Albert L. Leeman

March 10, 2004

Albert L. Leeman, died unexpectedly on Monday, March 1, 2004, in Roseville, California.

He was the eldest son of 10 children of Bill and Mae Leeman. Born on December 7, 1920 in Rockford, Iowa and raised in Osage, Iowa. Albert was a two time Iowa State High School Wrestling Champion ("37, '38). Upon graduation from the Osage High School he enlisted in the Army Air Corps, ultimately serving for 31 years in the U.S. Air Force. Distinguishing himself during WW II while stationed in the Aleutian Islands; among his many assignments was a tour of duty in Vietnam in 1964 to 1965. He attained the rank of Chief Master Sergeant and retired from the Air Force as First Sergeant of the 55th Weather Squadron, McClellan Air Force Base, Sacramento, California in 1971.

Devoted to his family, he shared with them his love of golfing, fishing, crossword puzzles and card games. He entertained them with songs, jokes and limericks, Sunday drives to nowhere and cross-country trips with 10 children in a station wagon. He touched everyone who knew him with humorous stories of his life's experiences. During the last 38 years he resided in Sacramento, Lake of the Pines, Roseville and Rocklin, California.

He will be greatly missed by Marie, his wife of 60 years and by his children, Kathy and Dick Smith of Aurora, Colorado, Marsha and Steve Conley of Carmichael, California, Ken and Robin Leeman of Roseville, California, Marilyn and Mark McDonald of Portland, Oregon, Michael and Carrie Leeman of Roseville, California, Allen and Dana Leeman of Newcastle, California, Janet Logsdon of Fair Oaks, California and Linda and Tony Cimino of Chico, California. Grandfather to 15 and great-grandfather to seven.

Albert was preceded in death by his son, Keith and daughter, Janice.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Ann Casey Low

March 10, 2004

Ann Casey Low, age 90, of Osage, died on Wednesday, March 3, 2004, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

A Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, March 6, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Reverend Ray E. Atwood officiating.

Ann Casey Low, was born on June 11, 1913 in Lawler, the daughter of Arthur and Julia (Keefe) Casey. She attended school in Elma. Ann married Lloyd Low on June 1, 1945, at the Sacred Heart Parsonage in Osage. Ann was employed by the Daylight Store and Farmer's Produce in Osage. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the VFW Auxiliary.

She is survived by two sons, Michael J. (Helen) Low of Mason City and Craig Low of Osage; two grandchildren, Michele (Tom) Boone of Mason City and Christopher Low of Des Moines; a sister, Bette Eckerman of Des Moines; and several nieces and nephews.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lloyd in 1988; four sisters, Kathryn Evans, Gertrude Cole, Jean Fangmeier and Lorene Hennessey; and three brothers, Robert Casey, Dan Casey and Louis Casey.

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

Andrew Edward Gruman

March 10, 2004

Private funeral services for Andrew Edward Gruman, infant son of William and Sandra (Kalous) Gruman, were held with the Reverend Mark Reasoner officiating. Interment was in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Osage. Andrew was stillborn on Friday, March 5, 2004, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

He is survived by his parents, William and Sandra Gruman of Osage; two brothers, Adam and Ryan Gruman at home; paternal grandparents, Joseph and Delaine Gruman of Lamont; maternal grandparents, Edward and Mary Colette Kalous of Marion; paternal great-grandparents, Glenn and Veronica Gruman of Independence; seven paternal aunts and uncles, James (Lisa) Gruman of Racine, Wisconsin, Francis (Leslie) Gruman of Annapolis, Maryland, Daniel (Lisa) Gruman of Olathe, Kansas, Peter (Tracy) Gruman of Las Vegas, Nevada, Charles (Cassie) Gruman of Elkader, Andrew Gruman of Muscatine, Samuel Gruman of Oelwein; two maternal aunts and uncles, Theresa (Gordon) Milton of Kansas City, Missouri and Edward (Gina) Kalous of Norfold, Nebraska; six paternal cousins; and three maternal cousins.

Andrew was preceded in death by his maternal great-grandparents, Louis and Margaret Roth and Frank and Helen Kalous; and paternal great-grandparents, Linus and Marie Wernke.

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

John Dale Erbe

March 17, 2004

John Dale Erbe, 79, of Lime Springs, Iowa and formerly of New Albin, Iowa, died on Sunday, March 7, 2004, at his home.

Funeral services were held on Friday, March 12, at the New Albin Townhouse and Chapel, New Albin, Iowa. The Reverend William Reese officiated. Burial was in the St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery.

John Erbe, was born on September 4, 1924 in Osage, Iowa, to John and Mable (Wherry) Erbe. Dale was a 1938 graduate of the Osage High School. On June 2, 1956, he married Geneva Marie Adams at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Willow Springs, Missouri. Dale and Geneva farmed in Mitchell, Iowa for many years. After their retirement from farming, they moved to New Albin, Iowa in 1981, where Dale operated a bait shop for over 10 years. On February 27, 2001, Geneva preceded Dale in death. Dale then moved to Lime Springs where he has lived for the last couple of years. He enjoyed spending time in the outdoors, camping, fishing and hunting.

He is survived by a daughter, Marie (Robert) Morterud of Bayfield, Colorado; three sons, John (Jolene) Erbe of Chester, Iowa, Jim (Diane) Erbe of New Albin, Iowa and Joe Erbe of Frederika, Iowa; five grandchildren, Becky Erbe of Ames, Jennifer and Melissa Erbe of New Albin and Jessica and Justin Erbe of LeRoy, Minnesota; two sisters, Avis Kurtz of Pomona, Missouri and Norma (Rex) Gilmore of Sacramento, California; and one brother, Don Erbe of Riceville; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Dale was preceded in death by his wife; and his parents.

The Haugen-Roble-Jandt Funeral Home, Caledonia, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Leonard S. Wagner

March 17 2004

Leonard S. Wagner, 76, of Waterloo, died of heart failure on Sunday, March 7, 2004, in Mesa, Arizona, where he was wintering.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, March 15, at the St. Edwards Catholic Church in Waterloo. A graveside service followed in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery, also in Waterloo.

Leonard was born on April 13, 1927 in Riceville, to Stephen and Ellen (Fox) Wagner. After high school, he moved to Waterloo for employment and eventually retired from Carnation Dairy. He enjoyed playing shuffleboard and helping family and friends with home repair projects.

Leonard is survived by his wife, Donna (Sullivan) Wagner to whom he was married for over 55 years; daughter, Cheryl (Brian) Bruner and grandchildren, Matt and Lindsey of Cumming; son, Randy (Cindy) Wagner and grandchildren, Mark and Amelie, of Thousand Oaks, California; daughter, Julie (Dick) Wilson of Saginaw, Michigan; son, Bruce (Patty) Wagner of Urbandale; son, Greg (Angie) Wagner and grandchildren, Mitchell, Josie and Cal, of Shueyville;  sister, Gladys Jacobus of Riceville; brothers, Glenn (Grace) Wagner of Osage and Robert (Eugena) Wagner of Riceville; and brother-in-law, Edmund Anderson of Riceville.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Agnes Anderson of Riceville.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Rev. John D. Woodin

March 17, 2004

Rev. John D. Woodin, 73, of Kalona, passed away on Sunday, March 7, 2004, at the Mercy Hospital in Iowa City.

A celebration of life was held on Thursday, March 11, at the Kalona United Christian and Baptist Church, with Pastors Rolland Smith, Mark Martin and Bill Rathbun officiating. Burial was in Sharon Hill Cemetery, Kalona. The Peterseim Funeral Service, Kalona, was in charge of the arrangements.

John D. Woodin, was born in Grand Island, Nebraska, to Dr. and Mrs. John G. Woodin on October 26, 1930. He graduated from the Grand Island Senior High School and attended the University of Nebraska, where he was active in music. He married Marilyn Jungclaus on June 15, 1952. Between his junior and senior years at the University he was drafted into the Army and did basic training in Missouri, later serving in Camp Atterbury, Indiana, Camp McCoy, Wisconsin and Fort Riley, Kansas. He trained to be a chaplain performing clerk duties during the Korean Conflict. John graduated from the Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kansas. He did his graduate work for his pastoral career at the seminary of Berkeley Baptist Divinity School in Berkeley California.

He served as youth pastor in Oakland, California's  First Baptist Church. He was called to his first church in Osage, Iowa. He served the Osage First Baptist Church for 6½ years before he accepted the call to the United Christian and Baptist church in Kalona, where he was pastor for 28 years, retiring in 1991. While serving in Kalona, John was instrumental in beginning the Mid-Prairie Council of Churches and the Kalona Historical Society and helped begin the Kalona Historical Village. After retiring, John became an interim minister serving Iowa City First Baptist Church, Burlington First Baptist Church, Fairfield Baptist Church, Ollie First Baptist Church, The United Church of Christ in Fort Madison and The First Baptist Church of Waterloo.

Surviving John is his wife, Marilyn; son, John F. and wife, Nancy of Dubuque and grandchildren, Rob of Minneapolis and Michael of Cincinnati; son, James and wife, Heather of North Liberty and grandchildren, Corey and Amanda of North Liberty; and one sister, Dorothy of Topeka, Kansas.

His parents; and one sister preceded him in death.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to The United Christian and Baptist Church or the Kalona Historical Society.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Claire French

March 17, 2004

Claire French, age 85, of Osage, died on Sunday, March 14, 2004, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage, of myeloproliferative disease.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, March 18, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage. Visitation will be on Wednesday, March 17, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage. Claire donated his body to the University of Iowa Medical College. Inurnment will take place at a later date.

Charles Claire French, was born on September 8, 1918 in Osage, Iowa. He was the oldest child of Mary Gilles and Glenn French. His father was a salesman for the Northwest Grocery Company so the family moved quite often, but they always seemed to return to Osage. Claire started school in Osage and at that time, it was common to skip half grades. He graduated from the Iowa Falls High School in 1935 when he was 16. He spent his summers working on his grandfather's farm and enjoying the company of his grandfather, Charles B. French. After graduation from high school, he worked at a printing company and was hoping to save money for college. But the print shop went out of business so he returned to Osage to live with Gramp French and worked at the Diamond Grocery. Claire loved the grocery business and soon became the fruit and vegetable man.

Claire and Helen Stearns were married on August 30, 1941 in Sturgis, South Dakota. He joined the Army in March 1940 and was eventually sent to Fort Mead in South Dakota. He did administrative work and was asked to go to officer training school at Fort Lee in Virginia. Helen and Claire moved to Denver, Colorado where their first daughter, Nancy was born on December 28, 1943. After being discharged from the Army in 1945, they returned to Osage and he was offered a position at the Home Trust Bank, working there until he and his sister-in-law, Mazie Stearns, bought a women's and children's clothing store from Mary Kelly in February 1947. Their second daughter, Sally was born on July 6, 1948. He operated the store until it was sold to Jeannine Horn in January 1972.

Claire also enjoyed working on his grandfather's farm which he now owned. Because of his great love of the farm, he purchased land in the mid-60's and the family farm in the early 70's and spent all his spare time there farming and eventually gardening. During his lifetime, Claire was a life master bridge player, a league bowler and golf club champion runner-up. He ran for state representative, served on the county Board of Review and the city council. He was adjutant of the American Legion Post 278 and secretary-treasurer of the Osage Development Corporation as well as Sunny Brae Country Club and Rotary. While in Florida for the winter, he was a volunteer tax preparer for senior citizens. He enjoyed pheasant hunting and semi-annual fishing trips to Canada with Bob Isham, Virg Johnston, Walt McCoy and Karl Jorde.

He is survived by his wife, Helen; daughters, Nan (Jerry) Danforth of Cedar Rapids and Sally (Bob) Miller of Osage; grandchildren, Jeff and Chad Danforth, Robyn (Dave) Keele, Joe (Brenda) Miller and Jaci (fiancée,' Dan Donlan) Miller; great-grandchildren, Matt and Mark Keele and Abbie, Anna and Ben Miller; sister, Joan (Ken) Limke of Urbandale; and a sister-in-law, Mary Helen French of Osage.

Preceding Claire in death were his parents; and two brothers, Bob and Jim.

Memorials may be directed to the Mitchell County ARC.

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

Harriet Tresemer

March 31, 2004

Harriet Tresemer, died on Sunday, March 14, 2004, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

A Memorial Mass was held on Tuesday, March 23, at the Holy Family Cathedral in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Burial was in the Memorial Park in Tulsa.

Harriet Tresemer, was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Albert Tresemer of Osage, Iowa. She was the youngest of 10 children and graduated from the Osage High School in 1928. She then began and completed her nurse's training at the Cook County Hospital. Harriet returned to Osage in the late '30's to care for her mother, Hermiena after she had broken her hip. In 1941, she left for Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her sister, Mrs. Don Mason was already settled in this rather new oil town. In the early '40's she joined the navy's nursing cadets and was stationed in Honolulu till the end of the war.

She then returned to Tulsa, worked for a pediatrician and soon joined the staff at the St. John's Medical Center where she became the head of the premature nursery, a position she held until her retirement in the 1970's. She became something of an icon at St. John's. She had a staff of a hundred people who worked with her taking care of the tiniest of babies. She always told people she was in the baby business when she was asked what she did. And she always said "there was no business like baby business."

Her survivors include 12 nieces and nephews; and many grand-nieces and nephews.

Preceding Harriet in death were her parents; and all nine of her siblings.

Memorials may be sent to St. John's Medical Center (the Premature Nursery), Tulsa, Oklahoma.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Beverly "Bev" White

March 24, 2004

Beverly "Bev" White, of Charles City, Iowa, died suddenly on Friday, March 19, 2004, at the Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 23, with burial in the Riverside Cemetery, Charles City.

Bev was born on December 30, 1948 to William and Irene (Faas) Neis.

Left to cherish her memory is her father, William Neis; and her five living children, Lorra (Keith) Stiles, Amy White, Susie White, Rose White and fiancée, Cory Pettit, Ronnie White and fiancée, Haley Rohlf; 10 grandchildren; brothers and spouses, Bob and Merna Neis, Dennis Neis, Michael and Carolyn Neis and families.

Preceding her in death were her mother, Irene Neis; a son, Rodney White; and sister-in-law, Satel Neis.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Dorothy I. Naber

March 24, 2004

Dorothy I. Naber, age 99, of Mason City, Iowa, died on Sunday, March 21, 2004, at the IOOF Home in Mason City.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, March 24, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, Iowa. Robert Orr of the Gospel Hall in Mason City officiated. Interment was in the Osage Cemetery.

Dorothy Naber, was born on October 17, 1904 in Mitchell County, to Walter and Isabella (Kvale) Pike. She attended rural area schools and graduated from the Otranto High School in 1923. She went to Cedar Falls that summer and received her Normal Training teaching certificate. She taught three years in rural Mitchell County schools. Dorothy received the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior in 1934, and belonged to the Gospel Hall in Mason City for many years.

She loved to cook, bake and crochet. Anyone stopping in was always asked to stay for her home baked bread and cookies. The grandchildren and guests who stopped by were always given a crocheted doily before leaving. Dorothy was united in marriage to George Naber on March 27, 1926. To this union was born 11 children, seven of who survive. They farmed in Mitchell County. They later lived in Northwood, Kensett and Mason City.

She is survived by five daughters, Alene (Thyrol) McCollough of Webster City, Donna (Pee Wee) Durbin of Osage, Mary Holm and special friend, Bob Jones of Mason City, Lucille McCollough of Mason City and Doris (Harry) Perschbacher of Albert Lea, Minnesota; two sons, Boyd (Dorothy) Naber of Nancy, Kentucky and Lowell (Nancy) Naber of Elgin, Illinois; 32 grandchildren; 62 great-grandchildren; 21 great-great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Thelma DeLaney of Austin, Minnesota and Alice Olson of Northwood.

Preceding Dorothy in death were her parents; husband, George Naber in 1990; sons, Gary in 1968, Lynn in 1970, Dale in 1987 and Allen in 2003; three grandchildren; four brothers; and three sisters.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Robert "John" Mostek

March 31, 2004

Robert "John" Mostek, age 75, of Osage, died on Monday, March 22, 2004, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit of North Iowa, in Mason City, from Alzheimer's Disease.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 25, at the Faith Lutheran Church in Mitchell, with Rev. Wayne Ellingson officiating. Interment was in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Mitchell, with military graveside services by the Osage Legion Post 278.

John was born on June 15, 1928 in Mitchell, Iowa, to Joseph and Anna (Krapa) Mostek. He attended schools in St. Ansgar and Mitchell, and served with the U.S. Army in the Korean War. John was united in marriage to Dorothy Ileen Grimm on July 6, 1949 in Osage. John had a great love for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. John will be remembered for his great sense of humor. He enjoyed hunting, trapping, fishing, camping, singing, dancing, playing the harmonica, friends and the outdoors.

He is survived by his wife, Ileen Mostek of Osage; five children, Denise Roll of Osage, Mark Mostek of Mitchell, Michael Mostek and wife, Sue of Waverly, Colleen Martin and husband, Larry of Mitchell and Mary Linderman of LeRoy, Minnesota; nine grandchildren, Christopher Gerk of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Chad Mostek of Henderson, Nevada, Ryan Mostek of Waterloo, Destiny Cummings of Rochester, Minnesota, Matt Mostek of Shell Rock, Jennifer Linderman of Osage, Nikki Roll of Osage, Ashley Martin of Osage and Maggie Olson of LeRoy, Minnesota; four great-grandchildren, Tristen and Ashten Gerk of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Tanner and Cael Mostek of Waterloo; one brother, Joseph Mostek of Mitchell; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents; five sisters, Rose Cullen, Josie Maakestad, Annie Stetka, Mary Hansen and Frances Krech; and three brothers, Matt Mostek, Jerry Mostek and Tony Mostek.

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

Alzina Mae Sheldon

March 31, 2004

Alzina Mae Sheldon, age 82, of Osage, died on Monday, March 22, 2004, at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.

Funeral services were held on Friday, March 26, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage. The Reverend Karen Nichols Dungan officiated. Interment was in the Osage Cemetery.

Alzina Sheldon, was born on April 20, 1921 at Stacyville, the daughter of Vernie and Emma (Miller) Adams. She attended Little Cedar Schools. Alzina was married to Walter W. Sheldon on February 14, 1946 in Austin, Minnesota. She worked at the Cedar Valley Produce and was employed at Maple Manor as a certified nurse's aide from 1969 to 1993. Alzina was baptized in the United Methodist Church of Osage. She enjoyed gardening, embroidery, dancing, baking, collecting bells and spending time with her grandchildren.

Her survivors include her two daughters, Sharon Shaw and her husband, Howard of Osage and Jo Ann Squier and her husband, Gene of Riceville; three sons, Walter "Bub" Sheldon and his wife, Sharon of Osage, Allyn Sheldon and his wife, Darlene of Osage and Gary Sheldon and his wife, Vieta of Phillipsburg, Missouri; two sisters, Irma Jeffries of Osage and Frieda Naber of Mason City; 19 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Walter W. Sheldon in 1994; one grandson; and one great-granddaughter.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Glenn Dinger

March 31, 2004

Glenn Dinger, age 73, of Riceville, passed away at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage, Iowa, on Tuesday, March 23, 2004.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, March 27, at the St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Riceville. The Reverend Michael Parris officiated. Burial was in the Riverside Cemetery in Riceville.

Glenn Lyle Dinger, was born in Milaca, Minnesota on November 1, 1930, to Lyle and Hazel Brotten Aanerud Dinger. He attended schools in Breckenridge, Minnesota until the ninth grade, and moved to Riceville with his family graduating from the Riceville High School in 1949. He was united in marriage to Lois Klobassa on June 2, 1951 at the St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Riceville. To this union four children were born. Glenn joined the U.S. Air Force on January 6, 1951, serving in England until January of 1955. He worked as a rural mail carrier for 40 years for the U.S. Postal Service. On June 29, 1989, Glenn was united in marriage to Elizabeth Berge at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa.

His survivors include his wife, Elizabeth of Riceville; his four children, Beth Dinger of LeRoy, Minnesota, Brenda and her husband, Kermit Singlestad of Lake Mills, Paul and his wife, Susan Dinger of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Susan and her husband, Steven Swancutt of Manly; his first wife, Lois Klobassa of Riceville; three stepchildren, Theone and her husband, Steven Quattlebaum of Spencer, Jason and his wife, Jody Vulk of Des Moines and Ryan Vulk and Dana Freidrich of San Francisco, California; six grandchildren; two half brothers, Larry and his wife, Paula Dinger of Pohnpei, Micronesia and John and his wife, Michie Dinger of Washington DC; and a half sister, Jan and her husband, Rev. Daniel Duggan of La Crescent, Minnesota.

Glenn was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother, Lauraine Dinger; a half brother, Douglas Aanerud; and a grandson, Devan Lars Vulk.

The Lindstrom Funeral Home, Riceville, had charge of the arrangements.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Charles Richardson

March 31, 2004

Charles Richardson, age 94, died on Thursday, March 25, 2004, at the Riceville Community Rest Home, where he has resided since November of 2002.

Funeral services were held on Monday, March 29, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Burial was in the Calvary Cemetery, both in Riceville. The Reverend Ray Atwood presided. The Eucharistic Minister was Susan Richardson.

Charles Henry Richardson, was born on June 17, 1909 in Howard County, Iowa near Elma, the son of James Francis and Amanda Mary (Weakland) Richardson. He received his education in the rural school near his home and following his schooling, he worked on the farm. On October 17, 1933, Charles was united in marriage to Cecelia O'Brien at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elma, Iowa. They made their home on a farm between Riceville and Elma until 1958, when they moved in to Riceville and he started trucking. He hauled fuel for over 17 years for Co-op Oil.

Charles enjoyed tinkering with wood, playing cards, watching his grandchildren in sports and doing odd jobs for the church and the cemetery. He especially enjoyed going to the Mini-Mart and visiting with everyone who came in. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church and the Knights of Columbus.

His survivors include his children, Irene (Dale) Anderlik of Riceville and William (Susan) Richardson of Hayfield, Minnesota; 11 grandchildren, Lonnie Richardson, Mark Springer, Tom and Steve Anderlik, Susan Smalley, David, Dean and Darrell Richardson, Tamie Stahl, Kristy Cain and James Richardson; 21 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and one sister, Loretta Gansen of Lime Springs.

Preceding Charles in death were his wife, Cecelia; a son, Leland; a daughter, DeLores Stiver; an infant grandson, Deland Richardson; two brothers, Arthur and Raymond; and an infant sister, Irene Richardson.

The Conway Funeral Home in Riceville was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Marshal Raymond "Snerd" Green

March 31, 2004

Marshal Raymond "Snerd" Green, 68, of Osage, died on Sunday evening, March 28, 2004, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, April 1, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with Father Mark Reasoner officiating. Inurnment will be in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church cemetery. Funeral arrangements were made by the Cremation Society of Eastern Iowa.

Marshal was born on March 19, 1936 in New Haven, Iowa, the son of Paul and Marjorie (Weinschenk) Green. He married Helen Walter on April 4, 1959 in Austin, Minnesota. Marshal worked as contractor carpenter for many years in the Osage area. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage and was a Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus. He used his skills as a carpenter to help Habitat for Humanity. He was a member of AA and an avid card player specializing in cribbage and 500. Marshal loved to be with his grandkids whether attending their activities, fishing or making origami. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him and loved him.

Marshal is survived by his wife, Helen of Osage; his mother, Marjorie Green of Stacyville; four daughters, Marsha Stricker and husband, Mike and Mary Jo Ruehlow and husband, Steve, all of Osage, Marlys Wells and husband, Jim of Boone, Iowa and Jackie McManus and husband, Brad of Des Moines; son, Jim Green of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Marshal dearly loved all of his grandkids, Jerad and Shannon Stricker and Amber, Ashlyn and Alex Ruehlow, all of Osage, Chloe and Sam Wells of Boone and Alyssa and Derek McManus of Des Moines. Also surviving are three sisters, Dona Kubicek and husband, Pete of Osage, Sue Gouchee and husband, Chic of Cedar Rapids and Helen Rogers and husband, Allen of St. Ansgar; brother, Bill Green and wife, Sharon of Waterloo, Iowa; as well as many nieces, nephews and close family friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Green; and a nephew, Kent Kubicek.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Hazel M. Seavy

April 7, 2004

Hazel Seavy, 83, of Riceville, died on Tuesday, March 30, 2004, at the Colonial Manor in Elma.

Funeral services were held on Friday, April 2, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Riceville. The Reverend Gale Richards officiated. Burial was in the Riverside Cemetery in Riceville.

Hazel Marie Seavy, was born on May 30, 1920 in Riceville, Iowa, the daughter of Frank and Charlotte Meinzer Seavy. She attended local schools and graduated from the Riceville High School. Hazel attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa and received her teaching degree. She taught in the Riceville School System from 1945 to 1950 when she then moved to Decorah, where she taught grade school and children with special needs until her retirement.

Hazel was an active member of the Riceville Legion, Wa Tan Ye, Retired Teachers Association, Congregational Golden Circle, lifetime member of Beta Eta Teachers Sorority and was a driving force behind the Avenue of Flags in Riceville. Hazel was a special person to her family and many friends and will be missed.

Hazel's survivors include three nephews, James Seavy and Gerald Seavy, both of Cedar Rapids and Gary Seavy of Idaho; a nephew-in-law, Chuck Eckhart of Waterloo; a niece, Judith Ann Hickman of Des Moines; grand-nieces and nephews, Tracy and Ed Maginn of South Bend, Indiana, David Seavy of Rochester, Minnesota, Michelle Seavy of Cedar Rapids, Marine Captain Jeff Seavy of San Diego, California, Rachel Adams of Vancouver, Washington, Tim Seavy of Lebanon, Indiana, Ann Eckhart of Waterloo, Todd Eckhart of Reinbeck and Jamie Hickman of Medesto, California; along with many great-grandnieces and nephews.

Preceding Hazel in death were her parents; five brothers, Lester, Floyd, Donald, Gaylord and Gilbert; and a niece, Barbara Eckhart.

The Lindstrom Funeral Home, Riceville, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Harold Swann

April 7, 2004

Harold Swann, 78, of Osage, died on Tuesday, March 30, 2004, at the St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Funeral services were held on Friday, April 2, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Dennis Hanson and Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Interment was in the Osage Cemetery.

Harold was born on August 28, 1925, on the family farm near Osage, in the house that he lived in all of his life. Harold was the son of Lloyd Grant and Edith (Lesch) Swann. As a child, he helped his father farm. Harold started his schooling at the one room country school house, Burr Oak #3, and then graduated from the Osage High School in 1943. On August 27, 1944 in Osage, he married his high school sweetheart, Gwen Smith. Harold continued farming until his death. He also worked for years selling Harvestores for the A.O. Smith Corporation. He purchased Alexander Implement and changed the name to Swann Implement and later to Modern Farm Equipment. His biggest business interest was feeding cattle, which he continued to oversee until his death.

He was active in the Mitchell County Farm Bureau and served as its President for two years. He was also a 4-H Leader for the Burr Oak Square Shooters. Harold enjoyed traveling and fishing. In September 2003, he moved to the Faith Lutheran Home where he enjoyed playing cards and having visitors.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Gwen Swann of Osage; one daughter, Dianne Swann of Overland Park, Kansas; one son, Daniel Swann and his wife, Deborah of Osage; two granddaughters, Heidi Shriver and her husband, Ryan of Eagen, Minnesota and Lori Kruse and her husband, Ben of Farmington, Minnesota; two grandsons, Travis Swann and Dustin Swann of Osage; and three great-grandchildren, Nate and Alison Shriver and Adrianna Kruse.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents.

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

William L. "Bill" Curtis

April 7, 2004

William L. "Bill" Curtis, 82, of Osage and formerly of San Diego, California, died on Wednesday, March 31, 2004, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center Hospice Unit in Osage.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 3, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Dennis Hanson and Rev. Roy Ott officiating.

Bill was born on April 29, 1921 in Peoria, Illinois, the son of Amos R. and Jessie L. (Harper) Curtis. Bill moved to Wenatchee, Washington in 1926, where he lived until joining the United States Army in 1941. He served for five years as baker in the Quartermaster Corp. He moved to San Diego in 1949 where he resided until April 2003 when he moved to Osage. Bill worked as a quality control inspector for General Dynamics, Convair Division, for 30 years, retiring in 1979.

Bill was very active with senior groups during his retirement. He was past District Vice-President of the Congress of California Seniors, past President of Convair Alumni Association, lifetime member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, and past President of IAM Silvergate District Lodge 50. Bill and his wife of 35 years, Mary Curtis, traveled to over 45 countries and took many trips throughout the United States. He loved to share his slide shows of these trips at nursing and retirement homes in San Diego County.

Bill and Mary were members of the College Avenue Baptist Church of San Diego since 1971 and are currently members of the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage. Bill was baptized in the River Jordan in Israel. He has now left this life to spend eternity with his Lord.

Bill is survived by his wife, Mary Curtis of Osage; one son, Paul Curtis and his wife, Emily of Edon, Ohio and their children, Amanda Curtis of Bluffton, Ohio and Lt. Jonathan Curtis of Fort Polk, Louisiana; one daughter, Joan Kirk and her husband, Ken of Osage and their children, Tim Kirk of Mason City and Sarah Kirk of Tacoma, Washington; one sister, Shirley Hawkins and her husband, Bob of Eugene, Oregon; a step-daughter, Marlene Parsons of El Cajon, California; and a stepson, John Machnov of Santee, California.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Dorothy Curtis; one son, David Curtis; and one sister, Darlene Travis.

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