Shari Pohren

Sharon “Shari” Lea Pohren, 71, of Osage, died unexpectedly Friday, Feb. 28, 2014, at Mitchell County Regional Health Center Emergency Room in Osage.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, at Eden Presbyterian Church, 3105 Glass Avenue, rural Rudd, with Pastor Jennifer Suydam officiating. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Monday at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage. Burial will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, at Oak Hill Cemetery in Williamsburg.

Shari was born Jan. 4, 1943, in Williamsburg, the daughter of Robert and Lucille (Maas) Jones. She graduated from Solon High School in 1961. On Feb. 17, 1979, Shari married L. Dean Pohren at the First Baptist Church in Washington, Iowa. They lived in Washington until moving to Osage in the fall of 1983 when Dean was appointed Mitchell County Assessor.

Shari was employed for 26 years at the Mitchell County Press News and was advertising sales manager. She was a very outgoing person and loved calling on her clients. Shari’s motto was, “The worst that people can tell you is no when you are selling advertising. But if you don’t ask, they can’t even tell you no.” She was an active member of Eden Presbyterian Church. Shari served as president of the Osage Chamber of Commerce on two separate occasions and along with Jon Witt was instrumental in starting the Mitchell County Town and Country Ag breakfast in 2001. Shari was a devoted wife, and more than that, a special mother. She could take the littlest things and make a celebration out of them. She loved her family, friends, and pets.

Shari is survived by her husband, L. Dean Pohren of Osage; her son, Jason Pohren of Mason City; her mother, Lucille Jones of Marengo; sister, Judy (Jake) Jacobs of Brandon, S.D.; brother, Larry (Shirley) Jones of Prosperity, S.C.; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Jones in 1996.

Information available and condolences accepted at www.champion-bucheitfuneralhome.com; Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, 641-732-3706.

Gordon Cecil Morse

Gordon Cecil Morse, 90, passed away Nov. 27, 2013, at his home of Crockett Timbers Road in Limestone, Tenn.

Gordon was an only child born to Cecil David Morse and Delia Erion Morse. His parents and Gordon lived with his grandparents until the age of 18 when he joined the U.S. Army.

Gordon was discharged in 1945 after serving on the eastern front during the war. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and VFW in Tennessee.

Gordon is survived by nine cousins.

Gordon was preceded in death by a son, Gordon David Morse of Davenport; his parents Cecil David Morse of Ottumwa and his mother Delia Erion Morse of Osage; an uncle, David Cecil Morse of St. Paul, Minn.; two aunts, Josephine Curtis of Ottumwa and Corrine Grinstead of Osage; and his grandparents Will T. Morse and Pearly Mae Morse of Osage.

Submitted by his cousin James Grinstead.

Gordon Duryee

Gordon Duryee, 69, of McIntire, passed away Tuesday, March 4, 2014, at home in McIntire.

Private family burial will take place at a later date in Wayne Cemetery McIntire. Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home, 407 Woodland Ave., Riceville, is in charge of arrangements.

Gordon A. Duryee was born on Nov. 8, 1944, in Osage, son of Gernard and Pearl (Backus) Duryee. In 1972, he married Evelyn Lindlof they later divorced. Gordon enjoyed watching TV and smoking his pipe, yard work, and going for Sunday drives. He was very talented at mechanical work, and could make any “piece of junk” run like new. He was willing to help people in the McIntire community fix up their lawn equipment, cars, and tractors.

Surviving Gordon are his children Troy (Deb) Duryee of Rochester, Minn., and their children, Jacob and Carlyn; Chad (Alicia) Duryee of Rochester, Minn., and their son Alvin; Wade (Faith) Duryee of Elma, and their children Brittany, Devin, and Felisha; and Daisy Duryee of Mason City; two great-grandchildren Katrina and Isabella; his mother Pearl; his siblings Ronald of Riceville, Wayne of Little Cedar, Leonard of Leland, Diane Semerad of Riceville, Jimmy of McIntire, Barbara Woolworth of Cresco, Donna Wilson of Rochester, Minn., and Cherie Landers of Greene; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Gordon is his father Gernard, a sister Catherine, brother Marvin, Vern, Darrell, and great-granddaughter Andreah Lynn.

Memorials may be sent to Wade Duryee at 9086 135th Street, Elma, Iowa 50628.

James “Jim” Henry Koch passed away at the age of 70 on Thursday, March 6, 2014, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, Wis. 

Jim was born on Jan. 30, 1944, to Fred and Mildred (Wetherbee) Koch at Palmer Lutheran Health Center in West Union, Iowa. He graduated from North High School in West Union in 1962.

Jim was united in marriage to LaVonne Knief on Nov. 15, 1964 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Klinger, Iowa. Five children were born to this union. The couple farmed near Hawkeye for eight years and near West Union for 41 years. Jim was recognized for his farming achievements earning the Lutheran Young Farmer Award in 1974 and Jim and his family were selected as KWWL Farm Family of the Week.

Jim was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in West Union, where he was active in Saturday morning men’s bible study and served as a council member. He was a member of the Fayette County and Iowa State Pork Producers, serving as state president from 1996 until 1997. He was very active in 4-H and FFA, earning several degrees and awards; honorary FFA chapter degree, FFA Appreciation Award in 1992, Outstanding Service Award FFA in 1998, Iowa FFA Degree in 1962, and American FFA Degree in 1965. Jim also served on the Fayette County Fair Board. According to his family, “Jim lived to love his faith”. He was named Brotherhood Man of the Year in 1979 and Outstanding Young Religious Leader by the West Union Jaycees.

He enjoyed fishing, camping, reading and grilling. Jim had a passion for music and played the trombone as a member of HiLiters Dance Band and concert band. Jim attained the rank of Eagle Scout as a member of the Boy Scouts of America.

He is survived by his wife, LaVonne of West Union; five children, Dwane (Roni Sue) Koch of Hawkeye, Rodney (Loretta) Koch of Osage, Teresa (John) Zweibahmer of Ossian, Brian Koch of Waukon, and Keith (Bobbie Jo) Koch of Hawkeye; three sisters, Lorraine (Steve) Sindelar, Ellen (Bob) Helming, and Arlene (Leon) Soppe; a brother, Bill Koch; an aunt, Alice Koester; 13 grandchildren, Stephanie, Kayleigh and Tiffanie Koch; Darin, Adam, Hannah, Lydia Koch; Michael, Ashley, Amanda, and Andrea Zweibahmer; and Courtney and Austin Koch; two god-children, Matthew Adrian and Lisa Russell; a mentor, Wayne Marquette; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law, Cheryl Koch.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 11, at Zion Lutheran Church in West Union. Burial will follow at Hawkeye Cemetery in Hawkeye.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 10, from 4-8 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in West Union.

S.K. Rogers Funeral Home of West Union is in charge of the arrangements.

Dean. A. Nack, 85, of Osage, died Wednesday, March 12, 2014, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March, 19 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Osage with Pastor Kaltwasser officiating. It will be followed by fellowship and coffee. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Dean A. Nack Memorial Fund in care of the family. Dean wished to be cremated and burial will be at Osage Cemetery following his memorial service.

Dean was born May 4, 1928, the youngest of four children, to Emil and Sadie (Klein) Nack. He graduated from Mitchell School in 1946 where he enjoyed participating in sports. Dean was confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar. He transferred to Trinity Lutheran in Osage in 1943 where he was active in church activities and AAL. Dean worked at various jobs until 1972 when he started the D.A. Nack & Sons Millwright business operation and worked there for 20 years.

Dean married Rosella A. (Weber) of St. Paul on March 25, 1950. They were blessed with four children – Susan, Daniel, Carol and William. Dean and Rosella were married for 52 years when she passed away from lung cancer on Dec. 2, 2002. Dean met Laurie Bublitz Nack and they were together for ten years.

Preceding him in death were his parents Emil and Sadie Nack, his wife Rosella, his son Danny (1979), sisters Delores Sipe and Dallas Rowe, a brother Donald (Bud) Nack, a brother-in-law Lester Rowe, two sister-in-laws Fay Nack and Alice Nack, and Delia and Art Larson, his mother and father-in-law.

Survivors include his sweetie Laurie, three children – Susan M. Johnson, Carol A. (Kevin) Popp, and William A. Nack (friend Dawn), four nephews, a niece, five grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and his deceased wife’s family in St. Paul.

Constance “Connie” A. Mauser, 87, of Osage, died Wednesday, March 12, 2014, at Faith Home in Osage.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at First United Methodist Church in Osage with Pastor Sam Mack officiating. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church on Saturday in Osage. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery.

Connie was born Nov. 24, 1926 in Orchard, Iowa the daughter of Milo and Dorothy (Kruger) Fink. She was a proud player on the Orchard High School basketball team, and graduated Salutatorian from Orchard High School. On March 18, 1945, she was united in marriage to Dean Mauser at the Methodist Parsonage in Osage. They made their home on the farm near New Haven. In 1974, they moved to the River Road near Osage. They enjoyed their winters in Port Aransas, Texas. Their family grew to six children, eleven grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. In 1981, Connie was a key player in the founding of Mauser Insurance. Connie was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Osage. Connie was a warm and loving mother to her children and a sweet grandmother. In the last few years of her life, she was devoted to her great grandchildren and enjoyed helping care for them in Colorado. Also in Colorado, she was a dear friend to a family of refugees from Ethiopia; they genuinely loved her. She was always a friend to the needy. Connie’s family wants to thank Iowa Hospice; the staff of the Faith Home for their untiring care of our mother and all the residents there; and Dr. Kelly Ross, who was her physician and a dear friend.

Connie is survived by her three daughters: Cyndy (Bill) Norman of Lamoni, and their two sons: Kit (Stacy) and their two children Clover and Cedar; and Nate; Vicki (Dave) Johnston of Danville, Va., and their sons, Josh (Kaija) and their children Natalie and Bryce; and Sam (Chad); Christi (Peter) Arneson of Aurora, Colo. and their children Adam (Kristine) and their child due in July; and Erin (Ben) and their children Landon, Sierra and Hailey. Her three sons: Richard (Renee) Mauser of Osage, and their children Derek (Renae) Mauser and their children Hannah and Henry; Amber (Mitch) and their children Macy and Zach; Dan Mauser of Metter, Ga.; David (Julie) Mauser of Eden Prairie, Minn., and their three sons Jeff, Brad, and Greg. Her sister, Phyllis Coyle of Downers Grove, Ill; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Dean in 2001 and her sister, Jackie Lorence.

Information available and condolences accepted at www.champion-bucheitfuneralhome.com

Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage 641-732-3706

Alice Marie Grinstead

Alice Marie Grinstead, 76, died March 9, 2014, the birthday of her youngest child, David Todd.

She was born May 2, 1937 to John and Corrinne (Morse) Grinstead in Osage. She was 1 of 13 children in the family, graduated from Orchard High School and married in Osage. After marrying, Alice and her growing family lived in Fullerton, and Anaheim, Calif., Albert Lea, Minn., Waterloo, and Cedar Rapids before moving to Oklahoma City. She began her college education at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) and completed her degree at Central State University. She became one of the first headmasters of Edmond Christian School (renamed OCS), where four of her grandchildren later attended.

Alice’s career also included working for The Economy Company, Wilson Foods, OETA, The Deming Headlight (reporter) and Leonard (Texas) Public Library (Library Director). But her passion was writing novels and she was in the process of her latest novel, a mystery, at the time of her death. Alice moved back to Iowa several years ago to be closer to her brothers and sisters and moved back to Oklahoma in June of last year.

Along with her passion for writing, she enjoyed reading, her bird, Henry and doing crafts. To honor her grandmother, she changed her name to Alice Marie Turpin Grinstead, whom she lived with until the age of five and loved very dearly.

She is survived by her children, Lari Kyle Morrison and wife Sue of Edmond and Alyson Sue Morrison-Burch and husband Peter of Oklahoma City; grandmother of Christopher Morrison and wife Erika of South Haven, Mich., Melissa Wooden and husband Chad of Oklahoma City, Zachary Morrison of Edmond, Joshua Morrison of Norman and Abigail Morrison of Edmond and the great-grandmother of Corban Morrison and Eli Morrison of South Haven, Mich.; three sisters, Suzie Thurnau, Ruth (P-Wee) Johnson, and Lynda Retterath; four brothers, Jack Jim, Rich and David; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her parents; son, David Todd, sister, Cyndie Brumm; brothers, Jerry, Ron, Bill and Larry.

Alice’s service is scheduled for Monday, March 17 at 11 a.m. at Henderson Hills Baptist Church in Edmond, Okla. Her grandson, Christopher Morrison will officiate. Burial will be held at a later date in Orchard, Iowa. Contributions in her memory may be made to: Ministries of Jesus 1100 E. 1-35 Frontage Road, Edmond 73034 – who helped pay for her prescriptions when she needed financial assistance; OKC Audubon Society 24 S.E. 57th Street, Oklahoma City 73129 because of her love of birds; or a nonprofit of your choosing.

Kathryn Grace Levorson, 83, of Riceville, passed away at the Regional Health Services of Howard County in Cresco, on Wednesday, March 12, 2014, surrounded by her family, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

A visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday March 16 at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Riceville. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday March 17, at St. Paul’s Maple Leaf Lutheran Church, near Saratoga, with the Reverend Dan Christensen officiating. Burial will be at the Riverside Cemetery in Riceville.

Helen Ann Anderson, 93, of Osage, died Friday March 14, 2014, at Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 17, at Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage with Father Raymond Burkle officiating. Visitation is from 2-4 p.m. Sunday at Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home. Following the funeral service, cremation will take place. Inurnment in the Osage Cemetery will be at a later date.

Helen was born Dec. 5, 1920, in Independence, Wis., the daughter of Tom and Mary (Konter) Pampuch. Her hobbies included baking monster cookies, going for walks, and visiting with family and friends. One of her favorite things to do was go looking at red barns throughout the area while on her weekly car rides. Helen was a member of the Osage American Legion Auxiliary for over 50 years.

Helen is survived by her children, Wayne (Pat) Smith, Mary (Ed) Olsen, Merlin (Judy) Smith, Janice Wallerich, Walter Smith, Jr., Dennis Jacobson, Ronald (Shelly) Anderson, Rodney (Sharon) Anderson; a sister, Irene (Albert) Guenther; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Tom (Bertha) Pampuch, Joe (Theresa) Pampuch; and a sister, Verna (Florin) Beck.

Information available and condolences accepted at www.champion-bucheitfuneralhome.com

Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, 641-732-3706.

Mary Elizabeth Williams

Mary Elizabeth Williams, 93, of Osage died Monday March 10, 2014, at her home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 18, at the First Baptist Church in Osage with Pastor Paul Brown officiating. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Monday at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

Mary was born July 23, 1920 in Parkers Prairie, Minn., the daughter of Morris and Vera (Cole) Williams. She attended school in Osage and graduated from Osage High School in 1938. Mary worked in the office at the Osage Municipal Utilities for many years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, where she acted as the church secretary. She was a member of WaTanYe and she enjoyed spending time at the county care facility playing games with the residents.

Mary is survived by her sister, Jean Clausen of Charles City; her brother-in-law, Frank Fagerburg of Wisconsin; her sister-in-law, Suzy (Bob) Williams Kostelac of Henderson, Nevada; her nieces and nephews, Zeke “Harold” Clausen, Lea (Mike) Snyder, Jeff (Joni) Williams, Joni (Rick) Schempp, Kevin Williams, Frank (Nancy) Fagerburg, Steve (Marcia) Fagerburg, Pam (Gordy) Farrell, Mark (Susan) Fagerburg, Mike Williams, Mitch Williams; many great and great-great-nieces and nephews.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Keith (Marlys) Williams and Dean Williams; her sister, Dorothy Fagerburg; her brother-in-law, Leo Clausen and her nephew, Joe Clausen.

Information available and condolences accepted at www.champion-bucheitfuneralhome.com

Champion - Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, 641-732-3706

John Kottman

John Kottman, 88, died peacefully Thursday, March 13, 2014, at the Solon Care Center surrounded by his family.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, March 17 at Zion Lutheran Church with Rev. Jennifer Lutz officiating. Graveside committal with military honors will be conducted at 2 p.m., Monday at Memory Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Zion Lutheran Church or to the Metropolitian Opera.

John was born March 30, 1925 in Hampton, the son of Elmer and Dorothea Bokemeier Kottman. He was a graduate of Sheffield High School and received his bachelors, masters and PhD from the University of Iowa. John served in the Army Air Corps in Italy from 1944-46 and was a top turret gunner on a B-24 Liberator. On Aug. 21, 1949 John married Helen Carroll at the First Presbyterian Church in Atlantic.

John was a professor at the University of Iowa in the School of Journalism and the College of Business. He was a gifted teacher and was honored by business students as their “outstanding professor” for two years in a row. John retired in 1987.

He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and a charter member of Christ the King Lutheran Church.

John was a gardener and landscaper, planting over 127 trees and bushes on their acreage. When he was in the military in Italy and his comrades were in the bars John would attend the opera. He loved the opera, especially cherished the sounds of Verdi, Wagner and Puccini. Most important to John was his family.

John is survived by his wife Helen and their two sons, Steven John Kottman (Carol Hartman) of Solon and James Richard (Genie) Kottman of Cedar Rapids, two grandsons Sean and Christopher Kottman; his brother Richard of Ames; two nieces Tracey (Kevin) Wood and Camilla Kottman; great nephew Jonathan Wood; and Anne Kottman of Ames.

He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter-in-law Karen.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.lensingfuneral.com.

Sylvia C. Duenow

Sylvia C. Duenow, 88, of Burnsville, Minn. and formerly of Osage, died Saturday, March 15, 2014, at Augustana Emerald Crest Memory Care in Burnsville.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 20, 2014, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Osage with Rev. Bryan Lagerstam and Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Following the funeral service, cremation will take place. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Osage Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

Sylvia was born Dec. 31, 1925, on a farm west of Osage, the daughter of Oscar and Laura (Staff) Krogstad. She attended rural country school at Rock #1 and #4, graduating from Osage High School in 1943. Before marriage, Sylvia worked in Minneapolis and Charles City. On Dec. 3, 1950, Sylvia married Carl Duenow of St. Ansgar at the Osage Lutheran Church. The family subsequently lived in Spencer, St. Ansgar, Cedar Falls, Kewanee, Illinois, Vinton, Waverly and Clear Lake before returning to Osage in 1993. Sylvia enjoyed gardening, church activities, reading, travel, genealogy and learning new things.

Sylvia is survived by her daughter, Melanie of Minneapolis, Minn.; her son Scott (Annette Wilkus) of Maplewood, N.J.

Sylvia is preceded in death by her parents; husband Carl in 2007; four infant children; and nine siblings.

Information available and condolences accepted at www.champion-bucheitfuneralhome.com.

Champion - Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, 641-732-3706

Kenneth Dean Zuehl

Kenneth Dean Zuehl, 77, of Osage, formerly of Toeterville, died Sunday, March 16, 2014, at Mitchell County Regional Health Center Hospice Unit after succumbing to complications of dementia/Alzheimer’s.

Memorial services are scheduled for Wednesday, March 19, at 1:30 p.m. at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Osage with Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Visitation will be from 5-8 at Schroeder and Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar.

Ken “Dean” was born on Aug. 7, 1936 to Kenneth and Dorothy (Bublitz) Zuehl on a farm south of Osage. He was baptized on Aug. 23 at Immanuel Lutheran Church Grafton. He was confirmed at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Toeterville. He attended the last one room school in Union Township until it closed and he finished his education at St. Ansgar Community School. He graduated from St. Ansgar High School in 1954. During the summers of high school he worked for Leo Jass near Garner.

After graduation, he began working for Toeterville Co-op Elevator where he continued to work after the elevator was sold to Huntting. He stayed with the elevator through Agra and Northern Country Co-op. He retired in 1998 after working for 44 years.

In 1956 he married his high school sweetheart, Mary (Johnson). Four children were born to this union. Bonnie (Joe Sr.) Blake of Osage, Don (Lisa Tolle-Moss) of Manly, Jim (Louann) of Toeterville, and Terrie Novack & friend Morgan White Jr. of Boston, Mass.

Ken was a faithful member at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Toeterville for many years before moving to Osage and becoming a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. After retirement Ken and Mary spent winters in Arizona City, AZ where they attended Central Lutheran Church.

When Ken was not working, he enjoyed fishing with his father, brothers, and friends. When his children were young, he took them hunting, as well. He enjoyed traveling in his retirement. He visited Arizona, Arkansas, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, and Rhode Island seeing family and friends. He was an avid “Saints” fan and went to see his grandsons play football and basketball. He enjoyed watching all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren participate in sporting events. He could be heard from the stands yelling for his Zuehls.

He is survived by his wife, children, 11 grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, brothers, sister, and many nieces and nephews. He is proceeded in death by his parents, his in-laws, and three grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Association, North Iowa Hospice, or the American Cancer Society. Funeral arrangements by Schroeder and Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar.

Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, 641-713-4920, www.schroederandsites.com.

Louis A. Ahrens

Louis A. Ahrens, 95, of Osage, passed away Tuesday, March 18, 2014, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 22, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Osage with Rev. Bruce Kaltwasser officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, rural Osage. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

Louis was born Dec. 19, 1918, near Mitchell, to William and Margaret (Dieterichs) Ahrens, the youngest of ten children. He graduated from Mitchell High School in 1936. On Feb. 22, 1941, Louis married Viola Schuttler at St. John’s Lutheran Church, rural Osage. To this union was born two children, Donald L. Ahrens and Merrill D. Ahrens. Louis and Viola began their farming career east of Osage on the Annis Ahrens farm and then moved to a farm north of Osage in 1949.

Louis enjoyed working with machinery and was very talented and innovative in repairing equipment. He particularly enjoyed redesigning and improving a piece of equipment. He served on the Osage Co-op Elevator Board of Directors, Mitchell Township Board of Trustees, and on the Faith Lutheran Home Board. Louis was a long time member of Trinity Lutheran Church, serving on various boards and church offices. He especially enjoyed singing in the church choir. He was an avid Minnesota Twins and Hawkeye fan (much to the chagrin of his two ISU sons).

Louis and Viola retired from the farm in 1979 and moved to Osage. They enjoyed their camper and fishing during retirement and going south to Texas for the winter months where they made many new friends. Viola passed away in January 1999 and Louis moved to the Evergreen Independent Living Facility in Osage. He loved the independent living facility and repaired wheel chairs and other small items for the home during that time. He continued to drive his car and enjoyed the farm and his friends before moving to the Faith Lutheran Nursing Home in November 2012.

Louis was preceded in death by his wife, Viola; three brothers and six sisters.

He is survived by his son, Don (Marylou) Ahrens of Osage and their children, Renee (Brian) Thomas of Herndon, Va., Lisa (John Russell “J.R.”) Peterson of Osage, and Brad (Erica) Ahrens of Tacoma, Wash.; his son, Merrill (Linda) Ahrens of Hampton and their children, Shelley Ahrens of Rochester, Minn. and Cindy (Jon) Dockter of Byron, Minn. Great-grandchildren include Ethan, Anna and Elise Peterson of Osage, Nathan, Zachary and Annara Thomas of Herndon, Va., Calie, Ashley and Addison Dockter of Byron, Minn.

Information available and condolences accepted at www.champion-bucheitfuneralhome.com

Champion – Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, 641-732-3706.

Margaret Ann “Maggie” Groff

Margaret Ann “Maggie” Groff, 66, of Mason City, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, March 18, 2014, at Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City with her family and friends at her side, after a courageous two and a half year battle with cancer.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2014 at First Assembly of God Church, 1301 N. Carolina Ave., Mason City, with the Rev. George Ady officiating.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, March 21, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd St. N.E., Mason City.

Should friends desire, memorials may be left in Maggie’s name to Hospice of North Iowa or the First Assembly of God Church in Mason City.

Margaret Ann Groff was born on December 8, 1947 in Osage, the daughter of Roy and Mary Ellen (Delaney) Groff. At a young age her family moved to Mason City where she attended Mason City schools and graduated with the class of 1966. She enjoyed being actively involved in planning their class reunions.

Maggie impacted the lives of many while working in and around Mason City. When she wasn’t working she spent countless hours volunteering, teaching Sunday school, assisting with Christmas programs at church, and donating her time to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Maggie’s life revolved around her family. She cherished the time spent with her son, Michael. She will be remembered as a caring and selfless person who wore her heart on her sleeve.

Her zest for life was witnessed by those around her. Being in Maggie’s presence would instantly lift your spirits and her smile and laugh were contagious. She loved life and was a constant source of love and encouragement to her family and friends.

Maggie enjoyed scrapbooking, card making, and cross stitch. She enjoyed playing cards and loved listening to music, especially The Beatles.

Those grateful in sharing in her life are her son, Michael Groff, Mason City; siblings, Mary “Dee” Gambrell, Mason City, Janet “Jan” Groff, Incline Village, Nev., James “Jim” (Judy) Groff, Brandon, Miss., and Joan (Richard) West, Crystal, Minn.; nieces and nephews, Mac (Angie) West, Mandi (Lance) Cook , Lucas West , Jon (Christina) Gambrell, Joe Gambrell, and Kristy (Aaron) Ford; great nieces and nephews, Gabriel, Anna, Cyrus, Divya, William, Addison, and James; as well as her extended family and friends.

Maggie is preceded in death by her father, Roy Groff; her mother and step father, Mary Ellen and Cornelius “Connie” Lynch; and her maternal and paternal grandparents.

Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd St. N.E., Mason City. (641)423-2372. ColonialChapels.com

Johanna Grace Fox

Johanna Grace (Marr) Fox, 97, of Mesa, Ariz., and formerly of St. Ansgar, died Sunday, March 16, 2014, in Mesa, Ariz.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 12, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage with Father Raymond Burkle officiating. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:30-8 p.m. on Friday, April 11 at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage with a rosary at 7 p.m. There will be a time for lunch and fellowship following services on Saturday at the K.C. Hall in Osage.

Information available and condolences accepted at www.champion-bucheitfuneralhome.com

Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home 641-732-3706.

Peter Joseph Schaefer

Peter Joseph Schaefer, 80, of Riceville passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Saturday March 22, 2014.

Funeral services will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Riceville on Wednesday March 26, at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Steve Garner officiating.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Riceville.

Friends may call at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Riceville on Tuesday, March 25 during the hours of 4–7 p.m. and one hour before services at the church on Wednesday. A rosary service will be held on Tuesday at 4 p.m. at the funeral home.

Loren William Brandau

Loren William Brandau, 72, of Osage, died Sunday, March 23, 2014, at his home in Osage.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 28, at Eden Presbyterian Church, 3105 Glass Avenue, rural Rudd, with Pastor Jennifer Suydam officiating. Burial will be in Eden Presbyterian Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:30-7 p.m. Thursday at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

Loren was born Jan. 15, 1942, in Osage, Iowa, the son of Chester and Doris (Bortz) Brandau. He graduated from Rudd-Rockford-Marble Rock High School in 1959. On Sept. 1, 1962, he married Susan Apel at the United Methodist Church in Charles City. Loren was a farmer and also worked at the Mitchell County Press News and Tops Business Forms. He was a lifelong, active member of Eden Presbyterian Church. Loren enjoyed farming and tinkering in his shop. There was nothing more important to Loren than his family. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Loren is survived by his wife, Sue Brandau of Osage; his children, Curtis (Cynthia) Brandau of Rudd, Jerry (Lisa) Brandau of Osage, Scott (Vicki) Brandau of Osage; grandchildren, Daniel (Natalie) Brandau of Port Orchard, Wash., Jennifer (John) Eggena of Greene, Alicia (Ryan) Fischer of Plymouth, Valerie (T. C.) Heard of Osage, Michelle (Matt) Hesley of Osage, Brian (Heather) Brandau of Hopkins, Minn., David Brandau, serving in the U.S. Air Force in Japan, former exchange student, Axel Schroeder, Sidney, Samantha, Sawyer and Seger Brandau of Osage; great-grandchildren, Matilda, Emma and Clayton Brandau, Lily Eggena, Aliah, Braydon and Paycen Fischer, Emma, Zachary and Nolan Williams, Jacey and Jalynn Goodale; sister, Lavon (Melvin) Johansen of Harlingen, Texas; brother, Max (Karen) Brandau of Nora Springs; and sister-in-law, Linda Brandau of Nora Springs;

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Harlan Brandau.

Information available and condolences accepted at www.champion-bucheitfuneralhome.com

Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, 641-732-3706

Gary Erling Nelson

Gary Erling Nelson passed away on Saturday, March 22, 2014, at Baxter Regional Medical Center.

Gary was born February 20, 1938 to Obert and Lola (Barrett) Nelson at Osage. He was united in marriage to Mary Ann Decklever on February 8, 1964. 

Gary served in the Army National Guard and was the owner of a boot and saddle shop for many years. He was a representative for the Feed the Children ,a ministry that served the hungry at home and around the world.

Gary enjoyed fishing on Lake Norfork and witnessing for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To know him was to love his gentle spirit, compassionate heart and quiet ways. His parting words were, “I love everyone.”, and he did.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Mary Ann, daughters, Shawna Servantez, Angela (Jeffrey) Wilson and grandchildren Chelsey, Garit and Greysen, along with many dear friends.

Gary is preceded in death by his sister, Joyce, his father as well as his father and mother-in-law.

A memorial is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 28 at the Rock Creek Lutheran Church in Osage, Iowa with a fellowship following. 

Arrangements were by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services. Visit an online obituary and guestbook at www.kirbyandfamily.com.

Ruth Ann (McKillip) Morische

Ruth Ann (McKillip) Morische died peacefully at home on Monday, March 24, 2014.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 29, at Rock Creek Lutheran Church in rural Meroa, Iowa.

Ruth Ann was born September 19, 1939, In Rock Island County, Illinois, to Elmer and Jessie (Krueger) McKillip. She married Alan Morische on February 2, 1957, and to this union three children were born: Gwendolyn, Vincent, and Michael. She was a lifelong resident of Mitchell County and was a member of Rock Creek Lutheran Church.

Ruth enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed reading, but especially enjoyed needlework and knitting afghans for each of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her two sisters Wilma and Delores.

She is survived by her children Gwen (Darwin) Mellmann, Vince (Connie) Morische, and Mike (Julie) Morische, 10 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Verlee Clevenger, brothers Keith (Judy) McKillip, Merlyn (Maxine) McKillip, Ron (Maria) McKillip, and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial monies will be contributed to Hospice of North Iowa.

Barbara Ann Krahenbuhl

Barbara Ann Krahenbuhl, age 66, of Osage, died Saturday, March 29, 2014, at Mitchell County Regional Health Center Hospice Unit in Osage.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 3, 2014, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage with Father Raymond Burkle officiating. Visitation will be from 4 -7 p.m. Wednesday at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage. Following the Funeral Mass, cremation will take place. Inurnment will be at the St. Ansgar Cemetery at a later date.

Barb was born December 2, 1947, in Osage, Iowa, the daughter of Robert “Bob” and Austie (Pelleymounter) Smith. She attended Sacred Heart School and Osage High School. On October 30, 1965, Barb married Russ Krahenbuhl at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage. She was employed by Hi-Line Egg Production in Osage. Russ and Barb were owner/operators of the Corner Roost in New Haven, were involved in the restaurant business in Cripple Creek, Colorado, and owned and operated R&B Steak and Pizza in Osage. She was a member of Osage American Legion Auxiliary Post 278. Barb enjoyed gardening, needlework, reading, and watching movies on the Lifetime channel.

Barb is survived by her husband, Russ Krahenbuhl of Osage; her children, Chris (Rose) Krahenbuhl of St. Ansgar, and Eric Krahenbuhl of St. Ansgar; grandchildren, Emily (Logan) Hackensmith of Anchorage, Alaska, Jake Krahenbuhl, Zach Krahenbuhl, Molly Krahenbuhl, all of St. Angar, Tasha Krahenbuhl of Kenyon, Minnesota, Alec Krahenbuhl, Taylor Krahenbuhl, and Kaleb Krahenbuhl, all of St. Ansgar; sisters, Nanci (David) Broome of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Pat (Tony) Halbach of Osage; brothers, Larry (Yvonne) Smith of Madison, Wisconsin, and Tom Smith and Colette of Osage.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her grandparents; and two brothers-in-law.

Information available and condolences accepted at www.champion-bucheitfuneralhome.com

Champion - Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, 641-732-3706

Robert (Bob) Eugene Beyer

ROCHESTER, MINN. | Memorial services for Robert (Bob) Eugene Beyer 80 years old of Rochester, Minn. will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, 824 Church Avenue, St. Charles, Minn. with Pastor Heather E. Klason officiating. Per Robert's wishes, he was cremated.

Robert Eugene Beyer died suddenly on Friday, March 28, at St. Mary’s Hospital.

Robert was born August 29, 1933 in St. Ansger, Iowa to August and Laura (Marks) Beyer. He attended rural schools.

Robert Beyer served in the Army for three years, and re-enlisted for three years in the Air Force, during this time he served three terms in the Korean War.

Robert married Marilyn Nicol on July 17, 1955 and they were later divorced. He later married Beverly Hawkinson February 2, 2002 they later divorced but remained close friends.

Robert worked at the Post Bulletin from 1968 until his retirement in 1988. He was a very active person who loved his animals, gardening and family. Robert enjoyed cooking and sharing his creations with friends and family. He enjoyed the many travels riding his motorcycle with his close friend and riding buddy Jon Lynch.

Survivors include a daughter, Penny Ryan of St. Charles, a son Jeffrey (Lisa) Beyer of Oronoco, Minn., four grandchildren; Robert (Lindsay) Ryan of St. Charles, and Brianna (Dave) Ryan of Faribault, Minn., Amy Beyer of Burnsville, Minn., and Luke Beyer serving in the Navy, four great-grandchildren Shaun, Kyliee, Tessa Ryan of St. Charles, and Kiyanna Olson of Faribault and a brother Gary Roby of Osage Iowa.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Marilyn and sister Bonnie.

Robert will be missed by family and friends.

Andrew “Andy” Angell

Andrew “Andy” Angell, age 91, of Osage, died Sunday, March 30, 2014, at the Faith Home in Osage.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 4, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage with Father Raymond Burkle and Pastor Sam Mack officiating. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 - 8 p.m. Thursday, April 3 at Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home.

Andy was born July 2, 1922, in Burr Oak Township, Mitchell County, Iowa, the son of Rollin and Clare (Erkenbrack) Angell. He graduated from Osage High School in 1940. On June 4, 1940, he married Viola Metz. She passed away on January 13, 1986. He married Irene (Voyek) Heffron on June 16, 1990. Andy had been a farmer, did custom corn shelling, and was a custodian at Lincoln Elementary School in Osage. He was a 4-H leader and was the supervisor of the sheep barn at the Mitchell County Fair for many years. Andy enjoyed woodworking, welding, watching birds and squirrels, and especially enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Andy is survived by his wife, Irene Angell of Osage; two daughters, Andrea (Larry) Dammen of Osage, and Mary Beth Griffin of Osage; daughter-in-law, Kathy Prokapec of Claremont, Minnesota; eight grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; one step-granddaughter; step-sons, Frank (Cindy) Heffron of Marshalltown, and Larry (Kathy Jacob) Heffron of Johnston; sister, Helen Tubbs of Osage; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Viola Angell; son, Jack Angell; an infant son; four infant grandchildren; brother, Marlow Angell; sister-in-law, Sonja Angell; brother-in-law, Rollin Tubbs; son-in-law, John “Griff” Griffin; and step-daughter, Sue Heffron.

Information available and condolences accepted at www.champion-bucheitfuneralhome.com

Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home 641-732-3706.

Marvin Moore

Sioux Falls | Marvin Moore, 80 died Saturday, March 29, 2014 at the Golden Living Center in Salem, S.D. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at Heritage Funeral Home, Sioux Falls. Visitation with family present will be from 5-6:00pm Tuesday evening.

Marvin Mark Moore was born on June 17, 1933 at Howell, Neb. to Earl and Viola (Martinek) Moore. He was raised in Nebraska, attending high school and then entering the University of Nebraska. While at the university, Marvin enrolled in the ROTC Program so upon graduation he entered the US Army. On June 23, 1954 he was united in marriage to Emilie Agnes Cerny at Clarkson, Neb. They were off to Fort Still, Okla. where as a First Lieutenant, he was part of the team that headed up the artillery and guided missile school. After serving his term there, he and Emilie returned to Nebraska where he taught vocational agriculture for six years, both in St. Edward and Norfolk. From teaching, Marvin moved on to branch manager for Production Credit. He retired after 26 years and bought into a South Dakota bank, the Corn Exchange Bank in Elkton, S.D. While in South Dakota, his interest in politics spurred him to serve as president of the Elkton City Council for 10 years.

When he finally retired, they moved to Branson, Mo. He wasn’t long in Branson, “doing nothing” before the itch to be busy which brought him to a theme park where he stated cooking at the Silver Dollar City Restaurant. He learned “on the job” and when he retired from that job he’d been there six years and was the head cook.

Emilie and he were from neighboring towns and they shared cousins and each of them stood up for the bride and groom. They started dating and he’d return home from college on the week-ends to see Emilie. They married upon his college graduation and have five children and 10 grandchildren. They have enjoyed golf and the Arizona sunshine.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Emilie, Sioux Falls; five children, Debra Kay (Kenneth) Bethke, Stewartville, Minn., Michael Leslie (Jacki), Spearfish, S.D., Terry Allen (Karen) Winona, Minn., Kevin Jay (special friend Beth Douglas), Sioux Falls, and Teresa Marie (special friend Kevin Frazier), Glendale, Calif.; ten grandchildren and one great grandchild. www.heritagesfsd.com

Genevieve “Gene” Walters

Genevieve “Gene” Walters, age 94, of Osage, died Monday, March 31, 2014, at her home.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 4, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar with Pastor Byron Northwick officiating. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, at Immanuel Lutheran Church. There will be a time for lunch and fellowship following services at the church. Burial will be at the Osage Cemetery.

Genevieve, daughter of Charles and Sadie (Pflieger) Adams, was born January 5, 1920, in the St. Ansgar, Iowa area. She was the second oldest of eight children. Genevieve attended high school in Mitchell, Iowa. After high school, she worked in Osage for Blinders Wool and Hide as a bookkeeper. She then moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she was united in marriage to LeRoy Walters on September 15, 1943. LeRoy was working for Ford, building airplanes, until he was drafted into the Navy. Genevieve moved back to Osage while LeRoy was in boot camp and then joined him in Oklahoma. She then worked for Douglas Consolidated Aircraft. After LeRoy was discharged, they moved to Charles City, Iowa. In 1952, they moved to Osage to start Roy’s Body Shop and have resided in their home west of Osage ever since. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Osage until 2009 and was currently a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar. Genevieve enjoyed bowling, knitting, crocheting, sewing, dancing, traveling, camping, TOPS, family, and grandchildren. She especially enjoyed visiting with people.

Genevieve is survived by her husband of 70 years, LeRoy Walters of Osage; her daughter, Debra (Paul) Johnson of Mason City; her son, David (Chris) Walters of Osage; grandson, Jared (Angie) Walters and children, Taylor, Gabriell and Carter Walters of Floyd; granddaughter, Tasha (Jason) Brandt and children, Jase, Kassidy, Krystal, Reis and Rayna Brandt of Eureka, Kansas; granddaughter, Alissa (Matt) Nicholson and children, Halei and Marcus Nicholson of Osage; sister, Millie (Joe) Valasek of Little Cedar; and many cousins and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Richard Adams in 2010, William “Bill” Adams in 2001, and Charles Adams, Jr. in January 2014; and three sisters, Vivian Orman in 2009, Geraldine Johnson in 2002, and Betty Brooking in 1994.

Information available and condolences accepted at www.champion-bucheitfuneralhome.com

Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home 641-732-3706.