EDWARD V. OSTERKAMP
July 2, 1930 - February 28, 2013

Edward V. Osterkamp was born July 2, 1930 in Rockford, to parents John and Henrietta (Huisman) Osterkamp. He passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Feb. 28, 2013 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D., at the age of 82 years.

At the age of 6, Ed moved with his parents to Ireton. He grew up on a farm and attended rural school. At the age of 18, Ed worked on road construction and also worked at the Armour Packing Plant in Sioux City. In January of 1952, Ed was called to active duty with the United States Army and served 18 months in Korea with Co B 6th Tank BM. Ed returned home in February of 1954. He met the love of his life, Joan Vander Hamm. They were married Nov. 7, 1954. He farmed for 18 years in the Ireton, Hawarden and Alcester areas. In 1969 the couple moved to Alcester where Ed worked as a welder and later as foreman at Alkota Manufacturing. In 1982, he began working for the city of Alcester as plant supervisor and the street department. He retired in 1993 from the city and drove school bus for 16 years and worked as a custodian at Peace Lutheran Church with his wife Joan for 13 years. 

Ed was baptized and confirmed at the age of 17 at the George Baptist Church. He took confirmation instructions at the Lutheran Church in Ireton at the age of 24. He was an active member at St. Paul’s in Ireton, Trinity Lutheran in Hawarden and has been an active member for the past 48 years at Peace Lutheran Church in Alcester where he served as a trustee, Sunday School superintendent, and sang in the choir. Ed loved pitching horseshoes. He was an avid player for many years and had participated in 18 world tournaments, winning 1st twice and placing seven other times. He was inducted into the South Dakota Horseshoe Hall of Fame in 2011. His other hobbies included fishing on the Missouri River and hunting. Ed’s greatest joy in life was spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren, who he dearly loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two great grandchildren and 11 brothers and sisters. 

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joan Osterkamp of Alcester; six children, Gloria (Ken) Lundeen, Round Rock, Texas, Lynn (Jill) Osterkamp, Forest City,  Tim Osterkamp (special friend Julie Rosa, Brandon, S.D.), Canton, S.D., Kandy (Doug) Brende, Sioux Falls, Shelly ( Larry) McPherson, Vermillion, S.D., and Jolene (Shaun) Klemme, Round Rock, Texas; 14 grandchildren, Chad and Brett Lundeen, Ryan, Nicholas, and Andy Osterkamp, Melissa Albertson, Jacob and Josiah Osterkamp, Jeremy and Jessica Brende, Alisha and Eric McPherson, and Nicole and Kara Klemme; 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Funeral services were  held 11 a.m., Monday, March 4, 2013 at Peace Lutheran Church in Alcester with burial to follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Ireton. Visitation was Sunday at Peace Lutheran Church from 6 to 8 with a prayer service at 7 p.m.

OPAL SEEBERGER
April 16, 1923 - February 24, 2013

Opal Irene Seeberger, 89, of Mason City, left us to join the Lord on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013, at the Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minn. Private family services will be held at a later date.  Memorials may be directed to the Opal Seeberger memorial fund in care of the family.

Opal was born April 16, 1923, in Forest City, the daughter of Raymond and Marie (Rinker) Benson.  She graduated from Forest City High School.  In 1948, Opal married Robert Dale Seeberger at Norfolk, Neb.  In her 20s, Opal worked for Boeing Aircraft Company in California, Bowen’s Food Store as a bookkeeper, and for both the City of Omaha and the City of Mason City. Opal enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.  She also enjoyed gardening, cooking, canning, clipping recipes from the newspaper and listening to Lawrence Welk.  She was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church.

Opal is survived by three children: Marcia (Paul) Bjerke, Spencer (Beverly) Seeberger, and Jayne Seeberger; five grandchildren:  Vanessa (Adam) Hoffman, Acacia Bjerke, Ryan (Kara) Seeberger, Nathan Seeberger, and Kelsey (Patrick) Gilcrease; and one great granddaughter:  Grace Seeberger. 
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 2009; grandson: Casey Joe Seeberger; two brothers and one sister.

Arrangements are with Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City, Iowa  50401 641-423-0924 www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com

WAYNE RAYMOND HOPKINS
June 5, 1946 - March 3, 2013

Wayne R. Hopkins, 66 of Forest City, died Sunday, March 03, 2013 at the University Of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, IA.

A Celebration of Life service for Wayne will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, March 9, 2013, at Word of Faith Dominion Church, rural Lake Mills, with Pastors Doug and Laurel Domokos officiating. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Bethel Lutheran Brethren Cemetery, rural Joice.

Military honors will be conducted by Otto Chose Post #235 of Lake Mills.

Visitation with his family will be on Friday, March 8, 2013, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Word of Faith Dominion Church, 45005 210th Avenue, rural Lake Mills, and again one hour prior to the service on Saturday.

Wayne Raymond Hopkins was born on June 5, 1946, at Primghar, Iowa, to parents John and Vera (Brown) Hopkins. He attended Rolfe High School.

Following his schooling, Wayne was drafted into the United States Army, and served during the Vietnam War from October of 1965 until August of 1967. He was honorable discharged.

On April 19, 1969, Wayne was united in marriage with Wendy Witham at Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church south of Joice, Iowa. The couple made their home in rural Forest City, where Wayne owned and operated a mobile home park on the north edge of town.

Wayne was a great man, father, husband, and friend, who chose to run into the arms of an even greater man, his Father. We praise the Lord that Jesus was there to hold out His arms to a healed son, as no sickness or brokenness enters the gates of Heaven.

Survivors include his wife, Wendy Hopkins of Forest City, IA; two children, Trisha (Mark) Meling of Garner, IA, and Travis (Melissa) Hopkins of Forest City, IA; and ten grandchildren, Brooke, Geoffrey, Alex, Tristan, Sierra, Tana, Jackson, Mylie, Madix, and Elijah. He is also survived by six sisters, Joyce Stewart of Rolfe, IA, Maxine Hegeholz of Phoenix, AZ, Glenda Burns of Rolfe, IA, E.J.(Harlan) Lund of Rolfe, IA, Virg (Wendell) Watson of Miller, IA, and Norma (Doug) Whitehurst of Clear Lake, IA; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Laura and Mary, and mother-in-law, Myrtle Witham.

MARY ANN MITTHUN
August 4, 1949 - February 22, 2013

Mary Ann Mitthun, 62, departed from this life on Friday, February 22, 2013 at her home in Thompson, IA.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 27, at 10:30AM at Bethany Lutheran Church, Thompson, with Pastor Elaine Siemsen officiating. Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Thompson.
Visitation will be Tuesday from 7 to 9:00PM at Bethany Lutheran Church.

Mary Ann Mitthun was born August 4, 1949 in Mason City to Arlene (Buseman) and Leonard Hrubes. She grew up in the Garner/ Duncan area.

She married Marlin Mitthun on February 20, 1965 in Leland, IA and they have made their home in the Thompson area since then.

Mary Ann enjoyed camping, baking and spending time with her family and friends. She was currently employed at Casey’s in Forest City.

She is survived by her husband Marlin Mitthun, her three children; Julie (Corey) Williams of Rake, Kurt (Michelle) Mitthun of Belmond and Jackie (Kim) Mitthun of Thompson. Grandchildren; Kyle & Cody Meyer of Mason City, Casandra (special friend Chris Mckenna) of Algona, Chelsey Armstrong of Rake. Kory & Nicholas Mitthun of Fertile. Haley Asmus of Thompson, Megan,Britney & Caitlin Mitthun of Thompson, Jordan & Cassandra Hansen & Lexie Hartman of Belmond. Great Grandchildren; Madyson Kohlhaas, Akiera James, Trevor Meyer, Miley & Dakota McKenna all of Algona. One brother Jim Hrubes of Clear Lake, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, in laws and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, grandparents and other special family members.

IVONA MAHLENDORF
June 20, 1920 - February 23, 2013

Ivona Mahlendorf, 92, of Scribner died Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013, at Elkhorn Valley Villa in Scribner.

She was born June 20, 1920, on a farm in Platte County near Platte Center, the oldest daughter of Leo and Julia (Kaipust) Gossman. She attended school in Platte County and during World War II. She worked in Omaha in the office of the brewmaster of Falstaff Brewery.

On May 1, 1948, she married Herbert Mahlendorf in Omaha. From 1948 until 1969, Ivona and Herb farmed near Colon, Fremont, West Point and Hooper. In 1969, they moved into Hooper and Ivona began working at the City Meat Market, retiring in 1998 after 29 years.

She was very active in many groups, St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, E.M.E., St. Rose Guild, Church Choir, Jalapa Club, S.M.I.L.E., Senior Center and the American Legion Auxiliary Post 18.

She had resided in the Elkhorn Valley Villa in Scribner the past three years.

Survivors include: a son, Robert (and wife, Candance) Mahlendorf of Fremont; a sister, Arlene Tebben; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, three sisters and a brother.

A memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church of Hooper.

Memorials are suggested to St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.

Ludvigsen’s Hooper Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

Posted on 12 March 2013

GREGORY STEVEN GRAHAM
April 2, 1956  -  March 15, 2013

Gregory Steven Graham, 56, of Belton, Texas, went to be with this Heavenly Father on March 15, 2013 after his battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his family.

The celebration of life will be held at 10:30am on March 23, 2013 at Temple Bible Church. Pastor Gary DeSalvo of Temple Bible Church will be officiating. He will be buried at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen at a later date. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Dossman Funeral Home in Belton.

Greg was born in Forest City, Iowa on April 2, 1956. He graduated from Forest City High School and continued on to receive an Associate’s Degree from Luther College.

Greg was married to Paula Ann Graham (Warth) on June 18, 1983 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, Iowa; they were married 29 blissful years.

Greg joined the Air Force in 1976 to obtain his pilot’s license. He worked as a pilot for a company in town for more than 28 years. He enjoyed flying, grilling, the lake, fast cars, and spending time with his friends and family. He was a great grandpa too. “Grandpa was his name, spoiling was his game.” He was also actively involved in his church and bible study. He read the newspaper and Bible every morning. Greg was a man of God. He fought the good fight and kept the faith.

Greg was known for many things, including his quick wit and sense of humor, his grilling capabilities and how he lived life to the fullest. When he was first diagnosed with grim news, he’d tell you, “It’s ok because I’m beyond blessed. I’ve traveled the world, seen all I’ve wished to see, loved my job, and raised three beautiful daughters with my beloved wife. I’m only sad I don’t get to enjoy it longer.”

Greg is survived by his wife, Paula Graham; three children, Christine Kelly Graham, Brittney Graham Douglas, and her husband Eric Douglas, and Ashley Anne Graham; his 2 grandchildren Kalea and Anastasia Douglas; his 2 sisters, Linda Julius, her husband Howard and Lisa Lunning, her husband Kevin; his nieces and nephews; and the rest of his relatives and friends.

Greg is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Janice Graham (Helvick) of Forest City, Iowa where he grew up.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to Temple Bible Church. If you knew Greg, he’d also tell you to grab your favorite beverage and make a toast in celebration of his life. The family of Gregory Graham wishes to thank the Scott and White Hospice and Scott and White Hospital as well as Temple Bible Church.

ANNA MILDRED TSCHIRKI
March 12, 1913 - March 15, 2013

Anna "Millie" Tschirki, 100, of Forest City died Friday, March 15, 2013 at the Westview Care Center in Britt.

Memorial services will be held 1:30 P.M., Monday, March 18th at the United Methodist Church in Forest City with Rev. Jerald Swanberg and Rev. Robert Dodge officiating. Inurnment will be in Madison Township Cemetery in Forest City.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church. Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be directed to the Anna "Millie" Tschirki Memorial Fund and may be sent in care of the Petersen Lund Funeral Home 505 N. Clark St., Forest City, Iowa 50436.

Anna Mildred Tschirki, the daughter of Gus and Ida (Burseth) Hagen, was born March 12, 1913 on a farm near Forest City. She attended Forest City Community Schools and helped her family and neighbors on the farm. Later on, she moved to town and worked at a restaurant. On December 16, 1933 she was married to Christian Julius Tschirki at the Lutheran Church parsonage in Forest City. They farmed in the Hayfield area until 1972, when they moved into Forest City. Millie helped serve for some special events at Waldorf College, worked at The Doughnut Shop on Main Street in Forest City with her sister, Violet, and also was employed at the Forest City school cafeteria. She enjoyed crocheting, baking, gardening, shopping, playing cards and dancing.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Forest City, UMW, Forest City Senior Citizens and several card clubs.

Millie is survived by her two children, Donna Nedved of Britt and Robert (Mandy) Tschirki of Denver, CO; six grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Christian, in 1985; her parents; son-in-law, Don Nedved; three sisters, Gladys Anderson, Violet Tschirki and Alice Thorson; and a brother, Gordon Hagen.

Millie and Christian enjoyed and loved their family very much and were always there for them. Millie will be well remembered by her relatives and friends.

ARVA VERA BROCKHOHN
September 8, 1934 - March 17th, 2013

Arva Brockhohn, 78, passed away at St. Luke’s Hospital, Cedar Rapids on March 17th, 2013.

Service will be held 10:30am Thursday March 21, 2013 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Anamosa. Pastor Bill Nielsen will officiate at the service. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 pm Wednesday March 20, 2013 at Goettsch Funeral Home in Anamosa. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery. Thoughts, memories, and condolences may be left at www.goettschonline.com.

Surviving is her daughter, Debbie (Mike) Ehlinger, Cedar Rapids; a son, Dr. James (Cindy) Brockhohn, Forest City; four grandchildren, Jada Putz of Ely; Jill Brockhohn of Waverly, Jimmy Brockhohn of Kansas City, MO, Jamie Brockhohn of Newton; 4 great-grandchildren, Dylan, Katelynn, Bentley and Carter. Also surviving is her sister Ruth Collins of Viola; a brother Orville (Loretta) Meyer, Anamosa; a sister in law Esther Wiedeman; a brother in law Lawrence of Monticello, And Special friends Jim and Betty White of Cedar Rapids.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Ernie; a son, Bill; 2 brothers, Neman and Pete; 5 brothers in law, Hadwen Collins, Louis Brockhohn, Clarence Brockhohn, Leonard Darrow and Alvin Brockhohn; 3 sisters in law, Berdena Darrow, Irene Brockhohn, Maria Brockhohn.

Arva Vera Meyer was born September 8, 1934 in Monticello to Neman and Vera (Faas) Meyer. She graduated from Martelle High School in 1952. Arva married Ernie Brockhohn on October 10, 1952 at St Paul Lutheran Church, Anamosa. She owned and operated Arva’s Beauty Salon first in Cedar Rapids then in Whittier. Following that she worked at Breon’s in Anamosa. Later Arva was a secretary at Springville High School beginning 1970 where she worked for 21 years until her retirement in 1991.

Arva was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, the Golden Age Club, and the Whittier Garden Club. She also volunteered for Springville Senior Dining. Arva loved her family and friends, crocheting, playing cards, bingo, gardening and going to the casino.

KERMIT RICHARD RUSLEY
April 13, 1919 - March 21, 2013

Kermit R. Rusley, age 93, of rural Leland, died Thursday, March 21, 2013, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, March 25, 2013, at Winnebago Lutheran Church, rural Lake Mills, with Pastor Bill Peters officiating. Burial will take place in Winnebago Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Visitation will be on Sunday, March 24, 2013, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 902 East Main Street in Lake Mills, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.

Memorials may be directed to the Winnebago Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund or to Hospice of North Iowa.

Kermit Richard Rusley was born on April 13, 1919, in Grenora, Williams County, North Dakota, to parents Tom J. and Tilda (Kvaslerud) Rusley. He was baptized in North Dakota prior to his family moving to Iowa in 1920. Kermit was confirmed at Winnebago Lutheran Church in 1933, and graduated from Lake Mills High School in 1937.

On June 28, 1950, Kermit was united in marriage with Thelma Perry at Zion Lutheran Church in Clear Lake, Iowa. The couple had two children, and they made their home on the present farm all their lives. Kermit farmed the family farm, never really retiring, until his death.

Kermit and Thelma enjoyed many bus trips in their retirement years, seeing most of the United States, traveled to Norway and Denmark, and spent many winters in the McAllen, Texas area. Kermit’s free time was filled with golfing and playing cards at Rice Lake, fishing, and woodworking. No one appreciated polka music more than Kermit, and he and Thelma had a love for dancing all throughout their marriage. Another of Kermit’s passions was restoring tractors, and he was never known to pass up a cup of coffee and conversation with family and friends.

Kermit was a member of the board of directors for a number of area organizations including the Leland Co-op Elevator, Cooperative Services, and the Winnebago Mutual Insurance Association, as well as being active at Winnebago Lutheran Church. He held many offices over the years, being president of the congregation twice.

Most importantly, Kermit was a kind, gentle, fun-loving, and hard-working man who loved God, his family and friends, and the land he was blessed to work for so many years.

Survivors include his two children, David (Rita) Rusley of Cedar Falls, IA, and Diane (Daniel Hall) Pauk of Cross Plains, WI; four grandchildren, Michelle (Brett) Kroncke of Nashville, TN, Danielle Pauk of Chicago, IL, Stephanie Pauk of Chicago, IL, and Rachael Rusley of Cedar Falls, IA; and three great grandchildren, Jack Rusley, Lydia Rusley, and Ingrid Kroncke. Kermit is also survived by his brother, Stanley Rusley of Leland, IA; a sister-in-law, Lila Perry of Scottsdale, AZ; his long-time friend, Helene Iverson of Lake Mills, IA; and many special nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Kermit was preceded in death by his parents; wife Thelma, and six siblings, Agnes Flugum, Senora Rusley, Helen Chase, Joseph Rusley, Thelma Bannon, and Lydia Wolfe.

Posted on 17 April 2013 by Jay Lehmann