JoAnn Wagner

JoAnn Wagner, age 72, of rural Calmar, IA died suddenly at her home Friday July 31, 2020.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 8, 2020 at the St Aloysius Catholic Church in Calmar with Rev. Robert Gross presiding. 

 The service will also be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/CFOSparishes

In consideration of concerns regarding Covid-19, social distancing and wearing of masks will be observed during funeral service.

Virginia Gage

Virginia Ann Gage, 84, of Wadena, Iowa died Saturday, July 25, 2020, at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette. Virginia was born August 28, 1935, to Vincent and Ellen (Gager) Baumler in St. Lucas. 

On June 25, 1953, Virginia was united in marriage with Edwin Gage. Six children were born to this union.  The couple farmed north of Wadena for many years, moved into Wadena where they ran the Corner Auction for a time, and finally, purchasing the grocery store in Wadena that they owned and operated for ten years. The couple were foster parents (which they dearly loved) to a number of children. Virginia enjoyed gardening, especially her flowers, sewing, going to square dances and garage sales. Virginia also babysat and was a Cub Scout Leader. She was a member of Lima Ladies Aid and the Legion Auxiliary and Community Club of Wadena.

Pelagia Shimek

Pelagia Shimek, age 99 of Decorah, IA passed away on Sunday, July 12, 2020 at Aase Haugen Senior Services in Decorah.

  Mass of Christian burial was held at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Decorah, Iowa , at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, July 16, 2020. 

Brenda Earles

 Brenda Lee (Hurd) Earles, formerly of Maynard, died on July 16, 2020, in Tulsa, OK. Brenda was born on March 30, 1940, daughter of Harold and Nodah (Cue) Hurd. She graduated from West Central in Maynard in 1958.

 There will be a family graveside service at the Long Grove Cemetery in Maynard with Pastor Dennis Frank officiating.

Burton Odekirk

Burton L. Odekirk, 94, of Fayette died Saturday, July 18, 2020 at the Good Samaritan Society in West Union.

Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 25, 2020, at Dunham Grove Cemetery, rural Randalia with military rites conducted by American Legion Post #339 of Fayette.  Memorials may be made in Burton’s name to the United Methodist Church in Fayette, or Palmer Lutheran Hospice. Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com.

Norman Osmundson

Norman Odelian Osmundson, 88, of West Union, Iowa formerly of Marion, Iowa died Saturday, July 18, 2020 at Stoney Brook in West Union, Iowa. He was born April 29, 1932 in Frog Hollow, rural West Union, Iowa to Nanfred and Myrtle (Ruroden) Osmundson. Norman attended nine years at country school and continued his education in West Union, Iowa. From May 11, 1954 to March 7, 1956 Norman served in the United States Army. 

Delmar Kern

Delmar Donald Kern, 91, of West Union died July 20, 2020, in his home surrounded by his loving family.

Due to the COVID-19 virus, a private family graveside service with military honors will be held with long time friend Pastor Susan Friedrich officiating.  A celebration of life will take place at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to Zion Lutheran Church or West Union Recreation Foundation.

Delmar “Del” Donald Kern was born April 21, 1929, on a farm near Lone Rock, Iowa, son of Melvin J. and Nellie (Lowman) Kern.  He was the oldest of fourteen children.  Del graduated from Algona High School in 1948.  On September 24, 1950, he married his high school sweetheart, Joan Wolcott,  at First Lutheran Church in Algona, Iowa.  They were blessed with two children, Kristine and Kathleen.

Earl West

Earl Gene West, 74, of Elgin, Iowa died Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at Gundersen Hospital in La Crosse, Wisconsin.  He was born July 17, 1946 to Earl and Gladys (Gregerson) at the Fred Wagner Farm near Elkader, Iowa. Earl Gene graduated from Starmont High School in 1964. He joined and proudly served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1967. Earl Gene continued his education at Kirkwood College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, studying Environmental Health.

For a short time, Earl Gene was a Sanitarian for Benton County and then became a Meat Inspector for the State of Iowa from 1971 until he retired. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, flowers, antiques and visiting casinos in several areas. Earl Gene was known to feed all the critters around his house. He was a member of the Elgin American Legion.

Burton Odekirk

Burton L. Odekirk, 94, of Fayette died Saturday, July 18, 2020 at the Good Samaritan Society in West Union.

Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 25, 2020, at Dunham Grove Cemetery rural, Randalia with military rites conducted by American Legion Post #339 of Fayette.  Memorials may be made in Burton’s to the United Methodist Church in Fayette or Palmer Lutheran Hospice. Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com. 

Susanna Henn

Susanna Marie Henn, 97, of Hawkeye, died Sunday, July 19, 2020, at her daughter’s home in Denver.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday , July 23, 2020, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawkeye with Rev. Ron Roberts officiating. Burial will follow at the Hawkeye Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 22^ndat Trinity Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall in Hawkeye and for one hour preceding services at the church on Thursday. Memorials may be made in Susanna’s name to Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawkeye or St. Croix Hospice. Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Hawkeye is assisting Susanna’s family. Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com.