was a hard worker; he helped farmers with fieldwork through his school years, worked at Boyd Implement in Northwood, and then was employed as a partsman at Thill Implement in Rose Creek, Minnesota. Before retiring in 2005, Roger worked as a custodian at the St. Ansgar High School for 22 years.

Roger and Sara Louise Pike were married on September 9, 1967 at the Otranto Community Church, they then resided on the family farm east of Otranto. The couple was blessed with two daughters, Jill Elaine and Jana Leigh, who helped their parents celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary this year.

Roger is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sara; daughter, Jill (David) Hill and their children, Autumn (13) and Hunter (11) of Mason City; daughter, Jana (James) Huebsch and their daughters, Hilary (20), Hannah (15) and Halle (12) of Mitchell; sister, Ann (Horace) Hendrickson of Northwood; brother-in-law, Roland (Kathy) Pike of Rochester, Minnesota; and two nieces, Emily Pike of St. Paul, Minnesota and Elizabeth Pike of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gary; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Guy and Arlene Pike; brother-in-law, Roger Guy Pike; and grandparents, Isaac and Lorenca Osmonson and Alfred and Cora Pope.

There was a gathering of friends and family from 5-7:00 p.m., on Friday, November 2, at the Schroeder and Sites Funeral Home in St. Ansgar. The funeral was held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, November 3, at the St. Ansgar United Methodist Church, with Rev. Peter Chang officiating. Inurnment in the Woodbury Cemetery will be held at a later date.

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

Nathan John Picht

November 6, 2012

Nathan John Picht, 23, of Mason City and formerly of Osage, died on Wednesday, October 31, 2012, in Mason City.

Memorial services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, November 3, at the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Stephen Bohling and Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Inurnment was in the Osage Cemetery.

Nathan was born on December 27, 1988 in Mason City, the son of Shawn Picht and Julie Lenehan. He graduated from the Osage High School in 2007 and from NIACC with an AA Degree as an automotive technician. He was currently working at Theilen Auto in Mason City. Nathan was always willing to jump in and help with a car, a roof, a move or anything, with that contagious smile or a joke to keep it fun. Even at a young age, he loved the farm and enjoyed working around farm equipment.

Nathan is survived by his mother, Julie Cerwinske (Larry Welch) of Mason City; his father, Shawn (Jeanne) Picht of Charles City; two sisters, Ashley (Marc) Sullivan and children, Payton, Micah and Keaton of Osage, Alyssa Picht (Eric Fossey) and son, Jevin of Carpenter; two brothers, Matthew (Andrea) Picht and children, Jordyn and Aubrey of Osage, Tanner Schultz (Britney Rauk) of Mason City; one step-brother, Jeffrey (Kendra) Harris of Charles City; one step-sister, Jacque (Karl) Dilks of Altoona; maternal grandparents, Bob and Jayne Lenehan of Waterloo; paternal grandparents, John and Bonnie Picht of Plymouth; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

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