Albert Roy Swale Jr., 89, of Clear Lake, formerly of West Union, died April 3, 2015, at Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake. Per Al’s wishes, his body was cremated.
Graveside inurnment will be at 2 p.m. Friday, May 8, at the West Union Cemetery, West Union.
Piper Kelly Moellering, 33, of Lake Forest, Ill., died April 28, 2015.
Piper is survived by her husband Paul; her two children Esten Ames & Chapin Kelly Moellering; her parents Dr. Daniel & Lois Kelly; her parents-in-law Margaret & William Moellering; her brothers Britton (Meire) Kelly, Jeffrey (Alicia) Kelly, Reid (Lindsay) Kelly; and her niece and nephews Mason, Reese, Hunter, Socrates, Enzo and Everett.
Piper was a lifelong resident of Lake Forest. Born in Lake Forest Hospital. She attended Sheridan School, Deerpath Middle and Junior High Schools and Lake Forest High School before attending University of Colorado Boulder for her undergraduate education and Regis University for her Masters degree.
A detailed online celebration of Piper’s life will be available to view and contribute to on Facebook by searching her full name.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Piper’s name may be made to Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital Foundation, Dept 4589, Carol Stream, IL 60122 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
No visitation.
Memorial Mass 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 9, 2015 at the Church of St. Mary, 175 E. Illinois Rd., Lake Forest, Ill.
Interment will be private at Lake Forest Cemetery.
Info: Wenban Funeral Home www.wenbanfh.com or (847) 234-0022. 18u18
William Henry “Bill” Koehn Jr., 89, of Elkader, passed away Thursday, April 23, 2015, at his residence.
Bill was born October 26, 1925, in Communia to Rose (Behrens) and William C.F. Koehn.
He was united in marriage to Sharon Leete on February 8, 1958 at the Peace United Church of Christ in Elkader. This marriage was blessed with two boys and two girls.
Bill served honorably in the United States Navy during World War II.
After returning home he held several positions and had several employers. He worked a number of years with Water Tower Paint and Repair and the State of Iowa Department of Transportation. He retired after 20 years of working for the DOT.
Bill enjoyed fishing, coon hunting, and mushroom hunting, gardening, watching the eagles and telling stories. He also enjoyed going to his grandchildren’s sporting events, and soon was known as “their” grandpa too.
Bill never met a stranger—he would talk to anyone-anytime-and by the time they were done talking they were good friends.
Bill enjoyed delivering meals for the mealsite and visiting all the “old People” as he called them.
Survivors include his wife Sharon, and three children; Jeff (Joan) Koehn, Elkader, Iowa: Kelly (Glenda) Koehn, Elgin, Iowa: Vickie Koehn, Iowa City; three brothers Ed (Anna Mae) Koehn, Dick (Ruth) and Milford (Muff) Koehn; one sister, Roselavon Matuska; Ten Grandchildren, Ty & Traci Koehn, Patrick Jones (Caytee Bartels) Jaci & Jay Wagner, Jeremy(Tayler) Koehn, Sam, Joe, Kyle and Cassie Koehn, Michael Heiden. Three Great Grandchildren- Braxsten Jones, Ellah Jones and Kendall Wagner. Also many nieces and nephews, and many countless friends.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Jacqueline Koehn; his brothers Alvin, Ray and Leo Koehn, his sisters Evelyn Clark and Eileen Kuhse, and Susie his beloved dog. 18u18
Eleanor Loftsgard, 91, of West Union died Sunday, May 3, 2015, at Good Samaritan Society - West Union.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 8, at Marion Lutheran Church in Gunder.
Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 7, at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Elgin and for one hour before services at the church on Friday.
Arrangements are being handled by Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elgin.
Marlene M. Freeden, 76, of Mason City, IA, died Friday, May 1, 2015, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit.
Graveside services will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, May 16, 2015, in Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery with Pastor Jeni Bohls of St. James Lutheran Church officiating.
Memorials may be directed to Opportunity Village, 1200 N 9th Street West, Clear Lake, IA 50428.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.
Marlene was born May 19, 1938, and was the daughter of John and Emily (Bobek) Byl.
She graduated from Mason City High School in 1957.
Marlene was united in marriage to Robert C. Freeden on November 10, 1959, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mason City.
She worked for Elderbridge as the Health Care Manager for 10 years before retiring in 2015. She found a great deal of satisfaction working for Elderbridge and truly enjoyed helping others.
Marlene also enjoyed spending time with her son, visiting with friends and neighbors, painting, golfing and reading.
She was a member of St. James Lutheran Church.
Marlene is survived by 1 son: Michael R. Freeden of Clear Lake; and 1 sister: Linda Hoblit and husband John of West Union, IA. She is also survived by a sister-in-law: Marie Whipple; niece: Carlene Gonnerman; and nephews: Robert and Lee Eric Whipple and their families.
She was preceded in death by her husband Robert in 2004; her parents: John and Emily Byl; and brother-in-law: Lon Whipple.
Arrangements are with Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory, 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, Mason City, IA 50401; 641-423-0924; www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com. 18u18
Victor Frederick, born January 3, 1935, age 80, died April 24, in Yuma, Ariz. of complications of pneumonia.
Victor worked as a heavy equipment operator and enjoyed flying airplanes, watching auto racing on TV and spending time in Iowa with his family and friends.
Victor and his longtime companion Laura, had spent the winters at their home in Dateland, Ariz. and their summers at their Clermont home.
Besides his beloved Laura Heil, survivors include the Gilson relatives in the Northeast Iowa area.
Burial will be private at the Elgin cemetery.
Catherine Huinker, 84, Ossian, Iowa, died Monday, April 27, 2015, at the Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah, Iowa.
Visitation was held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 30, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Ossian, Iowa, with a Catholic Daughters of the Americas Rosary at 4 p.m. Visitation was also be held one-hour before mass time at the church on Friday.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, May 1, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Ossian, Iowa. The Rev. Monsignor Cletus Hawes will be the celebrant.
Burial followed in St. Francis de Sales Catholic Cemetery, Ossian, Iowa.
Schmitz – Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Ossian, Iowa, assisted the family with the arrangements.
Catherine was born on April 5, 1931 to Clem and Elizabeth (Broghammer) Zweibahmer in Calmar, Iowa. She attended St. Aloysius grade school and South Winneshiek High School, both in Calmar, Iowa.
Catherine was united in marriage with Donald Huinker of Festina on November 17, 1953 at St. Aloysius in Calmar, Iowa. Together they raised eight children on the family farm south of Ossian.
Catherine was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #266 of Calmar, St. Francis de Sales Parish Rosary Society and the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Catherine’s passions and past-times were updating the family tree on both sides of the family. She enjoyed learning some new methods in sewing and handy work, such as embroidery, knitting and crocheting. Like most farm wives, she became an expert mender of overalls. Her family was number one with her, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Catherine is survived by her husband, Donald; eight children, Nancy (Kevin) Timp of Calmar, Iowa, Janice Huff (Larry Peterson) of Cresco, Iowa, Donna (Frank) Ryant of Cresco, Iowa, Bonita (Don) Oliver of Ossian, Iowa, Raymond (Mary) Huinker of Ossian, Iowa, Roger (Cathy) Huinker of Ossian, Iowa, Teresa Nelson of Calmar, Iowa and Randy (Tina) Huinker of Ossian, Iowa; a brother, Elias Zweibahmer of Cresco, Iowa; seventeen grandchildren; twenty three great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law, Geneva (Clarence) Kuennen, Arlene Huinker and Bernice Huinker; and many nieces and nephews.
Catherine was preceded in death by her parents, Clem and Elizabeth Zweibahmer; a brother, Cyril Zweibahmer; and three sisters, Iona Kubesh, Dorothy Ludwig and Ruth Zweibahmer in infancy.
Condolences may be left with: www.graufuneralhomes.com.
Linda Marie (Oakland) Boyle is a beloved and cherished Nana, Mother, Sister, Aunt, Child Caregiver, Hospice Nurse and Best Friend.
Linda was born on July 19, 1952 in Postville, Iowa. She was baptized on September 21, 1952 at Stavanger Lutheran Church in Ossian, Iowa and confirmed April 3, 1966 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Eldorado, IA.
Linda lived a life devoted to service, family and protecting others dignity especially those most in need.
Linda was born in rural Iowa, the youngest of 10 children to Martin Oakland and Irene Anna (Tinderholt) Oakland.
In 1971 she graduated from North High school (West Union, Ia) and completed nursing school at Kirkwood (Cedar Rapids, Ia) in 1971.
In 1972 she became a US Navy wife and nurse traveling the world. While based in Norfolk, Virginia her first son (Mike) was born in 1975.
After moving to Ames, Iowa in 1977, her two youngest children Bobby (1978) and Jenny (1981) were born. Linda’s children were raised in Ames and Gilbert, Iowa.
She also had an in-home child care which served many families that she cherishes and dearly loves. For many, she was considered a second mom. She took great joy in being involved in their lives as they progressed through their own milestones of marriages, births, graduations and careers. Her love extends to all living creatures.
As a mother, Linda always showed up. Whether attending events (soccer, football, six-on-six basketball, Campfire, Boy Scouts, Brownies, Sunday School), preparing for life’s many decisions and milestones, or simply lending an ear or a shoulder to cry on. Linda is her children’s number one cheerleader always putting them first.
Linda was a cheerleader to many others as well – extending her compassion and empathy to her friends, co-workers, patients and extensive family network of cousins, nieces and nephews during good times and bad. She gave her love and support unconditionally.
Linda’s work as a hospice nurse touched hundreds of people's’ lives in both inner cities and rural areas in Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota. Linda’s delicate strength provided beauty, advocacy, and hope to her patients while they progressed through the most difficult times in their lives. This care was guided by her compassion, spirituality and faith in people.
Prior to retiring to California, Linda welcomed three grandsons – Carson (son of Bobby) in 2010, Evan (son of Mike) in 2012 and Easton (son of Bobby) in 2013. Linda was able to create countless precious moments with her beloved grandkids in MN, IA and CA. She loves her kids and grandkids and expressed her adoration, support and love daily.
Linda passed peacefully surrounded by her loving children in San Francisco, California on Friday, April 17th 2015.
Linda is survived by her adoring grandsons Carson, Evan and Easton; beloved children Mike (Janel), Bobby (Jen), Jenny; Don Boyle; siblings Vernon Oakland, Janice Knox, David Oakland, Doris Miller, Dale Oakland; family and friends.
Linda is preceded in death by her mother Irene Anna (Tinderholt) Oakland and father Martin Oakland; brothers Marvin Oakland, Norman Oakland, Gerald Oakland and Ronnie Oakland.
A celebration of Linda's life will be held at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Eldorado, IA on Friday, May 22nd at 2:00pm.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, family encourages simple devotions of time to serve others such as reading books to children, walking or volunteering for causes, or visiting someone in need. These are Linda’s greatest passions. 19u19
Eleanor Loftsgard, 91, Elgin, Iowa, died Sunday, May 3, 2015, at the Good Samaritan Society, West Union, Iowa.
Eleanor Rachel, the daughter of John and Louisa (Sutter) Butikofer, was born April 20, 1924 on the home farm in Cherry Valley, south of Elgin.
She grew up in the Elgin Apostolic Church.
After her father, John, passed away at an early age, her mother married John’s brother, Louis Butikofer.
Eleanor attended country school at Cherry Valley and graduated from Elgin High School in 1942.
Eleanor was united in marriage with Orlando Loftsgard on January 14, 1943 at the Marion Lutheran Church in Gunder, Iowa.
Orlando was already serving with the 101st Airborne Division at the time of their marriage, so Eleanor stayed with her sister in Postville, Iowa until his return.
Eleanor and Orlando began living and working on a farm across the road from Orlando’s parents near Gunder. They raised milk cows, pigs, and started a herd of Simmental cattle.
Due to Orlando’s health, the family moved to Norwood, Missouri in 1980. Orlando did custom farm work for area farmers and raised hay on their own farm.
After Orlando’s death in 1998, Eleanor returned to Elgin and lived there until 2008.
She then moved to Traditions in West Union and lived there until entering the Good Samaritan Society in West Union.
Eleanor loved being a farm wife. She enjoyed doing the field work and helping with the chores. Eleanor enjoyed attending her children and grandchildren’s activities over the years. Eleanor and Orlando enjoyed traveling with their fold-down camper and when camping at various places, they would walk around and meet new people at the different campsites. She enjoyed embroidering, cooking, and baking.
Eleanor was a member of the Marion Lutheran Church and Ladies Aid in Gunder; the Elgin American Legion Auxiliary; and the Elgin Mealsite.
Eleanor is survived by her children, Kaye (Chuck) Schmainda of Avon, Minnesota; Kendra (Paul) Fauser of Elgin, Iowa; Norman (Brenda) Loftsgard of Troy, Missouri; and Kara (Jeff) Roden of Clever, Missouri; ten grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; her sister, Eunice Schlee of Postville, Iowa; and her sister-in-law, Josephine Smith of Monona, Iowa.
Eleanor was preceded in death by her husband, Orlando; one son, Wayne Dean Loftsgard, who died two days after his birth; her parents, John and Louisa; her stepfather, Louis; three brothers; and four sisters.
Funeral Services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 8, 2015 at the Marion Lutheran Church in Gunder, Iowa. Rev. Marshall Hahn was the officiant.
Visitation was held on Thursday, May 7, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home in Elgin, Iowa and one hour before services at the church on Friday.
Interment was held in the church cemetery.
Condolences may be left at: www.graufuneralhomes.com.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elgin, Iowa assisted the family with the arrangements. 19u19
Ruth Brooks, 101, of West Union passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at her home.
A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2015 at West Union Cemetery with the Rev. Chris Ebbers officiating.
S.K. Rogers & Burnham-Wood Funeral Home in West Union is in charge of the arrangements.
Ruth Brooks, was born on December 2, 1913. Ruth was the daughter of Charles Clark and Mabel (Spencer) Hidinger.
Ruth was the last surviving member of the West Union High School class of 1932.
She married Joseph Armand Brooks July 27, 1932, in Reno, Nevada.
They settled in West Union, where Ruth worked as an office assistant for Dr. Harry Moen before working as a lab and x-ray technician at the West Union Community Hospital (in the building the Historical Center now occupies) and Palmer Memorial Hospital for many years.
Armand passed away in 1973.
Ruth married Carlton (Curt) Chamberlain in 1992. He died in 2000.
Ruth worked for more than twenty years as a volunteer at the Fayette County Historical Center, sorting, filing, and researching every afternoon.
She also was active in the Genealogical Society, Senior Citizens, Fayette County Tourism, and DAR for many years.
Survivors include her daughter, Rebecca (Randy) Taff, San Diego, CA; son, Jon (Linda) Brooks, Milton, FL; four grandchildren: Joseph (Hope) Brooks, Spanish Fort, AL; Paul Brooks, Milton, FL; Lisa (Brian) Taff Long, Denver, CO; and Nicholas Taff, Oceanside, CA; six great-grandchildren: Marina Brooks, Robert Taylor, Danielle Brooks, Regan Brooks, Alisa Hemley Brooks, and Sophia Brooks.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, a son in infancy, and her granddaughter, Penny Brooks Taylor.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Ruth to the Fayette County Historical Museum in West Union or to Palmer Hospice, whose services allowed Ruth to live her last days in her own home.
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Roger Benjamin Frieden, 72, of Elgin, Iowa, died Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at a Hospice Facility in Mesa, Arizona.
Roger was born on June 6, 1942 on the family farm near Elgin, Iowa, the youngest of six children born to Levi and Alta (Dennler) Frieden and was baptized at Elgin Methodist Church on April 12, 1946.
He graduated from Valley Community School in 1960 and joined the Iowa National Guard, while attending High School, being honorably discharged on February 19, 1964.
Roger was united in marriage with Sharnel Rothlisberger on February 18, 1962 at the Illyria Community Church in rural Elgin, Iowa. To this union of 53 years, four children were born, Scott, Robyn, Jill and Craig.
He was a confirmed member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Elgin, Iowa and The American Legion Post 0027.
Following his high school graduation, Roger worked as a milk hauler until moving to the family homestead in rural Elgin where he farmed until his two sons were able to take over the operation. He was never very far away if they needed him to run errands.
Roger enjoyed sports of all kinds, but most of all the Iowa Hawkeyes and Green Bay Packers, always trying to convert his grandsons to be Packer fans. He never really succeeded with that goal.
He also enjoyed trips to various places, like Hawaii, Florida, Seattle, Canada, Europe to see his nephew, Greg Olson and most recently, Arizona, where he and Sharnel spent the last seven winters. Roger was a wonderful caregiver to his wife, as she went through cancer treatments in 2008, while in Arizona.
He enjoyed spending time with friends and family, especially being grandpa to his grandkids.
Roger is survived by his loving wife, Sharnel; children, Scott (Candis) Frieden of Elgin, Iowa, Robyn (Cary Jo) Mihm of Ft. Atkinson, Iowa, Jill Frieden of Elgin, Iowa and Craig (Angela) Frieden of Elgin, Iowa; nine grandchildren, Brooks Frieden of Decorah, Iowa, Taylor Mork, Lexi Frieden and Hayley Mork, all of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Blaize Frieden, Austin Frieden, Dylan Michelle, Brady and Easton Frieden, all of Elgin, Iowa; one sister, LeAnna Olson of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Levi and Alta Frieden; two brothers, Raymond and Loren Frieden; three sisters, Eileen Schori, Mavis Hyde and one sister who died in infancy.
Visitation was held from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturday, May 9, 2015 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Elgin, Iowa.
Memorial Service was held at 1:30 pm on Saturday, May 9, 2015 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Elgin, Iowa with Pastor Hyeunmee Kang and John Rothlisberger as the officiants.
A private graveside committal service at the Elgin Cemetery will be held at a later date.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elgin, Iowa are helping the family with arrangements.
Condolences may be left at: www.graufuneralhomes.com.
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Mary Beth Bass, 78, of Nora Springs, formerly of West Union, died Friday, May 1, 2015, at Nora Springs Care Center.
Services were held May 6 in Manly.
Word has been received of the April 28, 2015, death of Hawkeye native Alvin A. Schuchmann, 94, of Michigan.
He was a 1938 graduate of West Union High School.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Debra K. Loftsgard on Saturday, May 16, at Marion Lutheran Church in Gunder.
Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., followed by the service at 1 p.m.
Those attending are asked to dress casually and/or in Iowa Hawkeye attire.
Arthur L. Strong, 77, of DeWitt, Iowa, died Thursday, May 7, 2015, at Unity Point Health, Bettendorf, Iowa.
Arthur LeRoy Strong was born January 22, 1938, to L. Harold and Zella (King) Strong, in Elgin, Iowa. After graduating from high school Art served in the United States Marines Corps from 1957 to 1963. He was united in marriage to Patricia King on August 26, 1962, in Hazleton, Iowa. After farming for 10 years on the family farm in Elgin, Art worked for John Deere in Dubuque. In 1976 the couple moved to DeWitt after Art transferred to the Davenport plant where he retired in 1995.
Art was a member of the DeWitt United Methodist Church, AMVETS, UAW Local 281, and the FivePMinus Society. He enjoyed camping, traveling, woodworking, rug-making, and spending time with his friends and family, especially his grandchildren.
In addition to his loving wife of 52 years, Pat, he is survived by his children and their spouses, Ronda and Paul Becker of DeWitt, Randy and Jean Strong of Hudson, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Maxwell, Katherine and Jack; a brother, Kenneth (Beverly) Strong; a sister-in-law Mary Strong; nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Charles (Peggy) Strong, and Myrten Strong; a sister, Iantha (John) Staffenhagen; and a niece, Cindy Sue Strong.
Visitation will be from 4:00 until 7:00p.m. Monday, May 11, 2015, at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. A Service of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 12, 2015, at DeWitt United Methodist Church, DeWitt, Iowa, with Pastor Tom Boomershine officiating. Burial will be at Rock Island National Cemetery, Rock Island, Illinois.
Memorials may be made to the FivePMinus Society or the family.
Condolences may be expressed and a photo tribute viewed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com
Debra K. Loftsgard, 56, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Elgin, passed away after a brief illness, April 30, 2015, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, surrounded by family and friends.
Visitation was held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at Marion Lutheran Church, Gunder, with the service following at 1 p.m.
Deb was born May 24, 1958, to Ron and Judy (Nims) Loftsgard at the Postville hospital.
She is survived by her parents; brothers, Dave (Kathy) Loftsgard, Maynard and Drew (Kris) Loftsgard, Norwalk; grandmother Betty Nims; and nieces Ashley Brainard, Kaylee Lau, Morgan Robinson, Abbey and Cassie Curry. Nephews, Mike Loftsgard, Shawn Lau, Nick Robinson and Tim Brainard. Great nieces Zayla Loftsgard and Ramey Robinson. Great nephew Hayden Loftsgard.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Glen Nims, Gilbert and Bessie Loftsgard; uncles, Bernard and Charles Loftsgard; aunt Karol Helgerson; and cousins, Larry and Bernard Jr. Loftsgard.
Deb graduated from Valley High School with the class of ’76, where she excelled in basketball, softball, band, stage band and chorus.
At the time of her death she was employed at Nordstrom’s in Cedar Rapids. She had previously worked at Arnberg Insulation in Postville, Bond’s Tax Services in Wadena, Canteen in LaCrosse, Wis., Signode Engineering in West Union and U.S. Cellular in Cedar Rapids.
She followed Iowa Hawkeye football and basketball, having season tickets for several years. Seldom was she seen without a Hawkeye shirt on.
Deb enjoyed being with her many friends either in the Elgin area or her second family and friends in the Cedar Rapids area around the pool or at The Keg and at Bible study. 20u20
Helen G. Stendel passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at Traditions Assisted Living in West Union, Iowa.
Helen was born on September 1, 1930, in Waterloo, Iowa to Fred and Julia (Langsev) Sitterly.
She graduated from Waterloo East High School in 1948.
She was united in marriage to Robert Carl Stendel Jr. on October 17, 1959 in Waterloo, Iowa.
Helen worked as a secretary for accounting firms in both Waterloo and West Union.
Helen was a member of Bethel Presbyterian Church in West Union.
She enjoyed painting, crocheting and knitting.
Helen is survived by her nephews, Nick Keiderling, Tom Keiderling, Jerry Keiderling, Dave Warrior, Don Warrior, and Dan Warrior; and nieces, Kathy Pryor, Nancy Thompkins, Lyn Heese, and Cindy Shares.
She was preceded in death by her husband in 1999; parents; two sisters, Marie and Louise; brother, Fred Jr.; step-brother, Sinclair Langsev; and four nephews, Mike Sitterly, Steve Sitterly, Doug Warrior and Joey Keiderling.
Funeral services were held at 1 pm on Saturday, May 16, 2015 at S.K. Rogers and Burnham-Wood Funeral Home in West Union with a visitation one hour prior to service time.
Burial followed in the West Union Cemetery.
S.K. Rogers & Burnham-Wood Funeral Home of West Union was in charge of the arrangements. 20u20
Grace Torresdal, age 88, of Decorah, IA, died on Wednesday, May 6, 2015, at the Ossian Senior Hospice in Ossian, IA.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 9, 2015, at the Decorah Lutheran Church, 309 Winnebago Street, Decorah, IA, with Rev. Bryan Robertson presiding.
Friends may greet the family following the service. The Schluter – Balik Funeral Home in Decorah is handling the arrangements. It was her wishes to be a medical donation to the Mayo Medical School, Rochester, MN.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be given to the Ossian Senior Hospice, 114 Fischer Street, Ossian, IA, 52161 or to Lutheran World Relief, 700 Light Street, Baltimore, MD 21230.
Grace Evelyn (Ohnstad) Torresdal was born on April 3, 1927 in Florence, SD to Christian and Hilda (Chilson) Ohnstad. She was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith in the Goodhue Lutheran Church near Florence. She attended country school and then high school in Florence, graduating in 1946. Grace attended the Lutheran Bible Institute in Minneapolis, MN and graduated in 1949. She then moved to Decorah for a position as a parish worker at Decorah Lutheran Church. It was there that she met Lester Torresdal and they married on December 15, 1950 at Decorah Lutheran Church. Lester and Grace moved to Tacoma, WA in 1951 and Grace worked as a Bell Telephone operator for the next two years. They moved back to Iowa in 1953 and began 35 years of farming together on the Torresdal family farm two miles north of Ossian. In 1988, Grace and Lester retired from farming and moved to the home they built in Decorah, where Grace resided until 2002.
Grace was an excellent seamstress and very talented at quilting, creating many beautiful quilts that her family will enjoy for years to come. She was a wonderful cook and baker, particularly of delicious pies like her memorable silver cream pie. Grace was a very knowledgeable thimble collector and gradually built a prize collection that she greatly enjoyed sharing with others. She was a member of Thimble Collectors International and she and Lester attended many biennial TCI conventions in cities around the U.S. She was a very active member of the Ossian Lutheran Church and later Decorah Lutheran Church. She was a member of the Luren Auxiliary during all the years Lester was a member of the Luren Singers. Grace and Lester greatly enjoyed three trips to Norway with the Luren. Grace loved children and treasured her own grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as caring for the children of friends and neighbors over the years. Grace was a devoted wife and mother, a hard worker at whatever task was at hand, and a compassionate, honest, and forthright woman.
Grace is survived by her son Raymond and wife Pam, Calmar, IA and her daughter, Greta Ege and husband Lee, Ramsey, MN. Three grandchildren: Samuel Ege, Rockford, MN; Carmen (Christopher) Thomas, Anoka, MN; and Kristin Torresdal, Decorah, IA. Two great grandchildren: Evelyn Claire Thomas and Braeden Edward Thomas. Five sisters: Wilma Lien, Decorah, IA; Harriet (Alton) Hillesland, Sydney, MT; Helen Miller, Estelline, SD; Gladys Bates, Sioux Falls, SD; and Clarice Weisshaar, Canby, OR. Four sisters-in-law: Maxine Ohnstad, Florence, SD; Alice Broderick, Decorah, IA; Irene Jewell, Orinda, CA; Mavis Ohnstad, Florence, SD; along with many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Beloved friends Jennaya, Brett, Elise, Grace, and Benjamin Robison.
Grace was preceded in death by her husband Lester Torresdal April 28, 2005, infant daughter: Carmen Grace in 1951. Her parents: Christian and Hilda (Chilson) Ohnstad. Siblings: Lester (Joyce) Ohnstad; Carroll Ohnstad; Stella (Leiv) Valberg; and Lester Ohnstad as a child. Brothers-in-law: Rueben Weisshaar; Don Bates; Robert Miller; Curtis Lien; Bill Broderick; and Walter “Bud” Jewell.
It was Grace’s wish that her body be donated to the Mayo Clinic to support medical education.
Marie Theresa Tieskoetter, 92, of Ossian, died Friday, May 15, at Ossian Senior Hospice in Ossian.
Schmitz-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Ossian assisted the family with the arrangements.
Condolences may be left with: www.graufuneralhomes.com.
Dale J. Schrader, 90, of Maynard, Iowa, died Tuesday morning, May 19, 2015 at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette, Iowa.
Funeral Service: 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Maynard with Rev. Dennis Frank officiating.
Visitation: 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. Monday at the Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Maynard and after 9:30 A.M. Tuesday at the church.
Interment: Long Grove Cemetery, Maynard.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Cancer Fund of Fayette County, St. Jude Hospice of Strawberry Point or the American Heart Association.
Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com
Dale John Schrader was born January 9, 1925 at the family home in rural Maynard, Iowa, the son of John F. and Bertha Julia (Stoltz) Schrader. He was baptized on January 19, 1925 at the family’s home and confirmed April 10, 1938 at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Dale attended and graduated from Maynard High School in 1942 where he enjoyed playing football. He worked on the family farm helping his mom and dad. Dale was united in marriage to Ortha Jean Bartels on October 6, 1942 at Kahoka, Missouri. Dale and Ortha moved upstairs in the Schrader’s house and John and Bertha lived downstairs. The family grew with the birth of JoAnne and LaVern “Sonny”. Dale and Ortha bought an acreage in Maynard and moved in 1951. LeWayn “John” and then JoLynn joined the family. He continued to help his Dad with the farming plus doing trucking jobs. On April 1, 1959, Dale inherited the farm and bought out his three sisters. Dale and Ortha moved their family from town back to the family farm. On August 13, 2013 the farm became a Century Farm, which Dale was very proud of. Dale enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He loved going to farm sales, to find a bargin and visit with friends. He grew up loving horses and ponies. Dale enjoyed driving them at Pleasant Ridge Driving Club, parades and for pleasure. He also enjoyed tinkering in his shop, always coming up with new ideas or “wild hairs” and spending quality time with “Buddy” the dog. Dale was a lifetime member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, where he served on various committees, church council and Brotherhood. He was also a member of Farm Bureau and Soil Conservation.
Dale is survived by his 4 children, JoAnne (Craig) Bodley of Postville, LaVern “Sonny” Schrader of Bakersfield, California, LeWayn “John” Schrader of Maynard and JoLynn Schrader of Maynard;
3 grandchildren, Jamie (Elaine) Bodley of Postville, Vicki (Kenny) Klepper of Castalia and Trent (Tiffany) Bodley of Postville;
5 great grandchildren, Shelby, Riley, Tierney, Kelby and Traer Bodley;
1 sister, Lucille Rueber of Fayette;
sisters-in-law, Dodie Bartels of Lansing, Ruth Bartels of Cedar Falls and Bev Bartels Dvorak of Cedar Rapids
Godson, Alex Olivares of Bakersfield, California;
special friend, Cally Mueller of Hawkeye (CNA at Maple Crest Manor);
and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife on January 18, 2009; 2 sisters, Mildred Rueber and Gladys Hinkel; and 2 nieces Janis Suhr and Nancy Wenthe.
The family wants to say a special thank you to St. Jude Hospice who made dad’s final days peaceful.
