Paul Arthur Christiansen

October 9, 2007

Paul Arthur Christiansen, 75, formerly of Mount Vernon, Iowa, died on Tuesday, October 2, 2007, at his home in retirement, Cottage Grove Place, in Cedar Rapids, following a long illness.

A memorial celebration is planned for 2:30 p.m., on Sunday, October 14, 2007, at the King Chapel on the Cornell College campus in Mt. Vernon. A reception will follow at the Russell D. Cole Library.

He was born in Mitchell County, Iowa on June 7, 1932, to Myrtle (nee Hanson) and Carl Christiansen. Following high school at Rudd and a term of service in the United States Navy, Paul married Barbara JoAnn Lindley on June 25, 1955. Paul taught high school biology in Humboldt, after completing a Bachelor of Arts Degree at the University of Iowa. He earned a Master of Science Degree at the University of Oregon.

In 1967, he completed a Ph.D. at Iowa State University and that same year joined the faculty of Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, as a Professor of Biology, where his career spanned nearly four decades.

Professionally, Dr. Christiansen will be remembered for his seminal research in prairie ecology and his work in the classroom, the field, and the laboratory. He earned the recognition and respect of his peers as an expert in prairie ecology and prairie restoration. He spearheaded the research into prairie establishment in Iowa's roadsides, ultimately resulting in the establishment of the Iowa Living Roadway Trust Fund. Paul subsequently served on the advisory board to the Trust Fund for several years.

He authored numerous articles and wrote an invaluable resource book, "An Illustrated Guide to Iowa Prairie Plants," with illustrator Mark Muller.

Paul was instrumental in reviving interest in The Nature Conservancy in Iowa and served as President of that organization and on the Board of Trustees for 34 years. He also served as a member and president of the board of directors of the Iowa Academy of Science and was a recipient of the Academy's Distinguished Service Award in 1996.

In 1985, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad appointed him to the Iowa State Preserves Advisory Board where he served until 1991, including serving as chair. In 1999, he was appointed by Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack to the Iowa Natural Resource Commission, a position he held until 2005.

Paul served on the Mount Vernon Community School Board from 1971 to 1983. He was also a member of the Indian Creek Nature Center's Board of Trustees and was honored in 2006 with the establishment of the Paul Christiansen Prairie at the Nature Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Paul is survived by his wife, Barbara; his sons, Dana (Elizabeth) of Iowa City and Scot (Jane) of Edgewood; his two grandsons, Carl Christiansen and John Christiansen, also of Edgewood; his sisters, Nancy (Dale) Folkerts, Dorothy (Francis) Schmidt and Helen Randolph; brother, George Christiansen; and 11 nieces and nephews.

His students will remember him as a gifted teacher, his friends will miss his steadfast companionship and his family will treasure his devoted attention.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press

John A. "Jack" Smith

October 5, 2007

John A. "Jack" Smith, age 93, of Osage, died on Thursday, October 4, 2007, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center-Emergency Room in Osage.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, October 6, 2007, at the First United Methodist Church in Osage, with Rev. Dr. J. Samuel Subramanian 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 5-8:00 p.m., on Friday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, and will continue one hour before the services at the church on Saturday.

John was born on November 17, 1913 at Stacyville, Iowa, the son of Samuel A. and Minnie (Gaffney) Smith. He married Allegra M. Power on October 10, 1937, in his parent's kitchen in Osage. Jack served for two years in the Army during WW II at Okinawa. He worked for the Cedar Valley Produce for 18 years, for North Iowa Quality Egg for twelve years, and for Bud Holling at LeRoy, Minnesota for six years. Jack then worked for twelve years as a bus driver in Mitchell County for Senior Citizens.

He loved his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his great-great-grandchild. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, farming, and listening to western story tapes. In past years, Jack had been a square dance caller. He was a lifetime member of the Osage V.F.W. and the Osage American Legion.

Jack is survived by three daughters, Pauline (Carroll) Winer of Osage, Georgene (Roger) Pitzen of Marion and Jacqueline (Terry) Reams of Osage; 15 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Allegra; one daughter, Allegra "Jo" Garrison; two grandsons, John and Brian Winer; one great-granddaughter, Kourtney Garrison; two brothers; and three sisters.

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

Eugene "Dude" Krebsbach

October 5, 2007

Eugene William "Dude" Krebsbach, age 86, of Stacyville, died on Thursday, October 4, 2007, at the Stacyville Community Nursing Home in Stacyville.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, October 8, 2007, at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville, with Msgr. John Hemann officiating. Inurnment will be in the Visitation Catholic Cemetery in Stacyville. There will be a gathering of family and friends from 5-7:00 p.m., on Sunday, at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville with a scripture wake service at 5:30 p.m.

Dude was born on July 31, 1921 at Stacyville, the son of Anton and Rose (Wingert) Krebsbach. Dude attended country school in the rural Stacyville area. He married Barbara "Bobbie" Gilchrist on March 27, 1941 in Osage. Dude was self-employed as a farmer and hauled livestock and grain. Dude enjoyed trap shooting and woodworking.

Dude is survived by his wife, Barbara "Bobbie" Krebsbach of Stacyville; two sons, Gary (Diane) Krebsbach of Osage and Larry (Judie) Krebsbach of Traer; one daughter, Deb (Ken) Kozak of Stacyville; a son-in-law, John Buhrman of Cedar Rapids; a brother, Marvin Krebsbach of Stacyville; three sisters-in-law, Ardella Krebsbach of Adams, Minnesota, Catherine Hennings of Davenport and Mary Ann Owen of Cedar Rapids; a brother-in-law, Dick Gilchrist of Gardnerville, Nevada; 14 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Barbara Buhrman; a brother, Raymond Krebsbach; an infant sister; an infant daughter; and a grandson, Mark Buhrman.

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

Wilbur Danforth

October 9, 2007

VINTON-Wilbur Danforth, age 90, a resident of the Village Ridge in Marion for the past year, died on Saturday, October 6, 2007, at the Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, following a brief illness.

Memorial services were held on Tuesday, October 9, at 11:00 a.m., at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Vinton, with Rev. Kären Larson officiating. Committal services will be held in the Liberty Cemetery near Little Cedar, Iowa at a later date. The Phillips Funeral Home in Vinton is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Wesley United Methodist Church.

Wilbur was born on April 19, 1917 in Reeder, North Dakota. After his parents' homestead was destroyed by a tornado in 1923, they moved to his grandparents' family farm north of Little Cedar, where Wilbur later farmed with his father. After graduating from the Little Cedar High School, he attended Hamilton Business College. In 1953 he moved to Osage, where he was the first manager of the Mitchell County Farm Service, a job that later took him to New Hampton and finally to Vinton.

He was a golfer and long-time member of the Vinton Country Club. He also enjoyed traveling. Wilbur was a Mason and a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church in Vinton.

Wilbur and Vernice Shrode were married in 1938, and they were parents of Margaret (Mike) Potter of Richfield, Minnesota and Jerry (Nan) Danforth of Cedar Rapids, who survive him, as do his four grandsons, Chris Potter of Bloomington, Minnesota, Tim (Michelle) Potter of Savage, Minnesota, Jeff (Truscee Dorham) Danforth of Minneapolis and Chad (fiancée, Janet Devine) Danforth of Chicago. His great-granddaughters, Sarah and Sophie Potter also survive.

Wilbur was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his sister; and his brother.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press

Robert L. Wagner

October 10, 2007

Robert L. Wagner, age 65, of Osage, was called home on Tuesday, October 9, 2007. He passed away at his home, surrounded by family and friends, following a brief illness.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, October 13, 2007, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Msgr. Stanley Hayek officiating. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 5-7:00 p.m., on Friday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with a scripture wake service at 7:00 p.m. According to Robert's wishes, his body was cremated.

Robert was born on October 10, 1941 in Little Cedar, the son of Earl and Aterna (Falk) Wagner. He served in the U.S. Army. After returning from the service, he engaged in farming with his brother. Robert was united in marriage to Marlene Kindschuh on April 19, 1969, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage. Robert worked for Wright's Tree Service, Interstate Power, and the Chicago Northwestern Railroad, from which he retired. Robert enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Marlene Wagner of Osage; two daughters, Angela Baer of Osage and children, Jessica, Zachery, Adam and Kaitlyn and Judi Halbach and husband, Chad of Orchard and children, Gracie, Chase and Brooklynn; two sons, Larry Wagner and special friend, Lisa Blake of Osage and children, Jacob and Austin and Gary Wagner and wife, Diane of Osage and children, Seth, Hank and Sabree; brother, Paul Wagner and wife, Minerva of Osage; two sisters, Delores Kroneman and husband, Glen of Carpenter and Evelyn Gilson of Lamont; and friend of family, Mary Ann Dozark of Lamont; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Wagner of Osage; a brother-in-law, Denny Johnson and special friend, Judy Olson of Carpenter; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by by his parents; a sister, Lucille Johnson; a brother, Vincent Wagner; a niece, Kathy Johnson; and a nephew, Mike Wagner.

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

Ewald W. Ehkle, Sr.

October 16, 2007

ST. ANSGAR-Ewald W. Ehlke, Sr., 91, of St. Ansgar, died on Saturday, October 13, 2007, at the Good Samaritan Center, St. Ansgar.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, October 16, at 10:30 a.m., at the St. Peter Lutheran Church, Toeterville, Iowa, with Rev. Lance Kittleson officiating. Burial was in the Newburg Cemetery, Carpenter, Iowa.

Ewald was born on November 8, 1915 in Mitchell County, Iowa, to Samuel and Emma (Bruggeman) Ehlke. He was baptized on November 25, 1915 by Rev. E.M. Lehman and confirmed on April 13, 1930 at the St. Peter Lutheran Church, Toeterville, by Rev. Bosholm. He attended Union No. 1 School in Union Township, Mitchell County. Ewald married Bernice Hollatz on November 8, 1939 at the Hollatz home.

Ewald enjoyed all aspects of farming, living on the same farm for over 66 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; one brother, August; and two infant sisters.

Ewald is survived by one son, Ewald and his wife, Eileen of St. Ansgar; two daughters, Dorothy Teske and husband, Leon of Eldora and Elaine Pease and husband, Donald of Chatfield, Minnesota; ten grandchildren, Wendy (Donnie) Thorson, Randy (Kelly) Ehlke, Stephen (Nancy) Ehlke, Susan (Mike) Owen, Jennifer Ehlke and friend, Dennis Huber, Johnathan (Suzy) Teske, Michael (Jolene) Teske, Suzette (Christopher) Rowen, Jeremy (Tracy) Pease and Weston Pease; and 19 great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, Iowa.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press

Paul Chrencik, Jr.

October 16, 2007

Paul Chrencik, Jr., age 93, of Austin, died on Sunday evening, October 14, 2007, at St. Mark's Lutheran Home.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., on Thursday, October 18, 2007, at the Worlein Funeral Home in Austin. Visitation is one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the Osage Cemetery, Osage, Iowa.

Paul was born on July 16, 1914, to Paul and Anna (Sagot) Chrencik in Chicago, Illinois. He moved to Iowa, where he farmed for many years. He was a very hard worker and loved being outdoors. A member of the Lutheran faith, Paul moved to Austin when he retired. He enjoyed gardening and raised wonderful vegetables. He moved to St. Mark's Lutheran Home and became active in the craft department.

Survivors include many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

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

Funeral arrangements were made by the Worlein Funeral Home, Austin, Minnesota.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press

Earl L. Randall

October 16, 2007

WATERLOO-Earl L. Randall, 66, died on Tuesday, October 16, 2007, at the Cedar Valley Hospice.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon, on Friday, at the Orchard Hill Church, with a 3:30 p.m. graveside service in the Osage Cemetery. The Hagarty-Waychoff-Grarup Funeral Service on South Street is in charge of the arrangements.

Earl was born on October 1, 1941 in Osage, son of Roy and Minnie Fistler Randall. He married Janet "Jan" Pike on September 3, 1959 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua.

Earl owned and operated the Randall Cleaning Service for 26 years. He and his wife also owned and operated Twice Used Furniture for 14 years during that time.

Earl enjoyed spending time with his family and for many years one of his greatest joys was attending college wrestling events all over the country with his brother, Dave, grandson and nephews.

Survivors include his wife; 2 daughters, Teresa Zuke of Waterloo and Tamara (Jeff) Whalen of Colorado Springs, Colorado; 6 grandchildren, Jennifer, Joshua, Danielle, Matthew, Matt & Sarah; 2 great-grandchildren, Abby & Jaxson; 4 sisters, Ruth Molstad of Mason City, Doris (Dale) Erickson of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Rose Tobin of Mason City and Beverly (Edward) Boehmer of Osage; 2 brothers, Ransom (Kay) Randall of Cedar Rapids and Dave (Dorothy) Randall of Osage; one brother-in-law, Charles Moore and Neva of Osage; one sister-in-law, Susan (Gary) Squier of Mason City; 49 nieces and nephews; and several great & great-great nieces and nephews.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents; mother & father-in-law, Alice and Tony Pike; 1 brother, Merle Randall; 1 sister, Mildred Moore; 2 brother-in-laws, Dean Molstad and James Tobin; and nephew, Merle Boehmer.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press

Elsie Kirchgatter

October 19, 2007

Elsie Kirchgatter, age 91, of Riceville, passed away on Thursday, October 18, 2007, at the Riceville Family Care & Therapy Center in Riceville.

Funeral services will be held at the St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Riceville, on Monday, October 22, at 10:30 a.m., with the Rev. Michael Parris officiating. Burial will be in the St. John's Rock Township Cemetery in rural St. Ansgar. Friends may call on Sunday, during the hours of 2-4:00 p.m., at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Riceville and one hour before the services on Monday at the church.

Elsie Hulda Kirchgatter, was born on August 30, 1916 in Worth County, Iowa, the daughter of William and Anna (Wilde) Bublitz. She was baptized and confirmed at the St. John's Lutheran Church. Elsie received her education in rural schools in Worth County. On November 28, 1935 she was united in marriage to George R. Kirchgatter at the St. John's Lutheran Church-Rock Township east of Grafton. Elsie and George farmed for five years in the Grafton area and in 1940 moved to a farm near Riceville. Elsie lived on this farm until August of 2007. Elsie loved gardening, quilting, cooking, baking and seeing her grandchildren.

Survivors include two sons, Claude and his wife, Janet Kirchgatter and Clyde Kirchgatter all of Riceville; three grandchildren, Jenny Kirchgatter of Madison, Wisconsin, Renee and her husband, Brian Kimmich of Waterloo and Lori Kirchgatter of Austin, Texas; one great-grandson, George Kimmich; and several nieces and nephews

Elsie was preceded by her parents; her husband, George on September 9, 2003; two sisters; and three brothers.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press

Evelyn Rasmussen

October 19, 2007

ST. ANSGAR-Evelyn Rasmussen, 90, of St. Ansgar, died on Friday, October 19, 2007, at the North Iowa Mercy Medical Center, Mason City, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 23, at 11:00 a.m., at the First Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar, with Rev. Robert Porisch officiating. Burial will be in the Woodbury Cemetery, rural Lyle, Minnesota. Visitation will be held after 9:00 a.m., on Tuesday, at the church.

Evelyn H. Rasmussen, was born on July 2, 1917 in London Township, Freeborn County, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Helmer and Carrie Foss. She was baptized and confirmed at the Deer Creek Valley Lutheran Church, rural Glenville, Minnesota of which she was a member until 1987, when she joined First Lutheran of St. Ansgar.

On December 31, 1935, she was united in marriage to John H. Rasmussen at Albert Lea, Minnesota. To this union a daughter, Ramona was born. Together they farmed in the Lyle/London areas, retiring to St. Ansgar in 1975.

Her husband, John passed away on October 20, 1999.

Living family member include Ramona (Craig) Patterson of St. Ansgar; two granddaughters, Julie (Christian) Paulson, of Ankeny, Iowa and Kimberly (Kent) Karschnik of Mountain Lake, Minnesota; and six great-grandchildren, Autumn, Bryce, Adam, Alex, Ashley, and Andre.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John on October 20, 1999; an infant grandson, Douglas; two sisters, Mildred Hartley and Hazel Sola; and one brother, Melder Foss.

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

Grace Peleaux

November 5, 2007

Grace Bratrud Luttio Peleaux, age 75, of Rolla, Missouri, passed away on Monday, October 22, 2007, after a courageous struggle with cancer.

A service to celebrate Grace's life was held in Rolla on Saturday, October 27, 2007. A second service will be held next spring in Walker, Minnesota, near the Bratrud family cabin on Kabekona Lake.

Grace was born in Thief River Falls, Minnesota on September 28, 1932, to the late Dr. Rev. Milton and Clara (Motland) Bratrud. Her father served multiple parishes in Minnesota and North Dakota.

In 1952 Grace married Rev. David Luttio. Parishes that they served included those in Joice, Iowa; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; Canton, South Dakota and Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Grace later married Jerry Peleaux. They lived first in Minnesota and then moved to California in 1986. They spent the winters in San Jacinto and then returned to Minnesota for the summers in the Bratrud family cabin on Kabekona Lake.

Grace was often in Osage. Her mother, Clara, was a sister of Alida Ingolf, Sara (Birkedal) and Milton Motland. Grace's family frequently attended the annual Maakestad Picnic. In recent years Grace made many trips to Osage to take care of things for Alida. She particularly took responsibility for Alida's care at the Faith Home, for Alida's house, and for Alida's Christmas letters and gifts. Grace was an incredible caregiver. Alida's extended family will be forever grateful.

When Grace's husband, Jerry died in 2005, Grace moved to Rolla, Missouri, to be near her daughter, Marie and family. Grace was very active in helping with "My Father's World," a Bible-based home-school curriculum for preschool through high school that has been written and developed by Marie and her husband, David.

Grace and Jerry were also faithful in supporting Bible translation. Marie and David worked on Bible translation in Russia for eight years, and a special memory for Grace was her trip to Russia to visit them.

Grace was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; and by her son, Daniel Luttio.

Grace will be greatly missed by her surviving family which includes three daughters, Marie (David) Hazell of Rolla, Missouri, Elizabeth Nikmanesh of Denver, Colorado and Naomi St. John of Colorado Springs, Colorado; five stepchildren, John Richard Peleaux, Suzanne Mapel, Ray Peleaux, Francine Meyer and Michael Peleaux; a brother, Lowell Bratrud; two sisters, Sylvia Bratrud and Lois Duna; and 18 grandchildren.

Memorial gifts can be given to support Bible translation in Russia in care of God's Word for the Nations, P.O. Box 1259, Rolla, MO, 65402. God's Word for the Nations supports Bible translation work in more than 50 languages of the former Soviet Union.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press

LaVerne A. Foth

October 29, 2007

LaVerne A. Foth, 87, of Cedar Falls, passed away of natural causes on Saturday, October 27, 2007, at the Windhaven Center in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 1:00 p.m., on Monday, October 29, at the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Cedar Falls, with internment in the Fairview Cemetery in Cedar Falls. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be directed to the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Cedar Falls, Windhaven Center c/o Western Home Communities or the Cedar Valley Hospice.

LaVerne was born on February 10, 1920 in Bancroft, Iowa, the daughter of George & Lena Wolf. She married Robert Foth on October 20, 1943, in the Immaculate Conception Church in Provo, Utah.

LaVerne was a wonderful mother first and foremost. She loved to cook and sew, both important when you're raising five boys. She cooked many a dinner for her son's friends and family, and baked pies, brownies and cookies for their after school functions. She also made numerous alterations to her sons' jeans, pants, jackets and shirts so everything fit just right.

Outside of the home, LaVerne was a professional seamstress, employed for many years by White Way Cleaners in Osage. After LaVerne and Robert moved to Cedar Falls in 1973, LaVerne worked out of her home doing sewing and tailoring, mostly for her friends and family.

LaVerne was very active in and exercised regularly at the Cedar Falls Community Center. She was also a counselor for many years for women that had undergone surgery for breast cancer, something she survived for over thirty years.

LaVerne was preceded in death by Robert, her husband of 55 years; her parents, George and Lena; and three brothers, Joseph, Virgil and Homer.

Survivors include her five sons and their spouses, Jim & Joyce of Ankeny, John & Caroline of Fountain Valley, California, Dennis & Noi of Panama City, Florida, Richard & Stacey of Erie, Colorado and Donald & Kim of Cedar Falls; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; four sisters and one brother, Louise Robbins of Alameda, California, Joan LaHue of Alameda, California, Elaine Bonetto of Roanoke, Illinois, Jean Smith of Marshalltown and George (Sonny) Wolf of Bancroft.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press

Jean Winnor Staff

November 5, 2007

GRAFTON-Jean Winnor Staff, age 9l, of Grafton, died on Tuesday, October 30, 2007, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., on Friday, November 2, at the Deer Creek Lutheran Church, Carpenter, with Rev. Lance Kittleson officiating. Burial was in the Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood. The family has requested that memorials be directed to the Hospice of North Iowa or the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

Jean Winnor Staff, was born on March 26, l9l6 in rural Cedar Township, Mitchell County, Iowa to John and Clara Winnor Staff. He was confirmed at the Rock Creek Lutheran Church, Meroa, Iowa. Jean graduated from the Osage High School, Osage in l935. Jean married Mildred Gordon on December l6, l945 at the St. Ansgar Parsonage. The couple farmed in Osage on the family farm then moved to a farm near Carpenter in l949. Jean and Mildred moved to their farm near Grafton in l950. Jean retired from farming and later moved to Grafton in l980.

Jean is preceded in death by his parents; and all of his siblings, Hans, Lloyd, Mena and Olaf.

He is survived by his wife, Mildred; sons, Keith (Charlene) Staff, Glen (Judy) Staff and daughter, Lois Staff; two grandsons, Jeremy and Brian; four great-granddaughters, Destiny, Azlyn, Kaitlyn, and Julia; and sister-in-law, Hildegard Staff.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press

Ruth M. Salisbury

November 5, 2007

Ruth Maxine Salisbury, age 89, of Austin, died on Wednesday afternoon, October 31, 2007, at the St. Mark's Lutheran Home.

Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., on Monday, November 5, 2007, at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin, with The Reverend Mark Goossen officiating. Interment was in the Woodbury Cemetery, rural Lyle.

Ruth was born on May 2, 1918, to William and Myrtle (Holman) Marshall at West Liberty, Iowa. Baptized at a Church of Christ, Ruth attended school in West Liberty. During her years at home, she worked with her family in the vegetable fields and doing housekeeping. She sang, played the guitar and piano, all by ear without ever taking a lesson.

After completing her education, Ruth worked as a housekeeper in St. Ansgar, where she married Clifford Salisbury on June 19, 1937. They moved to Minnesota and made their home in the Lyle area. Ruth enjoyed sewing, baking, crocheting and decorating cakes. In 1977 they moved to Austin. They enjoyed old time and country music, including polkas and waltzes. Cliff died on December 17, 1990. Ruth enjoyed spending time with her family and playing cards with anyone who would play.

Survivors include one daughter, Catherine (John) Fletcher of St. Peter; two sons, Donald (Nancy) Salisbury of Rudd, Iowa and Richard Salisbury and special friend, Judi Price of Lyle; nine grandchildren, Sherri (Todd) Tehurne of St. Peter, Cindy Betts of Orchard, Iowa, Doug (Julie) Salisbury of Nora Springs, Iowa, Dwayne Salisbury of Rudd, Iowa, Susan Kendrew of Mason City, Iowa, Sandy (Loren) Wagner of Osage, Iowa, Stacy (Ron) Koehler of Rudd, Iowa, Deanna Sizemore of Greendale, Indiana and Jason Salisbury of Rising Sun, Indiana; twenty-two great-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; three great- great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Angeline Overland of Twin Lakes; uncle, Benjamin Holman of Oakwood, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 53 years, Clifford Burk Salisbury; several sisters and brothers; and two grandchildren, Misty Ann Salisbury and Michael Richard Salisbury.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Worlein Funeral Home, Austin, Minnesota.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press