Shirley A. Fossey

December 12, 2001

Shirley Alice Fossey, age 82, died on Sunday, December 2, 2001, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center, Osage.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, December 6, at the First Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar. Rev. Robert Porisch officiated. Burial was in the First Lutheran Cemetery, St. Ansgar. The Schroeder-Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar in charge of the arrangements.

Shirley was born in what as now known as the Blue Belle Inn, St. Ansgar, Iowa, on March 8, 1919, the daughter of Sherwin and Irma (Lubiens) Kleinwort. She was joined in marriage to Oliver A. Fossey on February 19, 1938. She worked outside the home at various careers until her retirement in 1974.

She enjoyed her family gatherings which included a total of eight children, 27 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. She enjoyed watching sports, baking, fishing and playing cards.

Preceding her in death were her husband of 41 years; one son who died at birth; a brother, Robert Kleinwort; and one sister, Irma Tesch.

Those that survive her include one sister, Gladys K. Bowles of Athens, Georgia; eight children, Sharon (Robert) Justice of Austin, Minnesota, Kenneth (Cynthia) Fossey of Edina, Minnesota, Keith (Avis) Fossey of Savage, Minnesota, Karen (Clinton) Hakes, Geneva, Illinois, Dennis (Linda) Fossey of Racine, Wisconsin, Richard (Beth) Fossey of Yorba Linda, California, Kathleen (Mike) Cainey of Angola, Indiana and Michael (Tracey) Fossey of St. Ansgar; 27 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Otto H. Tesch; and sisters-in-law, Margaret Kleinwort and Edith Griffith; and many nieces and nephews.
© 2001 Mitchell County Press

Ralph M. Ries

December 4, 2001

Ralph M. Ries, 84, of Elma, died on Monday, December 3, 2001, at the Floyd County Memorial Hospital in Charles City, of natural causes.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 6, at the Immaculate Conception Church in Elma. Rev. John Hemann will officiate and interment will be in the St. Mary’s Cemetery, North Washington. Visitation is at the Conway Funeral Home, Elma, after 3:00 p.m. today, Wednesday with a Rosary Service at 4:00 p.m. and a Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m., followed by a combined Knights of Columbus and Catholic Order of Foresters Rosary.

Ralph M. Ries, was born on March 6, 1917 near North Washington, the son of Ed and Anna (Nosbisch) Ries. He attended the Immaculate Conception Catholic School in North Washington. After his schooling, he farmed with his family on the family farm. On Tuesday, November 26, 1940, he was united in marriage to Mary Schwickerath at the Immaculate Conception Church in North Washington.

After their marriage, the couple farmed in Chickasaw County for 7 years. In 1947 they purchased a farm in Howard County, one mile west of Elma. The couple moved to Elma in 1975 and he continued farming until his retirement in 1980.

Ralph enjoyed carpentry and woodworking, fishing, traveling and playing cards. His great love and enjoyment was spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Elma, Knights of Columbus Council #4144, 4th degree Knights of Columbus (Davis Assembly) and the Catholic Order of Foresters St. Benedict Court #1245 of North Washington.

Preceding him in death were his parents; four brothers, his twin Raymond, Harold, Leonard and Cletus in infancy; and two daughters, Janice and Marianne in infancy.

Those that survive him include his wife of 61 years, Mary; two daughters, Elaine and husband, Chuck Laures of Osage and Marilyn and husband, Gary Schaudenecker of Alta Vista; four sons, John and wife, Cathy Ries of Elma, Gary L. and wife, Mary Jo Ries of Elma, Ed R. and wife, Jean Ries of Spring Valley, Minnesota and Mike L. and wife, Janice Ries of Cresco; 17 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren.
© 2001 Mitchell County Press

Lawrence “Larry” Ballhagen

December 12, 2001

Lawrence W. Ballhagen, age 91, of Osage, died on Tuesday, December 4, 2001, from injuries received in a fire at his home.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 8, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage. Dr. Wes Pippert officiated and interment was in the Riverside Cemetery, Rockford. The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.

Lawrence was born southwest of Aredale on September 24, 1910, the son of William T. and Cora Fraisier Ballhagen. He farmed all of his life. He was united in marriage to Irene Marrs on January 20, 1930 in Hampton. During World War II, he was employed by the Rock Island Railroad, Deckers Packing Plant and the American Crystal Sugar, while still engaged in farming. They lived in Rockford, Manly and Rockwell before moving to Osage in 1973.

Lawrence was a former member of the First Congregational Church in Rockwell and was a Farm Bureau member.

Instead of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Osage Fire Department and the Mitchell County Ambulance.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Irene Ballhagen on December 11, 1994; daughter, Sharon Kay Cordle; granddaughter, Brenda Cordle; great-grandson, Travis Ballhagen; one sister; and three brothers.

Those that survive him include his daughter, Sandra Pippert and husband, Harold of Mason City; two sons, Donald Ballhagen and wife, Diana of Sheffield and Duane Ballhagen and wife, Shirley of Rockwell; one sister, Luella Dodd and husband, Harold of Hampton; 14 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; good neighbor and special friends, Bob Lubbert, Alan Ganshert, Lester Selvig; and many friends.
© 2001 Mitchell County Press

Gerald C. Gast

December 12, 2001

Gerald C. Gast, age 58, of Kansas City, Missouri, died of cancer on Tuesday, December 4, 2001, at the VA Medical Center in Kansas City.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, December 9, at the Rock Creek Lutheran Church, rural Osage. Rev. R. Dawson Tornes officiated. Burial was in the Rock Creek Cemetery, with Military Graveside Rites by the Osage American Legion Post 278. The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, in charge of the arrangements.

Jerry was born on January 4, 1943 in Osage, the son of Clyndon and Beatrice (Olsen) Gast. He was baptized and confirmed at the Rock Creek Lutheran Church. He attended Osage Schools and graduated from the Osage High School in 1961. He then attended Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, studying horticulture. After college he enlisted and served in the U.S. navy.

Jerry was a longtime resident of Grandview, Missouri, where he worked for Armour and Montgomery Wards. He loved nature along with his pets.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Clyndon and Beatrice Gast; grandparents, Lawrence and Clarice Olsen and Clifford and Alma Gast.

Those that survive him include his three sisters, Ann Voelker and her husband, Earl of London, England and their children, Courtney and Eric; Gail Graham and her husband, Tim of Ankeny and their children, Brad and Chad; Jill Balsley and her husband, Brad of Osage and their children, Derek and Dustin; one brother, Mark Gast and wife, Peggy of Osage and their children, Lacey, Laura, Emily and Natalie.
© 2001 Mitchell County Press

Harold Meinders

December 12, 2001

Harold Meinders, age 76, of Dumont, died at the North Iowa Mercy Center, East Campus, Mason City, on Friday, December 7, 2001.

Funeral services were held on Monday, December 10, at the Dumont Reformed Church. Rev. Bob Scholten officiated.  Burial was in the Dumont Cemetery.

Harold was born on December 14, 1924 near Austinville, Iowa, to Harry and Mattie (Nolte) Meinders. He was baptized in 1925 at the Washington Reformed Church and made his Confession of Faith in 1939 at the Dumont Reformed Church. He attended country schools through the 7th grade and graduated from the Dumont Community High School in 1943. He was drafted into the Marines on March 3, 1944 and served in the Pacific Theatre. He was released in August of 1946 and worked in the Kesley Elevator for his uncle and in the Dumont Elevator.

On November 6, 1949, he was united in marriage to Frances Kuper at the Congregational Church in Osage. Shortly after their marriage Harold had the opportunity to rent a farm south of Dumont and continued to farm in the Dumont and Osage areas for 20 years, until they purchased the Meinders Variety in Dumont in 1971.

While Frances worked in the store, Harold operated a back-hoe business. He also built their home in which they currently reside. He worked various jobs including gas truck driver, bus driver, milk truck driver, Sexton of the Dumont Cemetery, grave digger and lawn keeper. In previous years, he also was employed by United Hydraulics, Winnebago Industries and the Harken Lumber Co. in Dumont.

Harold was a real servant. He loved working and helping people. He is best known in Dumont as “The Ladies Man” as he was always on call for the widows who needed a man’s touch. He was always the person to call no matter what you needed help with. It might be plumbing, carpentry, trimming, mowing, digging, fixing, building, shingling, laying carpet. He was always willing to help.

Harold was currently a member of the Dumont Reformed Church, President of the Cemetery Association, Elder and Deacon of the Dumont Reformed Church, where he also served as Treasurer and choir member; a member of the American Legion for 54 years and a Lions Club member. He served as board member when the Franklin General Hospital was built, member of the medical search committee on the Dumont Development Board for a Physician in Dumont. He took the opportunity to go to Roanoke, Virginia, to help relocate the doctor. He also served as a volunteer fireman in Dumont.

Preceding him in death were his parents; one sister, Wilma Maifield; and two children, Lynn Harold and Julie Ann.

Those that survive him include his wife, Frances of Dumont; six children, LaDonna and Larry Estal of Reeds Spring, Missouri, Keith and Becky Jo Meinders of Osage, Steve and Sue Meinders of Kearney, Missouri, Marcia and Randy Lunn of St. Louis, Missouri, Verle and Dale Pecha of Dumont and Mari and Kirk Petersen of Hampton; four sisters, Deona and Albert Dohlman of Dumont, Edna and George Reiners of Dumont, Phyllis and Toot Card of Hampton and Mary Lou and Duane Seibert of Rudd; fourteen grandchildren; one great-grandson; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
© 2001 Mitchell County Press

Allene P. Tusler

December 19, 2001

Allene P. Tusler, age 87, of Osage, died on Monday, December 10, 2001, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, in Mason City.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, December 15, at the United Church of Christ, Osage. Rev. Robert Melhorn officiated. There was no visitation. Inurnment was in the Osage Cemetery. The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, in charge of the arrangements.

Allene was born in Osage, the daughter of John M. and Myrtle Belle (Dodge) Pierce. She attended school in Osage and graduated from the Osage High School in 1932. She was united in marriage to Merle Loiler on December 28, 1936 in Sidney, Iowa. They lived in many different states. They moved to Osage in the late 1970s. Merle died in 1980. Allene married Stanley Tusler on June 10, 1987 in Osage. They continued to live in Osage and enjoyed traveling together. Stanley died in 1994.

Allene was a member of the United Church of Christ, Osage. She was an avid bridge player and enjoyed gardening. She also enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her first husband, Merle; second husband, Stanley; and two brothers, Marshall Pierce and Dean Pierce.

Those that survive her include one son, Warren “Rusty” Loiler and his wife, Sharon of St. Paul, Minnesota and their children, Polly Heintz and her husband, Dan of Hudson, Wisconsin; Julie Loiler, Krystal Loiler and Grant Loiler of St. Paul, Minnesota; one step-daughter, Gretchen (Tusler) Castle and husband, James of Osage; two step-sons, Scott Tusler and wife, Kathy of Osage and Wade Tusler and wife, Carolyn of Osage.
© 2001 Mitchell County Press

Melvin Heaps

December 19, 2001

Melvin D. Heaps, age 66, of South Bend, Indiana and formerly of St. Ansgar, died on Wednesday, December 12, 2001, at the Baptist Hospital, Little Rock, Arkansas, after a brief illness.

Funeral services were held on Monday, December 17, at the United Methodist Church, St. Ansgar. Rev. Jay Amundson officiated. Burial was in the Newburg Cemetery, Carpenter.

Melvin Dean Heaps, was born on February 24, 1935 in Boone, Iowa and was a long time resident of the St. Ansgar area. He was a retired industrial engineer, a member of the Masonic Lodge, Austin Shrine, Minnesota Osman Temple and American Foundry Society.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Thomas and Rosia (Kelley) Heaps; a brother, Ross; and a sister, Betty Deal.

Those that survive him include his son, Melvin Jr. and wife, Nicole of Maumelle, Arkansas; three daughters, Deanna Trytten and husband, Randy of St. Ansgar, Donna Boerjan and husband, Paul of St. Ansgar and Darla Theobald and husband, Tom of North Mankato, Minnesota; twelve grandchildren; and one great-grandchild; and two sisters, Agnes Conrad and Ruth Merrill, both of Boone, Iowa.
© 2001 Mitchell County Press

Margaret Kloberdanz

December 19, 2001

Margaret J. Kloberdanz, age 88, of Osage, passed away at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Osage, on Wednesday, December 12, 2001.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, December 18, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Osage. Father Philip Recker officiated. Cremation followed the service with inurnment in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Osage. The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.

Margaret was born on September 6, 1913 in Iroquois, South Dakota, the daughter of Charles and Margaret (Johnston) Flowers. She was united in marriage to Peter J. Kloberdanz on June 12, 1939, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage.

Upon graduating from the Southern Normal School in Springfield, South Dakota in 1933, Margaret embarked on her long teaching career at the elementary level. She arrived in Osage in 1938 after teaching in Springfield, South Dakota, in Dougherty, Iowa and Aredale, Iowa. Margaret was a teacher for over 50 years.

A little known fact about Margaret is that she was a true pioneer in woman’s basketball playing in high school and college in the late 20’s and early 30’s. She also introduced basketball to the girls on the Lakota Indian Reservation for a year after her college graduation.

She was a charter member of the Osage Shakespearean Study Club. She also belonged to Our Lady of Good Counsel Study Club, the Mason City Women’s Club and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society. She will be especially remembered for her presentations on the famous woman author Laura Ingalls Wilder. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Sacred Heart Guild.

Preceding her in death were her parents; one brother, John; and her daughter, Mary Margaret.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Peter of Osage; sons, Montgomery of Phoenix, Arizona, Michael of Las Vegas, Nevada and Murray of Osage; seven grandchildren, Michael, Kori, Kristin, Cameron, Shelby, David and Nicholas; and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.
© 2001 Mitchell County Press

Angela Faith Krabbe

December 19, 2001

Angela Faith Krabbe, infant daughter of Doug and Jane Krabbe, of Osage, died shortly after birth at the Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Private graveside committal services were held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Osage, with Rev. Philip Recker officiating. The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Preceding her in death were identical twin sisters, Megan and Nicole Krabbe.

Those that survive her include her parents, Doug and Jane Krabbe of Osage; two sisters, Kayla and Connor Krabbe and a brother, Noah all at home; paternal grandparents, Barbara and Willard Krabbe of Thornton; maternal grandparents, Paul and Arlene Kockler of Pleasantville; paternal great-grandfather, James Krabbe of Latimer; and maternal great-grandmother, Lucile Kockler of Bancroft.
© 2001 Mitchell County Press

Tom Von Tersch

December 19, 2001

Tom Von Tersch, age 62, of Osage, died of cancer, on Thursday, December 13, 2001, at the Mitchell County Memorial Hospital, Hospice Unit, Osage.

Funeral services were held on Monday, December 17, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Osage. Father Philip Recker officiated and interment was in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Osage. The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.

Tom was born on October 25, 1939 in Omaha, Nebraska, the son of William and Cecilia (Smith) Von Tersch. He moved with his family to Osage in 1946 at the age of seven. Tom attended Osage Schools and graduated from the Osage High School in 1957. He went to Loras College, graduated from NIACC and then continued his education and graduated from the Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science in 1965. He was united in marriage to Marilyn Lewis on August 13, 1960.

He was employed by the Champion Funeral Home as a funeral director for 35 years. He became part owner with Tom Bucheit in 1980. He retired in March 2000.

He was an avid race fan. His friends called him Harry. He enjoyed golfing, canoeing and as he termed it, recreational mowing. He was a member of the Funeral Director’s Association and the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Osage.

Preceding him in death were his parents; one daughter, Michele Ann; one son, John Martin; and one sister, Kathy Veren.

Tom will be remembered as a wonderful husband and father by his wife, Marilyn; son, Ed; daughter, Denise; three sisters, Sheila Moskens and her husband, Duane of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Peg Bowe of Mason City and Joan Kleckner and her husband, Bruce of Fresno, California; one brother, John Von Tersch and his wife, Annette of Cedar Falls; three nieces and six nephews and his dog, Rudy.
© 2001 Mitchell County Press

Darrell W. Patterson

December 19, 2001

Darrell W. Patterson, age 78, of Toeterville, died on Saturday, December 15, 2001, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, December 18, at the St. Peter Lutheran Church, Toeterville. Rev. Dennis Hanson officiated and burial was in the St. Ansgar Cemetery, St. Ansgar. The Schroeder and Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, was in charge of the arrangements.

Darrell was born in Mitchell County, Iowa to John W. and Velma (Rutt) Patterson on July 21, 1923. He married Ruth Stromley on December 31, 1943 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. They lived all their married life in Mitchell County. Darrell loved farming, making farming his life and lifestyle. A great joy to Darrell was visits with his family and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents; and one brother, Max Patterson.

Darrell is survived by his wife, Ruth of St. Ansgar; two sons, Rodney L. Patterson and wife, Lori of St. Ansgar and Virgil L. Patterson and wife, Linda of St. Ansgar; two daughters, LaDonna Gunderson and her husband, Jerry of Osage and Rhonda Gerk and her husband, Steve of Osage; nine grandchildren, Scott Halbach and wife, Deanna, Gregg Halbach and wife, Amy, Daniel Halbach, Corey Patterson, Michael Gerk, Carter Patterson, Taylor Patterson, Mackenzie Patterson and Hilary Gerk; two brothers, Donald W. Patterson and his wife, Enid of St. Ansgar and John Patterson and his wife, Fran of St. Ansgar; three sisters, Neva Nelson of Lyle, Minnesota, Helen Debner of Marble Rock and Lois Benesh and her husband, Walter of Brownsdale, Minnesota; sister-in-law, Mrs. Max (Mildred) Patterson of St. Ansgar; and many nieces and nephews.
© 2001 Mitchell County Press

Esma M. Hartwig

December 19, 2001

Esma M. Hartwig, age 90, of St. Ansgar, died on Saturday, December 15, 2001, at the Good Samaritan Center, St. Ansgar.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, December 19, at 1:30 p.m., at the St. John’s Lutheran Church, Rock Township. Rev. Rose Marie Nack officiated and burial was in the St. John’s Cemetery, Rock Township. The Schroeder and Sites Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Esma Minnie Ida Rosel Hartwig, was born on December 30, 1910 in Rock Township, Mitchell County, to George and Anna (Runge) Rosel, Sr. She was baptized on February 12, 1911, at the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Rock Township. She was confirmed on March 28, 1926, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar, by Rev. Paul Brammer. She received her education through the 10th grade at the St. Ansgar Public schools.

Esma Rosel and Paul Hartwig were married on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1931, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar. They were blessed with a daughter, Karen June. The couple lived on the Hartwig home farm in Newburg Township until November 1975, when they retired from farming and moved to St. Ansgar.

Esma belonged to several community and church organizations and particularly enjoyed her Federated Women’s Club, the St. Ansgar Garden Club, and WELCA at St. John’s Church. She loved her garden, with all it’s roses and was an avid stitcher. Esma’s beautiful singing will be remembered by many. As a couple, Paul and Esma rarely missed sports or music activities through their grandson’s school years.

Preceding her in death was her husband, Paul on January 3, 1997, her parents, George and Anna Rosel, Sr.; two sisters, SaVera Rosenberg and Norma Gerlach; and a brother in infancy.

Those that survive her include her daughter, Karen and her husband, Frederick Steinberg; her grandson, Brian and wife, Tori; and three great-grandchildren, Gregory Paul, Kayley Sue and Riley Dean; and grandson, Bruce all of St. Ansgar; three sisters, Leola Ruehlew and Doris Erdman of St. Ansgar and Wilma Kroneman and husband, Lloyd of Grafton; and two brothers, Lawrence Rosel and wife, Norma of Osage and George Rosel Jr. and wife, Marla of Bertram, Iowa; nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

Blessed be her memory.
© 2001 Mitchell County Press

Pauline Michels

December 19, 2001

Pauline Michels, age 98, died on Sunday, December 16, 2001, at the Stacyville Community Nursing Home.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, December 19, at the Sacred Heart Church, Meyer. Father Joseph Schneider officiated and burial was in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Meyer.

Pauline was born on July 16, 1903, to Martin and Teresia Meyer Werner at Meyer, Iowa. On January 26, 1928, Pauline was united in marriage to Leo J. Michels from Stacyville. They resided in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, before moving to the Meyer area where they farmed for many years. In 1959 they retired and moved to Rochester, Minnesota. She enjoyed her family, quilting, gardening, reading and volunteer work.

Preceding her in death were her husband; and all her brothers and sisters.

Those that survive Pauline are seven children including two sons, Leo of Des Moines and Robert and wife, Betty of Sauk Center, Minnesota; five daughters, E. Joan and John Hemann of Lime Springs, Ann and Tom Marsolek of Lakewood, Colorado, Rose and Dale Bock of Des Moines, Germaine of Marina, California and Jeanette Brandt of Northfield, Minnesota; 24 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.
© 2001 Mitchell County Press

Karen Marie Smith

December 19, 2001

Karen Marie Smith, of Nora Springs, died on Sunday, December 16, 2001, at her home in Nora Springs.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, December 19, 2001, at the Eden Presbyterian Church, rural Rudd, at 2:00 p.m. Rev. John Bates will officiate. There will be a private family burial in the Eden Presbyterian Cemetery. The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation is at the funeral home on Tuesday evening, from 6-8:00 p.m., with a scripture prayer service at 7:45 p.m.

Karen Marie (Hansen) Smith, was born on June 20, 1937 in Iowa Falls, the oldest daughter of Harry Pete and Merna (Whitman) Hansen. She was a graduate of the Iowa Falls High School in 1955 and in 1957 she graduated from the two year teaching program at the Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls. She went on to receive her Bachelor of Art’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Iowa in 1976.

On August 15, 1958, she was united in marriage to Marvin Smith at the United Methodist Church in Iowa Falls. They settled in rural LeMars and began raising a family which grew to six children. In 1968 they moved to Nora Springs. Teaching and reading were important to Karen and she had many friends among other teachers and her students. She began her teaching career at Archer, Iowa, where she taught kindergarten. Following a break to begin raising her family she resumed teaching in Nora Springs.

In 1972, she helped start the Winnie the Pooh Nursery School serving as its teacher for 13 years. She also taught remedial reading and math and later included the Reading Recovery program. She retired from the Nora Springs-Rock Falls Community School in 2001, where she was well respected and loved by other teachers and students.

Karen became involved in a variety of activities throughout the years. At various times she served as a Girl Scout Leader, 4-H Leader and Literary Leaders. She also served on the Nora Springs Library Board helping guide the summer reading program and as the story lady for several years.

Karen’s faith was an important part of her life. She was a member and Elder of the Eden Presbyterian Church and was very active in a variety of roles including teaching and leading Sunday School, serving on the Session, leading women’s groups and singing in the choir.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents.

Karen was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by her family. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Marvin Smith; six children, Galen and his wife, Cindy Ira-Smith of West Union, Diane Jones and her husband, Phil of Urbandale, Brenda Smith of Nashua, New Hampshire, Laura Fulton and her husband, Allen of Des Moines, Scott Ramsey-Smith and his wife, Teri of Marshalltown and Jill Smith and her husband, Doug Meythaler of Golden Valley, Minnesota; 10 grandchildren; a sister, Joan Geil of Knoxville; and a brother, Tom Hansen of Ackley.
© 2001 Mitchell County Press

Inez E. Clark

December 26, 2001

Inez E. Clark, age 78, of Cedar Falls, died on Monday, December 17, 2001, at the Valley Lutheran Hospital, Mesa, Arizona, of natural causes.

Funeral services were held on Friday, December 21, at the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Inez was born on November 17, 1923 in Lake Mills, the daughter of Thomas and Barbara Huglin Evans. She married Dale J. Clark on April 24, 1942 in Elma.

Inez graduated from the Osage High School in 1941. She later worked at Chamberlain Manufacturing in Waterloo, during World War II. She also worked for a number of years for Fred’s Super Value and retired from Eagle Food Stores in 1989.

Preceding her in death were her three sisters, Marie and Louise Lubbert and Dorothy Ilo Gliedt; and three brothers, Frank, Ernie and Floyd Evans.

Those that survive her include her husband; three daughters, Sally Lane of Cedar Falls, Judy Nelson of Hampton and Karen Kuehn of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; two sons, Dennis of Waterloo and Douglas of Grundy Center; 11 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two brothers, Roy Evans of Coronodo, California and Harold Evans of Mesa, Arizona; and a local relative, Bob Lubbert of Osage, her nephew.
© 2001 Mitchell County Press

Bill Goodale

December 26, 2001

William P. “Bill” Goodale, age 70, of Manly, died on Monday, December 17, 2001, at the Hennepin County Memorial Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

A funeral mass was held on Friday, December 21, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Manly. Rev. David G. Kucera officiated and interment was in the Sacred Heart Church Cemetery. The Bride Colonial Chapel was in charge of the arrangements.

Bill was born on September 26, 1931 in Floyd County, Iowa, the son of Burl and Lillian (Wagner) Goodale. He graduated from the Little Cedar High School and from Iowa State Teacher’s College in Cedar Falls in 1950. Bill entered the United States Air Force in 1951, serving during the Korean Conflict. He was united in marriage to Veronica Theis on September 27, 1952, at the St. Peter’s Catholic Church, New Haven.

Bill worked as a hired man on several farms in Mitchell County during the early 1950’s. In 1955, he engaged in farming in Mitchell County and later in Floyd County. In 1968, the couple moved to Plymouth and in 1971 to Manly.

Bill raised horses on his farms, enjoyed flowers and gardening, sewing, quilting, woodworking, playing cards and dancing. He also loved to fish and camp, go for bike rides and walk with his groups of walkers and have coffee with them afterwards. Bill was an avid Iowa Hawkeye and Iowa State Cyclone fan, but his great joy was spending time with his grandchildren.

He was a member of the Moose Lodge both in Charles City and Mason City and a member and lay distributor at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manly.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his father-in-law; a nephew; and one brother, Vernon Goodale.

Those that survive him include his wife, Veronica of Manly; eight children and their spouses, Wilma and Mike Romig of Manly, Verlene (Cannon) and Rod Dunlavey of Traer, Virgil and Marcia Goodale of Mason City, LeAnn (Huse) Goodale and Vincent Copas of Clear Lake, Mark and Kristy Goodale of Ames, Larry and Jill Goodale of Ames, Christine and Dennis Krauth of Forest City and Brad and Jodi Goodale of Muscatine; seventeen grandchildren; six brothers and sisters and their spouses, Kenneth and Ruby Goodale of Osage, Viola and Matt Klassen of Adams, Minnesota, Dale and Gertie Goodale of Osage, Arlene and Curtis Fox of Osage, Dean and Joan Goodale of Mason City and Irene and Church Johnson of Cedar Rapids; one sister-in-law, Marlene Goodale of Little Cedar; his mother-in-law, Gladys Theis of Charles City; and many nieces and nephews.
© 2001 Mitchell County Press

Paul F. Walk

December 26, 2001

Paul F. Walk, 75, of Kensett, died on Monday, December 17, 2001, one and a half miles east of Bolan.

Memorial services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, December 22, at the United Methodist Church in Bolan, with Rev. Robert Cummings officiating. Inurnment was in the Kensett Cemetery in Kensett. The Bride Colonial Chapel of Manly, was in charge of the arrangements.

Paul was born on June 12, 1926 on the family farm, rural Bolan, the son of Henry and Louise (Junkermeier) Walk. He attended the Bolan Country School and the Northwood High School. Paul was united in marriage to Arliene Borchardt on September 28, 1952, in the Bolan United Methodist Church. To this union six children were born, Janiece, Joyce, Judeen, Jerry, Debra and Kevin. They farmed and reared their family east of Bolan.

He enjoyed his family, grandchildren, fishing, woodworking and tinkering around the farm.  He was a member of the Bolan United Methodist Church.

 He is survived by his six children, Janiece Kinzle and her husband, Kreg of Glenwood, Iowa, Joyce Simanton and her husband, Robert of Niles, Michigan, Judeen Keiran and her husband, Craig of Des Moines, Jerry Walk and his wife, Tracey of Council Bluffs, Debra Teachout and her husband, Jim of Amarillo, Texas and Kevin Walk and his wife, Bonnie of Glenwood; 12 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Arliene on April 30, 2001; three brothers, Gilbert, George and John Walk; and four sisters, Martha Dittburner, Freida Ingamells, Prudence Wilde and Luella Walk. 
© 2001 Mitchell County Press

Harold Abben

December 31, 2001

Harold Abben, 67, of Joplin, died on Monday, December 17, 2001, at the Jefferson Barracks Veteran’s Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, December 20, at the Parker Mortuary Chapel, Joplin, Missouri. Rev. Bob Simon officiated. Interment was in the Forest Park Cemetery.

Harold was born on June 28, 1934 in Iowa, and had lived in Joplin since 1957. He was a veteran of the United States Army Military Police where he attained the ranking of sergeant. He worked for 20 years for the Joplin Police Department and served as chief of the detective division and held the rank of sergeant. He worked at Tri-State Motor Transit as the head of the security department and worked in the warehouse at Pepsi, Inc.

Harold was active in youth sports, including Little League baseball and youth basketball. He was also active in several bowling leagues in Joplin. He attended the Central Assembly in Joplin.

Harold married Norma Jean Chapman on August 6, 1957 in Little Cedar, Iowa. She preceded him in death on November 13, 1973.

Those that survive him include a daughter, Pam Henderson of Joplin, Missouri; one son, Mark Abben of Joplin; four brothers, Leland Abben of Albert Lea, Minnesota, Millard “Buddy” Abben of Little Cedar, Iowa, Kenneth Abben of Iowa and Duane Abben of Little Cedar; two sisters, Dorothy Caldwell of Cedar Rapids and Mildred Rhodes of Little Cedar; two grandchildren, Timothy Henderson and Misty Henderson; and one great-granddaughter, Crystal Henderson.
© 2001 Mitchell County Press

Bessie Sutter

January 9, 2002

Bessie Sutter, age 100, originally from West Union, Iowa, died on Thursday, December 27, 2001, at the Faith Home, Osage.

Funeral services were held on Monday, December 31, at the Zion Lutheran Church, West Union. Dr. Edward Schneider of Champaign, Illinois, nephew of Bessie, officiated and internment was in the West Union Cemetery. The  Burnham and Wood Funeral Home, West Union, was in charge of the arrangements.

Bessie was born in Clayton County near Elkader, Iowa, on September 15, 1901, to Fred and Pauline Schneider. She received her education in a little country school house near Elkader. She received her certificate of Course Study in 1916.

On December 22, 1924, she married “Bill” Sutter of Elgin, Iowa. To this union two daughters were born.

In 1928, Bill became afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis and was forced to give up his work in the electrical business. In the fall of 1929, Bill and Bessie moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, for his health reasons. They returned in the spring of 1931, at which time they moved to West Union. Bessie sold McConnon Products for many years and they also owned and operated Sutter’s North-end Grocery Store in West Union.

When it became apparent that Bessie could no longer live alone, she moved to Osage, in April of 1994 and became a resident of the Faith Lutheran Home.

Preceding her in death were her parents; three brothers; a sister; and her husband, Bill in 1981.

Those that survive her include her two daughters, Mardelle Strudthoff of Waterloo and Monica Smith and husband, Gene of Osage; a sister-in-law, Mrs. Minnie Schneider of Elkader; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and numerous nieces and nephews.
© 2002 Mitchell County Press