Julie T. Adams

September 8, 2004

Julie T. Adams, 54, of Waukegan, Illinois, formerly of Mitchell, died on Wednesday, September 1, 2004, at the Kindred Chicago Lakeshore Hospital in Chicago, Illinois.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, September 7, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with the Rev. Wayne Ellingson officiating. Interment was in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Mitchell.

Julie was born on March 17, 1950, in the Philippine Islands, the daughter of Francisco and Monica Garcia.

She is survived by her father, Francisco Garcia of the Philippines; husband, Douglas Adams of Waukegan, Illinois, formerly of Mitchell; daughter, Jennifer Adams of Charles City; mother-in-law, Shirley Adams of Mitchell; six sisters-in-law, Connie (Ron) Pint of Osage, Jackie (Chuck) Grimm of Mitchell, Terry Adams of Mitchell, Kim (Brian) Clayton of Mitchell, Paula (Randy) Kamp of Cresco and Sherry (Don) Schmidt of Simpsonville, South Carolina.

Julie was preceded in death by her mother, Monica Garcia; father-in-law, Wayland Adams; and brother-in-law, Wally Adams.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Alice A. Ohden

September 15, 2004

Alice A. Ohden, age 79, of rural Floyd, died on Monday, September 6, 2004, at the Floyd County Memorial Hospital in Charles City.

Funeral services were held on Friday, September 10, at the Eden Presbyterian Church, rural Rudd, with Rev. John Bates officiating. Interment was in the Eden Presbyterian Cemetery.

Alice was born on December 3, 1924 near Rudd, Iowa, the daughter of Edward and Hulda (Ahrens) Brandau. She attended country schools near Rudd and graduated from the Rudd High School in 1941. Alice attended Hamilton Business College, after which she worked for several years in the office of Kresge's in Mason City as a bookkeeper. She then helped on the family farm. Alice was united in marriage to John Ohden on June 21, 1946, at the Eden Presbyterian Church, with the ceremony being officiated by Rev. Henry Sinning. They made their home near McIntire and then moved to a farm east of Rudd. In 1950, they moved to their current farm near Floyd.

Alice enjoyed working on the farm, playing piano, picnics, cooking, gardening and attending all of her grandchildren's events. She was a lifelong member of the Eden Presbyterian Church, where she served as an Elder. Alice was a past secretary for the Eden Presbyterian Cemetery.

She is survived by her husband, John Ohden of Floyd; her children, Donald (Cheryl "Buffie") Ohden of Nora Springs and their children, Brandy (Aaron) Wilson and Paul Ohden; Edward (Jane) Ohden of Grafton and their children, Renee (Darren) Petersen and their children, Nicole, Ryan and Jenna Krista Ohden and Amy Ohden; Ann (Arnold) Knoll of New Hampton and their children, Sarah (Chad) Buchholz and Benjamin Knoll; James (Barb) Ohden of Floyd and their children, Jamie (Chad) Schriever and Juli Ohden; Robert Ohden of Floyd; Keith Ohden of Forest City; sisters, Lucille (Neil) Bisbee of Stacyville, Eunice (Homer) Stockdale of Aplington and Elinor Sinning of Rudd; sister-in-law, Madge Brandau of Rudd; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents; an infant brother, Alton Brandau; one brother, Reuben Brandau; one grandson, J. Ohden; and one brother-in-law, Norval Sinning.

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

Eileen K. Whitaker

September 15, 2004

Eileen K. Whitaker, age 87, of Osage, died on Tuesday, September 7, 2004, at the Faith Home in Osage.

A graveside inurnment service was held on Friday, September 10, in the Osage Cemetery, with Rev. Robert Melhorn officiating. Eileen was cremated. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society.

Eileen was born on December 18, 1916 in Rock Creek Township, the daughter of Gus and Emma (Nelson) Krogstad. She attended Osage Schools, graduating from the Osage High School in 1934. Eileen was united in marriage to John E. Whitaker on May 26, 1943, at the Congregational Church in Osage. During the war years, she was employed as office manager for the Gray Van Lines in Minneapolis. She later worked as a legal secretary for the Chihak Law Firm and was employed for 13 years at the Osage Farmer's National Bank.

Eileen was a member of the United Church of Christ, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Sunny Brae County Club.

Eileen is survived by her husband, John Whitaker of Osage; six nieces, Dell Abben of Osage, Peggy Jo Harris of Cedar Falls, Karen Moore of Winona, Minnesota, Colette Harpp of San Mateo, California, Jill Schaaban of San Mateo, California and Randi Johnston of Los Angeles, California.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Orril Krogstad; a sister, Hyllis Schwab; and a sister-in-law, Phyllis Krogstad.

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

Isabella Hartwig

September 15, 2004

Isabella Hartwig, age 79, of Osage, died on Wednesday, September 8, 2004, in her home.

Funeral services were held on Monday, September 13, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Byron Northwick officiating. Interment was in the Osage Cemetery.

Isabella Heimbucher, was born on June 15, 1925 in Augsburg, Germany. She was united in marriage to Wilmer L. Hartwig on October 10, 1953 in Germany. They returned to the United States and farmed the family farm, until retiring and moving to Osage in 1988. Isabella was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church.

She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Vandell and husband, Scott of Laurel, Montana.

Isabella was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Wilmer Hartwig in 1997.

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

James E. Bailey, Jr.

September 15, 2004

James Edward "Ed" Bailey, Jr., 78, of Winona, Minnesota, died on Thursday, September 9, 2004, at his home in Winona, surrounded by his loving wife and children.

Funeral services were held on Monday, September 13, at the St. Casmir's Catholic Church, Winona, Minnesota. Burial was in the Osage Cemetery.

Ed was born on February 5, 1926 in Greenville, Kentucky, the son of James E. Bailey and Annie Duncan Bailey. Ed was educated in the Greenville Public Schools and the Western State University, Bowling Green, Kentucky. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on February 1, 1944 and was a seaman second class assigned to the Battleship USS New York. He was honorably discharged on April 18, 1946. Ed married Ann E. McGrane in Osage, Iowa on September 4, 1948. He worked in sales and management in various department stores in Osage, Pocahontas, Iowa, Oakes, North Dakota, Coon Rapids, Minnesota and Bloomington, Minnesota. He retired in 1994 and moved to Winona, where he worked part-time in sales with the D & D Star Co.

Ed belonged to the American Legion, Score, Vintage Car Club and Knights of Columbus. He was a faithful member of the St. Casmir's Catholic Church. Ed was known to many in Winona as "The Toy Man."

He is survived by his wife, Ann; a son, Stephen L. (Lorrie) Bailey of Altadeua, California; three daughters, Pamela (Tony) Mazzini of Chicago, Illinois, Mary Beth (Randy) Williams of McKinney, Texas and Barbara (Greg) Olson of Winona, Minnesota; five grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; a sister, Virginia Brooks of Louisville, Kentucky; two nephews; and several great-nieces and nephews.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press

Linda Lou Kessler

September 22, 2004

Linda Lou Kessler, age 54, of Osage, died on Tuesday, September 14, 2004, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center, Hospice Unit in Osage.

There will be no funeral services.

Linda was born on November 14, 1949 in the Riceville Hospital at Riceville, the daughter of Merle and Hazel (Wesp) Kessler. She attended school in Riceville and Osage in Special Education. She also attended the Volunteers of America Hope School, a school for the deaf in Des Moines. Linda lived at Handicap Village in Clear Lake and then Comprehensive Systems of Charles City, first at the Elma Group Home and then later in 1992 she moved to the Osage Group Home. She attended the Work Center in Elma.

Linda was a member of the United Methodist Church in Riceville. She will always be remembered for her love of life and her smile for everyone.

She is survived by her parents, Merle and Hazel Kessler of Osage; two aunts, Sylvia (Ed) Voyna of Knoxville, Arkansas and Viola Kessler of Meservey, Iowa; two uncles, Leonard Kessler of Lime Springs and Ervin Kessler of Riceville; and many cousins.

Linda was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents; one sister, Cathy Ann Kessler; and several aunts and uncles.

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

Christena Leota Thurnau

September 22, 2004

Christena Leota Thurnau, age 102, of Osage, died on Tuesday, September 14, 2004, at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Osage.

Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., on Friday, September 17, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Dennis Hanson and Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Interment was in the Osage Cemetery.

Christena was born on February 23, 1902 in Webster City, Hamilton County, the daughter of Albert Franklin and Rosa Mae (Albright) Adams. She attended school in Webster City. On November 8, 1922, Christena was united in marriage to John Thurnau Sr. at St. Ansgar. Christena worked at the Cedar Valley Produce in Osage and later worked at the Pioneer State Park in Brownville, as a caretaker until her husband, John Sr. passed away. She entered the Osage Rehabilitation Center in March 1990.

She was a lifetime member of the Our Savior's Lutheran Church. She enjoyed quilting, crocheting and puzzle books.

Christena is survived by Shirley Hartwig of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Leslie (Suzi) Thurnau of Osage, John (Olga) Thurnau of St. Ansgar, Ruth (Archie) Rasmussen of Mason City; two sisters, Mary Gerbig and Phyllis Bruggeman; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John Thurnau Sr.; a son, Albert Thurnau; two grandsons; a great-granddaughter; three brothers; and two sisters.

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

Evelyn F. Dieterich

September 22, 2004

Evelyn F. Dieterich, 83, of St. Ansgar, died on Sunday, September 19, 2004, at her home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, September 23, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar, Iowa, with Rev. Byron Northwick officiating. Burial will be in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery.

Evelyn Frances Billings, was born on November 26, 1920 in Chickasaw County, Iowa, to Leslie and May (Denner) Billings. She lived in Fayette, Iowa, until she was 3 years of age. Her family then moved to New Hampton. At age 6 she moved to Osage, Iowa. Evelyn was baptized and confirmed by the Rev. O. C. Myhre at the Rock Creek Lutheran Church in Meroa, Iowa. She attended schools in Mitchell County and graduated from the Osage High School in 1939. Evelyn taught rural school in Cedar Township, south of Osage for one year and then entered the Kahler School of Nursing in Rochester, Minnesota for one year.

Evelyn married Lawrence Dieterich in 1941 at the Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Osage. They lived on a farm half a mile east of St. Ansgar for two years where she helped with 4-H. They moved to a farm 3½ miles southwest of St. Ansgar in 1943 where she helped with farming and the raising of their children. An important part of her life was providing support to her husband, Lawrence, in his many activities. In 1982, they moved to their present home in St. Ansgar.

Evelyn was active in the community, participating in Music Mothers where she was chairperson for two years, a member of the IC Federated Club in St. Ansgar for several years, a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church, where she was chairperson of the Leaders Circle and a member of the Mary Circle. Her hobbies included bridge, gardening and reading.

Evelyn is survived by her husband, Lawrence of St. Ansgar; daughters, Rita Kicherer and husband, David of Newton, Kansas and Darla Stiles and husband, William of West Des Moines, Iowa; son, Dennis and his wife, Ann of St. Ansgar; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and sister, Betty Gast and her husband, Birney of Osage.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, LaDonna Mae in infancy; brother, Covel Billings; and sister, Beverly Allison.

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

Veronica Katcher

October 27, 2004

Veronica M. Katcher, 71, of the Melancthon Creek area rural Cazenovia, died on Thursday, September 23, 2004, at the St. Joseph's Memorial Hospital in Hillsboro.

Funeral services were held on Monday, September 27, at the Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro. Father Wayne Kidd officiated. Burial was in the St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery, Melancthon Creek.

Veronica was born on January 29, 1933, to Edmund and Sophia (Stricherz) Roethler in Osage, Iowa. Veronica and her husband, Ivan moved to their farm in Herietta Township, Richland County in 1960. She operated Vicky's House of Flowers in Richland Center. At their farm she also worked and enjoyed gardening and raising sheep.

Her survivors include daughters, Patricia (Kevin) Machovec of Yuba, Diane Teach of Muscoda and Terri (Ralph) Brennum of Muscoda; nine grandchildren, Tammy Burns, Jimmy Self, Jackie Noyes, Mitchel Bohn, Michael Bohn, Jennifer VandeHay, Tim Katcher, Jr., Lance Katcher and Nicholas Katcher; several great-grandchildren; and a sister, Virginia Martin of Charles City.

Preceding Veronica in death were her parents; husbands, Stanley Krumrey and Ivan Katcher; a son, Tim Katcher; and a grandson, John Teach.

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

Rose Johanns

October 6, 2004

Rose Johanns, age 91, of Osage, died on Monday, September 27, 2004, at the Faith Home in Osage.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, October 2, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Rev. Mark Reasoner officiating. Burial was in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Osage.

Rose was born on October 19, 1912, on the family farm near Duncan, Iowa, the daughter of Jilji and Rose (Hejlik) Hrubes. Rose married Jim Zrostlik in 1933. Jim died in 1935. Rose married Marvin Johanns on February 25, 1941 in Duncan. They farmed east of Osage for 49 years, moving to Osage in the fall of 1989. Marvin died on December 26, 1989.

Rose was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage and a member of the Sacred Heart Ladies Guild. She was a member of the Mitchell County Hospital Auxiliary, serving as a volunteer in the hospital. Rose also volunteered at the Sacred Heart School. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be given to the Friendship Ark, Ames, Iowa.

Rose is survived by her daughter, Janice (Edward) Kodet of Minneapolis, Minnesota and their son, Daniel Kodet of Minneapolis; her son, Clarence "Joe" Johanns of Ames and his children, Denise (Rodger) Lovig of Story City and their children, Alex (Bobbi) Balfanz and their daughter, Parker Rose; Kimberly (Joe) Chelsvig and their children, Benjamin and Dawson; Karen (David) Burgus of Osceola and their children, Chris and Adrienne; Alan (Kristine) Johanns of San Diego, California and their daughter, Kamryn; Sharon (Joe) Schwabe of Denver, Colorado and their children, Sarah, Jennifer, Joseph and Megan; Nancy (Mark) Shaw of Ames and their children, Rachael, Phillip and Kristine; Joel Johanns of Ames; three sisters, Elsie Vavrik of Garner, Helen Malek of Garner and Mary Trca of Britt; two brothers, Joe (Leona) Hrubes of Britt and Clarence (Joan) Hrubes of Garner; two sisters-in-law, Margaret Hrubes of Garner and Alyce Hrubes of Garner; and one brother-in-law, Vince Nedved of Garner.

Rose was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Jim Zrostlik in 1935; her second husband, Marvin Johanns in 1989; three brothers, Frank, John and Ray Hrubes; two sisters, Agnes Nedved and Emily Trca; and a daughter-in-law, Lois Johanns.

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

James Nicholson

October 6, 2004

James Nicholson, age 68, of Osage, died on Tuesday, September 28, 2004, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center Hospice Unit in Osage.

Graveside services were held on Friday, October 1, in the Osage Cemetery. Lay Pastor Gary Gilbert and Rev. A. C. Wegner officiated.

James Nicholson, was born on April 18, 1936 in Riceville, Iowa, the son of John W. and Gladys (Phillips) Nicholson. He was united in marriage to Darlene Peters on August 7, 1954 in Osage. James served in the United States Air Force, after which they lived in Kansas for several years. They then moved to Osage in 1968. James was employed by the Osage Schools working in the bus barn. He later worked for the Mitchell County Highway Department until his retirement.

James had a family band, ran a flea market for many years and did a lot of traveling. He especially loved to play his guitar.

James is survived by his wife, Darlene Nicholson of Osage; a daughter, Belinda (Mark) Borchardt of Grafton; one brother, Richard (Evelyn) Nicholson of Osage; one sister, Violet (Raymond) Steffen of Orchard; a half-sister, Gloria (Ronald) Dishinger of Riceville; and five grandchildren.

James Nicholson was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Gregory Nicholson; and one sister, Dorothy Kiefer.

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

Leo W. Michels

October 6, 2004

Leo Michels, 75, passed away from lung cancer on Thursday, September 30, 2004, at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines.

Funeral services were held on Monday, October 4, at the Westover Funeral Home, with burial following in the Glendale Cemetery. There will be a Memorial Mass on Saturday, October 23, at 10:30 a.m., at the Sacred Heart Church in Meyer, Iowa.

Leo was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, raised in Meyer, Iowa and had lived in Des Moines for 50 years. He was a purchasing agent for DMACC for 16 years and for 10 years at Polk County. Leo was a traditional Jazz enthusiast and NASCAR fan.

Leo is survived by his children, Maria Michels and Martin Michels, both of Des Moines; four sisters, Joan Hemann of Osage, Ann (Tom) Marsolek of Lakewood, Colorado, Rose (Dale) Bock of Clive and Jeannette Brandt of Northfield, Minnesota; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Pauline Michels; a brother, Bob Michels; a sister, Germaine Michels; and a brother-in-law, John Hemann.

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society.
© 2004 Mitchell County Press