Ralph Milbrandt

November 10, 2004

Ralph Milbrandt, age 71, of Osage, died on Tuesday, November 2, 2004, at the Manly Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, November 6, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Rev. Mark Reasoner officiating. Interment was in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Osage, with military honors at the grave by the Osage American Legion Post 278. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Milbrandt family for use by the Manly Nursing and Rehabilitation Alzheimer's Unit.

Ralph was born on October 2, 1933 near McIntire in Mitchell County, the son of Lawrence and Louise (Johanns) Milbrandt. Ralph served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was united in marriage to Joanne Miller on October 29, 1953 at Johnsburg, Minnesota. They raised their family in Osage. Joanne died on November 29, 1982.

Ralph was a member of AA, the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion.

He is survived by his wife, Ilene Milbrandt of Grafton; six daughters, Sandra (Rickie) Bly of Virginia Beach, Virginia and children, Jeremie and Jarrod; Paula (Fred) Hardy of Stacyville and children, Susan and Wesley; Darla (Steve) Appel of Farmington, Minnesota and children, Shawn and Brian; Ann (John) Michels of Osage and children, Brett, Ryan, and Eric; Joan (Joe) Malecek of Osage and children, Lindsey, Lauren, Jenna, Josie, Joseph and Jessica; Dawn (Jim) Oberfoell of Osage and children, Isaac and Tyler; four sons, Steve (Sharon) Milbrandt of Osage and children, Michael, Megan, Ashley and Corey; Mark (Nancy) Milbrandt of Osage and children, Christina, Matthew (deceased in 2003) and Amy, Jeremie Johanns, Jessie Johanns and Jackie Johanns (deceased in 2002); Bruce (Kelli) Milbrandt of Eagle Lake, Minnesota and children, Kelsie, Kylie, Kayla and Bryce; Dana (Paula) Milbrandt of Osage and children, Victoria, Andrew, Annmari and Rachel; one brother, Bob (Ann) Milbrandt of Rochester, Minnesota; and three sisters, Kathleen Hemann of Osage, Bernice Runde of Riceville and Lucille (Leon) Werner of Osage.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Joanne Milbrandt.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Opal E. Schmidt

November 10, 2004

Opal E. Schmidt, 91, of St. Ansgar, died on Wednesday, November 3, 2004, at the Good Samaritan Center, St. Ansgar.

Funeral services were held on Monday, November 8, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar, with Rev. Byron Northwick officiating. Burial was in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, St. Ansgar.

Opal Ella Leona Crawford, daughter of Loyal and Jenetta (Adolphs) Crawford, was born on October 8, 1913 in Hampton, Franklin County, Iowa. She grew up in this area and attended a rural school in Mott Township northwest of Hampton for eight years. After graduating from eighth grade, she attended the Chapin High School graduating in 1930. On February 22, 1933, she was united in marriage to Albert W. Schmidt of Garner, Iowa at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Hampton, Iowa. They farmed for three years in the Latimer area and then moved to Belmond where she assisted her husband in operating the Schmidt Insurance Agency or 12 years. In November 1949, along with her family, she moved to a farm in Newburg Township, west of St. Ansgar. After the death of her husband, Albert in 1974, she moved to St. Ansgar in 1975. To this union four children were born. Wm. Albert, Sharon Kay, Ronald Jerome and Allan Craig. Three of the children died shortly after birth. Opal had seven brothers and three sisters.

She was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church, also a member of the Esther Circle.

Opal is survived by her son, Allan and wife, Marilyn; two grandchildren, Scott Schmidt of Catheral City, California and Michele Hemann and husband, Kurt of Stacyville, Iowa; three great-grandchildren, Konner, Kraig and Kasey Hemann.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert; three infant children; her parents; six brothers; and three sisters.

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

John "Al" Holmen

November 17, 2004

John "Al" Holmen, age 79, of McIntire, Iowa, passed away at his residence on Tuesday, November 9, 2004, after an extended illness.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, November 13, at the McIntire Methodist Church in McIntire, Iowa. The Rev. Michael Carey officiated. Burial was in the Wayne Cemetery in rural McIntire.

John Alvin Holmen, was born in rural LeRoy, Minnesota, to John Holmen and Alma Hegge. John attended local schools and later worked as a truck driver for a construction company in Hopkins, Minnesota for 19 years. On May 21, 1963, "Al" was united in marriage to Florence Butterfield in La Crescent, Minnesota.

John enjoyed trucking, gardening and time spent with his grandchildren.

His survivors include his wife, Florence of McIntire; one son, John and his wife, Connie of Riceville, Iowa; two daughters, Sharon Lange of Waterloo and Lori Kramer and her husband, Mark of McIntire; 24 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are six extended family members, Sharon Runde and her husband, Leo, Daniel Hockens and his wife, Lura and Judi Hanna and her husband, Marvin, all of McIntire, Iowa; Nancy Robertson and husband, Herb of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Kim Derry and her husband, Rick of Rose Creek, Minnesota and Sindee Koenigs and her husband, Mark of Meyer, Iowa.

Preceding John in death were his parents; and two brothers.

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

Estel Dorothy Bunger

November 17, 2004

Estel Dorothy Bunger, 87, of Shell Rock and formerly from Waverly, passed away on Friday, November 12, 2004, at the Shell Rock Health Care Center in Shell Rock, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Monday, November 15, at 10:30 a.m., at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Waverly, with Pastor Curt Schneider officiating. Burial was in the St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery in Waverly. Memorials may be directed to the St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Cedar Valley Hospice or the AMVETS Auxiliary.

Estel was born on November 10, 1917, on a farm near Sumner, Iowa, the daughter of Ernest and Louise (Dietrich) Lampe. She grew up north of the Washington Creamery and attended country school. She later graduated from the Waverly High School in 1935. She began to work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (AAA Office) in 1936. She was united in marriage to Edward Bunger, Jr. on April 17, 1949, at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Waverly. Estel continued to work for the AAA office until 1970, when Ed was transferred by his company to St. Louis, Missouri. She worked for the GSA Records Center in St. Louis for one year before retiring in 1974. In 1983, the couple moved back to Waverly, where Estel had previously lived her life.

She was a member of the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Waverly, AMVETS Auxiliary Post #79 of Waverly and the American Legion Auxiliary Post #279 of Osage, Iowa. She was an avid reader and also enjoyed camping, crafts, gardening and house plants.

Survivors are one brother, Dean Lampe of Plattsmouth, Nebraska; four sisters, Carol Shaw of Bondurant, Iowa, Darlene Plaehn and LuElla Dirks, both of Reinbeck, Iowa and Georgia Fangmeier of Osage, Iowa; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Edward on April 24, 2000; and by three brothers, Ernest Lampe, Jr., Paul Lampe and Lester Lampe.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Lyle Alan Anderson

November 24, 2004

Lyle Alan Anderson, age 59, of Emmons, Minnesota, died on Saturday, November 13, 2004, in the Albert Lea, Minnesota Hospital.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, November 16, at the Emmons Lutheran Church, Emmons, Minnesota. Pastor Julie Fiske officiated. Interment was in the Oak Lawn Cemetery, Emmons, Minnesota.

Lyle Anderson, was born on December 1, 1944 near Lansing, Minnesota. He was the son of Julius and Florence (Frost) Anderson. He was baptized at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin, Minnespta and confirmed at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Austin. Lyle was united in marriage to Betty Scott on June 29, 1968, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, Iowa. They lived in Austin before moving to their home by Emmons. Lyle worked at Wilson's/Farmstead and Fleetguard for the last 10 years. Lyle had a special place in his heart for the children that came to his home for childcare.

He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will be missed by his wife, Betty and three children, Terrance of Emmons, Minnesota, Theresa and her friend, James DeMichelis Jr. of Norwalk, Iowa and Scott and his wife, Michelle of Eyota, Minnesota; four granddaughters; four brothers; three sisters; three brothers-in-law, Phillip (Elaine) Scott of Boscobel, Wisconsin, Eldon (Janice) Scott of Forest City and Kevin (Colleen) Scott of Osage; a sister-in law, Patricia (Mark) Evans of Osage; and a niece and nephew.

Preceding Lyle in death were his parents; six brothers; three sisters; and Eldo (Jene) Scott.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Gertrude Louise Roorda, age 74, of Boone, died on Monday, November 15, 2004, at the Evangelical Free Church Home of Boone.

Memorial services were held at 10:00 a.m., on Wednesday, November 17, at the Trinity Lutheran Church of Boone, with the Rev. Lindsay Watkins officiating. The body has been cremated and burial of the cremated remains was at 3:00 p.m., on Wednesday, November 17, in the Osage Cemetery of Osage, Iowa. Memorials may be given to the Trinity Lutheran Church of Boone.

Gertrude was born on October 17, 1930 in Dayton Township, Iowa County, Iowa, to Arthur H. & Frances (Kitzman) Schultz. She graduated from the Millersberg High School in 1949. She was married to Marvin G. Roorda on January 19, 1954. She moved to Boone in 1962. In most recent years she worked in bookkeeping and accounting at the Boone Locker, Boone County Court House, Wilson Olds Cadillac Dealership in Ames, Iowa, previously Reed Cadillac Olds Dealership in Ames. She retired in January 1996 at the age of 65.

Gertrude was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Boone. She was very active in her church, teaching Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, active with sewing for missions, PTA for the Trinity Lutheran School and also PTA City Wide.

Gertrude is survived by her sons, Byron Roorda and his wife, Delores of Houston, Texas and Noel Roorda of Des Moines; daughter, Kristin Soder and her husband, Christopher of Boone; five grandchildren, Angela, Jessica & Jerod Roorda and Laura & Andrew Soder; one great-grandchild, Aiden Roorda; sister, Leone Dunkelberg of Osage; brothers, Rev. Arthur Schultz and his wife, Norma of Dayton, Ohio and David Schultz and his wife, Darlene of Humboldt, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her son, Marvin DeWayne Roorda; her sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn & Ray Piepenbrink; and her brother-in-law, A.G. "Dunk" Dunkelberg.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Schroeder-Walter Funeral Home, Boone.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Louise M. Sullivan

November 24. 2004

Louise M. Sullivan, age 91, of Rochester, died on Monday, November 15, 2004, at the Sunrise Cottages, Rochester, Minnesota.

A Funeral Mass was held on Friday, November 19, at the St. Pius X Catholic Church. The Reverend Paul W. Surprenant officiated. Burial was in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.

Louise Sullivan, was born on August 12, 1913 in Osage, Iowa. After graduating from the Osage High School, she moved to Rochester and started working for the Mayo Clinic. Louise worked in several different areas, including the Laboratory of Medicine area. She retired in 1978 as a supervisor in the Hematology Tissue Laboratory.

Louise was a member of the St. Pius X Catholic Church. She enjoyed gardening, especially flowers and her roses, walking, yard sales, craft shows and church events. Due to her health, she spent the last few years at Sunrise Cottages Assisted Living.

The Macken Funeral Home, Rochester, Minnesota, was in charge of the arrangement.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Ralph J. Fox, Jr.

November 24, 2004

Ralph J. Fox, Jr., age 78, of Osage and formerly of Waterloo, died on Thursday, November 18, 2004, in Bonita Springs, Florida.

A Memorial Mass was held on Tuesday, November 23, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage. The Reverend Mark Reasoner officiated. Inurnment was in the Orchard Cemetery with a Flag Presentation by the Orchard American Legion Post 641. Memorials may be directed to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage or to the Orchard American Legion.

Ralph Fox, was born on October 24, 1926 in Osage, the son of Ralph and Catherine (Egan) Fox. He married Helen R. Kenny on June 25, 1947 in Osage. Helen died in October of 1995. Fox retired from the Illinois Central Railroad in 1987. He was also a Navy veteran.

He is survived by three daughters, Norma (Jon) Wightman of Cedar Falls, Susan (Don) LaPiere of Naples, Florida and Sheila (Jim) Brustkern of Raymond; four sons, Michael Fox of Chattaroy, Washington, Jerry (Linda) Fox of Manhattan, Kansas, Steve (Donna) Fox of Ottawa, Kansas and Ray (Lori) Fox of Washburn; 17 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; four sisters, Dolores Faley of Waterloo, Sister Pauline Fox of Cedar Rapids, Ann Stanek of Cedar Rapids and Judy (Jim) Leonard of Iowa City; and two brothers, Bill Fox of Charles City and Larry (Maradee) Fox of Osage.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Helen in 1995; and a sister, Sheila Fox.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Lanora M. Mealey

November 24, 2004

Lanora M. Mealey, age 72, of St. Ansgar and formerly of Des Moines, died on Thursday, November 18, 2004, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center Hospice Unit.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, November 20, 2004, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage. The Reverend Robert Melhorn officiated. Burial was in the Osage Cemetery.

Lanora Mealey, was born on November 21, 1931 in Lacona, Iowa, the daughter of Bain and Mae Mae (Lovell) Kendall. Lanora was raised in Lacona, Iowa. She was married and later divorced from Robert W. Chaplin. She was also married and divorced from James I. Mealey. They both preceded her in death.

She loved her flower garden and bird watching, fishing, playing cards with her family and watching professional basketball, especially the Utah Jazz.

She is survived by three children, Patty (Frank) Kisley of Osage, Richard R. (Tina) Chaplin of Indianola and Barb Middleswart of Carlisle; 15 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Preceding Lanora in death were her parents; two husbands; a brother, Raymond Kendall; a sister, Lila Parsons; infant twin sons, Robert and Raymond Chaplin; and one great-grandson, Gavin Chaplin.

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

Irene Weber

November 24. 2004

Irene Margaret Dunlay Weber, age 98, of Osage, died on Saturday, November 20, 2004, at the Faith Home in Osage.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, November 24, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Rev. Mark Reasoner officiating. Interment will be in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Riceville. Visitation was from 4-7:30 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, where there was a 4:30 p.m. Rosary and a 7:00 p.m. Scripture Service.

Irene was born on May 14, 1906, at the family farm at Bailey, Iowa, the daughter of William and Mary (Jordan) Dunlay. She graduated from the McIntire High School in 1924 and from the Parisian School of Beauty Culture in Minneapolis in 1925. After graduating she had a beauty shop for 2 years at Moshers Dry Goods in Riceville before moving to Chicago. Irene married Henry Lavene (Venie) Weber in Chicago, Illinois on April 9, 1928. During WW II she and Venie worked at Lockheed in Pasadena, Calfornia, until the end of the war. They then returned to Iowa and purchased the general store in New Haven and called it "Meyer & Weber General & Feed Store", with Irene's sister, Rose and her husband, Melvin Meyer in 1946. They ran the feed store until 1981, when they sold it and moved to Osage upon their retirement.

She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Venie; daughter, Beverly Keim; grandson, Jeremiah Iowa; three sisters, Ellen Becvar, Kathryn Dunlay and Mary Dunlay; brother, Robert Dunlay; two brothers-in-law, Melvin Meyer and George Becvar; and her parents.

Irene is survived by her sister, Rose Meyer of Osage; granddaughter, Debbie (Michael) Milot of Longmont, Colorado; grandson, Jonathan (Sharon) Enabnit of Ventura, California; three great-grandchildren, James (Eileen) Egger of Longmont, Colorado, Juliann (Neil) Horan of Seattle, Washington and Nicole D' Alessandro of Santa Barbara, California; son-in-law, Keith Keim of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; three nephews, William Becvar of Decorah, James Dunlay of St. Paul, Minnesota and Dennis Dunlay of Perkins, Oklahoma.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Lawrence J. H. Bruggeman, Sr.

 November 24, 2004

Lawrence J. H. Bruggeman, Sr., age 94, of St. Ansgar, passed away on Sunday, November 21, 2004, at the Good Samaritan Center in St. Ansgar, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, November 24, at the St. Peter Lutheran Church, Toeterville, Iowa, with Rev. Lance Kittleson officiating. Burial will be in the St. Peter Cemetery, Toeterville. Visitation will be on Tuesday, November 23, from 6-8:00 p.m., at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar.

Lawrence was born on the family farm northwest of Toeterville, on July 11, 1910, to Albert and Sara (Ehlke) Bruggeman. He was baptized and confirmed at the St. Peter Lutheran Church in Toeterville. He attended rural schools in the Toeterville area. On October 15, 1938, he married Maxine Adams at the Toeterville Parsonage. Lawrence and Maxine farmed on the family farm until 1969 when they moved to St. Ansgar. Lawrence continued to farm for many years with his son, Lawrence Jr.

He was an active lifetime member of the St. Peter Lutheran Church. He served on the building committee when the new church was built and served on the church council. Lawrence enjoyed his family, especially the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed gardening and flowers.

He is survived by his wife, Maxine of St. Ansgar; one daughter, Gloria and Richard Brunner of Toeterville; three sons, Lawrence Jr. and Carol Bruggeman of St. Ansgar, Ron and Jeanne Bruggeman of Northwood and Dar and Donna Bruggeman of St. Ansgar; 10 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; one brother, Clarence and Alvina Bruggeman of St. Ansgar; one sister-in-law, Phyllis Bruggeman of St. Ansgar; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Sara; a daughter, Shirley; a grandson, Jason Swanson; and one brother, August.

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

Douglas A. Adams

December 1, 2004

Douglas A. Adams, age 52, died on Wednesday, November 24, 2004, at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Osage.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, November 27, at the Faith Lutheran Church in Mitchell, with the Reverend Wayne Ellingson officiating. Burial was in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Mitchell. Military Honors at the grave were given by the Osage American Legion Post 278.

Douglas Adams, was born on January 16, 1952 in Osage, the son of Wayland and Shirley (Rohne) Adams. He graduated from the Osage High School. After graduation he enlisted in the Navy where he spent 14 years and was a Vietnam Veteran. While stationed in the Philippines, he met his wife, Julie. They married in 1978. To this union came one child, Jennifer. They made their home in Waukegan, Illinois. He worked for the VA Hospital in North Chicago for the past 17 years until his short battle with cancer brought him back home.

He is survived by a daughter, Jennifer Adams of Charles City; mother, Shirley Adams of Mitchell; six sisters, Connie (Ron) Pint of Osage, Jackie (Chuck) Grimm of Mitchell, Terry Adams of Mitchell, Kim (Brian) Clayton of Mitchell, Paula (Randy) Kamp of Mitchell and Sherry (Don) Schmidt of Simpsonville, South Carolina; and many nieces and nephews.

Douglas was preceded in death by his wife, Julie on September 1, 2004; father, Wayland Adams; brother, Wally Adams; and maternal and paternal grandparents.

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

Forrest M. Burdette

December 1, 2004

Forrest M. Burdette, age 91, of Osage, died on Wednesday, November 24, 2004, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center Hospice Unit in Osage, following a short illness.

Funeral services were held on Monday, November 29, at the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Osage, with Reverend Rick Magstadt officiating. Burial was in the Osage Cemetery.

Forrest was born on March 24, 1913, on a Mitchell County farm, in east Lincoln Township, the first child of Preston King and Margaret Vella (Snyder) Burdette. He was educated in the local county school. Forrest grew to adulthood on the family farm and continued to farm with his parents on several farms in Mitchell and Floyd counties before moving to Osage in 1958. He then worked for other farmers, until his retirement.

Forrest hunted, trapped and fished as a youth. He was always an avid reader and crossword puzzle fan. More recently, he enjoyed "Jeopardy" and historical, travel, nature, and Gospel programs on TV. Forrest was good at woodworking. He crafted and refinished many furniture pieces. His interest in rocks led him to rock hunting, membership in the North Iowa Rock Club and to learning lapidary work. He cut and polished many beautiful cabochons for jewelry.

Forrest attended American Sunday School Union meetings with his parents and he received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age of 11. He was baptized soon after. A small group of believers formed a Christian and Missionary Alliance Church at Stillwater, moved to a vacated Lincoln church and eventually united with other small groups to form the Osage Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. Through the years, Forrest faithfully served the Lord as financial secretary, trustee, board member and elder. He was well acquainted with the Scriptures and lived an exemplary Christian life.

On August 21, 1971, he married Lucille Abbie Williamson and they enjoyed a wedding trip to the Wisconsin Dells, the farthest Forrest had been from home. Other trips followed for sightseeing and rock hunting, the most memorable being to the Bible Lands of Israel, Jordan and Egypt.

Forrest will be greatly missed by his wife, Lucille of Osage; and many friends and a few cousins, who survive him.

Forrest was preceded in death by his parents; and three younger siblings who all died at birth or soon thereafter.

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

Margaret G. Smith

December 1, 2004

Margaret G. Smith, 81, of Beloit, Wisconsin, died on Wednesday, November 24, 2004, in the Beloit Memorial Hospital.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, November 30, at the Central Christian Church, with Pastor Norm Starks officiating. Burial was in the East Lawn Cemetery.

Margaret G. Smith, was born on April 29, 1923 in Wells, Minnesota, the daughter of Abner K. and Rosetta Bennett Flowers. She retired from the Freeman Shoe Company after working there for 21 years.

She was a member of the Central Christian Church. Margaret belonged to the Ruth Circle and she was active in the Bible study group. Margaret was a loving mother, grandmother and friend. She will be missed by all.

Survivors include her daughter, Carolyn Smith of Beloit, Wisconsin; her son, Douglas (Dianna) Smith of Beloit, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Rebecca Smith, Mark Smith and Sara Smith, all of Beloit, Wisconsin; brothers, Richard (Sagda) Flowers of Omaha, Nebraska and Robert (Adelene) Flowers of South Beloit, Illinois; sisters, Marion Johnson of Charles City, Iowa and Marilyn (Marvin) Reis of Osage, Iowa; brother-in-law, Bill Fenton of Osage, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; two infants, David and Paul Smith; brother, Roger Flowers; sister, Marie Fenton; and brother-in-law, Arnold Johnson.

The Daley-Murphy-Wisch & Associates Funeral Home, Beloit, Wisconsin, assisted the family with the arrangements.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Melvin P. Heimer

December 1, 2004

Melvin P. Heimer, age 78, of Stacyville, died on Thursday, November 25, 2004, at the St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

A Memorial Mass was held on Saturday, November 27, at the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Johnsburg, Minnesota, with Reverend James Seitz officiating. Inurnment was in the St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Johnsburg.

Melvin was born on September 29, 1926, on the family farm near Stacyville, the son of Anton and Julia (Goergen) Heimer. He attended grade school at Johnsburg and graduated from the Visitation High School in Stacyville. He entered the U.S. Army and served in the Philippines and the occupation of Japan. Melvin was united in marriage to Shirley Brown on September 8, 1948, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage. They farmed two and one-half miles north of Stacyville until retiring in 1991 and moving to Stacyville.

He was a member of the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church at Johnsburg, the Catholic Order of Foresters and the Stacyville American Legion Post 569.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley of Stacyville; daughter, Mary (Dennis) Hanson of St. Ansgar; four sons, Tom (Sandra) Heimer of Forest City, Jim (Tess Sierzant) Heimer of Minneapolis, Larry D. (Theresa Becker) Heimer of St. Ansgar and Mark (Penny) Heimer of Stacyville; two sisters, Betty (Roger) Walsh of Austin, Minnesota and Mary M. (Ben) Thome of Adams, Minnesota; three brothers, Robert (Agnes) Heimer of Osage, Herbert (Jeanette) Heimer of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Dennis (Karen) Heimer of Mazeppa, Minnesota; 10 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Hazel Heimer; and brother-in-law, Harry Hemann.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Michael Heimer; sister, Helen Hemann; and two brothers, William and Clem Heimer.

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

Everett S. Wagner

December 1, 2004

Everett S. Wagner, 83, of Osage, died on Friday, November 26, 2004, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, November 30, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Rev. Mark Reasoner officiating. Burial was in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Osage.

Everett was born on November 24, 1921, at the rural home of Peter and Louise (Bilharz) Wagner. He went to a local country school, graduating the 8th grade. He married Helen M. Loecher on November 25, 1942 in Stacyville, at the Visitation Catholic Church. Helen and Everett farmed near Riceville one year before moving back to Osage, where they bought a farm just one and one half miles from his brother, Edward. He milked Holstein cows until the early 1970's, selling grade "A" milk. In 1974, they built their current residence on their 80 acres across from the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.

Everett lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed dancing with his wife on Saturday nights. He loved to hunt and fish and continued fishing through his retirement years. For 16 years, Everett and his wife, Helen, would travel south during the winter months in their Winnebago. Everett loved farming very much. He retired about 1988, when his health no longer permitted him to farm. After retiring, he loved to drive around checking on his kids and their farm operations. Everett was active with the Knights of Columbus and rose to the 4th Degree.

Everett was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Edward, Ernest and Earl Wagner; one sister, Lillian Goodale; and one great-granddaughter, Emily Tegtmeyer.

Everett is survived by his wife, Helen M. Wagner of Osage; five children, Irvin (Ida) Wagner of Osage, Azalea "Lea" (Ron) Norlinger of Osage, Galen (Connie) Wagner of Osage, Lucinda "Cindy" (Andrew) Hutter of Osage and Virginia (Randy) Groff of Osage; 13 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Kenneth Losee

December 8, 2004

Kenneth Losee, 70, of Riceville, passed away on Monday, November 29, 2004, at the Riceville Community Rest Home.

Funeral services were held on Friday, December 3, at the Riceville United Methodist Church, with Rev. Michael Carey officiating. Burial was in the Riverside Cemetery in Riceville, with military honors performed by the Roy Gue Post 244.

Kenneth, son of Marion and Geneive Stephanie Losee, was born on May 16, 1934 in Lake City, Iowa. He graduated from the Barnum High School in Barnum, Iowa. He was united in marriage to Elaine Hofland on June 25, 1960, at the 6 Mile Grove Church in Lyle, Minnesota. He served his country in the Army. Kenneth worked for the Mower County Highway Department, worked on the family farm and hauled milk. Elaine and Kenneth moved to Riceville in 1990.

His survivors include two sons, Duane and his wife, Jeannette of Riceville and Roger of Austin, Minnesota; three grandchildren, Levi, Garrett and Kendyl; one brother, John and his wife, Fileen Losee of Claremont, Minnesota; two sisters, Martha and her husband, Don Bates of Hopkins, Minnesota and Linda and her husband, Chuck Danks of Medford, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Elaine in 1994.

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