James F. Birum

June 9, 2004

James Frederick Birum, 58, of Manly, died on Tuesday, June 1, 2004, at the University Hospital in Iowa City. 

Funeral services were held on Friday, June 4, at the Bride Colonial Chapel, Manly, with Pastor Mark Luckiesh officiating. Burial was in the Manly Cemetery.

James Frederick Birum, was born on December 14, 1945 in Cherokee, Iowa, the son of Stephen George and Edna Louise (Ahntholz) Birum. He lived with his parents and sister on a farm near Albert City, Iowa, until he moved to Osage when he was 10 years old. As a freshman in 1960 in Sioux City, Iowa, he played football for Sioux City East. He returned to Osage in 1962, where he wrestled and played football for the Osage Green Devils. Jim was elected Homecoming King in the fall of 1963 and graduated from the Osage High School in 1964. Jim worked for Holden Farms in Manly for over 30 years.

His passions in life were gardening, fishing and a love of wind chimes, animals, nature and antiques. He was also an avid fan of B.B. King.

Grateful for having shared his life are his best friend and soul mate, Barbara Figgens, who cared for him unceasingly and her children, Jacob and Elissa; his sister, Susan Telkamp of Elkton, South Dakota; his niece, Jacqueline (Duane) Amundson and children, Edwin, Samuel and Lucas of Ivanhoe, Minnesota; a half-sister, Barbara (A.C.) Soukup of Georgetown, Texas; and several cousins.

Preceding him in death were his parents.

The Bride Colonial Chapel, Manly, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Beatrice G. Tibbetts

June 9, 2004

Beatrice G. Tibbetts, 79, died on Wednesday, June 2, 2004, at the St. Luke's Hospital, following a short illness.

Memorial services were held on Saturday, June 5, at the St. Mark's United Methodist Church. Private inurnment was in the Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Beatrice was born on July 3, 1924 in Stacyville, Iowa, to Willis and Verna Hill Gaines. She married Merle L. Tibbetts on February 9, 1947 in Osage. She worked as a nurse at the Mitchell County Hospital for 12 years and for St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids for 28 years.

She was a member of the St. Marks United Methodist Church.

Survivors include three sons, Steven and wife, Sheila of Appleton, Wisconsin, Kirk and wife, Nannette of Urbandale and Jon and wife, Kristine of Dubuque; a brother, Jack Gaines of Seattle, Washington; and 7 grandchildren, Sara, Cameron, Elizabeth, Noelle, Kelly, Ellen and Susan Ward and husband, Michael.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Marks United Methodist Church, Cedar Rapids, Iowa or to the American Lung Association.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Cedar Memorial Funeral Home.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Mary Jane Leinenkugel

June 9, 2004

Mary Jane Leinenkugel, age 83, of New Haven, was called home to the Lord on Saturday, June 5, 2004. She died at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, June 8, at the St. Peter's Catholic Church in New Haven, with Rev. Ray E. Atwood officiating. Interment was in the St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery in New Haven, with a flag presentation by the Osage American Legion Post 278.

Mary Jane was born on August 28, 1920 in Douglas Township, Mitchell County, the daughter of John C. and Vern (Kehoe) Fox. She was raised as a farm girl on the homestead just south of New Haven. Mary Jane graduated from the St. Mary's Academy in New Haven. She attended Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids and nurses training at St. Luke's in Sioux City, before graduating from the St. Joseph Mercy School of Nursing in Mason City. Mary Jane served as a nurse in the US Army during World War II. Mary Jane was united in marriage to Norman "Bud" Leinenkugel on November 25, 1948, at the St. Mary's Chapel in New Haven. Their marriage was blessed with 8 children.

She was a long time member of the Altar Society of St. Peter's Church. She taught religious education for many years and was involved with mission activities. She was active in bible study. Mary Jane served in several capacities of the ACCW. She was also a member of the American Legion, the Legion Auxiliary and the Association of Retarded Citizens. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother and wonderful friend. Over the years, she shared with family and friends her deep faith, along with her many talents. Mary Jane was a great cook, the family historian, a gardener and a nature lover.

Mary Jane is survived by her husband, Norman "Bud" Leinenkugel of New Haven; children, Joseph Leinenkugel of Des Moines, Mary Anne Leinenkugel of Osage, John (Kathy) Leinenkugel of Omaha, Nebraska and son, John Charles Lubbers of San Diego, California, Therese (Tim) Rolfes of Johnston and children, Rachel and Grant Rolfes, Rose (Tom) Hagemann of Ankeny and children, David and Annie Hagemann, Paul (Cindi) Leinenkugel of Hemet, California and children, Amber, Lindsey and Garret Darnell and James Leinen-kugel of Des Moines; brothers, Robert (Virginia) Fox of Neosho, Mississippi and Ivo (Karen) Fox of New Haven; a sister, Rose Ann (Robert) O'Neill of Waterloo; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Thomas Leinenkugel on August 18, 1976; and her brother, Kenneth Fox.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, was in charge or the arrangements.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Sharon Kay Hodson

June 16, 2004

Sharon Kay Hodson, former Osage resident, died on Saturday, June 5, 2004. She was 60 years old.

Funeral services were held in Alexandria, Minnesota with burial in the Oakland Cemetery in Forest City, Iowa.

Sharon was born on May 7, 1944 in Mason City, Iowa. She graduated from the Adams, Minnesota High School and lived most of her life with her family in the Osage area. She moved to Alexandria, Minnesota in 1989 and was employed by Ramada Limited.

Sharon enjoyed old movies, dining out and playing Bingo with her sister and friends.

She is survived by her sister, Margaret (James) Twait of Alexandria, Minnesota; niece, Susan (David) Greenlee of Rochester, Minnesota; nephews, David (Carole) Twait of St. Peter, Minnesota and Tom (Kathy) Twait of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dale and Leatrice Hodson of Osage.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Gertrude R. Meirick

June 9, 2004

Gertrude R. Meirick, age 94, of Dubuque and formerly of rural New Haven and Charles City, died on Sunday, June 6, 2004, at the Stone Hill Care Center in Dubuque, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, June 10, at the St. Peter's Catholic Church in New Haven, with Rev. Ray E. Atwood officiating. Interment will be in the St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery in New Haven. Visitation is from 4-8:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, where there will be a Rosary and Scripture Service conducted by the Lay Carmelites at 5:00 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour before the services at the church on Thursday.

Gertrude was born on March 5, 1910 in Howard County near Riceville, the daughter of William and Anna (Cashman) Marr. Gertrude graduated from the St. Mary's Academy in New Haven. She was united in marriage to Paul J. Meirick on September 30, 1933 at the St. Peter's Catholic Church in New Haven. They farmed in the New Haven area. Paul died in 1973. She then moved to Charles City and while living there she was recognized by the Charles City Chamber of Commerce as its Outstanding Senior Citizen. She was an accomplished musician and seamstress. While she was in Charles City she was involved with the Senior Citizens Fun Band.

Gertrude was active in the ACCW and Altar and Rosary Societies and was a member of the Lay Carmelites. She moved to Dubuque in September of 1997. She was an inspiration to all that knew her.

Gertrude is survived by a daughter, Ann (Patrick) O'Brien of Dubuque; three sons, Bill (Ann) Meirick of Protivin, Dick (Ginger) Meirick of New Haven and Dan Meirick of Las Vegas, Nevada; two sisters, Mary Miller of River Falls, Wisconsin and Grace Fox of St. Ansgar and Mesa, Arizona; 18 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Kay Marr of Forth Worth, Texas; and a brother-in-law, Jim Dunlay of Clear Lake.

Gertrude was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Paul; three brothers, Urban, Vincent and Francis Marr; and one sister, Luella Dunlay.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Francis L. Juenger

June 16, 2004

Francis L. Juenger, age 82, of Stacyville, died on Wednesday, June 9, 2004, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center Hospice Unit in Osage.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, June 12, at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville, with Rev. Mark Reasoner officiating. Interment was in the Visitation Cemetery in Stacyville.

Francis L. Juenger, was born on January 19, 1922, on the family farm near Stacyville, Iowa, the son of Joseph and Ida (Weber) Juenger. He attended the Visitation Catholic Schools in Stacyville. Francis was united in marriage to Veronica Mullenbach on October 8, 1955, at the St. John's Catholic Church in Johnsburg, Minnesota. He was employed by the Mitchell County Highway Department, retiring in 1987. He also helped local farmers with field work, haying, and plowing.

Francis enjoyed turtle fishing, hunting, attending baseball and softball games, gardening and family and friends. He especially enjoyed driving his pickup.

He is survived by his wife, Veronica Juenger of Stacyville; two sons, Marvin Juenger and his wife, Jane of Adams, Minnesota and Maurice Juenger of St. Ansgar; one daughter, Jeanette Losee and her husband, Duane of Riceville; grandchildren, Chad Juenger, Tim Juenger, Jenna Juenger, Ellena Rivera, Donnie Juenger and his wife, Brady, Toleka Juenger, Nathan Juenger, Noah Juenger, Kellie Switzer and Korey Switzer; three great-grandchildren, Alex and Jacob Rivera and Keandra Juenger; three brothers, Virgil Juenger and his wife, Louise of Stacyville, Danny Juenger and wife, Bev of Rochester, Minnesota and Ron Juenger of Carpenter and special friend, Elizabeth Carter; four sisters, Gertrude Hommez and her husband, Louis of Osage, Mary Ann Lammers and her husband, Frank of Spring Valley, Minnesota, Elizabeth Spitz of Osage and Barb Collier of St. James, Minnesota; and several nieces and nephews.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers; one sister; and a daughter-in-law, Marie Juenger.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, had charge of the arrangements.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Marjory B. Collier

June 23, 2004

Marjory B. Collier, 87, died on Tuesday, June 15, 2004, in Waverly, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 19, at 10:30 a.m., at the United Methodist Church, St. Ansgar, Iowa, with Rev. Jay Amundson officiating. Burial was in the Newburg Cemetery, Carpenter, Iowa.

Marjory was born on January 12, 1917 in Battle Creek, Iowa, to Justin and Blanche (Waite) Gailey. She graduated from the Battle Creek High School in 1934 and Buena Vista College in 1936 with a teaching certificate. She then taught for four years. Marjory married Robert Collier on April 6, 1940 in Pomeroy, Iowa. They moved to the St. Ansgar area in March of 1952.

Marjory was a member of the United Methodist Church and was active in many church activities including teaching Sunday School. She was also involved with 4-H, PTA and served on the County Election Board for many years. They moved to St. Ansgar in 2001. Marjory was a devoted wife and a patient and loving mother and grandmother. Her hospitality and cooking were known by all.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Waite Gailey; one nephew, Randy Gailey; and one grandson-in-law, Joe Madline.

Marjory is survived by her husband, Robert; two sons, Edwin (Diane) Collier of St. Ansgar and Justin (Sue) Collier of Newton, Iowa; two daughters, Dortha (Larry) Winer and Marjie Fricke, all of Waverly, Iowa; 12 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.

The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, had charge of the arrangements.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

James "Jim" L. North

June 23, 2004

James "Jim" L. North, age 77, of Rockford, died on Wednesday, June 16, 2004, at the Muse Norris Hospice-Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 19, at the First United Methodist Church in Rockford, Iowa. The Reverend Ashok Patet of Greene officiated. Interment was in the Osage Cemetery in Osage. Military graveside services were conducted by the Osage American Legion Post 278.

James "Jim" Lee North, was born on July 19, 1926 near Little Cedar, the middle child of S. Martin and Myrna (Cooper) North. He attended schools near and in Little Cedar and graduated in 1943 from high school in Osage. He was baptized at the First United Methodist Church in Osage on February 21, 1948. He spent nearly three years in the Army, attaining the rank of staff sergeant. Much of his service time was spent in the Pacific area. Upon his honorable discharge he attended Hamilton Business College in Mason City for a time. Over the years Jim held a variety of jobs, including dime store work, plumber’s helper, gas station attendant, “gandy dancer,” Watkins dealer, insurance salesman, office worker at Borden’s, Winnebago employee and of the longest duration grocery work and employed at several elevators.

An especially memorable time for him was his years as a square dance caller, calling primarily for the Rural Young People’s group in Mitchell County. He always enjoyed re-telling his time of accompanying a group of “his” square dancers to the International Square Dance Festival in Chicago. Jim had numerous health problems over the years, the most devastating was his final encounter with Alzheimer’s. Jim married a school teacher, Dorothy Nelson, at the Methodist Church in Rockford on June 10,1951, after meeting her at an October barn dance where he called the dance and the Meitner Band played. Prior to their marriage, Jim lived on farms in the Little Cedar area, as well as urban Osage and Mason City. He and Dorothy had a marriage-on-the-move, living in Osage, Waterloo, Mason City, New Hampton, Plainfield, and rural Marble Rock, and in the Rockford area. In addition to the years-ago square dance calling, Jim liked to tell stories, read (especially westerns), watch TV and play cards. Earlier he enjoyed roller skating, bowling and dancing.

His survivors include his wife, Dorothy North of Rockford; six children, Paula (Tom) Squier of Charles City, Joel (Greti) North of Urbandale, Tim (Kelly) North of Shakopee, Minnesota, Ron (Cindy) North of Slater, Julie (John) Jesse of Roland and Bob North of Des Moines; 15 grandchildren, Eric, Brian, and Bethany Squier, Adam and Taji North, Jason Hall, Jenny Hamand, Julia and Isabella North, Nathan and Ryan Jesse, Samantha and Joshua North and Claire and Collin North; one great-grandson, Jadyn North; sister, Arlene (Rod) Crain of Crane Lake, Minnesota; sister-in-law, Doris North of Osage; brother-in-law, Jim Nelson of Des Moines; and numerous cousins and friends from over the years.

Preceding Jim in death were his parents; and one brother, Martin Jr.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

James T. Grimm

June 23, 2004

James T. Grimm, 80, of Orchard, died on Saturday, June 19, 2004, at the Floyd County Memorial Hospital, Charles City.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 22, at the St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Charles City. Pastor David Werges officiated. Burial was in the Sunnyside Memory Gardens.

James Thomas Grimm, was born on May 19, 1924 in Chester, Iowa, the son of Charles and Caroline (Marik) Grimm. He attended school in Colwell and on August 15, 1943, he was united in marriage to Annabelle Koebrick at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. The couple farmed in the Colwell and New Haven areas and Jim also worked at White Farm and later as a welder building large gravity bins in Osage.

Jim was a member of the St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church and a member of the Farm Bureau. Jim enjoyed welding, woodworking and building many birdhouses. Jim also enjoyed watching the Minnesota Twins on television, country music and dancing “The Jig.”

Jim is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife, Annabelle Grimm of rural New Haven; his children, Beverly (Robert) Friend of Charles City, Jeanne (Jim) Loomer of Greene, Roger (Judy) Grimm of Elma, LeRoy (Sue) Grimm of Independence, Carol Grimm of Osage, Kathy Kimm of Charles City, Richard (Theresa) Grimm of Osage, Robert (Shelley) Grimm of New Haven, Julie (Lawrence) Foth of Osage and Janelle (Bill) Nuehring of Rockwell; his sister, Charlene (Johnny) Lampson of Charles City; his grandchildren, James (Kari) Friend, Angela Friend, Bobbi (Dusty) Stotler, Lori Loomer-Hoodjer and friend, Rob Zahnd, Kimberly Grimm and friend, Diane Eyestone, Holly Grimm and friend, Matt See, Ryan Grimm, Jayne Grimm, Malisa (Al) Cairo, Carrie Davidson and friend, Ryan Rassmussen, Michael Davidson, Vicki (Ken) Low, Heath (Angela) Grimm, Chris Grimm, Jenny (Will) Wilson, Mindy Kimm, Matt Kimm, Nathan Frein, Jackie (Justin) Muller, Eric (Amy) Foth, Rachel (Clay) Weaver, Rebecca Beek and Caleb Nuehring; and his great-grandchildren, Sommer Stotler, Keaton Shane, Spenser Popinga, Austin and Taylor Cairo, Stephanie, Allison and Ryan Low, Emma Grimm, Chase, Harley and Billy Wilson, and Brett and Cheyla Weaver.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his step-father, Ivan McDaniel; a son, Ralph Grimm; his brother, Henry Grimm; and his sisters, Evelyn Hector and Lillian Schmitt.

Memorials may be directed to the Hospice of North Iowa or to the American Heart Association.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Mena A. Reams

June 30, 2004

Mena A. Reams, 93, of Clear Lake, Iowa, formerly Rudd, Iowa, died on Tuesday June 22, 2004, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Friday, June 25, at the Rock Creek Lutheran Church, rural Osage, Iowa, with Rev. R. Dawson Tornes officiating. Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Rudd, Iowa. The family suggests memorials to the Rock Creek Lutheran Church or the Hospice of North Iowa.

Mena was born on June 12, 1911 in Meroa, Iowa, rural Mitchell County, the daughter of John and Clara Olava (Winnor) Staff. She graduated from the Osage High School. She worked for many years at Fox River Mills while also taking care of her parents. Mena married Henry "Hank" Reams on April 6, 1969 at the Rock Creek Lutheran Church. They lived in Rudd. She moved to Clear Lake in 2003. She was well known for kindness and compassions for other people.

Mena enjoyed gardening, raising flowers, canning, cooking and most of all her daily excursions with Willie P. She was a member of the Rock Creek Lutheran Church and the ladies circle.

Mena is survived by her brother, Jean Staff and his wife, Millie of Grafton, Iowa; sister-in-laws, Hildegard Staff of Osage and Bethel Durby of Lake Mills; step-son, Terry Reams and his wife, Jackie of Osage; five grandchildren, Terry Reams Jr., Jason Reams, Joseph Reams, Melissa Mayer and Tanya Kirschbaum; nine great-grandchildren; special friend, Wilma LaCoste of Rudd, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Hank; three brothers, Olaf, Hans and Lloyd Staff; step-daughter, Mary Coburn; and step-son, Jim Reams.

The Sheckler Colonial Chapel, Nora Springs, Iowa, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press