Robert J. Olson

May 8, 2007

Robert J. Olson, age 78, of Osage, died on Saturday, May 5, 2007, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, May 8, 2007, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Bruce Kaltwasser officiating. Burial was in the Osage Cemetery.

Bob was born on May 15, 1928 at Osage, the son of Julius and Inga (Linsted) Olson. He was baptized and confirmed at the Rock Creek Lutheran Church in Meroa, Iowa. He married Doris Dowd on August 17, 1950, in Lyle, Minnesota.

Bob worked as an auto mechanic in St. Ansgar and Osage. He drove gas transport for the Co-op Oil Company for 25 years, until he retired in 1989. Bob was honored by the Co-op for driving 2.5 million miles without an accident. He loved gardening, fishing, and enjoyed many fishing trips up north with family. Bob also enjoyed Bingo and trips to the river. His family and grandchildren were very important to him and he loved spending time with them.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Jean and Melvin Olson; a granddaughter, Rae Ann Huffman; and an aunt, Olga Olson.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 56 years, Doris Olson of Osage; his son, Robert (Kathy) Olson of Forest City; his daughters, Betty (Steve) Huffman of Stacyville and JoAnn (Alan) Wagner of Orchard; grandchildren, Angie (Chad) Chadwick of Omaha, Nebraska, Shawn (Kari) Olson of Forest City, Randi (Tim) Callahan of Farmington, Minnesota, Robby Huffman of Cedar Falls, Ryan Huffman of Mason City, Nick (Elyse) Wagner of Osage, Melissa Wagner of Orchard and Misty Pollard of Woodbury, Minnesota; great-grandchildren, Tyler and Morgan Chadwick, Andy and Brooke Olson, Makayla and Karlie Wagner and Jamison Callahan; one brother, Keith (Delores) Olson of Osage; and many nieces and nephews.

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

Mary F. Hanson

May 8, 2007

Mary F. Hanson, 91, died on Sunday May 6, 2007, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, May 14, 2007, at the Nazareth Lutheran Church in Armstrong, Iowa, with Rev. David Olson officiating. Mary will be laid to rest in the Armstrong Grove Cemetery.

Mary F. Hanson, was born on March 5, 1916, the daughter of Jess and Jessie (Gardner) Lester in Lakota, North Dakota. She was a graduate of the Fairmont High School in Fairmont, Minnesota. On January 1, 1937, Mary was united in marriage to Verle Hanson in Armstrong, Iowa.

In her early years Mary was a housewife and mother, later going back to school and receiving her nursing degree where she worked at hospitals in Iowa, Minnesota, as well as North Dakota.

She was a seamstress, a poet, a seeker and lover of knowledge. She loved spending time with her family, who will all miss her dearly.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Roberta Olsen of Osage and Norma Laughery of Spring Green, Wisconsin; siblings, Gary (Mickey) Lester of Cedar Rapids, Maxine (Frank) Eichler of Fort Meyers, Florida and Dottie Christianson of Mason City; six grandchildren, Brad (Patti) Peterson of Mason City, Shane (Karry) Graney of Mason City, Ned (Jodi) Laughery of Holmen, Wisconsin, Jenny (Bob) Dallman of Castle Rock, Colorado, Jessie (Chad) Stedman of Arvada, Colorado and Eric (Kristin) Ray of Elgin, Illinois; eight great-grandchildren, Matt Peterson, Abbey Peterson, Whitney Peterson, Zach Graney, Madison Graney, Jason Dallman, Parker Ray, Andrew Peterson and Lee Peterson, widow of grandson, Steven Peterson; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Verle; parents, Jess and Jessie; grandson, Steven Peterson; three brothers, John, Roy, and Glen Lester; and two sisters, Gertrude Jenkins and Helen Thayer.

Arrangements were made by the Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapels, Mason City.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press

Lillian L. Wilcox

May 15, 2007

Lillian Leah Wilcox, age 81, of Riceville, passed away at the Riceville Community Rest Home on Monday, May 7, 2007.

Funeral services were held at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Riceville, on Friday, May 11, at 10:30 a.m., with Pastor Matt Ness officiating. Burial was in the St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery in Riceville, Iowa.

Survivors include her husband, Robert "Willie" of Riceville; three daughters, Sharon Lovelace, Connie J. Fox and Nancy Wolthoff; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and 6 step-grandchildren. Also surviving are step-children, brothers and sisters.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press

Grace Mary McKenna

May 15, 2007

Grace Mary McKenna, age 86, of Osage, passed away on Thursday, May 10, 2007, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m., on Monday, May 14, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with Pastor Gary Gilbert officiating. Burial was in the Riverside Cemetery in Riceville, Iowa.

The daughter of Arthur and Oril (Harrington) McKenna, Grace was born on April 8, 1921, on the family farm near David, Iowa. She attended the David School and graduated from the Riceville High School in 1938.

She began her teaching career in country rural schools, teaching for 16 years in the Stone School where her mother also taught. She received her Associates Degree from the Mason City Junior College in 1957 and her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Upper Iowa University in 1962. After closing of the rural country schools, Grace taught in the Riceville Elementary School and then in the Osage Elementary School, retiring in 1983.

Grace professed her faith in Jesus at the David Church in 1940 and was baptized by immersion at the Baptist Church in Riceville. Grace was a life-long member of the David Community Church and served as the church pianist for over 60 years.

Grace was a member of the Osage Wa Tan Ye Club, the Cedar Valley Retired Teacher's Association, Alpha Delta Kappa, David Ladies Aide and the Ann Judson Circle.

Grace and her mother moved from the family farm to Osage in 1951. Grace helped care for her mother for many years. She enjoyed her nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews, and great-grandnieces and nephews. She was the "family photographer" and took many pictures. Grace enjoyed bowling and bowled for several years. She also enjoyed traveling and went on numerous trips. Besides visiting most of the continental United States, she also traveled to Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, and Europe.

Grace was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Oril McKenna; and her grandniece, Lori (McKenna) Livingston.

Survivors include her brother, Floyd McKenna and his wife, Lillian of Osage; nieces, Ruth (Roger) Stark of Osage and Dorothy (Jim) Saltou of Waukon; nephews, Allen (Margaret) McKenna of Riceville and Glen (Bonnie) McKenna of Chester; and many grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.

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

Suzanne (Cooney) Trepanier

May 15, 2007

Suzanne (Cooney) Trepanier, 40, of Clear Lake, died on Thursday, May 10, 2007, at her home in Clear Lake.

A Memorial Mass was held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, May 15, 2007, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Rev. John Moser officiating.

Suzanne was born on August 4, 1966 in New Hampton, the daughter of Gordon Cooney and Judith (Rosauer) Vickers. Suzanne grew up in Charles City and graduated from the Charles City High School in 1984.

She married Larry Condon, following their divorce, Suzanne moved to Bullhead City, Arizona, where she met and married William Trepanier. William died on January 7, 2007, at Bullhead City. Suzanne moved to Clear Lake this past March. She was employed at the Diamond Jo Casino in Northwood.

She was preceded in death by her twin sons, Jamie and Justin Condon; her husband, William Trepanier; and her father, Gordon Cooney.

Suzanne is survived by her parents, Charles and Judith Vickers of Osage; two sisters, Karen (Jerry) Wilkinson and their two sons, Bo and Max of Dagsboro, Delaware and Danee Smith of Osage; and a brother, Rick Vickers of Osage;

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

Jon M. Harris

May 15, 2007

Jon M. Harris, age 37, of Osage, died on Friday, May 11, 2007, at his home in Osage, due to medical complications.

Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., on Tuesday, May 15, 2007, at the First United Methodist Church in Osage, with Rev. Dr. J. Samuel Subramanian officiating. Burial was in the Osage Cemetery.

Jon was born on February 10, 1970 in Osage, the son of Ward and Carmen (Smith) Harris. Jon attended school in Osage and graduated from the Osage High School in 1988. In October 1991, Jon graduated from the National Institute of Technology in Des Moines, with an AA Degree in Electronic Engineering and Industrial and Computer Electronics and he has worked in this field ever since.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Osage and was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Osage. Some of Jon's hobbies included collecting antiques, fixing and building computers, and spending time outdoors. The greatest joy of his life was spending time with his daughter, Karmen.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Carmen Harris in 2002; and his grandparents.

Jon is survived by his longtime companion, Hollie Toppin and their daughter, Karmen and Tommy and Amanda Low all of Osage; his father, Ward Harris of Osage; his siblings, Kim (Jim) Larson of Osage, Jim (Deborah) Harris of Loxahatchee, Florida and Lynne (Brian) Wright of Osage; his nieces and nephews, Nicholas and Todd Larson, Letisha (Ben) Laufersweiler, Joshua and Jamie Harris, Shannon (John) Beyer, Dwayne (Betsy) Wright, Tyler, Amanda, and Robbie Wright.

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

Robert "Bob" Dale Pixley

May 15, 2007

Robert (Bob) Dale Pixley, 78, of Northwood, passed away on Sunday, May 13, 2007, at the Good Shepherd Care Center, Mason City after suffering a stroke.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, May 16, at the First Lutheran Church, Northwood, with the Reverend Daniel R. Hart officiating. Burial was in the State Line Cemetery, Northwood.

Bob Pixley, was born on February 9, 1929, on the Pixley family farm North of Northwood, the youngest child of Glenn and Beva (Godfrey) Pixley. His great-grandfather was Will Dixon, one of the first settlers in Worth County.

Bob was baptized on June 12, 1938, at the First Methodist Church, Northwood and joined the First Lutheran Church, Northwood in June of 1948.

Growing up a farm boy, Bob spoke of swimming in the river behind his home, helping out with chores, and family picnics with his many cousins. Bob and his horse Duchess were active in the Worth County Saddle Club into his early adulthood. In high school Bob played basketball and football, graduating with the Northwood Class of 1947.

Bob was a devoted husband to his high school sweetheart, Verna Mae McHenry. They were married on June 15, 1947, and except for a few years they were lifelong residents of Northwood. Together Bob & Verna Mae raised four children, Steven, Susan, Beverly, and Bruce.

Bob had a kind generous spirit, quick to forgive and forget and will forever be the best hugger of our family. Every child was automatically drawn to him especially his grandchildren. We think he got so sweet from eating all those cookies.

Bob held various jobs in the community during his life working for area businesses where his gentle nature endeared him to many. Anyone who met him became his friend and he would show genuine interest in them and always remember their name.

In 1961 Bob & Verna Mae purchased Pixley's East End Market in Osage. They ran the friendliest grocery stand in town for several years returning to Northwood in 1968. Bob farmed and worked for Boyd Implement until 1971 when he took over the Pixley Furniture Repair business established by his father. Woodworking became his passion. Many handcrafted memories remain with each one of us. Some are displayed at the Worth Co Historical Society.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Verna Mae in March of 2006, father, Glenn; brother, John; and many loved ones.

Bob was dearly loved and will be sadly missed by his mother, Beva Pixley of Northwood; children, Steven (Julie) Pixley of Harpers Ferry, Iowa, Susan (Larry) Balek of Mason City, Bev Pixley of McKinleyville, California and Bruce (Grace) Pixley of Grafton; grandchildren, Samuel Pixley of Portland, Oregon, Lezlea (Chris) Dahlke of Winona, Minnesota, Katie Pixley of McKinleyville, California, Jackson Pixley of McKinleyville, California, Andria Pixley of Northwood, Jay (Lauren) Balek of Waverly, Kyle Pixley of Grafton, Jeff Balek of Mason City and Marcus Pixley of Harpers Ferry.

He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Caroline Dahlke, Ava Dahlke, Sawyer Pixley and Baby Pixley due in the fall; sisters-in-law, Lillian Pixley and Virginia Thompson; brother-in-law, Arlynn (Ruth) McHenry; and aunt, Margaret Godfrey, all of Northwood; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Conner Colonial Chapel.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press

Clyde E. Lindberg

May 15, 2007

Clyde E. Lindberg, age 93, of Rochester, Minnesota, died on Sunday, May 13, 2007, at Madonna Towers Health Care.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 a.m., on Friday, May 18, at the Madonna Towers Chapel, with Rev. Donald F. Connelly officiating. Friends may call from 5-8:00 p.m., on Thursday, at the Macken Funeral Home, Rochester, Minnesota and one hour in advance of the service at Madonna Towers Chapel. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery, Rochester, Minnesota.

Clyde was born on January 27, 1914 at Rochester, Minnesota. Following school he served in the US Army during WW II from 1941 to 1945, in the southwest pacific.

He married Geneieve M. Brumm at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville, Iowa, on December 31, 1945. Clyde worked for St. Mary's Hospital in the business department, retiring in 1979 after 45 years.

He was a life member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion Post 92, Senior Citizen of Rochester, St Mary's Retirement Club, Elks Club, and St. Pius X Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Geneieve on December 2, 1994; two brothers; and two sisters.

Clyde is survived by his children, Joseph H. Lindberg of Memphis, Tennessee, Mary K. (Ripley) Peterson of St. Louis Park, Minnesota and Ann M. Lindberg of Memphis, Tennessee; and two grandchildren.

The family prefers memorials to be given to Madonna Towers. The Macken Funeral Home of Rochester was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press

Gary Alan Lenz

May 22, 2007

Gary Alan Lenz, Age 54, of Chanhassen, Minnesota, went to be with his Lord Jesus on Monday, May 14, following a short battle with cancer.

A Celebration of Life Service was held at the Wooddale Church, Eden Prairie, at 11:30 a.m., on Friday, May 18.

Gary was educated in the Riceville Community Schools and graduated in the Class of 1971. He attended Iowa State University and graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and later attended the University of Iowa and received an MS in Mechanical Engineering. Upon graduation from Iowa State, Gary was a design engineer with Fisher Controls in Marshalltown, Iowa and later a Director of Engineering for Fisher in Austin, Texas.

In 1988, Gary joined Rosemount in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, where he was VP of Engineering for Rosemount and Fargo Electronics and most recently CEO of CXO Advisors, an international business consulting firm that he founded. During Gary's career he was awarded more than 90 patents.

Gary was a man of great faith and loved his Lord Jesus Christ who blessed Gary with the gifts of leadership, teaching and faith. Gary loved family activities and enjoyed coaching youth baseball for more than 30 years, most recently with the Eden Prairie Baseball Association. He was an avid fisherman.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Michael.

Gary is survived by his wife of 32 years, Nancy; children, Jason (Ashley) of Shakopee, David (Lyz) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Matthew and Michelle; parents, Roger and Gilma Lenz of Riceville, Iowa; brother, Jeffrey (Vickie) of Bettendorf, Iowa; sister, Judy (Mark) Brown of Osage, Iowa; sister-in-law, Julie (Steve) Hay of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; and many relatives and friends.

Memorials may be sent to the Bethel University Scholarship Fund or Samaritan's Purse.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press

Urban L. Brumm

May 22, 2007

Urban L. Brumm, age 86, of Stacyville, died on Saturday May 19, 2007, at the Stacyville Community Nursing Home in Stacyville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, May 23, at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial will be in the Visitation Catholic Cemetery in Stacyville. Visitation is from 4-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Visitation Catholic Church, where there will be a Scripture Service at 4:30 p.m. and a Foresters Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Friends may also call one hour before services on Wednesday at the church.

Urban was born on February 10, 1921 in Stacyville, the son of John E. and Anna M. (Simon) Brumm. He was baptized at the Visitation Catholic Church and attended school at Visitation Schools, graduating in 1938.

Urban was united in marriage to Evelyn Mueller on his 21st birthday, February 10, 1942, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Meyer. After their marriage they farmed together in the Stacyville area, retiring in 1984, and moved from their farm into Stacyville in 1989.

Urban was an avid card player, enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family. He was a member of the Visitation Catholic Church and the National Catholic Order of Foresters.

Urban is survived by his five children, Elaine (James) Havlovic of Stacyville, Kenneth (Judy) Brumm of Apple Valley, Minnesota, Vernon Brumm of Mason City, Audrey (Roy) Stefan of Cedar Falls and Jean Brumm of Osage; 10 grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; eight great-grandsons; one great-granddaughter; one step great-granddaughter; three sisters-in-law, Mary Brumm of Stacyville, Avis Brumm of Crescent City and Cal Luella Brumm of Washington State; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Evelyn on March 16, 2003; a daughter-in-law, Donna Brumm; four brothers, Delphin Brumm, Morris Brumm, Francis Brumm and Julius Brumm; five sisters, Agnes Theobald, Sister Angeline Brumm, Barbara Kula, Magdalen Royer and Clara Burrill.

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

Mayzee Wright

May 22, 2007

Mayzee Wright, age 72, of Osage, died on Monday, May 21, 2007, at her home in Osage.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, May 25, 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 5-7:00 p.m., on Thursday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, and will continue one hour before services at the church.

Mayzee was born on July 2, 1934 at Riceville, Iowa, the daughter of Emil and Minnie (Reckner) Ring. Shortly after her birth, Mayzee's mother died. Two years later, her father married Alene Klobassa, who raised Mayzee and Alene's two daughters, Lois and Marlene. Mayzee graduated from the Riceville High School at the age of 16. She moved to Osage, and worked at the Farm Bureau office.

She met Eugene Wright and they were married on December 14, 1952, at the St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Riceville. Mayzee worked for the Cummings and Kratchmer Law Firm for 25 years. Eugene and Mayzee started Wright Plumbing and Heating in 1977, where she worked until the present time.

Mayee enjoyed her grandchildren, gardening, crocheting, knitting, shopping and playing cards and bridge with friends. Mayzee and Eugene had a cottage on Clear Lake for 15 years, where she spent many happy days on the lake.

Mayzee is survived by her 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 children, Justin, Jaden and Hailey; two sisters, Lois Dinger of Riceville and Marlene (Glen) Dillon of Cresco.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Eugene Wright in 2004; and a granddaughter, Chelsey Marie Wright.

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

Robert "Bob" Heimer

May 30, 2007

Robert "Bob" Heimer, age 86, of Osage, died on Thursday, May 24, 2007, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center-Hospice Unit in Osage.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, May 29, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Rev. John Moser and Monsignor John Hemann officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Osage. Visitation is from 4-7:00 p.m., on Monday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with a rosary at 4:30 p.m. and a scripture wake service at 6:30 p.m.

Bob was born on May 8, 1921 at Stacyville, Iowa, the son of Anthony and Julia (Goergan) Heimer. He attended school in Johnsburg, Minnesota, through the eighth grade. Bob then started farming with his parents.

He married Mary Ann Schweiger on June 28, 1944, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage. To this union, four children were born. They farmed in the Osage and St. Ansgar areas. Mary Ann died in 1994. In January of 1996, Bob married Agnes Huff in Mission, Texas. They made their home in Osage and wintered in Texas.

Bob was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Order of Foresters. Bob still took a great interest in farming. He enjoyed gardening, playing cards and frequent trips to the casino.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary Ann; three brothers; and two sisters.

Bob is survived by his wife, Agnes Heimer of Osage; two daughters, Pat (Marvin) Rake of Osage and Jan (Hugh) Boeset of Naperville, Illinois; two sons, Bill (Doris) Heimer of Garner and Mike (Gayle) Heimer of Osage; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Betty (Roger) Walsh of Austin, Minnesota and Mary "Toots" (Ben) Thome of Adams, Minnesota; two brothers, Herbert (Jeanette) Heimer of Coon Rapids, Minnesota and Dennis (Karen) Heimer of Mazeppa, Minnesota; four step-children; 10 step-grandchildren; 11 step-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

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

Capitola "Cappie" Charlson

May 30, 2007

Capitola "Cappie" Charlson, 86, of St. Ansgar, died on Thursday, May 24, 2007, at the Good Samaritan Center, St. Ansgar, as the result of multiple health problems.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 29, at 1:30 p.m., at the First Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, with Rev. Robert Porisch officiating. Burial was in the First Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation was held on Monday, from 5-8:00 p.m., at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar.

Cappie was born in rural Radcliffe, Iowa on December 17, 1920, to George and Nina (Himmel) Hyland. She was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Radcliffe and graduated from the Radcliffe High School in 1937.

She married Herbert (Mike) Charlson on August 15, 1941, at the Hyland family farm. The couple farmed in the Radcliffe area until moving to Mitchell County in 1952. They retired from the farm and moved to St. Ansgar in 1986.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and by a sister, Maxine Severson of Radcliffe.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Herbert (Mike); a daughter, Mary (Ken) Swenson of Osage and a son, Dennis (Colleen) Charlson of Mason City; two brothers, Mervin of Radcliffe and Leo (Joanie) of Grand Junction, Colorado; three grandsons, Burke (Tatum) Swenson of Iowa Falls, Tanner Swenson of Osage and Aaron Charlson of Mason City; four great-grandchildren, Keeley, Baylor, Reegan and Ian Swenson of Iowa Falls; and many relatives and friends.

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

Robert "Bob" Rosensweig

May 30, 2007

Robert "Bob" Rosensweig, age 89, of Osage, passed away on Saturday, May 26, 2007, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, May 30, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with Rev Roy Ott officiating. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery at Riceville. Visitation was from 5-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

Bob was born on April 14, 1918 at Spring Valley, Minnesota, the son of Charles "Carl" and Dorathea (Witte) Rosensweig. Bob's mom passed away when he was four years old. He then went to live with and was raised by his uncle, Nick Thiedemann in Riceville.

Bob married Mary Wieland on April 2, 1950, in Stewartville, Minnesota. They made their home in Riceville. Bob and Mary started Bob's Truck Line in 1969. They retired in 1988, and moved to Osage in 2003. Bob and Mary enjoyed traveling and seeing the country.

Bob is survived by his wife, Mary Rosensweig of Osage; one brother, William (Evelyn) Rosensweig of Casper, Wyoming; a nephew, Butch (Ann) Wieland of Oklahoma; a great-niece, LaVonne (Patrick) Wolf of Osage; and other nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; and three sisters.

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

Richard W. McCarthy

May 30, 2007

Richard W. McCarthy, age 91, of New Haven, passed away on Monday, May 28, 2007, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center-Emergency Room in Osage.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, June 1, at the St. Peter's Catholic Church in New Haven, with Rev. Ray E. Atwood officiating. Burial will be in the St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery in New Haven, with military honors at the grave by the Osage American Legion Post 278. Visitation will be from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., on Thursday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with a scripture service and sharing of memories at 5:30 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour before the services at the church.

Richard was the second child born to William and Mary (Brandt) McCarthy on November 29, 1915, near New Haven, Iowa. He was baptized and made his First Communion at the St. Peter's Catholic Church in New Haven. Rich attended the Mauser Country School until age ten, when he started riding his pony to the St. Mary's Academy at New Haven. He graduated from the St. Mary's High School in 1933, one of a class of four.

After graduation, he worked at various farm jobs, including helping with filling silo and threshing, working for $1.50 a day. Trapping was another source of income, as well as helping his father on the farm. In August of 1942, Rich was drafted into the U.S. Army. After basic training he was assigned to the arsenal at Pine Bluffs, Arkansas. Rich was given the job of courier. His duties included delivering inter-area mail four times a day for seven months.

Rumor had it that the WAAC's were coming. When they arrived, he lost his job as a courier. He was then assigned to the gas yard at the arsenal, where three kinds of poisonous gas were made. It was his job to drive trucks hauling samples of gas in steel tubes. Rich was later assigned a "cushy" job (as he described it) working in a photo lab where he was one of three men trained to run a 35 millimeter training film for 900 troops. The arsenal employed 6,000 persons, many of them civilians.

In March of 1944, he was assigned to the arsenal at Huntsville, Alabama, where he acted as a security guard, checking employees on the rotating shift of eight hours on, 24 hours off. He was there until his discharge on February 8, 1946. Rich attained the rank of Corporal in the U.S. Army.

After his discharge, he rented the Plunkett farm and raised some hogs. When a gentleman from away bought the Plunkett farm, Rich joined his brother, Dan, in the farming operation at the home place and remained as such until his retirement. After retirement, he helped his brother, Jim, from time to time in the office at New Haven Livestock and Feed.

Rich lived with his parents, Bill and Mary, at the home in New Haven, which became his home after the death of both parents. Rich resided in the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center for the past three years and seven months.

He was a devoted son and neighbor. He was always willing to help a neighbor on the farm at the drop of a hat. Rich was a 70 year member of the Catholic Order of Foresters Court No. 833, and was a life long member of the St. Peter's Catholic Church at New Haven.

He was proud of his service to his country and the fact that he had 62 continuous years of membership in the Osage American Legion Post 278.

Although he never married, Rich had an extended family of many nieces and nephews who he helped parent. They all treasure the valuable lessons he taught them and the great stories he could tell about the "olden" days. Rich is best known by many as one of the best Poker players in the county. He shared his knowledge of the game with nephews who loved to play at the same table with him. He was truly a historian and his memory of dates and events that took place over the span of his lifetime were sharp right to the end.

Rich is survived by one sister, Cae (Bill) Hatton of Denver, Colorado; sisters-in-law, Betty McCarthy of Osage and Rosemary McCarthy who resides at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center; nieces and nephews, Ron, Dennis and John Slater; Linda Hagen, Carmen Johansen, and Karen Heimer; Mike, Terry, Dennis and Mark McCarthy; Michelle Ashby, Mark Hatton and Marla Hawkins; a number of great-nieces and nephews, as well as a host of friends; and a special friend, Kevin Jahnel who always referred to Rich as his uncle.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Dan and Jim McCarthy; a sister, Mercedes Slater; three nephews, Jim, Bill and Gary Slater; and a niece, Anne Elizabeth McCarthy.

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

Glenn M. Dodge

June 5, 2007

Glenn M. Dodge, age 95, of Oakdale, Minnesota and formerly of Osage, died on Monday, May 28, 2007, at the St. John's Hospital in Maplewood, Minnesota.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, June 2, 2007, at the Osage Cemetery, with Rev. Steven M. Kellett officiating.

Glenn was born in 1912, the son of Eldwah and Katherine (Newberry) Dodge, on the family farm near Orchard, Iowa. He attended the Orchard Consolidated School. Glenn took over the operation of the family farm.

On June 19, 1939, he married Daphne Wamsley. To this union two children were born, Fern and Lowell. They lived on the family farm until 1969. They then moved to Forest City, where Glenn worked for Winnebago Industries. Daphne passed away in 1976. Glenn married Ella May Bryant in 1977. They resided in Charles City until moving to the Twin Cities area in 1991. Glenn was very involved in the Osage Christian and Missionary Alliance Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and first wife, Daphne.

Glenn is survived by his wife, Ella May Dodge of Oakdale, Minnesota; a daughter, Fern (Don) Singer of Oakdale, Minnesota; a son, Lowell (Jayne) Dodge of Farmington Hills, Michigan; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

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

Kermit Victor Berg, 88, of Desert Hot Springs, California, passed away on Tuesday, May 29, 2007, in Palm Springs, California of congestive heart failure.

Inurnment was on Friday, June 1, 2007, in the Forest Lawn Cemetery, Glendale, California.

He was born on April 8, 1919, to Hans and Mary Berg in Osage, Iowa. He married Candace Kemp on June 28, 1941 in Austin, Minnesota.

He worked for Douglas Aircraft before joining the Navy during World War II after which, he worked for General Motors for 50 years. He was awarded "Only The Best" membership of General Motors Top Service Managers before retiring.

He is survived by his wife, Candace Berg of Desert Hot Springs, California; a daughter, Judy Berg of Celebration, Florida; two sisters, Connie Dammen of Osage, and Doris Hansen of Stacyville; three grandchildren, Anthony W. Vassalo of Celebration, Florida, William V. Vassalo of Vacaville, Califoria and Edward C. Willhoite of Salt Lake City, Utah; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Orville Berg, Clifford Berg and Norman Berg.

Forest Lawn Cathedral City was in charge of the funeral arrangements.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press