Alphia (Kruger) Rachut-Walk

December 4, 2007

Alphia (Kruger) Rachut-Walk, 87, died on Saturday, December 1, 2007, at the Three Links Care Center, Northfield, Minnesota.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, December 6, 2007, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Grafton, with Rev. Wayne Ellingson and AiM Irmgard Ellingson officiating. Burial will be in the St. John's Cemetery, Rock Township, Osage. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar.

Alphia (Kruger) Rachut-Walk, was born on July 29, 1920 in rural Grafton, Iowa to Alfred and Lydia (Kirchgatter) Kruger. She was baptized and confirmed at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Grafton, where she was married to Roy Rachut on February 18, 1940. They made their home and their living on a farm 4 miles east of Grafton.

Roy and Alphia were active members of the St. John's Lutheran Church, 1/2 mile from their home. Alphia loved to be outdoors and took an active part in farming the land. After Roy's death in 1971, Alphia was married to Harley Walk in November 1973. They were members of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton. They lived just west of Grafton where Harley raised turkeys.

Alphia moved to the Worth Living Center in St. Ansgar, and then to the Good Samaritan Center in St. Ansgar in August, 2005. In April 2007 she moved to Three Links Care Center in Northfield, Minnesota.

Alphia enjoyed attending church and church activities, gardening, dancing, playing bridge, working jigsaw puzzles, doing good works for the elderly in the community, and giving her grandchildren some great "farming experiences". Though Alphia had Alzheimer's and may not have known us of late in her memory, she did know us in her heart. She will be sadly missed.

Alphia was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Evelyn Steinberg; brothers, Elery Kruger and Wilfred Kruger; her daughter, Shirley (Ken) Fossey; her first husband, Roy Rachut; and her second husband, Harley Walk.

Alphia is survived by three daughters, Mary (Alan) Greenman of Austin, Minnesota, Darlene (Verle) Zuehl of Northbridge, Massachusetts and Betty (Stan) Brumm of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; a step-daughter, Anne (Harry) Hammond of Boulder, Colorado; step-son, Mark (Tracy) Walk of Osage; 12 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and one step-great-grandson.

The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press

George Borchardt

December 10, 2007

George Ervin Borchardt, 76, of Holland, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 1, 2007, surrounded by his family at his home, after a courageous battle with cancer, under the care of the Cedar Valley Hospice.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, December 5, 2007, at the American Lutheran Church in Grundy Center, Iowa, with Pastor David Turner officiating. Burial followed in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Grundy Center, Iowa.

George Ervin Borchardt, was born on February 5, 1931, on a farm in Mitchell County, Iowa, the son of George W. and Matie (Bartz) Borchardt. He was baptized at home in 1931 and confirmed at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Osage, by T.P. Solem. He graduated from the Mitchell Consolidated High School in 1948. He worked construction for Robert Warrington until 1951. He was united in marriage to Joanne Rose Nickerson on September 30, 1951.

George served in the U.S. Marine Corps from December 1951 to December 1953 during the Korean Conflict. He returned and started farming near Mitchell, from 1954 to 1964. He left farming due to the drought. George started working for the Hoover Hatchery in Rudd, for one year. He then went to work for Farmland Foods, Inc in Denison, Iowa. He later transferred to Holland to work at a buying station for Farmland retiring in 1991 after 25 years. He continued to work part time for Weber Livestock and Daly Livestock until 1998.

George will be lovingly remembered for his loyalty to family and friends, strong work ethic, sense of humor and sociability. George loved to joke around and laugh. He cherished his home, lawn, flowers, American flag and his service to his country. He enjoyed visiting with his family, friends, neighbors and his special "grand dog" Josie. George was a member of the American Lutheran Church in Grundy Center, the American Legion Post #0681 of Conrad and the Holland Fire Department for 27 years.

Although George will be greatly missed in this world his spirit will be etched in our hearts forever until we join him one day in Glory.

George was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Gertrude Boerjan; and a brother, Merland Borchardt.

He is survived by his wife, Joanne; four daughters, Sandra and her husband, Charles Kabala of Lost Nation, Iowa, Christine and her husband, Sergio Villalpando of Center Point, Iowa, Kimberly and her husband, Dennis Weis of West Des Moines, Iowa and Angela and her husband, Shane Franklin of Traer, Iowa; two sons, Brian Borchardt of Tuscon, Arizona and Scott Borchardt of Petoskey, Michigan; 13 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and one on the way in March '08; and a sister-in-law, Rosemary Borchardt of Osage, Iowa.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press

Hilbert "Hilly" Rogers

December 4, 2007

Hilbert "Hilly" William Rogers, age 84, of Orchard, Iowa, died on Sunday, December 2, 2007, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, December 6, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Msgr. Stanley Hayek officiating. Burial will be in the Orchard Cemetery at Orchard, with military honors at the grave by the Orchard American Legion Post 641 and Osage V.F.W. Post 7920. Visitation is from 4-7:30 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with a rosary at 4:30 p.m. and a scripture wake service at 7:00 p.m.

Hilbert was born on April 27, 1923 in Cedar East Township, rural Osage, the son of Oswald and Kathryn (O'Connor) Rogers. He attended the Rock Township country school, one year of high school in Osage, and graduated from the Orchard High School in 1941. He attended Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa.

Hilbert was in the U.S. Army Air Force from 1943-1946, serving in the Pacific Theater, Philippines, and Japan. On September 2, 1947, he married Collette Rennier of Floyd, Iowa, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Charles City, Iowa. They farmed in the Floyd area and then moved to his family farm in Orchard in 1959. He was a former mayor, councilman, and city clerk for Orchard.

Hilbert was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Osage, member of the Orchard Legion Post 641, was on the Mitchell County Food Bank Board, Mitchell County Farm Bureau member, member of the Mitchell County Cattlemen's Association, charter member of the Osage V.F.W., past member of the Mitchell County Fair Board, and a 4-H Leader for the Horse and Pony Club for many years.

Hilbert is survived by his wife, Collette of Osage; two sons, Rick (Darlys) Rogers of Osage and Monte (Pat) Rogers of Orchard; two daughters, Theresa (Ron) Muhlenbruck of Orchard and Kathy (Jim) Orsland of Ankeny; grandchildren, Angie Boehmer, Jennifer Tresch, Beth Olson, Nick Rogers, Jeff Rogers, Chad Halbach, Lora Williams, Jacob Orsland and Kaylene Orsland; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Eugene Rogers.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press

Robert LeRoy Jorgensen

December 10, 2007

Robert LeRoy Jorgensen, age 86, of Osage, died on Wednesday, December 5, 2007, at the St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Tuesday, December 11, 2007, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Dennis Hanson and Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery. Visitation is from 4-7:00 p.m., on Monday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, and will continue one hour before the services at the church.

Memorials may be given to Our Savior's Lutheran Church or the Cedar River Recreation and Fine Arts Center.

Robert was born on September 18, 1921 in Osage, Iowa, to Victor and Rose (Hiner) Jorgensen. He was baptized and confirmed at the First United Methodist Church in Osage. Robert attended Osage schools, was a member of the Class of 1939, but graduated with the Class of 1940, due to the scarlet fever epidemic of that time. He was united in marriage to Helen C. Olson, the girl next door, on June 30, 1945, in her family home in Osage, where they lived for the next 61 years, prior to his moving to the Evergreen Apartments in December of 2006.

He became a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church after his marriage. Following Robert's high school graduation, he owned and operated a gas station on North Seventh Street in Osage, and later worked at Oliver in Charles City. He then became the owner and operator of the Red Owl grocery store on East Main Street in Osage, after which he worked for Gildner's Clothing (now Fleming's) and was employed by the Waterloo Courier. Later, Robert was employed at White Farm in Charles City as an inventory production and ordering clerk until his retirement. He also held a real estate broker's license.

Robert was a member of the Sunny Brae Country Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Conservation Club, all in Osage.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Helen in 1999.

Survivors include his son, Robert Carl Jorgensen of Minneapolis, MN; daughters, Julia Ann (Larry) Kotewa of Peoria, Illinois and Helen Christine (Richard) McConnell of Cedar Rapids; seven grandchildren, Christopher (Kristi) McConnell of Chicago, Illinois, Ben (Louisa) McConnell of Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, Amber McConnell of Cedar Rapids, Patrick McConnell of Cedar Rapids, Erik (Jamie) Kotewa of Champaign, Illinois, Caleb Kotewa of Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Aaron Kotewa of Jackson Hole, Wyoming; four great-grandchildren; one sister, Phyllis Hopfe of Austin, Minnesota; and one niece, Sherri (Randy) Franke of Woodbury, Minnesota.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press

Marjorie E. Schulz

December 18, 2007

Marjorie E. Schulz, age 70, of Osage, died on Friday, December 14, 2007, at her home near Osage.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, December 19, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with Rev. Robert Melhorn officiating. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery. Visitation was from 4-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage and will continue one hour before the services at the funeral home.

Marjorie was born on July 28, 1937 in Hancock County, Iowa, the daughter of Arthur and Altha (Shupe) Lassahn. She attended country schools near McIntire and New Haven, and attended the Osage High School. Marjorie married Ronald Schulz on October 9, 1955, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua.

She was a housewife and worked at the Plaza Café in Osage, where she met her best and lifelong friend, Roberta Hanson. Marjorie also worked at the Maple Inn in Osage. She enjoyed going to local stock car races, bowling, and watching football on television.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Ricky Schulz; and three grandchildren, Pacer, Aaron and Naomi Power.

Marjorie is survived by her husband, Ronald Schulz of Osage; two daughters, Jean (Les) Perry of Riceville and MayBelle (Rick) Brockney of Riceville; a son, Kenneth (Claire Steele) Schulz of New Port Richey, Florida; grandchildren, Adam, Joshua, Matthew, Autumn, Megan and Samantha Schulz, Michelle Bushbaum, Amanda and David Brockney, Dakota Schulz; a twin sister, Margrette Eishens of Park Rapids, Minnesota; a brother, Dean Lassahn; half-brothers, Paul, Harold, Gerald, Richard, and Lloyd; and a half-sister, Judy.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, is in charge of the arrangements.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press

Edna Tibbetts

December 18, 2007

Edna Tibbetts, age 91, of Osage, died on Friday, December 14, 2007, at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Osage.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., on Tuesday, December 18, 2007, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Bruce Kaltwasser officiating. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery.

Edna was born on April 14, 1916 in Stockholm Township, Crawford County, Iowa, the daughter of Fredrick and Laura (Reinke) Hansohn. In 1934, she graduated from high school in Deloit, Iowa. Edna married Emery Tibbetts on July 18, 1939, at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Deloit. They moved to Osage in 1949.

Edna worked as a waitress and as a homemaker health aide. She was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church and the V.F.W. Auxiliary. She enjoyed flowers, football, car races, fishing and going to Denny's cabin on the Cedar River. Edna loved life, and especially enjoyed her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Emery Tibbetts in 1999; a son, Gary in 1962; and a brother-in-law, Vernet Soenksen.

Edna is survived by five children, Gale Tibbetts of Omaha, Nebraska, Neil (LuAnn) Tibbetts of Cedar Rapids, Lael (Paul) Koster of Osage, Leah Tubbs of Bishop, California and Keith (Karilyn) Tibbetts of Lake Elsinore, California; six grandchildren, Denise Koster, Dan (Sherry) Koster, Ryan (Jill) Tubbs, Adam Tubbs, Sam Tibbetts and Dave (Kristen) Tibbetts; four great-grandchildren, Brittney and Zackary Koster, Nancilee Tibbetts and Logan Tubbs; and one sister, Esther Soenksen of Deloit.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press

Emily G. Wilkes

December 24, 2007

Emily G. Wilkes, 85, of Cottage Grove Place, died there on Wednesday, December 19, 2007, after a brief illness.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, January 19, 2008, at the Unity Center. Rev. Brenda Ehret will officiate. The Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Emily was born on May 2, 1922 in Cresco, the daughter of Leon "Nip" and Florence Fields DeNoyelles. She married Robert F. Wilkes, son of R.J. and Lucille Carpenter Wilkes, on February 14, 1941 in Cresco. After raising her family she trained to be an alcoholism counselor and held positions at the Sedlacek Treatment Center, Hillcrest Family Services and McDonald Hospital. Emily was a member of the United Methodist Church, Eastern Star and P.E.O.

Survivors include four sons, Robert (Joyce) of Cedar Rapids, John (Charlet) of Decorah, Richard (Marty) of Maple Plain, Minnesota and Thomas (Mary Rima) of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin; nine grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband; and one great-grandchild, Alex.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press

Susanne Claire Birdsall Baty

December 31, 2007

Susanne Claire Birdsall Baty, 59, of Maquoketa, died on Friday, December 21, 2007, in her home after a long illness.

Memorial services will be held at a later date. The Cremation Society of Eastern Iowa is assisting with arrangements.

Susanne was born on August 5, 1948 in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Weston and Anne Birdsall. She attended Iowa State University, received her Bachelors at Drake University and received her Masters from the University of Iowa. She retired as Principal of the Cardinal Elementary School in Maquoketa. She was editor of the Iowa Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Survivors include her husband, Corliss; two daughters, Emily K. Baty of Centennial, Colorado and Erin (Solomon) J. Miller of Loveland, Colorado; her parents, Anne and Weston Birdsall; three brothers, Scott, Shan and Steven; and one sister, Sonne Nielsen.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press

Marjorie L. Merritt

December 31, 2007

Marjorie L. Merritt, of Osage, passed away surrounded by her loving family, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's on Friday, December 21, 2007, at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.

Because she wished to be cremated, a memorial gathering for family and friends was held at the Osage VFW, on Saturday, December 29, 2007, from 11:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m.

Marjorie was born on September 8, 1918 in Nashua, Iowa, the daughter of Floyd & Merle Eckenrod. She graduated from the Nashua High School. She and Milo were married in the Little Brown Church in Nashua, on November 25, 1937 and had recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

Marjorie was a long time member of the David Community Church and the David Ladies Aid. She was very active with the Mitchell County Democrats and also served as secretary to her husband, Milo, while he was an Iowa State Senator. In addition, Marjorie was a former Worthy Matron of the Order of Eastern Star, and worked for many years as a homemaker health aid.

Marjorie was loved by all who knew her, to know her was to love her. She enjoyed living in Osage and later in Arizona where she could golf, play cards, cook and have fun with family and friends. She loved to laugh, tell jokes, take care of everyone and she always had a smile on her face. She lit up our lives.

She was preceded in death by both parents; a sister, Hildred; and a brother, Wilbur.

Survivors include her beloved husband, Milo; son, Bruce Merritt and wife, Kathy of Massillon, Ohio; two daughters, Janet McGovern and husband, Terry of Riceville and Phyllis Beamer and husband, John of Des Moines; two brothers, Virgil Eckenrod and wife, Lois of Rudd and Roger Eckenrod and wife, Katie of Arizona; 11 grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press

Avis I. Lewis

December 31, 2007

Avis I. Lewis, 89, of Willmar, died on Tuesday, December 25, 2007, at the Bethesda Pleasantview in Willmar.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, December 29, at the Kerkhoven Presbyterian Church in Kerkhoven. Burial was in the Hillside Cemetery in Kerkhoven.

Avis was born on October 23, 1918 in Mitchell, Iowa, the daughter of William and Laura (Duenow) Schmidt. She attended elementary school in Mitchell and graduated in 1936 from the Mitchell High School. She continued her education at Hamilton Business College in Mason City, graduating in 1938. She remained in Mason City until 1941 when she moved to Washington D.C., where she worked as a secretary in the Pentagon.

Avis returned to Mitchell in 1950 and on February 20, 1953, she was united in marriage to Henry Lewis in Osage, Iowa. Following their marriage, they moved to a farm near Murdock. Henry died on July 9, 1960. She remained on the farm until 2000 when she moved into Willmar. She had been active with the Chippewa County Farm Bureau, PTA and the Chippewa County Republican Party.

She was baptized and confirmed at the Faith Lutheran Church in Mitchell and was a member of the Kerkhoven Presbyterian Church, where she had been Sunday School Superintendant and also served on the Board of Trustees.

Surviving are her children, Craig Lewis of Murdock, Laurine (and Steve Nowrang) Lewis of Rockford, Minnesota and Valerie (and Randy) Holmgren of Kerkhoven.

She was preceded in death by her husband; and her parents.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press

Robert Molsberry

December 31, 2007

Robert "Bob" Molsberry, 83, died on Tuesday, December 25, 2007, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 9:00 a.m., on Saturday, December 29, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Manly, with Rev. Msgr. Joseph Slepicka and Reverend David Kucera officiating. Interment was in the Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery, Mason City. Visitation was held on Friday, from 4-6:00 p.m., with a scriptural wake service at 6:00 p.m., at the Bride Colonial Chapel, Manly.

Robert Molsberry, was born on March 30, 1924 in Mason City, the son of Arthur and Clarice (Crimmings) Molsberry. He graduated from the Plymouth High School in 1942. He farmed with his father west of Grafton for most of his life. He was united in marriage to Joan Alberta Brennan on July 31, 1948 and to this union three children were born. After retiring from farming in 1984, he later worked for UBC in Mason City and the Marsh Turkey Farms. In August of 2007, he moved to the Manly Assisted Living Center.

Bob loved hunting, fishing, entertaining, singing, playing the organ, reading and card club. He greatly enjoyed coffee with his friends and loved spending time with his family. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Manly.

Bob is survived by his children, Mary Jo Molsberry and significant other, Gary Heit of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Michael (Marcia) Molsberry of St. Ansgar and Kevin (Lisa) Molsberry of Algona; grandchildren, Amy (T.J.) O'Donnell of Elma, Staff Sgt. Ryan Molsberry of Des Moines and significant other, Kelly Hackenmiller of St. Ansgar, Kathleen (David) Ring of Osage, Rachel and Rebecca Molsberry of Algona; great-grandchildren, Lucas McKay, Kylie and Jake Ring, all of Osage, John Ryan O'Donnell of Elma; special friend, Joyce Calgaard of Fertile; along with several nieces, nephew, cousin, other relatives and friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Joan; brother, Bernard; and sister, Patricia.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press

Gerald L. Meek

January 4, 2008

Gerald L. Meek, 58, of Greene, Iowa, passed away on Friday, December 28, 2007, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Per his wishes, Gerald was cremated. A memorial was held at 1:00 p.m., on Monday, December 31, at the Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Greene. The Cremation Society of Eastern-Central-Western Iowa assisted with the arrangements.

Gerald Louis Meek, was born on July 20, 1949 in Greene, the son of Wayne and Henrietta (Ackley) Meek. He married Linda Wilken on March 29, 1969 and to this union four children were born. Gerald would later marry Joni Rolland on March 6, 2001 in Allison, Iowa.

Gerald graduated from the Greene Community High School and served his country during the Vietnam War. He was a Rural Mail Carrier for the United States Postal Service out of Greene, for several years. Jerry volunteered his time as an EMT/Paramedic for several years and also as a member of the chain gang for the Greene High School football team for over 30 years. He was an avid sports fan, especially of the Iowa Hawkeye's. He also gave his time and prided himself in taking care of numerous lawns in Greene. He was known as a hard worker and dedicated in everything that he did. He was deeply loved as a husband, father, and most fondly as Papa Jerry.

Survivors include his wife, Joni Meek of Greene; four children, Robert (Darci) Meek of Charles City, Lisa (Jon) Duncomb of Osage, John (Roxanne) Meek of Charles City and Rick (Lisa) Meek of Osage; one brother, Jeff (Lisa) Meek of Coon Rapids, Minnesota; and one sister, Jayne (Kenny) Knapp of Greene; 13 grandchildren; sister-in-law, Patty Meek of Ackley; four step-children, Shannon Henaman-Thompson, Dan, Niki and Philip Henaman; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Henrietta Meek; and two brothers, Jim and Duane Meek.
© 2008 Mitchell County Press

Charles Lockie

December 31, 2007

Charles Lockie, age 88, of Austin, Minnesota, and formerly of Osage, died on Saturday, December 29, 2007, at his home in Austin.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, January 5, 2008, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery, with military honors at the grave by the Osage V.F.W. Post 7920. Visitation will be from 10-10:30 a.m., on Saturday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

He was born on March 30, 1919 at Cutbank, Montana, the son of George and Ada (Sumpter) Lockie. His family moved to Riceville and he graduated from the Riceville High School in 1937. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in North Africa and Italy and received a Purple Heart.

He was united in marriage to Dorothy Regan on September 19, 1944. He was a district sales manager for the Moorman Feed Company in the Osage area. They then lived in Arizona, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Austin, Minnesota. Charles' hobbies included building houses and boats. He also enjoyed ballroom dancing.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Lockie of Austin, Minnesota; a son, Michael (Janet) Lockie of Austin, Minnesota; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Urainia Thompson; and a daughter, Michelle Hodina.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press