Stephanie Lodge

March 6, 2002

Stephanie Ann Lodge, age 18, of Knoxville, died on Saturday, March 2, 2002, at the Knoxville Area Community Hospital in Knoxville suddenly of pulmonary embolus.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 6, at 10:30 a.m., at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Meyer, with Rev. Joseph Schneider officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date. Visitation is from 5-8:00 p.m., on Tuesday evening, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, and will continue one hour before the services at the church.

Stephanie was born on November 16, 1983 in Mason City, the daughter of Larry Lodge, Jr. and Phyllis (Martin) Lodge. She attended kindergarten through 12th grade at Knoxville. Stephanie graduated from the Knoxville High School on January 11, 2002. She was currently attending Kaplan College in Davenport, Iowa.

Those that survive her include her mother, Phyllis Lodge of Knoxville; father; Larry Lodge Jr. of Newton; one brother; Matt Lodge of Davenport; maternal grandparents; Bill and Barb Martin of Riceville and maternal great-grandmother, Sybil Shaw and husband, Cy of Yuma, Arizona; paternal grandparents, Larry, Sr. and Mary Lodge of Nashua; aunts and uncles, Mark and Lori Martin, Patty Martin, Duane and Pam Beard, Bruce and Ann Flatjord, Rod and Elaine Gerbig, Scott Lodge and Garry and Deb Barlow; and numerous cousins.
© 2002 Mitchell County Press

Roy Matthew Theobald

March 13, 2002

Roy Matthew Theobald, age 56, died on Saturday, March 2, 2002, at his residence in Stacyville, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 7, at the Visitation Catholic Church, Stacyville, with Rev. Joseph Schneider officiating. Burial was in the Visitation Cemetery, Stacyville. The Schroeder-Sites Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Roy Matthew Theobald, was born on January 29, 1946 in Osage, to Carl and Irma (Durben) Theobald. He was educated at Stacyville and lived in the Stacyville area working at various jobs.

Preceding him in death were his father; and one brother, Robert.

Those that survive him include his mother, Irma of Stacyville; one sister, Helen Hemann of Austin, Minnesota; three brothers, Glen Theobald of Lake City, Minnesota, Kennedth Theobald of Stacyville and Roger Theobald of Elk Horn, Nebraska; and many nieces and nephews.
© 2002 Mitchell County Press

Richard “Dick” E. Williams

March 6, 2002

Richard “Dick” E. Williams, age 81, of Osage, died on Sunday, March 3, 2002, at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, Osage.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, March 6, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Osage. Rev. Philip Recker will officiate and interment will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Osage. Visitation was on Tuesday afternoon, from 4-8:00 p.m., with a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 6:30 p.m. and a Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Dick was born on June 25, 1920 in Harpers Ferry, Iowa, the son of Burt and Florence (Boardman) Williams. On August 8, 1944, he was united in marriage to Gertrude McGeough at the Cherry Mound St. Pius Catholic Church in Allamakee County, Iowa. In 1945 they moved to Osage where he was employed with Penney Brothers Tire and Auto Parts until 1964, when he opened Dick’s Royal Tire and Supply. In 1975 he sold his business and worked for Sieg Auto Parts and Car Quest until he retired in 1995.

He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, Osage.

Preceding him in death were his parents; two brothers, Jim and Carl; and two sisters, Erma and Effie.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Gertrude of Osage; two daughters, Jane Miller and husband, Roy of Osage and Megg Ganrude and husband, Craig of Byron, Minnesota; five grandchildren, Mindy Henderson and husband, Jim, Mike Miller and wife, Dawn, Marty Miller and wife, Angie, Nicole Ganrude and Makenzee Ganrude; six great-grandchildren; a sister, Delora Palmer and husband, Stan of Harpers Ferry; as well as other relatives and friends.
© 2002 Mitchell County Press

Marion D. Young

March 6, 2002

Marion D. Young, age 81, of Osage, died on Tuesday, March 5, 2002, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center, Osage.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 8, at 1:30 p.m., at the St. John’s Lutheran Church, south of Osage. Rev. Christian F. Gugel will officiate and inurnment will follow at a later date. Visitation will be on Thursday, March 7, from 5-8:00 p.m., at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage and continue one hour before the services at the church.

He was born on September 8, 1920 in Waukee, the son of Dwight and Gladys (Thompson) Young. He was united in marriage to Mildred Schroeder on July 24, 1943, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar. They lived in the Osage area all their married life. Mildred died on May 12, 1997.

Marion worked for FS and the Co-op Elevator in Osage. He was a member of the St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Mildred; daughter, Judith Ann Hanson; a son and a daughter in infancy; brother, Charles Young; and two sisters in infancy.

Those that survive him include two sons, Robert Young of Osage and John Young of Liberty Hill, Texas; one sister, Virginia Ellison and husband, Forrest of Osage; one sister-in-law, Helen Young of Osage; six grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
© 2002 Mitchell County Press

Shirley May Hammerstrom

March 13, 2002

Shirley May Hammerstrom, age 81, of Riceville, died on Tuesday, March 5, 2002, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center, Osage.

Funeral services were held on Friday, March 8, at the Riceville United Methodist Church. Rev. Michael Carey officiated and burial was in the Riverside Cemetery, Riceville. The Lindstrom Funeral Home, Riceville, was in charge of the arrangements.

Shirley May Edel Hammerstrom, was born on the family farm near Randalia, Iowa, on May 31, 1920, to Roy and Julia Campbell Edel. She attended country school within one mile of the family farm. Shirley graduated from the Randalia High School and furthered her education at Upper Iowa University, Fayette. Her first teaching position was in a country school. From this position, she moved to Burt, Iowa, to teach and met the love of her life, dear and gentle Kenneth “Chinks” Hammerstrom.

On August 3, 1947, Shirley was united in marriage to Kenneth Hammerstrom in Randalia, Iowa, at the Randalia United Methodist church. They established their home in Burt.

After her retirement with “Chinks” in poor health, they spent their days together and for 14 years, Shirley and “Chinks” visited many friends and relatives and enjoyed their time at their cabin in Nevis, Minnesota.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Kenneth; and her brother-in-law, LeRoy Whiteford.

Those that survive her include nieces and nephews; a great-niece; brother-in-law; and sister-in-law.
© 2002 Mitchell County Press

Eldon W. Buehrer

March 13, 2002

Eldon W. Buehrer, age 80, of Northwood, died on Friday, March 8, 2002, at the North Iowa Medical Center, Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Monday, March 11, at the First Lutheran Church, Northwood. Rev. Paul Holmer officiated and burial was in the Sunset Cemetery, Northwood.

Eldon was born on April 15, 1921 in Grafton, Iowa, to Carl and Caroline (Trettin) Buehrer. He was baptized at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Grafton and confirmed at the same church in 1936. He lived with his parents on the Buehrer farm one-half mile east of Grafton. He attended the Rural School #1, east of Grafton and later moved to Mason City where he worked for the Jacob E. Decker and Sons meat processing plant. He then drove bus for Winnebago lines out of Mason City to Des Moines, Estherville and Fort Dodge.

He married Ellen June Wolff of Northwood on June 9, 1946, at the Zion Lutheran Church, Northwood. He was employed by Rilco Laminating Products, King Seeley Thermos of Albert Lea for 31 years, retiring in 1984. He established Riverside Auto Parts in Northwood in 1965 along with his employment in Albert Lea. In 1986 his son, Mark took over the business.

Eldon was a 57 year member of the American Legion, a life member of the Disabled American Veterans and the Smith-Perry Post #144 of Northwood. He was a member of the Moose Lodge, Mason City and the Eagles Lodge in Albert Lea, Minnesota.

He enjoyed visiting his daughter, Sharon and son-in-law, Rick and grandchildren and great-grandchildren who live in Tucson, Arizona.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Ellen on March 16, 2001; his parents; a sister, Hazel; twin brothers; a brother; and a sister; and several cousins.

Those that survive him include his son, Mark and wife, Lori; grandsons, Ryan and Cory; a daughter, Sharon Kay Haugebak and son-in-law, Rick; two granddaughters; and great-grandchildren.

The Schroeder-Sites Funeral Home, Northwood, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2002 Mitchell County Press

Donald R. Wright

March 13, 2002

Donald R. Wright, age 80, of Osage, died on Saturday, March 9, 2002, at the Faith Lutheran Home, Osage.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, March 13, at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Osage. Rev. Christian F. Gugel officiated and interment was in the Osage Cemetery with military rites at the grave conducted by the Osage American Legion Post 278.

Donald was born on April 1, 1921 in Mason City, the son of Herbert A. and Susan (Donaldson) Wright. He attended school in Mason City and was employed by Decker’s Packing Plant. Don was united in marriage to Alice Gray on June 20, 1942 in Mason City. In October of 1942, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and trained in Ft. Warren, Wyoming, Ft. Lewis, Washington, Camp Claiborne, Louisiana and in Wales. He served the Army Corp of Engineers in Wales, England and France for 36 months.

Upon his return to Mason City he was employed by Arnold’s Auto Repair. In 1947, the family along with the Claus Clausen family moved to Osage and formed the partnership of Claus and Don’s Auto Repair, which after two years became Don’s Auto Repair. Don retired in 1992.

He was a confirmed member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Osage, the Osage American Legion Post 278 and a life member of the Osage VFW Post 7920.

Don was a pilot and enjoyed flying his plane. Camping was Don and Alice’s passion and during their 52 years of marriage they visited 50 states. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Alice; one sister, Genevieve Rounds; and one brother, Lester Dawson.

Those that survive him include three daughters, Suzanne Johnson and her husband, Keith of Mantorville, Minnesota, Donette Newhouse and her husband, Leslie of Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin and Linda Moore and her husband, Jerry of Osage; one son, Herbert Wright and wife, Barbara of Osage; 10 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Rose Dawson of Mason City; and one brother-in-law, Chester Rounds of Mason City.
© 2002 Mitchell County Press

Merrrill Donald Hanson

March 20, 2002

Merrill Donald Hanson, age 75, of Mason City, died on Sunday, March 10, 2002, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 14, at the Wesley United Methodist Church. Rev. Bill Poland officiated and interment followed the services at the St. Ansgar Cemetery. Military rites were conducted at the burial. The Fullerton Funeral Home, Mason City, was in charge of the arrangements.

Merrill Donald Hanson, was born on August 30, 1926, the son of Sefred and Cora (Session) Hanson in Pope County, Minnesota near Glenwood. Don attended school in Pope County. The family then moved to Iowa in 1942. He joined the Civil Conservation Corp. at the age of 15 in the fall of 1941 at Fergus Falls, Minnesota, doing forestry work clearing wooded lots. He later farmed with his father and brothers until he was drafted in 1944 into the United States Army. Later, he volunteered to join the Navy. Following active service, he was honorably discharged at Ft. Snelling, Minnesota.

He returned to farm with his brother, Leo and wife, Avis from 1947 until 1948. He then attained a job as lineman with the Central Iowa Telephone Co. based in Toledo, Iowa. He served the Lyle, Minnesota area. On November 17, 1950, he began working at Decker Meat Packing Plant, later known as Armour Foods. The old plant closed in 1975 and Don painted houses until the new plant opened in 1978 when he returned there to work. He retired on December 15, 1983, having dedicated 30 years of service to his work.

Don was united in marriage on June 15, 1955 to Shirley Dippell in Austin, Minnesota.

He was baptized in the Methodist faith and was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church. He was a member of United Packing House Workers Local P-38 and served as Division Stewart, Safety Committee and was a member of the VFW.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his sisters, Vera and Ruth in infancy; brothers, Cecil, Theodore and Harold; and other relatives.

Those thankful for sharing his life include his wife, Shirley; two sons, Marshall Hanson and special friend, Regina De Maris and her children, Rob, Jamie and Kellie of Dumont, Randy Hanson and special friend, Patty Cooper of Mason City; one brother, Leo Hanson and wife, Avis of St. Ansgar; nieces and nephews, Priscilla Schulz, Jeanie Landeen and Gloria Hanson all from Alexandria, Minnesota, Delores Mullen and her husband, Bruce of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Beverly Rubenstein and her husband, Steve of New Jersey, Dennis Hanson and wife, Mary of St. Ansgar and Lisa Hansen and husband, Jeff of St. Ansgar.
© 2002 Mitchell County Press

Curtis Decklever

March 20, 2002

Curtis C. Decklever, age 39, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, died on Monday, March 11, 2002, in Cheyenne.

Memorial services were held at the Our Savior Lutheran Church, Cheyenne, on Friday, March 15, with Pastor Richard Boche and Pastor Joel Fritsche officiating. Cremation has taken place at the Cheyenne Memorial Gardens.

Curtis was born on December 10, 1962, in Charles City and had he had lived in Wyoming since 1972, with his prior residence in Osage, Iowa. He was a graduate of the East High School in 1981 of Cheyenne. He was a construction worker.

Mr. Decklever was preceded in death by his niece; and his grandparents.

Those that survive him include a son, Anthony “Tony” Decklever of Cheyenne; his parents, Melvin and Pat Decklever of Cheyenne; a brother, James Decklever of Cheyenne; five sisters, Vickie Alumbaugh, Kellie Erickson, Joni Amos and Laurie Allen, all of Cheyenne and Debra Russell of Edmond, Oklahoma; twelve nieces and nephews; and special friend, Paula Ross and children, Jeannie and Stephanie Ross.
© 2002 Mitchell County Press

Mary Catherine Retterath

March 20, 2002

Mary Catherine Retterath, age 71, of Chester, Iowa, died on Saturday, March 16, 2002, at her residence in rural Chester.

A Mass of Resurrection was held at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Riceville, on Tuesday, March 19. Rev. Ray E. Atwood officiated. Burial was in the Calvary Cemetery, Riceville. The Lindstrom Funeral Home, Riceville, was in charge of the arrangements.

Mary Catherine was born on September 8, 1930, to Carl J. and Amelia Mary Schwieger Adams in New Haven, Iowa. Mary attended Stacyville Schools and two years prior to her marriage was employed at the Pitzen Brothers Produce in Stacyville.

Mary Catherine and Paul Retterath were united in marriage on September 28, 1949, at the Visitation Catholic Church, Stacyville. Mary was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and homemaker.

Preceding her in death were her parents.

Those that survive her include her husband, Paul of Chester, Iowa; three sons, Charles of Chester, Ronald and wife, Terri of Elma and Gary and wife, Jenifer of Riceville; two daughters, Sharon Hanson and her husband, Robert of Fredericksburg and Linda Fagerness and her husband, Richard of Princeton, Minnesota; eleven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
© 2002 Mitchell County Press

Gunder Peter Konrad Hanna

April 3, 2002

Gunder Peter Konrad “Pete” Hanna, died on Thursday, March 21, 2002, at his home in Sun City, Arizona.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, March 27, at the Sunland Lakeside Chapel, Sun City.

He was born on March 25, 1917 at Forest City, Iowa, to Christina Bartelson and Gunder G. Hanna. He served in the U.S. Navy from May 23, 1942 to September 24, 1945, at various duty stations in the United States and combat duty in Atlantic and the South Pacific war zones, including the New Guinea area in Flotilla 8, 7th Amphibious Fleet.

Previously he worked for WCF&N Bus Company in Waterloo and moved to Denver, Colorado in 1953. He was employed by PIE, Navajo and Time DC trucking firms while living in Denver. He moved to Phoenix, Arizona, in December 1976 and was employed by Automotive Sales and Service until his retirement in 1979.

Pete was an active member of NARFE, Chapter 1686, and was past chapter President for one year.

Preceding him in death were his parents; a sister, Myrtle “Billie” Bellis; step-sisters, Esther Bartleson, Dorothy Bartleson, Bertha Smith and Agnes Stohl; and a step-brother, Gisley Hanna.

He is survived by his wife, Edith; a son, Philip and his wife, Janet; twin granddaughters, Denise and Diane Hanna of Phoenix; and one sister, Florence Jenson of Marietta, Georgia.
© 2002 Mitchell County Press

Connie Shew

April 3, 2002

Connie L. Shew, age 55, of Hillsboro, Oregon, died on Friday, March 22, 2002, in Hillsboro.

A memorial service was held at the Evergreen Christian Center, Hillsboro, on Tuesday, March 26. Private interment was in the Valley Memorial Park, Oregon.

Connie was born on December 17, 1946 in Osage, Iowa, to Robert and Adeline Schroeder of Osage. She graduated from the Riceville High School and received her nurses training at the Iowa Methodist School of Nursing, Des Moines. She was a RN, Enterostomal Therapist and Diabetes Educator at the Tuality Hospital in Hillsboro, Oregon.

Connie married Paul Shew on August 23, 1975 and they moved to La Jolla, California. They later moved to Hillsboro and have lived there 23 years.

She was a member of the Evergreen Christian Center and was active in women’s and children’s ministries, choir and drama. She was also a member of the American Diabetes Association, Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society and American Association of Diabetic Educators.

Those that survive her include her husband, Paul Shew of Hillsboro, Oregon; two daughters and son-in-law, Emily and Kevin Hughes and Elizabeth Shew, all of Hillsboro, Oregon; her parents, Robert and Adeline Schroeder of Osage; two sisters, Toni (Rod) Friederich of Alta Vista, Iowa and Lois (Bob) Hutton of LeSueur, Minnesota; a brother, Roger (Deb) Schroeder of Elma, Iowa; and numerous nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

The family suggests memorials be directed to the Evergreen Christian Center, Hillsboro, Oregon. The Tuality Community Hospital is in the process of establishing a memorial for enterostomal scholarship training.
© 2002 Mitchell County Press

Hazel R. Best

March 27, 2002

Hazel R. Best, 94, of Mason City, passed away on Saturday March 23, 2002, at the Good Shepherd Health Center of Mason City, Iowa.

Memorial services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, March 26, at the Wayside Chapel of the First United Methodist Church in Mason City. Inurnment was in the Osage Cemetery in Osage. Memorials may be given to the First United Methodist Church of Mason City in her name. The Rev. Jeff Dahlin of the First United Methodist Church officiated at the services. The Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory was in charge of the arrangements.

Hazel R. Best, was born on July 11, 1907 in Forbes, North Dakota, the daughter of Joe and Caroline (Kraus) Sedlacek. At age one, the family moved to St. Ansgar, where Hazel was baptized and confirmed at the St. Ansgar Methodist Church. She graduated from the St. Ansgar High School in 1925. After graduation, she helped with the family business and did correspondence work with the Gates Business School in Waterloo.

Hazel was married to Claude A. Best on October 2, 1932 in Albert Lea, Minnesota. The couple lived in St. Ansgar for five years, Osage a couple of years and then moved to Mason City in 1941. Claude worked as a carpet, tile, and formica layer while Hazel served as his secretary and sold Tupperware. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Mason City and a former member of its Ladies Aid as well as the Mason City Woman’s Club. Hazel was a lifelong lover of music, especially band music, and attended all 60 North Iowa Band Festival Parades.

Surviving family members include sons, Clarence A. Best of Madison, Wisconsin and Jerold A. Best and wife, Judy of Iowa City, Iowa; grandsons, Bradley, Brandon, Blair and Terry; granddaughters, Denise and Brenda; five great-grandchildren; and a cousin in California.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Claude; and a sister, Mabel.
© 2002 Mitchell County Press

Genevieve Theresa Blake

March 27, 2002

Genevieve Blake, age 69, of Riceville, passed away on Sunday, March 24, 2002; at the Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

A Mass of Resurrection was held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, March 27, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Riceville, with Rev. Ray E. Atwood officiating. Burial was in the Calvary Cemetery, Riceville. The Lindstrom Funeral Home, Riceville, was in charge of the arrangements.

Genevieve was born on January 5, 1933 in McIntire, Iowa, the daughter of Lawrence and Marie Wettstein Retterath. She attended local schools and graduated from the Adams High School, Adams, Minnesota. She married James Blake on October 30, 1951 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Adams, Minnesota. She was employed as an aide at the Riceville Community Rest Home for 28 years.

Preceding her in death were her parents.

Those that survive her include her husband, James of Riceville; four sons, Michael Blake of Iowa City, Steven Blake and wife, Carolyn of Shakopee, Minnesota, Carl Blake of Morgan, Minnesota and William Blake of Atlanta, Georgia; five daughters, Ann Kindschuh of Shakopee, Minnesota, Karen Hartman and husband, Dale of Riceville, Rose Gansen and husband, Dale of Riceville, Cynthia Houser and husband, Thomas of Riceville and Marilyn Blake of Riceville; 15 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; three brothers, John Retterath of Adams, Minnesota, Joseph Retterath and wife, Betty of Adams, Minnesota and Thomas Retterath and wife, Jeanette of Adams, Minnesota; seven sisters, Ann Hemann and husband, Kenneth of St. Ansgar, Lorraine Kramer and husband, Kenneth of Adams, Minnesota, Louise Goergen and her husband, Kenneth of Adams, Minnesota, Helen Weber and husband, Lynn of Adams, Minnesota, Theresa Watson and husband, Wallace of Alandale, Wisconsin, Mary Rogne and husband, Wayne of Austin, Minnesota and Elizabeth Schik and husband, Michael of Plymouth, Minnesota.

In loving memory the family celebrates the life of Genevieve Theresa Blake. She will be sorely missed.
© 2002 Mitchell County Press

Walter “Bill” Warburton

March 27, 2002

Walter “Bill” Warburton, age 77, of Riceville, died on Sunday, March 24, 2002,  at the Hospice of North Iowa in Mason City..

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, March 30, at 1:00 p.m., at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Riceville. Rev. Herschel Hawf will officiate. Burial will be in the Eddy-Kendallville Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home one hour prior to the services.

Walter was born on February 19, 1925 in Jamestown township, Howard County, Iowa, to John and Zettie (Ford) Warburton. He received his schooling in the Round Grove School.

Bill farmed with his father until they moved to Riceville in 1951. He drove a mail route between Riceville and Decorah, worked maintenance at Luther College and the Riceville Community Schools, retiring in 1989. In retirement he enjoyed attending steam engine shows and collecting and watching videos of them.

Preceding him in death were his parents; one brother, Harry Warburton; and three sisters, Lenora Gansen, Grace Warburton and Dolores Lambers.

Those that survive him include one brother, Dale Warburton and wife, Kathryn of Riceville; three sisters, Evelyn Anderson and her husband, Harold of Riceville, Lois Eidness of Osage and Maryette Mentel of Waterloo; and a number of nieces and nephews.
© 2002 Mitchell County Press

Alyce E. Bakkum

April 3, 2002

Alyce E. Bakkum, age 87, of Riceville, formerly of Osage, died on Monday, March 25, 2002, at the Riceville Community Rest Home.

Memorial services were held on Thursday, March 28, at the United Methodist Church, Riceville. Rev. Mike Carey officiated and inurnment followed in the Osage Cemetery.

Alyce was born on May 20, 1914 in Valva, North Dakota, the daughter of August and Hannah (Weckwerth) Holmquist. She was baptized in the Parkview United Methodist Church, Milbank, South Dakota, where she grew up. She later moved to Iowa and married John L. Bakkum on January 3, 1933. They spent most of their married life in the Mitchell and Howard County areas, until they moved to Cedar Rapids in 1977. They moved back to Riceville in 1989 to be closer to their children.

John L. Bakkum, died on December 23, 1989. Alyce worked as an egg candler at the Cedar Valley Produce Co. and the Farmers Produce Co. in Osage and for the Salvation Army in Cedar Rapids until she retired.

She enjoyed crocheting, tatting, reading, flowers, TV, spending time with her children, grandchildren and in her younger days, fishing, playing cards and cribbage. Her dog Snoopy was her constant companion.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, John L. Bakkum in 1989; one son, John A. in 1997; one granddaughter, Laurene Wilcox in 1976; one grandson, Dennis Lack in 1976; and five brothers and three sisters.

Those left to cherish her memory are three daughters, Loma Roske and husband, Floyd of Riceville, Jacqueline Lack and husband, Robert M. of Osage and Sandra Schultz and husband, Leland of Panama City, Florida; 17 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; and six step-grandchildren.
© 2002 Mitchell County Press

Wilfred Schrandt

April 3, 2002

Wilfred J. Schrandt, died on Tuesday, March 26, 2002, at the Mercy Medical Center, Mason City, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 30, at the Visitation Catholic Church, Stacyville.

Wilfred was born on September 1, 1916, to William A. and Julia Moser Schrandt. He graduated from the Visitation High School and attended Loras College, Dubuque, Iowa for one year. He worked in Fort Dodge and Des Moines until entering the U.S. Army. He was trained in Ireland and stationed in Italy and North Africa as a medic. After his discharge, he returned to Iowa and worked at the Stacyville Savings Bank, advancing to bank manager until his retirement after 40 years.

He married Rita Niess on June 10, 1948, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Meyer, Iowa.

He was a member of the Hale Penney Fuller Post of the American Legion serving as financial officer, Catholic Order of Foresters and Knights of Columbus. He was the first Chairman of the Mitchell County Conservation Board serving for 20 years.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brothers, Lawerance, Leander, Nicke and Edwin; and two sisters, Connie Pitzen and Minnie Anderson.

Those that survive him include his wife, Rita; two sons, Richard and wife, Susan of Caldwell, Idaho and Charles and wife, Beverly of South St. Paul, Minnesota; two daughters, Virginia Schrandt of Stacyville Nursing Home and Marie and her husband, Kelly Hendrix of Caldwell, Idaho; seven grandchildren; two sisters, Rose Klapperich and Mrs. Clem (Alvina) Theobald both of Stacyville; and one brother, Robert of Los Alamos, New Mexico.
© 2002 Mitchell County Press

Helen E. Smalley

April 3, 2002

Helen E. Smalley, age 89, of Osage, died on Friday, March 29, 2002, at the Faith Lutheran Home, Osage, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 2, at the St. Peter’s Catholic Church, New Haven and Rev. Ray E. Atwood officiated. Interment was in the St. Peter’s Cemetery. The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.

Helen was born on July 22, 1912 in Alta Vista, Iowa, the daughter of Joseph and Emma (Koudelka) Kobliska. She was united in marriage to Marshall Smalley in 1936. They farmed in Floyd County until Marshall’s death in 1974. Helen then moved to New Haven in 1975 and lived there for 16 years before entering the Faith Lutheran Home, Osage, where she had been a resident for the past several years.

She was a member of the St. Peter’s Catholic Church, New Haven, and was an active member. She enjoyed sewing, knitting and crocheting and also enjoyed gardening. She was a 4-H Leader for many years.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Marshall; and one sister, Arlene.

Those that survive her include four sisters, Frances Smalley of Osage, Amy Hennagir of Charles City, Pauline and husband, Don Nockels of Mexa, Arizona and Lorraine Talyat of Pismo Beach, California; a niece, Karen Fox and family of Orchard; a nephew, Dave Smalley and wife, Cheryl and family of Riceville; and many other nieces and nephews.
© 2002 Mitchell County Press

Allegra Smith

April 3, 2002

Allegra Mae Smith, age 83, of Osage, died on Friday, March 29, 2002, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center, Osage.

Funeral services were held on Monday, April 1, at the First United Methodist Church, Osage, and Rev. Karen Nichols Dungan officiated. Interment was in the Osage Cemetery. The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.

Allegra was born in Lawler on December 11, 1918, the daughter of George and Carrie (Vesper) Power. She grew up in Elma and attended Elma Schools. She was united in marriage to John “Jack” A. Smith on October 10, 1937 in Osage. They lived in Osage all their married life. Allegra was a member of the First United Methodist Church, VFW Auxiliary and a former member of the Kitchen Klatter Band. She enjoyed her grandchildren and family.

Preceding her in death were her parents; one daughter, Allegra (Jo) Garrison; two grandsons, John and Brian Winer; one great-granddaughter, Kourtney Garrison; and 19 brothers and sisters.

Those that survive her include her husband, John “Jack” Smith of Osage; three daughters, Pauline Winer and her husband, Carroll of Osage, Georgene Pitzen and her husband, Roger of Marion and Jacqueline Reams and her husband, Terry of Osage; special friends of the family, Carroll Nicol and his wife, Lorene of Osage; a sister, Frances Faber of Paducah, Kentucky; 15 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.
© 2002 Mitchell County Press

John Robert Foxen

April 10, 2002

John Robert "Bob" Foxen, 78, of Beaverton, Oregon, died on Saturday, March 30, 2002.

Funeral services are pending. Burial will be in the St. Peters Cemetery in New Haven, Iowa.

John Robert Foxen, was born on February 25, 1924 at Dubuque, Iowa, the son of John and Mary Louella (McCann) Foxen. He grew up in New Haven and worked in the tree service business, living in Waterloo, Iowa for many years. His favorite activity was fishing.

Preceding him in death were his parents; and one brother, Francis Foxen of Rockford, Iowa.

Survivors include his wife, Theresa; three daughters, Ruth Cummings, Regina Palmer and Jackie Ackley; two sons, Ronald Foxen and Rick Foxen; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild; five step-children, Hiram Bickle, Robert Bickle, Debra Kanniegator, Robin Brown and Linda Wilds; and 11 step-grandchildren.

He is also survived by two brothers, Leo Foxen of New Haven, Iowa and Donald Foxen of Osage; four sisters, Mary Lucena Eden of Titonka, Alice Wilkins of Nora Springs, Dolores Hemann of Austin, Minnesota and Mary Coleman of Shawnee, Kansas; and many nieces and nephews.
© 2002 Mitchell County Press

Almo Milfred Jahr

April 10, 2002

Almo Milfred Jahr, age 73, of Toeterville, died suddenly on Sunday, March 31, 2002, at his winter home in Mesa, Arizona.

Funeral services were held on Friday, April 5, at the Faith Lutheran Church in London, Minnesota. Rev. Rueben Unseth officiated and interment was in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery near Mona, Iowa.

Almo was born on March 17, 1929, to Adolph and Marian (Nelson) Jahr, in Otranto Township, Mitchell County, Iowa. He was baptized on June 2, 1929 and confirmed on May 16, 1943 at the Mona Lutheran Church. Almo graduated from the St. Ansgar High School in 1947, where he was recognized by the FFA as a “Star Farmer.” On August 22, 1953, he was united in marriage to Lillian Ardine Johnson at the Mona Lutheran Church. Seven children were born to this union.

Almo was a livestock and grain farmer north of St. Ansgar, retiring from farming in 1992. Almo also operated the Bolan Store in Bolan, Iowa, for the past 25 years. Almo and Lillian had enjoyed spending the last 15 years wintering in Mesa, Arizona. They moved to Toeterville in 2001.

Jahr was a past President of the Otranto Farm Bureau, served on the Mitchell County FmHA Board, Toeterville Elevator Board, former member of the Otranto School Board and served on many boards and committees as a member of the Mona Lutheran Church, Mona and the Faith Lutheran Church, London, Minnesota, where he was a member at the time of his death.

Almo enjoyed farming, singing, hunting, fishing, playing cards, traveling, vacationing and camping with his family and friends.

Preceding Almo in death were his parents; grandson, Philip Church in 1988; and granddaughter, Melissa Jahr in 1992.

Surviving him are his wife, Lillian of Toeterville; five daughters, Liana (Dean) Church of Osage, Marilyn (Keith) Pitzen of Stacyville, Nancy (Dallas) Huddleson and Julie (Elton) Butler, both of St. Ansgar and Paula (Dana) Milbrandt of Osage; two sons, John (Diane) Jahr and Peter (Beth) Jahr, both of St. Ansgar; 20 grandchildren, Joshua Church, Sarah (Brian) Wagner, Elizabeth, Timothy, Daniel and Thomas Church, Heidi and Ben Pitzen, Alicia and Clara Huddleson, Ashley and Mitchell Butler, Christopher, Nichole and Mikaela Jahr, Victoria, Andrew, Annmari and Rachel Milbrandt and Brady Jahr; one great-granddaughter, Anali Wagner; two sisters, Marlys (Loyal) Moore of Harlan, Iowa and Eileen (Marly) Kittleson of St. Ansgar; an aunt, Helen Nelson of St. Ansgar; and many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2002 Mitchell County Press