Pauline Mae Thurow

October 20, 2004

Pauline Mae Thurow, age 93, died on Sunday, October 3, 2004, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit.

Memorial services were held on Monday, October 18, at the First United Methodist Church, Osage, Iowa, with the Reverend Dr. J. Samuel Subramanian officiating. Inurnment was in the Riverside Cemetery, Charles City, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to the Hospice of North Iowa.

Pauline was born on December 15, 1910 in Des Moines, Iowa, the daughter of Charles Alva West and Hannah Naomi (Johnson) West. Pauline attended the Monroe, Byron and Rice Grade Schools and graduated from West High School in Des Moines in January 1928. In high school she was a member of the drama club and a member of the First Federated Lutheran Church in Des Moines. Pauline was employed by Northwestern Bell in Des Moines, while completing night school in business machines until 1936, when she resigned to marry Frank Thurow who operated the Dodge Plymouth dealership in Osage. The couple wed on January 12, 1936 in Charles City, Iowa, at the home of his sister, Mrs. Harry O'Harrow. Pauline took charge of the Bookkeeping and Parts department at Thurow Motors until the business closed 35 years later. In 1964 she joined the Home Trust and Savings Bank as a teller and continued there until her retirement.

Pauline was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Osage, Iowa. She was faithful in worship there throughout her lifetime. She worked as a member of the United Methodist Women where she held a treasurer position on the board and was a member of the Christian Women's Club. She was also the founding treasurer for the Senior Citizen Center and she herself found great fellowship there later. Pauline enjoyed playing the piano by ear, refinishing furniture and gardening. She delighted in nature, especially trees, flowers, dogs and cats. She was also an extraordinary seamstress for her family and friends.

Pauline spent her last three years at the Faith Lutheran Nursing Home. She died in Hospice Care at North Iowa Hospice Center in Mason City following hip surgery at Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa.

Pauline is survived by her two daughters, Corlene Higley of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Judy Thurow of San Pedro, California; two grandchildren, Ken Higley of Tulsa and Lynda Clements of Denver, Colorado; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brother, Corlis; and sisters, Lilian and Clare.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Rose Dorothy (Streich) Thorson

October 13, 2004

Rose Dorothy (Streich) Thorson, 88, of St. Ansgar, died on Monday evening, October 4, 2004, at the St. Ansgar Good Samaritan Center. This was two days short of her 70th wedding anniversary.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, October 9, at the First Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, with the Rev. Robert Porisch officiating. Burial was in the First Lutheran Cemetery in St. Ansgar.

Rose Wilhelmina Dorothy Streich, was born on March 22, 1916 in Grafton, the daughter of Edna (Rosenberg) and Albert Streich. She was baptized in the Grafton Emmanuel Lutheran Church. She attended school in Grafton through the sixth grade, where she was affectionately known as Rosie. Her family then moved to St. Ansgar where she graduated from the St. Ansgar High School in 1934. On October 6 of this same year she married Annis Thorson, her husband of 61½ years. They lived on three different farms north of St. Ansgar until 1944, when they moved to the Thorson family farm two miles northwest of St. Ansgar on Highway 105. Rose remained on the farm after Annis' passing in March of 1996, staying there until April of 2001. She moved into the Worth Living Center in St. Ansgar at this time. In August of 2003 she moved to the St. Ansgar Good Samaritan Center.

Since age 12 she has been a member of the First Lutheran Church, where she was both confirmed and married by the Rev. Olaf A. Langehough. She was a member of the Martha Circle.

Rose is survived by her two sons, Jerry Thorson and his wife, Kay of Waverly and Merlyn Thorson and his wife, Sue of St. Ansgar; six grandchildren, Michelle Sears and her husband, Mike of Minneapolis, Teresa Beverly of San Antonio, Texas, Jon Thorson and his wife, Lise of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Cory Thorson and his wife, Tara of Minneapolis, Allison Thorson of Cedar Falls and Greg Thorson of Cedar Falls; eight great-grandchildren; her sister, Fern Barenz of Osage; and 17 nieces and nephews.

Rose was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Annis; all six brothers-in-law; all three sisters-in-law; one niece; and three nephews. Rose was the last living of the nine Ole E. Thorson children and their spouses.

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

David E. DeGroff

October 13, 2004

Word has been received of the death of David E. DeGroff, age 59. He passed away on Tuesday, October 5, 2004.

Burial was in the Hillside Cemetery and a Memorial Service was held at the St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Bloomington, Minnesota.

Dave is survived by his wife, Ruth (Hackenmiller); daughter, Carrie; sisters, Colleen (Gary) Fox and Dawn (John) Smith; brother, John (Barb) DeGroff; and his mother-in-law, Marcella Hackenmiller.

He was a brother-in-law to Sue Rogers, Chuck (Mary Ann) Hackenmiller, Elaine (Harry) Boland, Alan (Betty) Hackenmiller, Frank Hackenmiller, Marilyn (Bill) Coonradt, Ann (Tom) Schueller, Doris (John) Taets and Mary (Dave) Hartogh. He was Uncle Dave to a host of nieces and nephews.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Jeannette Irene Neumann

October 13, 2004

Jeannette Irene Neumann, 81, died on Tuesday, October 5, 2004.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, October 9, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar, with Rev. Byron Northwick officiating. Burial was in the St. John's Cemetery, Rock Township.

Jeannette Irene Hartwig, was born on January 1, 1923, at home in Newburg Township, Mitchell County, Iowa, the daughter of Leo and Anna (Bethke) Hartwig. Jeannette was baptized into the Christian faith at the St. John's Lutheran Church, Rock Township, on February 25, 1923. March 17, 1937, she was confirmed. Jeannette grew up southwest of St. Ansgar, in Newburg Township and attended Country School 5. In 1941, she graduated from the St. Ansgar High School. She was employed at the Jack Sprat Grocery Store in St. Ansgar.

On May 20, 1943, she was united in marriage to William F. Neuman at the St. John's Lutheran Church, Rock Township, by the Rev. Fred Ide. This union was blessed with four children, two daughters and two sons. Jeannette became a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar. Jeannette was a housewife and was later employed at the Good Samaritan Center in St. Ansgar as a nurses aide and med-aide for 26 years. She was active as a Home Maker Health Aide and an Avon representative.

Jeannette enjoyed growing flowers, watching and feeding the cardinals and humming birds in her backyard, baking, making holiday decorations, visiting with friends at the Senior Center and spending time with family.

Jeannette is survived by two daughters, Charlene Bruggeman of St. Ansgar and her children, Michael of St. Ansgar and his children, Cassie, Ariel, Colton and Cari; Steven and his wife, Kim and their children, Travis and Anna of Rose Creek, Minnesota; LaDonna Cleveland of Shokopee, Minnesota and her son, Jeffrey of Forest City; two sons, Darwin "Butch" and wife, Jeanne of St. Ansgar and children, Angela Retterath and husband, Chad and their children, Skylar and Hunter of St. Ansgar, Joshua and wife, Bobbi Jo and their daughter, Madeline of Stacyville; David and wife, Mary and their children, Lindsay and Brooke of Gilbert, Arizona; two sisters, Lucille Scharper of Osage and Lois Dutcher of Manly; and nieces and nephews.

Jeannette was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William; and great-grandsons, Samuel and Adam Bruggeman.

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

Ronald Johnson

October 13, 2004

Ronald Johnson, age 71, of Osage, formerly of Sanford, Florida, died on Friday, October 8, 2004, at the Heritage Care Center in Mason City.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, October 13, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Reverend Mark Reasoner officiating. Inurnment will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Osage, with a Flag Presentation at the grave by the Osage American Legion Post 278.

Ronald Johnson, was the son of Kermit and Mary Jane (Roscoe) Johnson. He served in the United States Navy. He was united in marriage to Arlene Parro on July 2, 1957, in Forest City, Iowa and they lived in the southeastern Minnesota area, moving to Florida in April of 2001. Ronald and Arlene then moved to Osage in October of 2004. He enjoyed farming, hunting and fishing.

His survivors include his wife, Arlene Johnson of Osage; six children, Chris (Kim) Johnson of Rochester, Minnesota, Tim Johnson of Jonesborough, Tennessee, Paul Johnson of Sanford, Florida, Denise Johnson of Taopi, Minnesota, Mike Johnson of Zumbro Falls, Minnesota and Rose Johnson Maziarka of Sanford, Florida; seven grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; one step-great-grandchild; two sisters; and five brothers.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers.

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

Merlyn Gene Lonergan

October 13, 2004

Merlyn Gene Lonergan of Sebring, Florida, formerly of Cedar Falls, died of cancer at his home on Friday, October 8, 2004, surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be held at the Parrott and Wood Funeral Home in Waterloo, on Thursday, October 14, at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Garden of Memories, Waterloo. Visitation will be from 4-8:00 p.m., on Wednesday, October 13, at the Parrott & Wood Funeral Home, corner of Ansborough and San Maran Drive in Waterloo.

Gene was born on December 16, 1930 near Mitchell, Iowa, to Frank and Lillian Lonergan. He attended school at Mitchell and Osage. On July 7, 1949, he married Beatrice June Anderson in Waterloo, Iowa. They were later divorced. On March 14, 1970, he married Mildred Mooney in Marshalltown. Mildred died in 1997. Gene was reunited in love with Beatrice and they remarried on January 9, 1998 at Sebring. Gene was employed for 49 years by Deere and Company. For many years he also ran Gene's Mow and Blow lawn mower business from his Cedar Falls home.

Gene loved John Deere, traveling, fishing and friends and family. Gene faced all things in life including cancer with courage, a positive attitude and determination. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family.

His survivors include his wife, Bea; four daughters, Jeri Savage of Lehigh Acres, Florida, Karla Bearbower and husband, Steve R. of Waterloo, Kim Hayes and husband, David of Urbana, Iowa and Jackie Heine and husband, Dan of Tripoli, Iowa; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two brothers, Melbourne "Bud" Lonergan of Waterloo and Marvin "Lee" Lonergan of Mitchell; and a sister, Mabel Lang of Waterloo.

Merlyn Gene Lonergan was preceded in death by his parents; and three sisters, Mary Voshell, Mildred Schulz and Margaret Kindschuh.

Memorials may be directed to the Good Shepard Hospice or to the American Cancer Society.

The Parrott and Wood Funeral Home in Waterloo, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Merlin "Luke" Lubbert

October 13, 2004

Merlin "Luke" Lubbert, age 70, of Riceville, Iowa, passed away on Friday, October 8, 2004, at the Mercy Medical Center in Mason City.

Funeral services were held at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church at Maple Leaf, in rural Elma, Iowa, on Tuesday, October 12. The Reverend Dan Christensen officiated and burial was in the Riverside Cemetery, Riceville.

Merlin Lubbert, was born on December 9, 1933 in Riceville, to Louis and Leota Lauck Lubbert. He attended local schools and graduated from the Riceville High School in 1952. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the years of 1956 to 1958. During this time, Merlin helped in the testing of the atomic bomb program. After the service Merlin was employed by J. I. Case. After retiring from J. I. Case he became a realtor and worked in the states of Washington and Arizona. He was a member of the Roy Gue Post 244 of the American Legion.

His survivors include his mother, Leota Lubbert of Riceville; sister, Marlys Grete and her husband, Gary of Muscatine, Iowa; sister-in-law, Joanne Lubbert of Waterloo; a special friend, Judy Pearce of Riceville; and by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Merlin was preceded in death by his father, Louis in 1981; and a brother, Kenneth in 1996.

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

Daisy Pellner

October 13, 2004

Daisy Pellner, age 99, of Osage and formerly of Charles City, died on Friday, October 8, 2004, at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.

Funeral services were held on Monday, October 11, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with Lay Minister Gary Gilbert officiating. Burial was in the Sunnyside Memory Gardens in Charles City.

Daisy was born on November 20, 1904 at Spirit Lake, Iowa, the daughter of Grandville "Dick" and Olive Mae (Allen) Brown. She was united in marriage in 1923 to Paul Pellner in Oelwein. They made their home in Cedar Rapids, West Union and then moved to Charles City in the 1930's. Daisy worked as a cook at the Cedar Valley Hospital and at the Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City until her retirement.

She enjoyed cooking, gardening, sewing, quilting and her flower garden.

She is survived by two sisters, Alice Peterson of Osage and Vivian Van Valkenburg of Omaha, Nebraska; and many nieces and nephews.

Daisy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Paul in 1992; three sisters, Grace Elwell, Pearl Zerke and Gladys Oelkers; and four brothers, Grant Brown, Richard Brown, Morton Brown and Ernest Brown.

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

Merle J. Boehmer

October 13, 2004

Merle Boehmer, age 44, of Osage, died on Saturday, October 9, 2004, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, October 12, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage. The Reverend Mark Reasoner officiated. Burial was in the St. Peter's Cemetery, in New Haven.

Merle was born on July 26, 1960 in Osage, Iowa, the son of Edward and Beverly (Randall) Boehmer. He graduated from the Osage High School in 1979 and was united in marriage to Laurie Fox on July 31, 1981 in New Haven. He was employed at A to Z Drying for 24 years, where he was presently the plant manager.

Merle loved fishing, hunting, golfing, watching Osage and Iowa wrestling, the Dallas Cowboys and Seinfeld.

Merle's survivors include his wife, Laurie Boehmer of Osage; three daughters, Vanessa, Cassondra and Emma Boehmer at home; his father and mother, Edward and Beverly Boehmer of Osage; a sister, Sandy Roll and friend, Rod Harang and her children, Sabrina Roll and Nicole (Tim) Hermanson and children, Sierra, Noah and Ava, all of Lake Mills; a brother, Ken Boehmer and wife, Kathy and children, Natasha and Bronson of Osage; a sister, Donna Forsyth and husband, Mark and children, Madalyn, Micaela, Mara and Maxwell of Charles City; a sister, Mary Bethke and husband, Carl and children, Matt and Erin of Osage; a brother, Jim Boehmer and wife, Angie and children, Lincoln, Grant and Cael of Lake Mills; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jim and Dorothy Fox of New Haven; sisters-in-law, Connie Lievrouw of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Nancy (Pete) Hamilton of Denver, Colorado; brothers-in-law, Nick (Jane) Fox of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Kevin (Kathy) Fox of New Haven, Terry (Lori) Fox of Peyton, Colorado, Greg (Karmen) Fox of Los Angeles, California and their families.

Merle Boehmer was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents; three uncles; one aunt; and one nephew.

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

Eleanor H. Klemesrud

October 20, 2004

Eleanor Helene Ingeborg Klemesrud, age 93, of Osage and formerly of Minneapolis, Minnesota, died on Tuesday, October 12, 2004, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, October 16, at the Rock Creek Lutheran Church, Osage, with Rev. R. Dawson Tornes officiating. Interment was in the Rock Creek Cemetery.

Eleanor was born on November 11, 1910, on the family farm in West Cedar Township, Mitchell County, near Nora Springs. She was named for her mother, Ingeborg Severina Maakestad Klemesrud, who was also born in Iowa. Eleanor's father, Harald K. Klemesrud, immigrated to the USA from Valdres, Norway in 1866, at the age of seven. Eleanor was baptized on January 15, 1911, by Rev. J. A. Urness at the Rock Creek Lutheran Church and was confirmed on May 25, 1924, by Rev. O. C. Myhre. Eleanor attended the West Cedar Township No. 3 rural school, graduated from the Osage High School in 1928 and continued her education in stenography at Hamilton Business College in Mason City.

She had a life long career of housekeeping and kitchen work in many states. Eleanor also worked at Major Erickson Funeral Home in Mason City and worked as a cook at the Fuller Seminary in California. In the 1940's, she moved to Winnetka, Illinois and was employed at the Hearthstone Tea Room in Evanston, Illinois. In 1951, she moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she was employed by the Minneapolis Gas Company, working for 17½ years in their home service department, retiring in 1974.

After her retirement, she was very active in mission work through her church, St. Paul's Lutheran Church. On March 16, 1999, she moved to the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage to be near her family and friends, at which time she rejoined the Rock Creek Lutheran Church.

She is survived by a brother, Lorin Klemesrud of Osage; three nephews, Robert Klemesrud and wife, Joan of Osage, Kent Klemesrud Daly and wife, Carrie of Watsonville, California and Tom Klemesrud of Thompson; two nieces, Cleone Weaverling and husband, John of Osage and Mary Lou Dean and husband, Richard of Osage; and numerous great-nieces and nephews.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents; an infant brother, Omar; three sisters, Cora, Lillie and Ruth; and four brothers, Herbert, Clarence, Olaf and Theodore "Ted".

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

Edna E. Pierce

October 20, 2004

Edna E. Pierce, age 93, of the Friendship Village, Waterloo, died on Friday, October 15, 2004, at the Covenant Medical Center, Waterloo, Iowa.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, October 20, at the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Waterloo. Burial was at 2:00 p.m., in the Willowlawn Cemetery, Plainfield, Iowa.

Edna E. Pierce, was born on May 21, 1911, to Vernon and Pearl (Thompson) Pierce at Plainfield, Iowa. She graduated from the Plainfield High School in 1928 and St. Luke's School of Nursing in Cedar Rapids in 1933. She then worked in the Allen Convalescent Home in Waterloo, before going home to take care of and live with Mira Pierce, who later adopted her as her adopted daughter. Edna worked at Allen Hospital for many years, with breaks to take care of family and loved ones; her life was spent caring for others.

Her survivors include her adopted daughter, Carolyn Otto (Glenn) Hegland of Osage; four grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; many nieces and nephews; including a special nephew; Richard Hastings of Waterloo.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Verselia Pierce, Ethel Hastings, Rosina Grapp and Evelyn Beard; brother, Riley Pierce; and a son-in-law, Duane Otto.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Deon Hermann

October 27, 2004

Deon Hermann, age 84, of Osage, died on Monday, October 18, 2004, at her home.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, October 21, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Rev. Mark Reasoner officiating. Burial was in the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Greene, at 1:30 p.m., on Thursday, with Monsignor Walter Brunkan officiating.

Deon Helen Hermann, was born on June 8, 1920, the daughter of Louis and Zula (Brown) Ramker, on a farm five miles east of Greene, Iowa. She attended country school until the third grade, where she attended the Sacred Heart School in Greene, so she could receive her First Holy Communion. Following that year, she attended the country school, until returning to Sacred Heart School for seventh through tenth grades. She attended the Greene High School for her 11th and 12th grade years. After graduating from the Greene High School, Deon attended a post graduate course at Hamilton Business School for the summer, after which she taught country school north of Greene for seven years. On Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1946, Deon was united in marriage to Art Hermann at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Greene. They started farming and milked cows in the Greene area for 20 years. In 1966, they moved to Osage, where they continued to farm northeast of Osage. Deon was a substitute teacher in the old Mitchell School and in the Junior High in Osage. She also worked at Anthony’s Department Store, as a cook at the Plaza Café and later at the Faith Home, Inc., all in Osage.

Deon enjoyed fellowship in her many clubs and organizations: Study Club and VFW, both in Osage and her Coldwater Community and Westside Club in Greene. She always looked forward to eating out with “the girls” after Mass on Saturday night. She loved to play the piano, which she did by ear, enjoyed the beauty of her flowers, never missed doing a crossword puzzle and was always ready for a competitive card game. Her greatest hobby and love was always her family.

Deon is survived by a daughter and her husband, Marilyn and David Haugen of Hanlontown; a son, Mike Hermann of Hanlontown; grandchildren, Corey Haugen and wife, Carla of Lakeville, Minnesota, Mandi Lockwood and husband, Cory of North Liberty, Megan Van Duyn and husband, Barry of Lakeville, Minnesota and Nathan Haugen of Seattle, Washington; 3 great-grandchildren, Aaron Bleil, Catie and Courtney Haugena; brother, Gerald Ramker and wife, Norma of Mason City; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Art Hermann in 1992; and a granddaughter, Melissa Haugen in 1975.

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

Elinor D. Bachman

October 27, 2004

Elinor D. Bachman, 92, of Lyle, died on Wednesday, October 20, 2004, at the Good Samaritan Center in St. Ansgar, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Monday, October 25, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Lyle. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at St. Ansgar Good Samaritan Center on October 20, 2004. The Reverend Barbara Finley-Shea officiated. Interment was in the Six Mile Grove Cemetery, Lyle. Memorials are preferred to American Heart Association and Arthritis Foundation.

Elinor Bachman, was born on March 14, 1912, to Emil and Etta Irene (Carter) Anderson in Devon, Iowa. Shortly after her birth the family moved to Lyle, Minnesota, where Elinor was baptized at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church. She attended the Lyle Public School, graduating third highest in her class in 1930. She was a waitress at the Fox Hotel in Austin for several years. On April 7, 1934, Elinor was united in marriage to Edmund Bachman at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Lyle. To this union three children were born, Beverly Jean, Bruce and Sue Ellen.

A lifelong member of the Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Lyle, she belonged to Naomi Circle and was a charter member of the Lyle Study Club. Elinor loved to collect sea shells and matchbox covers, liked doing puzzles, crafts and playing cards. After Edmund's death in 1973, Elinor enjoyed extensive travels with her sister-in-law, Sally.

Her survivors include a daughter, Sue Ellen Young of Pomona, California; five grandchildren, Nancy Johnson, Scott (Denise) Leraaen, Eric (Lynn) Leraaen, Kevin (Roseo) Young and Todd (Denise) Bachman; nine great-grandchildren, Bryan and Julie Johnson, Danelle Ciavarelli, Leah, Rycki and Stevie Leraaen, Ryan, Rachel and Randall Bachman; son-in-law, Oral K. (Barbara) Leraaen; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Elinor was preceded in death by her husband, Edmund Bachman; son, Bruce Bachman; daughter, Beverly Leraaen; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Emil Anderson; four brothers, Arthur, Donald, Burton and Warren Anderson; and a sister, Verna Reinartz.

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

Melvin Zimmerman

October 27, 2004

Melvin Zimmerman, passed away on Wednesday, October 20, 2004, from a heart attack while hunting in the mountains in Washington.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, October 26, at Lime Springs, Iowa, with Ministers Earvey Ensz, Richard Unruh and Raymond Ensz. Burial was in the Wayne Cemetery in rural McIntire, Iowa.

Melvin Zimmerman, was born on December 29, 1950, to Edwin and Annie Hoover Zimmerman in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He lived in Lancaster County until 2nd grade, then moved to Berks County, Pennsylvania, where he grew to manhood. Melvin was very much a farm boy at heart, enjoying farm activities with parents and siblings. Melvin found companionship in Mabel Saude, also of Berks County on October 26, 1972. To this union was born six children. They shared life's joys and sorrows for almost 32 years. They lived in Berks County and were members of the Old Order Mennonite Church until 1982, when he gave his heart to the Lord. They were baptized into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite in November of 1983 by Minister Chester Johnson. In 1989, the Lord led them to move to Howard County, Iowa. This was a new venture, beginning the Church of God in Northeast Iowa. Some of Melvin's happiest years were spent here with the family and brethren.

Those left to cherish precious memories are his wife, Mabel of Lime Springs, Iowa; two sons, Nelson and Julia, Edwin of Lime Springs, Iowa; four daughters, Laura and Lynden Warkentin, Cartwright, MB, Erma and Gene Esau, Pincher Creek, AB; Brenda, Thelma and Kyle Wedel, Lime Springs, Iowa, Blake and Laurie Meighen, Lime Springs, Iowa, became a special part of the family, parents, Edwin and Annie H. Zimmerman of Shiloh, Ohio; four brothers, Ammon and Erma of Knutztown, Pennsylvania, Harvey and Erma, Edwin and Grace, Glen and Luella of the Shelby, Ohio area; five sisters, Lizzie and Mahlon Sauder, Martha and Harry Weaver of Kutztown, Pennsylvania, Anna and Melvin Nolt, Rachel and Harvey Burkholder, Annetta and Lloyd Martin of the Shiloh, Ohio area; four brothers-in-law, Mahlon and Lizzie of Kutztown, Pennsylvania, Ivan and Mildred of Greenwich, Ohio, Paul and Verna of Topton, Pennsylvania, Noah and Arlene of Loysville, Pennsylvania; one sister-in-law, Ruth Sauder of Millmont, Pennsylvania; nine grandchildren; and many relatives and friends.

Melvin was preceded in death by one sister; his father-in-law and mother-in-law; one brother-in-law; and one sister-in-law.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Lee Hobkirk

October 27, 2004

Lee R. Hobkirk, age 94, of Osage, died on Friday, October 22, 2004, at the Faith Home in Osage.

Funeral services were held on Monday, October 25, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with Rev. Doug Brown officiating. Burial was in the Osage Cemetery in Osage.

Lee Hobkirk, was born on May 18, 1910 in Lyle, Minnesota, the son of Henry and Marie (Schwandt) Hobkirk. His mother passed away when he was six and Lee and his two sisters were raised by his father and grandmother. Lee was united in marriage to Gladys Carter on February 19, 1939, at the First Baptist Church Parsonage in Osage by Reverend John Kern. They were married for 65 years. They farmed in the Osage area until 1973 when they retired and moved to Osage.

Lee is survived by his wife, Gladys Hobkirk of Osage; two sons, Robert (Jeannie) Hobkirk of Ft. Jennings, Ohio and Donald (Eunice) Hobkirk of Gainesville, Texas; two sisters, Myrtle Peters of Bakersfield, California and Freida Haukon of Walker, Minnesota; seven grandchildren, Lisa (Kirk) Emerson and their children, Sara, Amy and Alex; LaVonne (Patrick) Wolf and their children, Samantha and Jessica; Julie (Todd) Stokes and their children, Carter and Kennedy; Mike (Suzie) Hobkirk and their children, Adria, Rachel and Joshua; Mark Hobkirk; Tim (Heidi) Hobkirk and T.J. Matthew; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

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

Bernice Wilkes

October 27, 2004

Bernice Wilkes, 93, of Dorchester, Iowa, formerly of McIntire, Iowa, passed away on Friday, October 22, 2004, at the Veteran's Memorial Hospital in Waukon.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, October 27, at the Riceville United Methodist Church, with Rev. Michael Cary officiating. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery in Riceville, Iowa.

Bernice was born on August 10, 1911 in Riceville, the daughter of William and Rosa Gerhardt Schrode. She attended local schools and graduated from the Riceville High School. She was united in marriage to Ralph Wilkes on June 7, 1933 in Hawkeye, Iowa. She was a homemaker.

Her survivors include one daughter, Dixie Lee Cook of Roseville, California; two sons, Milo and his wife, Judy of Riceville and Lyle and his wife, Barb of Dorchester, Iowa, 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and one daughter-in-law, Joanne Wilkes of Marco Island, Florida.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ralph in 1987; and two sons, Mayo and Quentin.

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

Dr. William Spencer

October 27, 2004

Dr. William A. Spencer, M.D., 83, died on Saturday, October 23, 2004, at the University Hospitals, after a fire at his home in Osage.

Memorial services were held at 1:30 p.m., on Wednesday, October 27, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, with a reception following in the fellowship hall. His body has been cremated for inurnment at a later date.

William Spencer, was born on November 17, 1920 in Belleville, New Jersey, the son of John and Lydia Spencer. Following graduation from the Columbia University College of Medicine, he interned at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Dr. Spencer served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He married Benna Bartells on June 15, 1946 in Streator, Illinois. Following his surgery and anesthesia residencies at George Washington University Hospital in Washington D.C., he returned to Osage where he practiced until his retirement in 1995. Patients recall his caring and compassionate demeanor.

He loved Iowa sports, especially Hawkeye football and enjoyed playing golf and bridge with friends. He will be remembered for his cheerful manner and dedication to his patients.

Dr. Spencer is survived by five children, Polly (Douglas) Horton of Iowa City, Marian Buff (Ralph Mouschella) Spencer of Hopkington, Massachusetts, Deana (Mark) Chisholm of Osage, Bill (Courtney) Spencer of Ankeny and Ned (Kristi) Spencer of Estero, Florida; and six grandchildren.

His wife of 57 years, Benna, died last year.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Clayton Clausen

October 27, 2004

Clayton Clausen, 96, a lifelong Stacyville resident, died on Monday, October 25, 2004, at the Stacyville Nursing Home, where he had lived since December 2001.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 28, at 2:00 p.m., at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, with the Rev. Lance Kittleson officiating. Friends may call at Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home one hour prior to the services. Burial will be in the St. Ansgar Cemetery.

Clayton was born on October 16, 1908, to Jacob and Rose Clausen. He attended Stacyville Schools and farmed northwest of Stacyville. Clayton married Helga Schwanke in 1936. He was active in his church, Union Presbyterian Church and later the St. Peter Lutheran Church, Toeterville. He was a member of the Farm Bureau, Sons of Norway, Mitchell County Historical Society, an election judge, and was a 4-H Leader for many years.

Survivors include his wife, Helga of Stacyville; son, Richard (Marlene) Clausen of Osage; daughter, Linda (Greg) Munson of Rochester; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; his brother, Elmer; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Allen; grandson, Todd; and a granddaughter, Renae.

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

Lloyd C. Krogstad

November 3, 2004

Lloyd C. Krogstad, age 91, of Osage, died on Monday, October 25, 2004, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, is handling the arrangements.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Madelyn Meyer

November 3, 2004

Madelyn Meyer, age 75, of Osage, died on Monday, October 25, 2004, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, October 30, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Rev. Mark Reasoner officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date in the St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery in New Haven.

Madelyn was born on October 5, 1929 in Kendallville, Iowa, the daughter of Clarence and Lucille (McGee) Peterson. She was united in marriage to Robert E. "Bob" Meyer on November 29, 1947 in Austin, Minnesota. Bob and Madelyn farmed near New Haven until 1967. They then lived in Reinbeck, Jewell and Perry, Iowa. They moved to Morgan, Minnesota in 1982, where they lived until retiring and moving to Osage. Madelyn worked as a school secretary in the Morgan, Minnesota School System. Her husband, Bob died on August 17, 2004.

Madelyn was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Osage and the Sacred Heart Ladies Guild. She also volunteered at the Faith Nursing Home.

Madelyn is survived by her sons, Don Meyer and wife, Kathy of Vinton, Gary Meyer and wife, Michelle of Perry, Mark Meyer and wife, Tammy of Morgan, Minnesota, Dennis Meyer and wife, Rhonda of Morgan, Minnesota, Dale Meyer of Walker and Bobby Meyer of Perry; daughters, Diane Nekvinda of Brandon, South Dakota, Sue Whiton and husband, Scott of Perry and Kay Drake and husband, Mike of Lincoln, Nebraska; grandchildren, Laura Bollin, Dan Meyer, Amanda Meyer, Michael Meyer, Zoe Meyer, Kris Nekvinda, Andrea Nekvinda, Erik Whiton, Michael Whiton, Jackie Drake, Michele Drake, Aaron Meyer, Jason Meyer, Ashley Meyer and Cole Embry-Meyer; and great-grandchildren, Cody, Jessica, Kaitlyn, and Hunter; three sisters, Darlene (Dean) Michels of New Haven, Helen Michael of Burnsville, Minnesota and Joyce (Jack) Perry of Raleigh, North Carolina; and a brother, Bernard (Edelgard) Peterson of Rochester, Minnesota.

Madelyn was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Robert Meyer in 2004.

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

Ruth E. Nelson

November 3, 2004

Ruth E. Nelson, 86, of Osage, formerly of Clear Lake, died on Monday, October 25, 2004, at the Mitchell County Regional Health-care Center.

A memorial service was held on Friday, October 29, at 10:30 a.m., at the Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Osage, Iowa, with the Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Graveside services will be held in the Kensett Cemetery, Kensett, Iowa, at 1:00 p.m.

Ruth was born on January 3, 1918 in Osage, Iowa, the daughter of William L. and Johanna Charlotte (Becker) Dieterichs. Ruth attended the Osage High School. She did house work in Osage. Ruth married Conrad Nelson on March 17, 1939, at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Osage. They lived in Plymouth, Albert City, West Bend, Kensett, Des Moines and in 1974 moved to Clear Lake. Ruth moved to Osage in 1992.

Ruth loved joking with people, cooking and having family come to Clear Lake for the 4th of July. She was a member of the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage.

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Birdie Hauge and her husband, Mike of Madison, Missouri; four grandchildren, Kelly Hauge and Cory Hauge of St. Charles, Missouri, Crystal Hauge of Shawnee, Kansas and Teri Craig and her husband, Keith of Yates, Missouri; two great-grandchildren, Alexis and Mickael Craig; three step-great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn Hopper, Kiersten and Kameron Craig; a sister-in-law, Gert Dieterichs of Osage; and several nieces and nephews.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Conrad in 1991; one son, Dennis Nelson; grandson, Mike Hauge; two sisters; and six brothers.

Arrangements were made by the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, Iowa.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Carol R. McLaughlin

November 3, 2004

Carol R. McLaughlin, age 67, of Belmond, Iowa, died on Tuesday, October 26, 2004, at the Belmond Medical Center, Belmond, with her husband at her side.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, October 30, at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Belmond. The Reverend Rod Hopp officiated. Burial was in the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery, Belmond.

Carol Johnson, was born on April 29, 1937 in Carpenter, Iowa, the daughter of Clarence Alvin and Ruth Verda (Parker) Johnson. She attended the Rock Creek Country School for a time and then Osage Schools graduating in 1955. She was united in marriage to Alfred George McLaughlin on August 8, 1959, at the Holy Family Catholic Church, Mason City, Iowa. Their union recently celebrated 45 years and was blessed by seven children, Terrance, Lori, Kevin, Angela, Michelle, Elizabeth and Susan. Following their marriage Carol and Al lived for a time in Belmond. They then spent time living in Hampton, before making their home in Grinnell, Iowa. In 1973, they returned to Alfred's parent's farm in rural Belmond, where they farmed until moving to their present home in Belmond in 1983.

Throughout her life Carol had put the needs of others before her own. She was a devoted wife and life partner to Al. Her passion was her family and nurturing her children throughout her life. They will remember her teaching them her values, her love of music and the importance of education, something she believed in strongly, motivating her to attend business school at Hamilton College, Mason City, graduating in 1981. Following college Carol was employed by the State of Iowa Division of Soil Conversation from 1981-2002.

Carol was a dedicated and loving mother and grandmother who truly cherished any opportunity to be a spectator at any activity they were involved with in their lives. Whether they were a part of a sporting event, band, or chorus concert, or any other extra-curricular activity Carol was there as their number one cheerleader. Carol looked forward to family gatherings and reunions and opportunities to get together with her siblings. She and Al looked forward to taking their children on annual summer vacations during their school years. After the children moved away, Al and Carol loved to visit their children's homes throughout the country and state. Family holidays were often times spent at the children's homes and in recent years Thanksgiving took place in Colorado. They had taken a special trip to Hawaii two years ago which was initiated by their children. The couple had also traveled to Salt Lake City, Utah for the Olympics and to Delaware.

Her devotion to her faith was shown by her membership at Trinity Lutheran Church, Belmond, where she had served in many roles including; president of the Church Council, Sunday School teacher, the Mary Circle and the recently completed Visionary Task Force. Carol had shown the same concern for her community. It was demonstrated through her many years of involvement with the Belmond Hospital Auxiliary and her many years of involvement as a Wright County Soil Commissioner. She had served for a time as President of the Culture Club in Belmond. She had been a dedicated volunteer at the Belmond Health Care Center. She enjoyed visiting the nursing home and making crafts for friends.

Carol's concern for the land and conservation continued with her and her husband's duties in traveling around the countryside delivering seed drills to many farmers. She had earned numerous awards for her conservation work. Carol was an avid sports fan during her lifetime. She had been a league bowler for many years in the Belmond Bowling Association, vice president of the Happy Eight Bowling League, a fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and enjoyed high school athletics. Carol was a strong and faithful person whose perseverance kept her on the path to recovery following a terrible automobile accident.

Those left to cherish the memory of her life include her husband and life partner of more than 45 years, Alfred McLaughlin of Belmond; her sons, Terrance and wife, Linda of Des Moines and Kevin McLaughlin of Rochester, Minnesota; her daughters, Lori Ludwig and husband, Allen of Corwith, Angela Rasmussen and husband, James of Evergreen, Colorado, Michelle Schaeffer and husband, Bryon of Ankeny, Elizabeth Engberg and husband, Allen of Puyallup, Washington and Susan McLaughlin of Algona; her sisters-in-law, Marge Johnson and Frances Johnson of Osage; brothers, Charles and wife, Betty, Harley and wife, Clarissa, Ivan and wife, Kathy Johnson, all of Osage and Keith and Jackie Johnson of Fort Dodge; brother-in-law, Lowell Olsen of Osage; sisters, Mildred Sponheim and husband, Norman of Nora Springs, Sharon Boyce and husband, James of Roseville, Minnesota and Eleanor Schallock of Osage; 11 grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, C. Dale and Kenneth Johnson, two sisters, Margaret Olsen and Florence Borcherding, two infant sisters; and two brothers-in-law, Alvy Borcherding and LaVerne Schallock.

The Tenold-Andrews Funeral Home, Belmond, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Eugene Elmer Wright

November 3, 2004

Eugene Elmer Wright, age 73, of Osage, died on Thursday, October 28, 2004, at his home.

Funeral services were held on Monday, November 1, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage. The Reverend Dennis Hanson and Reverend Roy Ott officiated. Interment was in the Osage Cemetery, with Military Honors at the grave by the Osage American Legion Post 278 and Osage VFW Post 7920.

Eugene was born on November 22, 1930 at the Nissen Hospital in Osage, the son of Elmer and Nora (Wheeler) Wright. He was educated in the Osage Schools, graduating from the Osage High School in May of 1949. He enlisted in the United States Navy on July 18, 1949, serving in the South Pacific. He was in the Naval Reserves for seven years. Eugene was united in marriage to Mayzee Ring on December 14, 1952, at the St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Riceville. He started doing plumbing and heating for Harry Johnson in 1953, after which he was employed by others in this same area of work. Eugene started Wright Plumbing and Heating in July of 1977, working a total of 45 years in the plumbing and heating business.

He was a member of the Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Osage American Legion, Osage VFW, and the Osage Masonic Lodge 102 A. F. & A. M. Eugene enjoyed sports, especially football, wrestling and fishing. He had a cottage at Clear Lake for 15 years, where he spent many happy days on the lake.

His survivors include his wife, Mayzee Wright of Osage; three sons, Dean Wright and wife, Julie of Clear Lake and children, Nicholas and Diana; Douglas Wright and wife, Jean of Osage and children, Jonathan, Stephanie and Emily; David Wright and wife, Cornelia of Clear Lake and son, Justin; three sisters, Marian (Roger) Anderson of Dickeyville, Wisconsin, Jeanette (Herbert) Heimer of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Norma Jean (Bernard) Hoff of Belmond; sisters-in-law, Lois Dinger of Riceville and Marlene (Glen) Dillon of Cresco; and nieces and nephews.

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Nora Wright; and a granddaughter, Chelsey Marie Wright.

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

Rev. William Robert Fegan

November 3, 2004

Rev. William Robert Fegan, 80, died on Friday, October 29, 2004, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Monday, November 1, at the United Church of Christ, Osage, Iowa, with Rev. Robert Melhorn officiating.

Bob was born on June 10, 1924 in Mora, Minnesota, to Charles and Eldona (Black) Fegan. His schooling included Bemidji State College with a BA in History, Meltonville College in Meltonville, Kansas and Garret Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois. He was married to Vivian Anderson on June 26, 1946, in rural Turtle Lake, Wisconsin by Vivian's father, Rev. E. E. Anderson. Bob served churches in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. He served on numerous association and conference committees, including Chairing the Church and Ministries Committee.

After retiring in 1989, Bob and Vivian moved to St. Ansgar. After spending 15 years in St. Ansgar they just recently moved to Apple Valley Assisted Living in Clear Lake, Iowa.

He is survived by his wife, Vivian of Clear Lake; daughter, Rachel (Steven) Schwartz of Fairfax Station, Virginia; three sons, David (Barbara) Fegan of Rock Rapids, Iowa, Steven (Theresa Cain) Fegan of Bayville, New Jersey and Mark (Becky) Fegan of Bellevue, Nebraska; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and one sister, Betty Gregerson of VanBuren, Indiana.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Edward; and two sisters, Ruth Fegan and Jean Foster.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, Iowa.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press