Donald W. Janssen

January 9, 2007

Donald Wayne Janssen, 70, entered into rest with loved ones by his side on Monday, January 1, 2007, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, Iowa.

Memorial services were held at 1:00 p.m., on Friday, January 5, 2007, at the First Lutheran Church in Northwood, Iowa, with Kris Sorensen officiating. Interment will be in the Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood. Military honors were given by the VFW Post No. 6779. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial be given for a scholarship fund to be established for students in the Northwood schools.

Donald was born in Ackley on April 6, 1936, the son of Hannes and Fannie (Riebkes) Janssen. The family later moved to Northwood and farmed east of Northwood. Don entered into the Army on May 15, 1953 and married Marlys Williamson in 1955. After honorable discharge in April 1958, Don drove truck and they began farming. They purchased a farm five miles east of Northwood where along with son, Michael they farmed for many years. Don married Linda Clark in 1985 and continued on the farm until 2005, when they moved to Osage to be closer to family.

Don loved working with 4-H kids and at the Worth County Fair. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, telling stories, playing cards, and spending time with his three grandchildren. Don and Linda raised Percheron horses for many years and enjoyed going to the Waverly Draft Horse Sale each year. Don served on the Northwood State Bank Board of Directors, Northwood Co-Op Elevator Board and the AGRI Industries Board.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marlys Janssen; his best friend and son, Mike Janssen; and his sister, Joan Bright.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Janssen; step-daughter, Tammy (Kris) Sorensen and their daughter, Shelby Sorensen of Parker City, Indiana; a brother, Bud (Doris) Janssen and their children, Mary Janssen of Minneapolis and John Janssen of Northwood; daughter-in-law Jana (Dave) Walsh and their children, Caden Michael and Jadee Mae Walsh of Osage; and many other nieces and nephews.

He will find great peace in the hands of his loved ones that he has missed so much.

The Schroeder and Sites Funeral Home, Northwood, had charge of the arrangements.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press

Helen Kruger

January 9, 2007

RICEVILLE, Iowa-Helen Kruger, 91, of Riceville, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, January 3, 2007, at the Riceville Community Rest Home.

A Mass of Resurrection was held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, January 6, 2007, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Riceville, with Rev. Ray E. Atwood officiating. Burial was in the St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery in Riceville.

Survivors include her husband, Bob of Riceville; two sons, Duane (Betty) of Northwood and Gary (Susan) of Rochester, Minnesota; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a sister, Mary Deterding of Elma, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press

Marjorie Green

January 9, 2007

Marjorie Green, 95, of Osage, passed away on Thursday, January 4, 2007, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

A Memorial Mass was held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, January 9, 2007, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Inurnment was in the St. Peter's Cemetery in New Haven.

Marjorie was born on June 4, 1911, to John and Susan Weinschenk at St. Donatus, Iowa. She graduated from St. Mary's in New Haven, Iowa. Marjorie worked at the Marr Knitting Mill and the Mitchell County Memorial Hospital.

After retiring, she enjoyed babysitting, crocheting and spending time with her family.

Marjorie spent the last four years at the Stacyville Nursing Home and the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, where she enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, playing cards and visiting with family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Paul Green; two brothers; two sisters; two sons, Marshall and Bill Green; a daughter-in-law, Helen Green; a grandson, Kent Kubicek; and a great-granddaughter, Jennifer Rogers.

Marjorie is survived by three daughters, Dona (Pete) Kubicek, Sue (Chic) Gouchee of Cedar Rapids and Helen (Allan) Rogers; a daughter-in-law, Sharon Green; a sister, Ardella Olson; 14 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; 15 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

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

LaVerne Russell Olsen

January 16, 2007

LaVerne Russell Olsen, age 75, of Osage, died on Saturday, January 6, 2007, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, January 10, 2007, at the Rock Creek Lutheran Church, rural Osage, with Rev. R. Dawson Tornes officiating. Burial was in the Rock Creek Cemetery, with a flag presentation by the American Legion Post 278.

LaVerne Russell Olsen, was born on March 10, 1931, to parents Lawrence and Clarice (Williams) Olsen at his family home in Meroa, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed into the Christian faith at the Rock Creek Lutheran Church.

LaVerne grew up on the family farm and attended the Walnut Grove School until 8th grade. He then attended the Osage High School, participating in sports and FFA and graduating in 1949.

LaVerne married Daisie Ann Ketelsen, daughter of Elmer and Gladys Ketelsen, on June 3, 1951, at the old Our Savior's Lutheran Church, by Rev. T. P. Solem. Theirs was the last wedding held at the church.

LaVerne entered the U.S. Army on January 14, 1953. He reached the rank of Corporal in the 39th Infantry, Scout Dog Platoon, under the 8th Army. His duty included patrolling the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea with his German Shepherd, Duke.

LaVerne and Daisie had four children, Deidre, Lon, Lance, and Danell. Over the years, besides farming, he worked for Walsh Manufacturing in Charles City, built bins, and he and Daisie were church custodians for 30-plus years. LaVerne was a member of the Osage American Legion, the V.F.W. and the sons of Norway. He served on the Faith Home Board. Some of his other interests included carpentry, inventions, handyman work, and later golfing. He looked forward every year to attending his Army reunion on Labor Day with dear army buddies.

LaVerne was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Daisie on July 28, 1990; and one sister, Beatrice Gast.

LaVerne is survived by his daughter, Deidre (Bernie) Badker of New Hartford; sons, Lon (Laurie) Olsen of rural Manly and Lance Olsen of Meroa; and daughter, Danell Johnson of Osage.

He leaves eight grandchildren, Bret Badker, Blake Badker, Lisa Olsen, Lawrence Olsen, Klair (Chad) Meyerhofer, Katie Olsen, Jennifer Johnson and Melissa Johnson; two step-grandchildren, Matthew (Trisha) Shields and Heather (Michael) Novotny; two step-great-granddaughters, Madison and Kaitlyn Shields; and his brother, Lowell Olsen of Osage.

He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Karen Ketelsen of Osage; brother-in-law, Dale (Pat) Ketelsen of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and many nieces and nephews.

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

Harold J. Gerhart

January 9, 2007

Harold J. Gerhart, age 89, of Sioux City and formerly of Stacyville, died on Monday, January 8, 2006, at the Northern Hills Assisted Living in Sioux City.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, January 12, 2007, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with Rev. Lance Kittleson officiating. Burial will be in the Union Presbyterian Cemetery, rural Stacyville. Visitation is from 10:00 a.m. on Friday until the time of the services.

Harold was born on June 15, 1917 at Stacyville, the son of Fred and Mina (Barwin) Gerhart. He attended rural school in Union Township and graduated from the Osage High School in 1936. Harold lived on the family farm until moving to Northern Hills Assisted Living in Sioux City.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Mina Gerhart; and a brother, Grant G. Gerhart.

Harold is survived by four nephews, Grant R. Gerhart and his wife, Klaren of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Fred Gerhart and his wife, Martha Cooper of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Steven Gerhart and his wife, Victoria of Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Craig Gerhart and his wife, Jane of Ankeny, Iowa.

The family suggest that memorials may be given to the United Presbyterian Cemetery Association, in care of Dona Ziegler, P.O. Box 233, Lyle, Minnesota 55953

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

Paul William Gratias

January 16, 2007

Paul William Gratias, age 85, of Osage, went to be with our Lord on Tuesday morning, January 9, 2007. He passed away at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Osage.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, Januay 13, 2007, at the Eden Presbyterian Church, 3105 Glass Ave., Rudd, with Rev. John Bates officiating. Burial was in the Eden Presbyterian Cemetery.

Paul was born in rural Nora Springs to Hugo and Katherine (Ahrens) Gratias, on November 14, 1921. He was baptized at the Eden Presbyterian Church, where he remained a life-long member. He graduated from the Nora Springs High School in 1940.

On December 21, 1947, Paul married LaVera Minnie Nash of Marble Rock. They had three children together and celebrated 52 years of marriage. Paul farmed much of his life on the family farm near Nora Springs. From 1965-1980 he was a driver for Como Photo, covering up to 400 miles a day across northern Iowa and southern Minnesota. Paul and LaVera moved from the farm to Osage in 1982. He was a resident of the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care since July 2002.

Paul William Gratias was preceded in death by his wife, LaVera; his daughter, Mavis Mohring Rosauer; sisters, Lorraine Siemens, Helen Quandahl, Ethel Taylor and Dorothy Gratias; and brothers, Walter Gratias and Ralph Gratias.

He is survived by his son, Raymond (Cheryl) Gratias and grandson, Benjamin Gratias of Fort Collins, Colorado; his son, Roger Gratias of Osage; grandson, Justin Mohring, of Cedar Rapids; and granddaughter, Jolene Mohring Frazier of Fort Washington, Maryland; his brother, Arthur (Alice) Gratias of Mason City; sister-in-law, Florence Gratias (wife of Walter) of Nora Springs; and many nephews and nieces.

Paul will be missed by those who knew and loved him.

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

Arthur Walter Jahn

January 16, 2007

Arthur W. Jahn, age 88, of Nashua, Iowa passed away on Tuesday, January 9, 2007, at the Floyd County Memorial Hospital in Charles City, Iowa.

Funeral services were held at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Riceville, on Saturday, January 13, 2007, at 2:00 p.m., with the Rev. Michael Parris officiating. Burial was in the St. Peter's Cemetery in Riceville.

Survivors include his wife, Geneva of Nashua; two sons, Bill (Linda) Jahn and Randy Jahn; three daughters, Linda (Dennis) Bingham, Judy (Richard) Lenoch and Susan (Richard) Seelhammer; six grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press

Marian A. Christiansen

January 16, 2007

Marian A. Christiansen, age 89, of Osage, died on Tuesday, January 9, 2007, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

Funeral services were held on Friday, January 12, 2007, at the Rock Creek Lutheran Church, Osage, with Rev. R. Dawson Tornes officiating. Burial was in the Rock Creek Cemetery.

Marian was born on July 28, 1917 in New York, New York. She traveled to Iowa on the Orphan Train and was adopted by Harry and Anna Lewis and grew up on a farm north of St. Ansgar.

Marian is survived by her husband, John; two sons; two daughters; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press

Greg Kathan

January 16, 2007

Maurice Gregory Kathan, of Osage, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, January 11, 2007, in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, at the age of 79, after an extended cancer illness of 17 years.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Friday, January 19, 2007, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with Rev. Robert Melhorn officiating. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery, with military honors at the grave by the Osage American Legion Post 278. Visitation is from 4-7:30 p.m., on Thursday at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

Greg was born on August 15, 1927 in Osage, Iowa, to the late Maurice (Kit) and Merle Kathan. In 1950, he married Rita Quinby, and to their union three children were born. In 1966, he married his best friend and loving wife of 40 years, the best catch of his life, Marcella White. Greg served in the Coast Guard at the age of 17 during WW II.

Greg loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting, the Hawkeyes and spending time with his family and friends. Yearly fishing trips to Canada were a wonderful getaway. He also enjoyed living in Arizona during the winters, fishing for striped bass. Greg was known as a talented and successful businessman for the Carnation Dairy Company and Kathan Real Estate, Inc. in Osage. He will be dearly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Charles Kathan.

Greg is survived by his wife, Marcella of Osage; his children, Anita (Keith) Bostrom of Loveland Colorado, Andrew Kathan of Tyler, Texas, Kurt (Karla) Kathan of Loveland Colorado and Kelly (Brian) Bergmann of Saratoga Springs, Utah; his sister, Colleen (Bill) Gast of Nora Springs; his sister-in-law, Jan Kathan of Duluth, Minnesota; eight grandchildren, Robert (Joana) Crownover, Anna (Josh) Bonafede, Brianne Bostrom, Carrie and Sara Kathan, Kyler Kathan, Alexa and Paige Bergmann; and four step-grandchildren, Arianna and Aaron Bostrom, and Nick and Tiffany Rogers. He has one great-grandchild, Kaden Bonafede; and two step-great-grandchildren, Cameron Cochran, and Cole Johnson.

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

Margaret "Marge" Stolzenberg

January 16, 2007

Margaret "Marge" Stolzenberg, age 84, of Stacyville, died on Thursday, January 11, 2007, at the Stacyville Community Nursing Home in Stacyville.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, January 16, 2007, at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial was in the Visitation Catholic Cemetery.

Margaret is survived by four daughters, Carla Meyerhofer, Rosalee (James) Lowe, Mary Kreitlow and Marjean (James) Kramer; a son, Tom (Kathy); 15 grand-children; and 18 great-grandchildren.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press

Marcella Halbach

January 23, 2007

STACYVILLE-Marcella Halbach, age 86, of Stacyville, died on Wednesday, January 17, 2007, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, January 20, 2007, at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville. Burial was in the Visitation Catholic Cemetery.

Marcella was born on May 2, 1920 at Meyer, Iowa, the daughter of William and Mary (Werner) Gerhartz. She married Fred "Fritz" Halbach on November 26, 1942 at Meyer. They farmed east of Stacyville until retiring and moving to Stacyville in 1980.

Marcella was a 4-H Leader for over 25 years and was very active with the Mitchell County Fair Association. She was a member of the Thread Clippers Quilting Club. Marcella was an active member of the Visitation Catholic Church and the Christian Mothers in Stacyville.

Marcella enjoyed a variety of activities, which included gardening, bowling, golfing, traveling, reading and especially quilting.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Eugene Gerhartz.

Marcella is survived by her husband, Fritz Halbach of Stacyville; two daughters, Mary R. Clements of Hayward, California and Lynne A. Fairbanks of Marion, Illinois; a son, Nicholas W. Halbach of Hayward, California; two brothers, Clem Gerhartz of Harpers Ferry, Iowa and Wilfred Gerhartz of Owatonna, Minnesota.

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

Adrian Sonberg

January 23, 2007

GUYMON, Oklahoma-Adrian Sonberg, 64, of Guymon, Oklahoma, passed away on Thursday, January 18, 2007, at his home.

Funeral services for  will be conducted on Wednesday afternoon, January 24, at 2:00 p.m., at the Bunch-Roberts Chapel, with Rev. Odie Nunley officiating. Interment with military rites will follow in the Elmhurst Cemetery in Guymon.

Adrian was born on February 17, 1942 in Saint Ansgar, Iowa, the son of Ralph and Vera Sonberg.

He is survived by five children; 10 grandchildren; two brothers; and three sisters.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press

Pearl Brandau

January 23, 2007

Pearl Brandau, age 91, of Osage, passed away on Thursday, January 18, 2007, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage, Iowa.

Memorial services were held at 7:30 p.m., on Monday, January 22, 2007, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with Rev. John Bates officiating. Inurnment was in the Eden Presbyterian Cemetery, 3105 Glass Ave., rural Rudd.

Pearl was born on December 13, 1915, to Rev. Henry A. Sinning and Louise (Dieterich) Sinning at Lexington, Nebraska. She and her family moved to Scales Mounds, Illinois in 1917. Her family moved to Schaller, Iowa in 1926. Pearl graduated from the Schaller High School in 1933. She went on to attend the University of Dubuque and graduated from there in 1937. Pearl taught commercial subjects in high school at Wesley, Manchester and Decorah, Iowa.

On November 27, 1947, Pearl was united in marriage to Marvin J. Brandau at the Eden Presbyterian Church of rural Rudd. Pearl and her husband farmed the family farm in Floyd County north of Rudd, Iowa, for 28 years. In 1975, they moved to Osage, and spent their winters in Texas, Arizona and California.

Pearl was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Marvin in January 2001; brother, Arthur; three brothers-in-law, Chester Brandau, Clinton Brandau and Jim Llewellyn; and one sister in-law, Doris Brandau.

Pearl is survived by one son, Richard Brandau of Sudbury, Massachusetts; four sister-in-laws, Dorothy Brandau of Osage, Bernadine Llewellyn of Lake Forest, Illinois, Irma and her husband, Gil Glader of Wildwood, Illinois and Hazel Sinning of Edina, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews.

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

Gene J. Mayer

January 23, 2007

STACYVILLE-Gene J. Mayer, age 83, of Stacyville, died on Sunday, January 21, 2007, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center-Hospice Unit.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, January 26, 2007, at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial will be in the Visitation Catholic Cemetery, with Military Rites by the Stacyville American Legion Post 569. Visitation will be from 4-7:30 p.m., on Thursday, at the Visitation Catholic Church, where there will be a rosary at 4:30 p.m. and a scripture service at 7:00 p.m. Friends may also call one hour before services at the church.

Gene was born on January 1, 1924 in Stacyville, the first born son of Ernest and Matilda (Loecher) Mayer. Gene attended the Visitation Catholic School in Stacyville. He served in the Army during World War II. His tour of duty was in Japan.

He married Marjorie Thome on November 27, 1946, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Meyer, Iowa.

Gene was a farmer all his life on various farms in the Meyer-Stacyville area. He was a member of the Visitation Catholic Church, the Catholic Order of Foresters, and the American Legion Post 569 in Stacyville. His interests included playing cards with the group from the Legion and with his family. His greatest interest was spending time with his family and friends.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Wayne and Kevin Mayer; and two brothers-in-law, Gene Brown and Larry Hayungs.

Gene is survived by his wife, Marjorie Mayer of Stacyville; two sons, Terry (Linda) Mayer and Dean (Diane) Mayer of St. Ansgar; four daughters, Sandra Mayer of Rochester, Minnesota, Wanda (Dan) Warrington of St. Ansgar, Diane (Matt) Duvall of Denver, Colorado and Gwen (Josh) Isler of Frederick, Colorado; two daughters-in-law, Bon Mayer of St. Ansgar and Grace Mayer of Mantorville, Minnesota; 21 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Vernon (Imelda) Mayer and Glenn (Janet) Mayer of Stacyville; a sister, Arlene Brown of Osage; three brothers-in-law, Ralph (Mildred) Thome of Osage, Ben (Mary) Thome of Adams, Minnesota and Joe (Arlene) Thome of Cedar Rapids; three sisters-in-law, Mary (Tony) Young of Garner, Lorena (Ray) Panhoff of Ventura and Emilie (Wayne) Gerlock of Carterville, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews.

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

Marie Louise (Schmidt) Greenwalt

March 12, 2007

Marie Louise Greenwalt, 85, entered her eternal home on Wednesday, January 24, 2007. She was born in Osage, Iowa, to Karl and Helena Schmidt on July 4, 1921. She graduated from the Osage High School in 1939.

Marie married Robert John Greenwalt on October 11, 1941. They moved to Bradenton, Florida from Appleton, Wisconsin in 1986. Marie was a retired teacher and Girl Scout Professional Field Director, and along with Bob, a charter member of the Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, Bradenton.

Marie organized and directed the first choir at Beautiful Savior, was a long-time member of the Lutheran Women Missionary League, a member of the Service Guild and, as a very dedicated and active church member, participated in many other ways.

Her brother, Karl (Alice) Schmidt, preceded her in death.

Survivors include her husband, Bob; two daughters, Nancy J. (John) Gaul of Bradenton, Florida and Susan J. Greenwalt of Los Angeles, California; a son, Robert J. Jr. (Judy) of Tracey, California; two brothers, Arnold K. Schmidt of Grenada, Mississippi and Oswald A. Schmidt of Locust Grove, Virginia; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press

Orville H. Pahl

January 30, 2007

Orville Herman Pahl, age 73, died of cancer on Friday, January 26, 2007, at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, January 30, 2007, at the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Hastings, Minnesota, with Pastor Bruce King officiating. There was visitation one hour prior to the services at the church. Interment was in the St. Ansgar Cemetery, St. Ansgar.

Orville was born on February 24, 1933 in Grafton, Iowa, to Rudolph and Emma (Jordan) Pahl.

The Wise Funeral Home in Hastings, Minnesota, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press

William F. Cooper

January 30, 2007

William F. Cooper, age 78, of Osage, died on Monday, January 29, 2007, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center-Emergency Room in Osage.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Friday, February 2, 2007, at the First United Methodist Church in Osage, with Rev. Dr. J. Samuel Subramanian officiating. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., on Thursday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, and will continue one hour before services at the church.

Bill was born on April 3, 1928 near Little Cedar, Iowa, the son of Frank and Ida (Jenkins) Cooper. He graduated from the Little Cedar High School. He married Delores Gemaehlich in June of 1951. They later divorced. In 1965, Bill and his family moved to Kansas City, where he worked for TWA airlines. He married Barbara Austin on April 16, 1977. In 1996, they moved to Osage, where he worked part-time at Food Pride. Bill and Barbara later divorced.

Bill is survived by his five children, Dean (Vickie) Cooper of Raytown, Missouri, Connie (Bill) Miller of Des Moines, Keith (Teresa) Cooper of Oak Grove, Missouri, Gloria Maas of Grand River and Lynn Cooper of Raytown, Missouri; 12 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three sisters, Loreen Wilde-Seely, Barbara Barkhuff, and Darlene Smith.

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

Dr. Clarkson "Pat" Kelly

January 30, 2007

Dr. Clarkson "Pat" Kelly, 80, of Charles City, died on Tuesday, January 30, 2007, at the Floyd County Memorial Hospital in Charles City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, February 2, at the First Congregational Church. Pastor Phil Corr will officiate. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery. There will be a flag presentation by the Charles City Ceremonial Unit.

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City from 5-8:00 p.m., on Thursday. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the service.

Clarkson Lee Kelly, was born on May 11, 1926 at Riceville, the son of Clarkson and Marion (Walker) Kelly, Sr. He graduated from the Osage High School in 1943, attended Saint Lawrence University in Canton, New York and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Medical School, which was sponsored by the United States Navy V-12 program.

In 1945 he was united in marriage to Ruth Lybarger at Osage. Clarkson served in the United States Army from 1951 to 1954 as a surgeon while stationed in Germany. During his residency he treated coal miners in West Virginia, was one of the team physicians for the University of Pennsylvania football team and a substitute physician for the Philadelphia Eagles.

In 1958 they moved to Charles City where he began his practice as a general surgeon retiring in 1997. Ruth died on June 18, 1971. On September 16, 1972 he married Phyllis Stalker Friedrich at Charles City.

Clarkson was Board Certified in general surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, member of the Floyd County Medical Society, Iowa Medical Society and the American Medical Association, serving as Iowa delegate to the AMA from 1986- 1995.

His civic achievements included serving on the Board of Directors of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa and South Dakota, being named as Director Emeritus of Blue Cross and Blue Shield in 1997. Clarkson was a member of the Board of the Floyd County Veterans Memorial Hospital from 1965-1972 and was instrumental in the construction of the present hospital. He also served as chairman of the Comprehensive Systems Foundation. From 1997-2003 he was a member of the Iowa Board of Regents. Clarkson will be remembered as a staunch supporter of the Republican Party. In April of 2007 he will be recognized by the Osage Community School as a Distinguished Alumni. Over the years he donated his time and talents to civic, school and church projects.

His interests included his devotion to work, reading, golfing, cooking, hunting and fishing. Clarkson always looked forward to spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Living family members include his wife, Phyllis Kelly of Charles City; five children, Clarkson (Pam) Kelly III of Malta, Montana, Rebecca (Douglas) Lower of Pocatello, Idaho, Elizabeth Kelly of Iowa City, Christopher (Lisa) Kelly, MD of Monroe, Michigan and Thomas Kelly of Mason City; a step-son, James (Machelle) Friedrich of Ankeny; five grandchildren, Brittain Kelly, Brieann Kelly, Brikotah (Trevor) Styles, Patrick Kelly and Erin Kelly; four step-grandchildren, Madison Friedrich, Jackson Friedrich, Shaun (Amber) Hungerford and Corey Hungerford; four step-great-grandchildren, Kade Styles, Mykayla Hungerford, Gabriel Hungerford and Taylor Palowski; three brothers, Thomas (Donna) Kelly, MD of Des Moines, Dr. James Kelly of Boise, Idaho and William (Mary Lou) Kelly, MD of Waverly; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ruth; a step-great-granddaughter, Amelia Hungerford; a daughter-in-law, Janyce Kelly; and a sister-in-law, Betty Kelly.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the First Congregational Church, 502 North Jackson Street, Charles City, IA 50616, Hospice of North Iowa Charles City site, 1003 Gilbert Street, Charles City, IA 50616, Osage Education Foundation, P.O. Box 82, Osage, IA 50461 or Floyd County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Education Fund, 800 11th Street, Charles City, IA 50616.

The Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City, is in charge of the arrangements.
© 2007 Mitchell County Press

Larry "Catfish" Fluhrer

February 6, 2007

Larry "Catfish" Fluhrer, age 64, of Mitchell, died on Tuesday, January 30, 2007, at his home.

Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m., on Monday, February 5, 2007, at the Faith Lutheran Church in Mitchell, with Rev. Wayne Ellingson officiating. Burial was in the Oak Grove Cemetery at Mitchell.

Larry was born on January 10, 1943 in Mason City, the son of Verl and Catherine (Brandt) Fluhrer. He graduated from the Manly High School in 1961. Larry worked for the Rock Island Railroad. He later managed the Wright County Recycling Center, and retired from there.

He married Jessie Nobles in Jena, Louisiana on May 1, 2003. As a retiree, Larry was living his dream by owning and operating "The North Forty" convenience and bait store in Mitchell. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, camping, and his family and friends. Larry loved pulling pranks, and always had a good joke.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Larry is survived by his wife, Jessie Fluhrer of Mitchell; his mother, Catherine Fluhrer of Manly; two daughters, Shelley Fluhrer of Hastings, Minnesota and Jennifer (Kevin) Klehm of Ankeny; two sons, Randy (Chris) Fluhrer of London, England and Chad Fluhrer and fiancée, Jessica Servantez of Mason City; one stepdaughter, Sandy (Randy) Norby of Osage; two stepsons, David (Anne) Yates of Pollock, Louisiana, Lee Nobles of Lafayette, Louisiana; two sisters, Darlene (David) Diedrich of Grafton and LuAnn (Alan) Adkisson of St. Ansgar; one brother, Lester (Jill) Fluhrer of Manly; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

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