Oakcrest Funeral Services - Bancroft Obituaries

Obituary Preview: A funeral Mass for Rosemary Vaske, 92, of Bancroft, was held Monday, October 16, 2023, at 10:30 AM, at Divine Mercy Parish ~ St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Bancroft.  Burial was in St. John Catholic Cemetery.Rosemary (Becker) Vaske was born December 5, 1930 in Burt, IA, daughter of Mathew and Justine (Bormann) Becker. She grew up in the Burt, St. Benedict and Wesley areas. She attended grade school in those communities and attended both Wesley and Britt High Schools, graduating from Britt in 1948. Rosemary was united in marriage to Allen Vaske on August 28, 1951, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Wesley.After their marriage, Rosemary and Allen farmed in the Elmore/Rake and Buffalo Center area. In 1963 they moved to the family farm in rural Bancroft. Rosemary was a stay at home mom until 1971 when she went to work for Schiltz’s Goose Hatchery as a secretary. In 1974 they sold the farm and built a new house in Bancroft. Shortly thereafter, they purchased and operated the Bancroft Drive-In where they spent many hours providing good food and ice cream treats to the community. In 1975 she became the Head Cook at St. John’s Catholic School in Bancroft where she enjoyed feeding and interacting with the kids every day. She retired in 1993.Rosemary had many titles throughout her life...farm wife, seamstress, chef, baker, artist, Mom, Grandma and Great-Grandma. She was known for her cookies, cinnamon/caramel rolls, potato salad, homemade applesauce and jelly that were all family favorites. She enjoyed playing cards (even with her cheating son-in-law’s) and in the last couple of years she taught Shanghai to her kids and as many grandkids who could spend Sunday afternoons with her. Her roles as Mom, Grandma and Great-Grandma were her favorite, as she loved to be surrounded by her family, especially any new grandbaby she could snuggle with. She enjoyed gardening, fixing puzzles and fishing. She and Allen were both volunteer EMT’s. She was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church and the Catholic Daughters of America.Rosemary Vaske died Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at Good Samaritan Society in Algona, at the age of 92.She is survived by her seven children: Larry (Cindy) Vaske of Bancroft, Mary Berte of Burt, Joe(Virginia) Vaske of Algona, Rose (Doug) Molacek of Algona, Julie (Denny) Penning of Algona, Rita (Mike) Frette of Blue Earth, MN and Richard(Melissa) Vaske of Bode; 18 grandchildren: Jason(Sherry) Vaske, Matthew (Angie) Vaske, Jenn (Sean) Cunningham, Brian (Melissa) Berte, Monica (Nathaniel) Cobb, Beth (Ben) Borchardt, Kim (Jason) Smith, Andy (Jenn) Vaske, Nicole Bollinger, Melissa Jackson, Jeremy (Erin) Fraker, Chris (Angie) Fraker, Katie (Cory) Connelly, Josh Penning, Bridget (Clint) Forstrom, Justin (Stacey) Frette, Stephen (Ashley) Vaske, Brandon (Amber) Vaske and 49 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. She is also survived by her sisters: Betty (Bitz) Berte, Patricia Baumann, Marge Brcka, Joyce Wagner, Jane (Donnie) Potthoff and her brother, Bob (Mary) Becker, sister-in-law Mary Becker and brother-in-law Kenneth (Barb) Vaske and many nieces and nephews and other family members.She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Allen on March 9, 2016; son-in-law, Arnie Berte on July 2, 2015; great granddaughter, Madison Fraker on March 26, 2022; siblings, Frank (Mari) Becker, Dolores (Greg) Augustine, Lorene (Arnold) Kollasch, Alvin (Marge) Becker, Harold (Theresa) Becker, Mark Becker, Norma (Don) Reding and brothers-in-law, Patrick Bauman, Ray Brcka, Lee Wagner and Robert (Betty) Vaske.

Obituary Preview: Darlene Dorothy Jansen died unexpectedly from a brain bleed on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at the age of 91. A funeral Mass will be held Friday, October 6, 2023, at 10:30 AM at Divine Mercy Parish ~ St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Bancroft. The funeral will be livestreamed on the Divine Mercy YouTube page. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 PM Thursday, October 5, 2023, at Oakcrest Funeral Services of Bancroft. She will be laid to rest next to her husband, Lamont, at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Bancroft.Darlene was born February 13, 1932, in Bancroft, Iowa. She was the daughter of Albert and Agnes (Kollasch) Deitering. She grew up in Bancroft graduating from St. John’s High School in 1949.She is survived by four children, Tom (Mary) Jansen of Bancroft, Suzanne (Ron) Burton of Cosby, TN, Jerry Jansen of Tyler, TX, and Greg (Laurie) Jansen of Malcom; 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, Andy (Amy) Jansen and their children Jordan, Jackson, and Jace, Jacob Burton and is daughter Izabelle, Amanda (Daniel) Jowers, Ben (Nicole) Burton and their children, Zoey, Kinnick, Maleiyah, and Annabella, Brandon Jansen and his children Joshua and Kaitlyn, Lori (Keith) Rice and their children, K.J., Malachi, Kayden, and Carly, Tommy (Magan) Jansen and their children Cole and Sydney, Sarah Jansen, Tanner (Lexi) Jansen, and Maddie (fiancé Colton Major) Jansen. She is also survived by a brother, Tom (Esther) Deitering of Bancroft; a sister, Janet Person of Durango, CO; a sister-in-law, Jan Deitering of Bancroft; and many nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her parents; her parents-in-law, Andrew and Johanna Jansen; her husband Lamont on February 11, 1998; a sister, Donna and husband Rich Olson; a brother, Richard Deitering; a brother-in-law, Gail Person; a sister-in-law, Geraldine and husband Arnie Karels; and a nephew, David Person.Darlene lived a full life until the very end and accomplished so many things during her time! Darlene married Lamont M. Jansen on July 9, 1951, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Bancroft. After leaving Bancroft to follow Lamont’s career, they moved to Cedar Falls, then Maquoketa, then to Estherville, and finally moved back “home” to Bancroft in 1991.Throughout moving and raising 4 children, Darlene became a jack of all trades; Avon lady, postal clerk, office manager, tax preparer. She eventually got her real estate license, not to sell houses, but to better understand real estate in her tax prep. When she and Lamont moved back to Bancroft, Darlene worked full-time as a bookkeeper at the Deitering Implement until she was 79. After retiring, Darlene stayed active in her community, and tended to her flowers and birds. Her true joy came from time spent with family and friends. She will always be remembered for her baking; homemade caramels, cinnamon rolls, and pies.Darlene was able to maintain her independence until the end and for all that knew her, she wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Obituary Preview: Funeral Service for Opal L. Kabrick of Bancroft, will be Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 10:30 AM at the United Lutheran Church in Ringsted. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Bancroft. Visitation will be held at Oakcrest Funeral Services of Bancroft on Friday, October 6, 2023, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM.Opal passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 28th at the age of 91. She was born July 24, 1932, in Oblong, IL. Opal was the sixth child of nine children born to Noris & Gladys Shryock. In 1942, the family moved to Ringsted, Iowa. She graduated from Ringsted High School in 1950.She married Ordean Kabrick April 30, 1950. They had three children. She worked as a waitress, grocery clerk, and then started her decorating business in 1955 as Opal’s Decorating until her “so-called” retirement in 2012. She was a member of the Kossuth County Women’s Choir for many years, and Superintendent of Sunday school for 25 years at the Blakjer Lutheran Church of Seneca, IA. When the church closed, she became a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Ringsted. She was a choir member, and she served on the council for the church. Opal enjoyed playing cards, cooking, baking, gardening, going south for the winters and spending time with family and friends.Opal is survived by her loving husband of 73 years, Ordean, of Bancroft, IA; three children Randy Kabrick of Bancroft, IA, Cinde Andersen (Steve) of Fairmont, MN, and Marcy Countryman (Bruce) of Estherville, IA; daughter-in-law, Loré Albright Kabrick of St Joseph, IA; six grandchildren: Zane Kabrick (Lauren), Dana Andersen, Heather Boicourt (David), Dylan Andersen (Nathan Kahl), Brandon Countryman (Harlie), and Holly Joynt (Ryan); great-grandchildren: Brody Countryman, Drake Boicourt, Quinn Kabrick, Brock Countryman, Jaxon Kabrick, Etta Joynt, and Griffin Countryman; sisters- in-law, Nancy Shryock of Graettinger, IA; Dawn Shryock of Fertile, IA; and many loving nieces and nephews, friends, and acquaintances.She was preceded in death by her parents; four sisters: Helen Walker, Virginia Tonderum, Marty Petersen, and Wanda Finnestad; and four brothers: Raulin, Ray, Kenny, and Bobby Shryock.

Obituary Preview: Conrad Joseph Kunkel was the son of Ben and Caroline (Lang) Kunkel and was born July 21, 1931, and was raised on a farm south of St. Benedict. He attended St. Benedict Catholic School through the 11th grade. In his younger years he was an altar boy for daily Masses. He worked hard on the farm, milking cows, working the fields, baling hay and all the fun things that go along with farming.On November 25, 1958, he married the love of his life, Rosella Faber of Burt. She was the daughter of Melvin and Florence (Behrends) Faber. They were married at St. John’s Catholic Church in Bancroft.Conrad worked for Lorenz and Julia Bormann as a hired hand after they got married. He also worked for Albert Becker Construction, and Snap-On while living by St. Joseph. Later, they moved their family to the Burt area and drove the Standard Oil truck then continued to drive after moving to Bancroft. He then worked for Moorman Feed and Winnebago Industries. Conrad then worked as a custodian at St John’s School and Parish until 1989 when the school closed, then working for North Kossuth School until his retirement.Following his retirement, Conrad spent a lot of his time in a boat fishing with his buddies. He drowned a lot of worms but enjoyed it dearly. Conrad and Rosella continued to live in Bancroft with their family. Until sickness caused them to move to the Titonka Care Center. On August 1, 2019, Rosella lost her fight to dementia. Conrad continued to live with his children and then returned to the Titonka Care Center. He died there Saturday, September 23, 2023, at the age of 92.He is survived by his seven children, Bernard (Angel) Kunkel of Dallas, TX, Lisa Kunkel of Bancroft, Norman (Larry) Kunkel of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Theresa (Stephen) Patterson of Dallas, TX, Julie (Larry) Stallard of Martinsburg, WV, Peggy (Greg) Atherton of Ocheyedan, and Kira (Denny) Carroll of Lu Verne; 13 grandchildren, Quade (Katelyn) Burch, Sasha, Alexa, and Josh Garter, Paul (Emily) Patterson, Gavin Patterson, Tyler (Mike) Kunkel, Alexis, Gannon and Garrett Atherton, and Colton, Chantal, and Cailey Carroll; 3 great-grandchildren, Beau, Luke, and Addison Burch; and Ben and Joel Vaske, who he and Rosella cared for and considered family. He is also survived by his sister, Edna Ziemet of Algona; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Jo Weatherly of Algona, Nancy Kunkel of Stockholm, CA, Cindy (Mike) Mulroney of Fort Dodge, Gloria Ellwanger of San Antoinio, TX, Melvin (Lucille) Faber of Burt, and Kathleen Lowe of Hayfield, MN; and many nieces, nephews, and other family members.He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Rosella; seven brothers, George (Evelyn), James, Virgil (Ruth), Bernard (Elsie), Omer (Margaret), Clarence, and Robert Kunkel; his sisters, Veronica (Kenny) Spangler, Kathleen (William) Becker, Ileene (Tony) Ptacek, Rita (Gerald) Frankl, Jean Marie Kunkel, and Rose Marie (Ed) Schiltz; and three brothers-in-law, Don Lowe, Jim Ellwanger and Art Zeimet.A funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at 10:30 AM at Divine Mercy Parish ~ St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Bancroft. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 PM Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at Oakcrest Funeral Services of Bancroft. Burial will be in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Bancroft.

Obituary Preview: Obituary for both: Donald E. McNertney Born March 1, 1924 Died May 3, 2023 Doris Y. McNertney Born October 14, 1926 Died April 11, 2022The funeral for Donald and Doris will be livestreamed on the Divine Mercy YouTube page. PATRIOTS, CITIZENS, WORLD TRAVELERS, DIPLOMATS, GOOD FRIENDS, PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS, GREAT GRANDPARENTS, NEIGHBORSDonald E. McNertney (Don) and his wife Doris Y. McNertney (Doris) recently passed away in Sarasota, Florida. They lived in Sarasota, Florida since 1984 and lived in Bancroft, Iowa during the summer months beginning in 2005. Don and Doris leave behind many friends and family in Iowa, Florida, and many other states, as well as countries across the globe. They have left a legacy of peace, goodwill, and lasting friendships around the world. Don was born in Bancroft, Iowa on March 1, 1924 and died on May 3, 2023; Doris was born in Calcutta, India on October 14, 1926 and died on April 11, 2022.Don and Doris were shining examples of the best qualities of their generation, as citizens who had a world view, and a local grounding wherever they went and lived. They epitomize what many have called “The Greatest Generation,” as described by many historians and writers. They leave a legacy that can be emulated, but never equaled.They are survived by their children Michael (Linda), Patrick (Carole), and Laurie (Martin); Grandchildren Jeanette (Alasdair), Jason, Ashley, Sheila, Christopher, Kieran, and Tara; and great grandchildren Alexander and Ava. Don and Doris also leave dozens of nephews and nieces and grand nephews and nieces both in the United States, England, and Australia.They are both preceded in death by their beloved daughter, Leslie.  Don was preceded in death by his parents Patrick and Esther (Mousel) McNertney, and siblings Harold, Thomas, Mary, and William. Doris was preceded in death by her parents Donald and Sheila Van Dort, and siblings Flo, Catherine, Joyce, and Margaret. Don leaves a younger brother Charles McNertney (Karen) of Bancroft, Iowa and their children and grandchildren who live in many cities across the state of Iowa as well as Minnesota.Don and Doris achieved and accomplished many milestones stemming from the values they gleaned from their families, diverse cultures, as well as their experiences and international travels. Their families both experienced firsthand the hardships of the Great Depression. The Depression more than any other world-wide event brought unforeseeable opportunities and shaped their characters and prepared them for the challenges that lay ahead. Then came the Second World War.After graduating from St. John’s High School in 1941 and attending the University of Iowa at the same time as his older brother Harold, Don took the advice of the Dean of Men at Iowa and as a sophomore in 1942 enlisted in the United States Army (in order to avoid the combat roles, explained the Dean, that were awaiting U.S. soldiers in the south Pacific). After basic training, Don was shipped out to Calcutta, India where he served in the China, Burma, India theatre of operations. As Don explained, “our mission was to break the Japanese code,” which they did, and which helped the allied armies and navies bring down the Japanese empire! Don met Doris in Calcutta where she was employed with the U.S. Army, working as a secretary for the U.S. Officer Corps. They were married in November of 1946.After discharge from the U.S. Army on March 25, 1946, Don accepted a position with U.N.N.R.A. (the newly created United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration), and spent about seven months in Shanghai, China before his marriage to Doris that same year. The couple returned to Shanghai (in the midst of a country-wide civil war between the nationalists and the communists) and he performed his duties until the threat of communist domination forced all foreign personnel to leave the country. Don and Doris returned to the United States in 1947. Don enrolled in Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service under the G.I. Bill. After two and a half years, he was granted early graduation. Their son Michael was born during this time. He then accepted his first foreign service position with the United States Information Agency (USIA) which at that time was a part of the U.S. State Department. Don and Doris were stationed, as their first foreign assignment, in Calcutta, India and shortly afterwards in Madras, India. Their son Patrick was born during this time. After India, Don and Doris’ assignments followed an Asian trajectory at first, then other countries, in the following chronological order: Rangoon, Burma (1956-58) and Leslie was born during this time; Taipei/Kaohsiung, Taiwan (1959-61); Washington, D.C. (1961-62) and Laurie was born during this time; Maracaibo, Venezuela (1962-64); Cordoba, Argentina (1965-68); Washington, D.C. (1968-70); Madrid, Spain (1970-74); Manila, Philippines (1974-76); Washington, D.C. (1976-79); and ending his career with his last post in Cairo, Egypt (1979-81). Their daughters Leslie and Laurie attended school at Saint John’s in Bancroft in the fall of 1974 prior to their assignment in Manila. He also spent about eight months at the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Virginia in 1964, and was assigned to the San Antonio, Texas World’s Fair (the HemisFair) for about 6 months in 1968, representing his agency and proselytizing USIA’s strategic mission of “Telling America’s Story to the World.”Donald and Doris were the consummate Cold Warriors during the ‘50s and ‘60s when the threat of communist domination loomed large and was challenging and threatening the United States’ role as a Bulwark of Democracy. During these times, Don helped develop connections with foreign citizens through the “People-to-People” Program, an idea that was established by President Eisenhower and gained traction under President John F. Kennedy. The People-to-People Committees along with the Peace Corps were designed to help project U.S. values along with explaining the U.S. democratic tradition to the people of Taiwan, Venezuela, and the entire world.Don relied heavily on the Bancroft tradition of baseball (he credited St. John’s coach VJ Meyer as a positive influence on his life) to help develop a high school baseball league in Maracaibo, Venezuela. He brought in local professional players such as Luis Aparicio (then with the Baltimore Orioles) and Vic Davalillo (then with the Cleveland Indians) to enhance the stature of inter-scholastic baseball exchanges with Rhode Island High Schools. He also ran and developed a USIS library called Casa Americana to promote mutual understanding through books and cultural exchanges. On one occasion in 1963, the Library and office were attacked by communist sympathizing students resulting in a shootout between the private, plain-clothed security guard and the radical students in the front of the building. This episode underscored the danger of working in countries that were heavily under the sway of Marxist-inspired propaganda from both China and in Latin America, the communist regime in Cuba. Fortunately, no one was killed in this attack. The attack failed and the building was not damaged primarily because of the bravery of the security guard who was seriously wounded but survived the attack.Following his posting in Taiwan, in late 1961, Don was awarded a Meritorious Service Award by USIS Director Edward R. Murrow for the programs he developed in Taiwan as part of the aforementioned People-to-People Program. As Don worked for better understanding between the U.S. and the Taiwanese by stressing Sino-American cooperation in the fields of sport, music, and art, Doris was also very active engaging in English teaching programs, serving on committees to award scholarships to high school students, for student exchange programs, and many community service projects supported by funding and participation by local U.S. military personnel.While serving as USIS information officer at the US embassy in Madrid, Don also was honored by the Spanish government in 1971 when General Francisco Franco, Chief of State, bestowed upon him the Order of Civil Merit. This recognition was for his work as a liaison between the Spanish press corps and the U.S. media covering the state visit of President Richard Nixon to Spain in the fall of 1970. This award is considered one of the most prestigious awards a civilian can receive, and rarely given to foreigners.Don and Doris often said that one of their favorite posts was Cordoba, Argentina. The Argentine culture and people have longstanding historical ties with the U.S. Following Argentina, Don and Doris also said that they enjoyed Madrid, Spain, their only European assignment, very much. From 1981 and up until 2022, Don obtained a real estate brokerage license and became active in the real estate market. Doris also obtained her real estate license and they worked as a team. Don also engaged in managerial training programs teaching organizational communication and improvement techniques. It was a common occurrence to hear Don bring up concepts like Management by Objective, Situational Awareness, and Task Maturity used in connection with farm issues and employment matters or in connection with any situation that merited discussion. He also liked to use these terms on his kids if they were starting to slack off!Starting around 2002, Don and Doris were able to live part of the year in Bancroft, where they enjoyed focusing on the farms and ensuring that the farming legacy, begun by Don’s parents Patrick and Esther, would continue to be enjoyed by future generations. His brother Charles’ efforts as the farmer of the McNertney farm partnership are recognized by the participation of Charles’ sons Tim McNertney and Joe McNertney, in current farming operations. Their sisters Mary, Geri, and Sherrie are also heirs and well versed in the farming legacy started by their grandparents in 1915. The farming legacy meant a lot to Don and Doris and they greatly enjoyed their summer stays in Bancroft. They also enjoyed seeing and interacting with their many friends and partaking in the Bancroft lifestyle and all it has to offer.Don and Doris thought globally but acted locally. They loved the interactions with friends and their extended families not only in Bancroft but across the U.S. and the international community. When Don left Iowa in 1942 to join the U.S. Army, he looked ahead but never stopped looking back to his family and friends in Bancroft. In a very real way, Don and Doris took their core values of honesty, service before self, and goodwill and applied these concepts in every foreign assignment. This paid huge dividends. Internationally, they formed many personal and lasting friendships. And as much as their foreign friends were appreciated, Don and Doris also had a profound impact on the foreign friends they made, judging by the hundreds of Christmas cards Doris would mail out each year. As recently as May 21, 2023, Don’s good friend Alfredo Amestoy (well known throughout Spain as one of the premier television personalities, a producer/director for Television Espanola, and independent filmmaker) expressed his deep sorrow at learning of his friends’ (Don and Doris) passing. In a letter he wrote: “I am privileged and honored through our friendships by their high class and the distinction they gave me. I visited Bancroft (in 1973) and did a special television episode on farm life in an Iowa town (Bancroft) for Spanish Television (that was broadcast later that year throughout Spain). I saw firsthand how the values of his hometown formed the character of our friend Donald and how this prepared him to serve his country in positions of high responsibility, as a public official, and a diplomat. He was a good friend because he was genuine and your parents were special people. Their legacy will live on through their family and friends.”A funeral Mass will be held on September 12, 2023 (Tuesday) at 10:30 AM at Divine Mercy Parish ~ Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church in Bancroft, followed by interment at Saint John’s Catholic Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at Saint John’s Church basement.

Obituary Preview: A funeral Mass for Barbara Menke, 82, of Bancroft, will be held 10:30 AM on Monday, August 21, at Divine Mercy Parish – St. John’s Catholic Church in Bancroft. Burial will take place at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Bancroft. Visitation will be held 1:30 to 3:30 PM on Sunday, August 20, at Oakcrest Funeral Services in Bancroft. A rosary will be recited at 1:00 PM and there will be a scripture prayer service at 3:30 PM.Barbara Ann (DeGeeter) Menke was born on June 18, 1941, in Bancroft, Iowa, the second child of Screal and Victoria (Goche) DeGeeter. She grew up on the family farm just south of town and attended St. John’s Catholic School, graduating in 1959. Barb went on to complete a one-year business school program in Mankato, MN. Shortly after that, she met the love of her life while attending a Sadie Hawkins dance. On May 11, 1963, Barb married Harold Menke and lived with him and their six children in Bancroft. She experienced wedded bliss with him for 50 years.Barb’s Catholic faith and prayer life guided her daily in all that she did. She was very active at St. John’s Church by singing in the choir, ministering the Eucharist, and being a part of the Altar Society. Barb loved playing cards and games with friends and family, golfing, gardening, sewing, quilting, and spending time with family. She found happiness in attending all of her kids’ activities, including baseball. Barb was a huge fan of the Minnesota Twins. She was known for her scotcheroos and made sure she always had them at the house when family came to visit. In addition to her primary job of homemaker, Barb also worked as an eye doctor and chiropractor’s assistant, as well as librarian and daycare worker for local children.Barb died at home in Bancroft on August 7, 2023. She is survived by five children, eight grandchildren, two great grandsons, and one great granddaughter due in October of 2023. Family includes: Anita (Kevin) Osweiler of Kearney, MO and their children Adam (Melissa) of Fayetteville, AR and Allison of Iowa City, IA; Eileen (Gregg) Elsbecker of Bancroft, IA; Mark (Glenda Kelm) Menke of Madison Lake, MN and their son Aaron (Lindsay) Mende and their children Levi and Austin of LeSueur, MN; Dean (Ann) Menke of Algona, IA and their children Grace and Halle of Cedar Rapids, IA and Gavin and Gibson of Algona, IA; and Erica (Mike) Eikren of Ankeny, IA and their daughter Annabelle.Barbara is also survived by three sisters: Rita Torkelson of Sioux Falls, SD, Susan (Sal) Rios of Aurora, IL, and Ruth Irwin of Broomfield, CO; two brothers: Melvin (Per) DeGeeter of Richmond, TX and Joe (Patricia) DeGeeter of Bancroft, IA; four sisters-in-law: Joyce Hatten of Bancroft, IA, Lynn (Roman) Lynch of Ames, IA, Shirley (Denny) McCarthy of Bancroft, IA, and Mary Menke of Ledyard, IA; one brother-in-law Billy (Barbara J.) Menke of Bancroft, IA; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.She is preceded in death by her husband Harold, her son Paul, and her parents Screal and Victoria.

Obituary Preview: Mary C. Mabus, 75, of Lakota died Monday, July 24, 2023, at her home. Private family services will be held.Memorials in memory of Mary may be directed to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Lakota.Mary Catherine Droessler was born June 21, 1948 in Bancroft, Iowa. She was the youngest of six children born to Frank & Agnes (Illg) Droessler. Mary graduated from St. John’s High School in Bancroft in 1966. After high school she attended Hamilton Business College in Mason City.On February 26th, 1971, Mary Catherine was united in marriage to Lyle Robert Mabus at St. John’s Catholic Church, Bancroft. Some will remember the snowstorm that evening that stranded the bride and groom and many guests overnight at Bancroft’s North Kossuth Golf Club! Together they raised livestock and farmed the Mabus Family Farm west of Lakota. Brenda Jean was born March 5, 1973, and William Joseph was born May 8, 1974. Lyle and Mary moved to town in 1998. They were married 52 years at the time of Mary’s passing on July 24, 2023, at the age of 75 years.On the farm, Mary was the quintessential hard working sun up to sundown farm wife and homemaker, maintaining large gardens, cooking, baking, canning, and sewing. She worked in the hog buildings, ran for parts and ran meals out to the field. She was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Lakota, serving many years as the church secretary and Sunday School Superintendent up until the time of her death. After moving to town she cooked for a time at Miller Time bar and grill in Lakota. She also worked for several years as the Lakota news reporter to the Bancroft and Buffalo Center newspapers.She is survived by her husband, Lyle, her two children, Brenda (Mark) Schilling of Ankeny and Bill (Julie) Mabus of Lakota; grandchildren, Mitch (Caroline) Schilling, Chelsey (Luke) Huber, Desiree Jorgensen, Dustin Jorgensen, and great-grandchildren, Raegan Huber, Bennett Huber, and Amelia Jorgensen; brother Robert Droessler; mother-in-law Joan Mabus; brothers-in-law Bob Blocker and Cecil Mabus; sisters-in-law Julie Droessler and Marita Cook; and numerous nieces and nephews.Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Agnes Droessler; her sisters, Alice Droessler and Rita Blocker; her brothers Ed Droessler and Richard Droessler; and father-in-law, Glenn Mabus.

Obituary Preview: Because of a power outage in the community of Bancroft, the visitation for Mary Ann Coady has been moved to Oakcrest Funeral Services of Algona, 218 S. Moore St.A funeral Mass for Mary Ann Coady, 91, of Bancroft will be held Friday at 10:30 am at Divine Mercy Parish ~ St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Bancroft.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be from 4 to 7 PM Thursday at Oakcrest Funeral Services of Bancroft with a rosary beginning at 4 PM.Mary Ann Coady was born September 10, 1931, in Bancroft, daughter of Henry and Veronica (Schiltz) Rustemier. She attended St. John’s Catholic School graduating in 1949. Mary Ann was married to James Coady on June 7, 1950, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Bancroft. They lived on a farm near Burt moving into Bancroft in 1981.Mary Ann began working as the St. John’s Grade School secretary in 1971, retiring in 1996. Following retirement, she worked for the Bancroft Register for 10 years and as the Executive Secretary for the Bancroft Chamber of Commerce for two years.Mary Ann enjoyed quilting, crocheting, and sewing, giving the crafts she made to her family and friends. In retirement, she and Jim enjoyed golfing and taking many bus trips. Mary Ann loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and she enjoyed playing cards with the grandchildren under “Grandma Coady Rules”. She was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church serving as a Eucharistic Minister and a lay distributor; she was a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas; the Altar Society; a 4-H leader; and a member of the Calico Quilters Club.Mary Ann Coady died Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Homestead Assisted Living in Algona at the age of 91. She had been a resident there since May of 2022.She is survived by her six children, Bob Coady and his wife Joan of Des Moines, Arlene Bast and her husband BJ of McFarland, WI, Cheryl Baas and her husband Dale of Algona, Mike Coady and his wife Lorna of Fairmont, MN, Mark Coady and his wife Kim of Primghar, and Jerry Coady and his wife Gina of Gilbert AZ; 15 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and the Brian Casey family and Chris Wittkopf family. She is also survived by her sister, Jean Konvalinka of Fort Dodge; a sister-in-law, Claire Rustemier; and many nieces and nephews.She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband James on March 7, 2011; her brothers, Dennis Rustemier, Paul (Janet) Rustemier, and John Rustemier; sisters, Phyllis (Bob) Savage and Rita Rustemier; and a brother-in-law, Dennis Konvalinka.

Obituary Preview: A funeral Mass for Marie will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at Divine Mercy Parish ~ St. John’s Catholic Church. Burial will be held in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 2, 2023 at Oakcrest Funeral Services in Bancroft.Marie Dolores Crowley, age 94, of Stronghurst, Illinois, formerly of Bancroft and Knoxville, Iowa, passed away at 1:05 a.m. Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab in Stronghurst. She was born April 9, 1929 in Bancroft, the daughter of John and Frances Fangman Brink. On November 4, 1947, she married Joseph Crowley in Bancroft. He preceded her in death on October 23, 2003.Mrs. Crowley worked as a clerk for Kennedy’s Department Store in Bancroft for many years. In 1988, she moved to Knoxville, IA, where she lived until moving to Stronghurst in 2019. She was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church of Knoxville.Survivors include six children: Dianna Diers of St. Paul, MN, Steve (Terri) Crowley of Burlington, IA, Jeff (Gail) Crowley of Windsor, CO, Jim Crowley of Lincoln, NE, Deb (Bill) Knupp of Carman, IL, and Kelly (Gina) Crowley of Mt. Pleasant, SC, eleven grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and one sister: Dorothy Malloy.

Obituary Preview: Kay Arlene Spinks was born June 25, 1938, the daughter of Kenneth and Mildred (Lappe) Ditsworth. She grew up in Bancroft and graduated from St. John’s Catholic School. She became a business owner and later retired.Kay was very kindhearted. Everyone that met her loved to be around her. She will be missed. Kay died Friday, May 5, 2023, at Beehive Homes of St. George in the memory care unit in Utah at the age of 84.She is survived by daughters, Susan Goulet and Kathleen Spinks; siblings, Roger Ditsworth of Bancroft, Deanna Drabek of Britt, Steve Ditsworth of Burt, and Bonnie Ditsworth of Owatonna, Minnesota, and Stepchildren: Terry Spinks and wife Chris, Patty Spinks, Ernie Spinks, Merle Lee Spinks and wife Ginger, and numerous grandchildren.Preceding her in death are her parents; husband Merle Spinks, twin sister Kathleen Ditsworth, brother Larry Ditsworth, and stepson Randy Spinks.

Obituary Preview: A Celebration of Life will be held at the Ledyard Community Building Tuesday, April 4, 2023, from 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm. A private family burial will be in Highland Home Cemetery in Ledyard. Memorials may be directed to the family of Allen.Allen Gene Loucks, age 87, of Ledyard, Iowa, was born August 2, 1935, the son of Virgil and Gladys Loucks. He graduated from Ledyard Community School. He was enlisted into the United States Army and was stationed in Fairbanks Alaska for 2 years.Allen was married to Louise Jorgenson on April 23, 1956, in Lake Mills. Allen and Louise raised their four sons on a farm near Ledyard. He farmed and raised dairy cows. Allen retired from farming in 2000. He was active in the Methodist Church and then the Bethany Evangelical & Reformed Church in earlier years. Allen also loved watching baseball and the land being farmed.Allen died Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at Titonka Care Center in Titonka, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Louise on January 7, 2015; his parents; his son Brad; a sister-in-law, Betty Ketchel; and five brothers-in-law, Don Johnson and Bob, Pete, Donny and Dan Jorgenson.Allen is survived by three sons, David of Ledyard, Brent of Northfield, MN, and Mark of Taylor, TX; five grandchildren, Andrew (Amanda) Loucks, Samuel (Ashley Barlow) Loucks, Lilly (Zach) Ozuna, Elijah Loucks and Emerson Loucks; two great-grandchildren, Judson and Hailey Loucks; and one daughter-in-law, Shirley (Wayne) Rankin. He is also survived by one sister, Audrey Johnson of Elmore, MN and sisters-in-law, Pat Coupanger and Caroline Jorgenson.

Obituary Preview: Donald Allen Monson, 82, of Swea City, IA passed away peacefully at the Accura Health Care Center in Bancroft, IA. on Monday, March 20, 2023. A celebration of life for Don will be held at a later date.Don was born to Marvin and Elsie (Larsen) Monson on September 12, 1940, in Moline, IL. He was a graduate of Moline High School in 1958 where he met the love of his life, Sandra Carlson. Don and Sandy were united in marriage on September 30, 1961, and were married for 62 years. From this union, they were blessed with 5 children, Melissa, Peggy, Diane, Steve, and Jenny.Don worked for John Deere and Company for 25 years between Moline, IL, and Horicon, WI. After leaving John Deere, Don took a job at Giddings & Lewis in Fond du Lac, WI. In 1978, Don started his next big adventure when he picked up his family and moved to Loveland, CO. While living in Colorado, Don changed career paths and became a real estate agent. The family lived in Colorado until 1989 before moving to Des Moines, IA. Don worked at DICO as a steel salesman until accepting a position at Armstrong Rim & Wheel (Moveero Inc.) in Armstrong, IA. Don retired from Armstrong Rim & Wheel as Vice President of Purchasing.Don enjoyed fishing, golfing, hiking, bird watching, reading, and spending free time at the family cottage in Door County, WI. He was an avid Green Bay Packer and Iowa Hawkeye fan. Don’s greatest love was for the Lord and spending time with his family. His wife and children remember him best for his ability to listen, give advice when asked, and share his faith in the Lord. His family considered him to be the “rock” of their lives as he was always there to coach, mentor, and comfort them.Left to cherish his memory, are his wife, Sandra, and children Melissa Hayes (Dann), Peggy Monson, Diane Bowers (Steve), Steve Monson (Wendy), and Jenny Monson; brother-in-law, Maynard Carlson (Sue); sister-in-law, Teresa Monson. He had 15 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and a drawer full of circus peanuts, starlight peppermints, and DG sugar cookies.He was proceeded in death by his loving parents and his brothers, Robert, and Kenneth.Condolences can be sent to his wife, Sandy at 304 Hwy P30 S, Swea City, IA 50590.

Obituary Preview: Funeral service for Wallace Logemann, 90, of Ledyard, will be held Wednesday at 10:30 AM at Bethany Evangelical & Reformed Church in Ledyard.  The service will be live stramed on the Bethany E & R Facebook page https://fb.watch/jfbfKsPFJg/.  Burial will be in Highland Home Cemetery with military honors conducted.  His family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.Wallace Henry Logemann was born November 2, 1932, in Ledyard, the son of Engelbart F. and Helen Marie (Ploeger) Logemann. He grew up on a farm near Ledyard graduating from Ledyard High School in 1950. He served in the United States Army receiving the Defense Service Medal.Wallace was married to Doretta Mae Landheer on June 13, 1959, at Bethany Evangelical and Reformed Church in Ledyard. He farmed 38 years along side his son Steve until his retirement in 2005.Wallace was a faithful servant of Christ. He was a lifelong member of Bethany E. & R. Church serving as a deacon, elder, and a member of the choir. He was a passionate supporter of many missions. Wallace served on the Ledyard and North Kossuth School Board. He enjoyed woodworking making many pieces of furniture and pens.Wallace H. Logemann died Saturday, March 11, 2023, at the age of 90.He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Doretta Logemann of Ledyard; two daughters, Robyn (Dave) Gonnerman of West Des Moines and Doreen (Tom) Nichols of Klemme; a daughter-in-law, Gail Logemann of Ledyard; 9 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, Andrew (Janae) Gonnerman and their children Jonah, Aila, and Josiah, Rachel (Joseph) Givens and their children Elijah and Micaiah, Michael Logemann, Janelle (Travis) Fincham, Philip Logemann, Nicole (Jon) Bunting, Emma Nichols, Mollie Nichols, and Caleb Nichols. He is also survived by a sisters-in-law, Elvera Logemann and Joyce Landheer; a brother-in-law, Donald (Linda) Landheer; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Steve Logemann on October 17, 2005; his parents-in-law, Lewis and Jennie Landheer; a brother, Donald Logemann; a sister, Norma (Orville) Beenken; a brother-in-law, Alvin Landheer; and a nephew, John Landheer.

Obituary Preview: A funeral Mass for Dan Kollasch, 29, of Bancroft, was held Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 10:30 AM at Divine Mercy Parish ~ St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Bancroft with Father Matthew Solyntjes officiating and Father Merle Kollasch homilist.  Burial will be in St. John's Catholic Cemetery.

Obituary Preview: THE FUNERAL MASS FOR JENNIE FLYNN HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO THURSDAY, JANUARY 5TH, 2023 AT 11:00 am AT DIVINE MERCY PARISH - SACRED HEART CAHTOLIC CHURCH IN LEDYARD.Jennie Flynn, age 77, of Buffalo Center, passed away unexpectedly at Mayo Clinic Health System in Fairmont, MN Thursday, December 29, 2022. A funeral Mass will be held 11:00 AM THURSDAY, January 5, 2023, at Divine Mercy Parish – Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ledyard. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. The service will be live streamed on the Oakcrest Funeral Services Facebook page. Inurnment will take place at Graceland Cemetery in Buffalo Center at a later date. Click below to watch funeral. Funeral--Oakcrest FacebookJennie Lee was born April 11, 1945, to Leonard and Shirley (Warren) Honken in Fairmont, MN. She graduated from Blue Earth Area School and later married Edward Flynn. Together they raised 2 children, Edward JR. and Stacy. Jennie and Ed were married for 56 years and enjoyed the farm life. She loved to play with kids, and she was excited to watch the great grandkids grow up. She loved baking and making food to feed an army, making homemade ice cream, playing cards, and loved Elvis. Her heart was so big; she loved helping everyone.She loved being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandma. Left to cherish her memory are her husband Edward Flynn of Ledyard/Buffalo Center; Son Stacy (Patty) Flynn of Lakota; former daughter-in-law Angie Flynn; grandchildren Stephanie (Caleb) Shimon of Titonka, Nicole (Kollin) Lange of Winthrop, MN, Tanya (Jon) Peterson of Forest City, Amy (Josh) Johnson Crystal Lake, and Adam Hanson of Forest City; great grandchildren Luke and Kaylee Shimon, Jared and Justin Peterson, and Alex, Katelynn and Zach Johnson; brother Al (Linda) Honken of Lone Rock and sister Vickie Knight of Fairmont, MN; along with many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, son Edward Jr., and brother Robert.

Obituary Preview: A Prayer Service for Rodger Neuman will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday, December 16, 2022, at Oakcrest Funeral Services in Bancroft. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Ledyard. Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 AM on Friday at Oakcrest Funeral Services in Bancroft.Rodger David Neuman was born November 11, 1944, in Estherville, Iowa to Frank and Edith (Johnson) Neuman. He grew up in Lakota and graduated at Lakota High School with the class of 1962. After high school he worked on the family farm with his father until completely taking over in 1972. In 1984 Rodger moved to Lytton to work for Albright Cattle Farms. He retired in 2014.Rodger enjoyed working and was a faithful man. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sac City.Rodger passed away at Twilight Acres in Wall Lake, December 12, 2022, at the age of 78.Rodger is survived by his siblings, Mary Walders of Mason City, and Paul (Crysti) Neuman of Bancroft; nieces and nephews: Steven Walders of Rapid City, SD, Taylor (Dean) Sayre of Ames, Travis Neuman of Bancroft, and Trevor (Shania) Neuman of Sheldahl; and four great- nieces and nephews.Preceding him in death are his parents, Frank and Edith Neuman, and brother Tom Neuman.

Obituary Preview: Funeral--Divine Mercy YouTubeA funeral Mass for David Doocy, 76, of Bancroft, was held Monday, November 28, 2022, at 10:30 AM at Divine Mercy Parish St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Bancroft. Burial was in the church cemetery with military honors conducted by the Bancroft American Legion.David J. Doocy, son of Nick & Anna (Lampe) Doocy was born December 9, 1945, in Emmetsburg, IA. He attended St. John the Baptist Catholic School. From there he joined the Iowa National Guard from 1963 to 1971, receiving an Honorable Discharge with the rank of PFC E3 Expert (M14) and Marksman (Riffle M1). After Basic Training, he returned home doing various jobs in the area. In January of 1966, Dave started working for Deitering Bros.in Bancroft.On February 14, 1966, he was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Dixon at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Bancroft. To this union they were blessed with 8 children. His mechanical skills took him down many roads, from tractors to mowers and everything in between. Many hours were spent in the garage repairing everything that was dropped off in the driveway.He truly enjoyed anything with racing. A love for NASCAR was sparked from years of racing go-carts and cars with his brothers, and being crew chief and pit crew for his “boys”. That love of racing was passed onto his family. Being an avid fan of Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Junior resulted in a substantial collection of memorabilia often gifted to him by his children and grandchildren.After 42 years of dedicated work, Dave retired from Deitering Bros. in 2008. He continued to work various jobs in his garage until his health no longer allowed him. Dave could also be found at his grandkids activities, the weekly races, watching Mollie B Polka Party and cheering on the Green Bay Packers, a team he chose specifically to antagonize his children.Left to cherish his memory are wife Mary; his children Mike (Deb) Doocy of Bancroft and their children Drew, Marissa and Tanner; Patty Spooner of Forest City and her children TJ (Lili), Alex (Becca) and Jordan (Ali Craig); Kathy (Mark) Blocker of Bancroft and their children Kayla and Courtney (Derek) Mielke; Chuck (Kim Faber) Doocy of Bancroft and his children Cody (Christina) Bilyeu, Tyler Bilyeu, and Sawyer (Ally Green) Doocy; Stacie (Cory) Fjetland of Emmetsburg and their children Sophia (Marc Plumb), Carsen and Conner; Amy (Bryan Ruff) Doocy of Emmetsburg and their children Jordan and Logan; Tim (Jen) Doocy of Algona and their children Owen and Blake; and Nick (Stephani Hise) Doocy of Bancroft; and his great-grandchildren Cesar and Ziggy Spooner, Ryker and Dax Spooner, Collin, Clara and Camden Bilyeu, Wrigley Doocy, and Kamille Hise; and furry friend Jade. He is also survived by brother Arden Doocy; brothers-in-law Randy Vogt; Terry (Jane) Dixon; sisters-in-law Marilyn Doocy; Jackie Dixon; Sharon Dixon; and many nieces and nephews.Dave was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, John, Larry, Richard, and Donnie; two sisters, Linda Vogt and Yvonne Talano; brothers-in-law Ted Talano; Gary Dixon; Lee (Velma) Dixon; Slim (Pat) Dixon; Bill Dixon; and sisters-in-law Charlotte Doocy; Betty (Art) Bergum; Phyllis (Harold) Johnson; Lois (Don) Larsen; Ada (George) Anderson; Joy Dixon.

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Obituary Preview: A funeral Mass for Art Kahler, 80, of Burt, will be held 10:30 AM Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at Divine Mercy Parish ~ St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Bancroft. Services will be live streamed on the Divine Mercy YouTube page. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military honors conducted by the Bancroft American Legion. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 PM Monday at Oakcrest Funeral Services of Bancroft with a Scripture Prayer Service beginning at 6:00 PM.

Obituary Preview: A funeral service for Joseph Culbertson, 84, of Swea City will be held Thursday at 10:30 AM at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Swea City.  Burial will be in Fenton Township Cemetery in rural Lone Rock with military honors conducted by the Kerr-Hammerstrom Post # 577.  Visitation will be from 5 to 7 PM on Wednesday at Oakcrest Funeral Services of Bancroft and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.Joseph Eugene Culbertson was born July 7, 1938, in Lone Rock. the son of Joseph H. and Ella A. (Ewaldt) Culbertson. He was baptized on July 7, 1940, at the Lone Rock Presbyterian Church and confirmed on April 6, 1952. Joe attended Lone Rock Public School and served in the United States Army Reserve from October, 1960 until October, 1966.Joe was married to Judith L. Voigt  on October 29, 1961, in Fairville. They farmed in the Swea City area. Joe loved being with his family, horseback riding and raising AQHA horses for more than 25 years. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, and gardening. He was an active member of Our Savior Church in Swea City serving as a church officer. He also served on the 4-H Youth Council, a Kossuth County Cattleman director and was a crop adjuster.Joseph E. Culbertson died Saturday, November 12, 2022, at Acura Healthcare in Bancroft at the age of 84.He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Judy Culbertson of Swea City; two children, Jody (Jamie) Morris of Delhi and Cory (fiancé Jennifer Chen) of Lone Rock; five grandchildren, Jeremy (Ashley) Augustine, Amber (Scott) Flanagan, Joseph C. Culbertson, Justin Culbertson and Joshua Culbertson; and three great-grandchildren, Brayden and Averey Flanagan, and Ares Augustine. He is also survived by his sister, JoElla Miller of Algona; sisters-in-law, Marvel Culbertson of Lone Rock, Joyce Robbins of Wisconsin, and Roxana (John) Bowman of South Carolina.He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Vernon Culbertson and Dean Culbertson.

Obituary Preview: A funeral Mass for Dwayne F. Sandt, 91, of Bancroft, will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, November 16, 2022, at Divine Mercy Parish ~ St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Bancroft.  Burial will be in the church cemetery with military honors conducted by the Bancroft American Legion.  Visitation will be from 9 AM until 10:45 AM Wednesday at Oakcrest Funeral Services of Bancroft.Dwayne Francis Sandt was born May 1, 1931, in rural Bancroft, son of Nicholas and Ione (Farrow) Sandt. He grew up on a farm near Bancroft attending St. John’s Catholic School. He helped his parents and worked for many different people baling hay, shelling corn and driving tractors. He was drafted into the United States Army on July 15, 1952, and sent to Fort Sill, OK for basic training. He then served in Korea from January 2, 1953, to October 24, 1953, as a Forward Observer and then returned to Fort Lewis, WA being discharged on May 11, 1954. He then returned to farming south of Bancroft proudly living on the family farm 77 years until his death on November 10, 2022, at the age of 91.Dwayne enjoyed hunting, trapping, and fishing. He also traveled 40 plus trips to Canada and Minnesota to enjoy time away and to fish with his buddies. Dwayne enjoyed having coffee and spending time with the guys at Cargo. He also loved being with family and friends to reminisce and tell stories of past and present. Dwayne was a great storyteller with an infectious laugh that everyone enjoyed.He was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church; a lifetime member of the Bancroft American Legion Post # 377; and an active member and promoter of the Bancroft Historical Society.He is survived by his sister, Diane Landmesser of Bella Vista, AK; 12 nieces and nephews; and several close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; two half-sisters, Sr. Ellen Sandt and Bernice Froyd; and his sister, Lois Stein.

Obituary Preview: A funeral Mass for Deb Richter, 65, of Bancroft will be held 10:30 AM Friday, November 11, 2022 at Divine Mercy Parish ~  St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Bancroft.   Visitation will be from 4 to 8 PM Thursday at the Summit Center in Bancroft, please enter through the northeast doors.  Memorials may be directed to the Kossuth County Fair Grandstand Project in memory of Deb. The funeral will be livestreamed on the Divine Mercy YouTube page. Click below to watch. Divine Mercy - YouTubeDebra Marie Richter was born April 20, 1957, in Buffalo, New York, to Merrill and Madonna Hagedorn. After moving several times during her childhood the family settled in Ledyard, Iowa where she graduated from Ledyard High School in 1975, and then went on to attend North Iowa Area Community College.On November 24, 1978, she was united in marriage to Robert (Bob) Richter. Deb spent 34 years working in the medical field in various capacities while raising her family with Bob. She was a lover of the outdoors, having fun and most of all her family. Deb always loved having everyone together. A house full of joy and laughter always made her smile. So did pranking Bob. April Fool’s was Deb’s favorite holiday right behind Halloween. Her love of the outdoors brought her to gardening, fishing, snowmobiling and more recently trail riding with the side by side.Deb passed away Friday, November 4, 2022, after a brief battle with an aggressive form of lung cancer.She is survived by her husband Bob; children Chad and wife Jessica Richter and their children Evan and Addyson of Waukee, IA Casey Richter of Avon, CO, and Matt Richter and his pup Rizzo of Des Moines, IA. She is also survived by her siblings Jim and wife Diane Hagedorn of New London, MN, Cindy Fox and partner Bill Green of Adel, IA,  Kathy and husband Ken Leners of Birchwood, WI, and Roger and wife Carol Hagedorn of Bancroft, IA; and many nieces and nephews and extended family.She was preceded in death by her parents Merrill and Madonna Hagedorn.

Obituary Preview: Vera Mae Bradley passed away peacefully in her home on October 28, 2022, with her husband and children by her side.  A funeral Mass will be held Friday, November 4, at 11:00 AM at Divine Mercy Parish ~ St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Bancroft with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will begin at 9:30 Friday at the church.Vera was born on July 29, 1928, in Whittemore,  to Alfred and Esther (Fandel) Semon. She was the youngest of four daughters who have all preceded her in death: Rosemary Limberg, Annabelle Courtney and Marie Welp. Vera graduated from St Cecelia's Academy of Algona where she was a cheerleader for four years.Following graduation, she spent two years as an assistant in an Algona dental office followed by six years at Pioneer Seed's main office in Algona where she was the bookkeeper and receptionist. Vera married Pat Bradley from Bancroft at St Cecelia's on January 15, 1955, and they moved to a farm near Burt, where they raised their four children: Patrick of Apple Valley, Minnesota, Ann (Scott Mount-Campbell) of Pinehurst, North Carolina, Mark (Rebecca) of Edwardsville, Illinois and James (Lisa) who live at the family farm near Burt.A devout Catholic, Vera taught Religious Nurture classes for 22 years for Exceptional Opportunities in Burt and also served on their Board of Directors for many years. Exceptional Opportunities was a cause she wholeheartedly supported. Vera taught 4th grade Religious Studies at St John's Catholic Church for many years and was the bookkeeper for Bradley Supply Company for nearly 30 years. She was an avid Bridge player and she and Pat enjoyed mixed doubles tennis for many years. After hanging up her racquet, Vera and Pat spent over 20 years playing three games of backgammon every evening.

Obituary Preview: Funeral Mass for Donald Ricke, 74, of Bancroft was held Thursday, October 20, 2020  at 10:30 AM at Divine Mercy Parish ~ St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Bancroft.  The Funeral was live streamed on the Divine Mercy YouTube page.  Burial was in the church cemetery.Donald Paul Ricke was born December 8, 1947 in Bancroft, IA, son of Roman and Eunice (Studer) Ricke. Growing up in Bancroft, he graduated from St. John’s Catholic High School in 1966. After graduation, he lived and worked on the family farm and later took a job at Schiltz Goose Hatchery where he worked for several years. He later worked at the processing plant in Swea City before retiring to the farm.He loved to paint, garden, and work on the family farm. His artistic ability showed through the many pictures he painted throughout his lifetime. He was an active member of the Bancroft Historical Society.Donnie had a very deep faith, prayed the rosary daily, and was a devoted member of his church. He loved singing in the St. John’s Choir of which he was a member for 47 years. He gave comfort to many with his constant prayers.Don passed away on October 15, 2022 at Kossuth Regional Health Center surrounded by loved ones.He is survived by his sister Ruth of Seal Beach, CA; sister-in-law Helen of Bancroft; along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Roman and Eunice; sisters Mary (Olberding) and Ethel (Nemmers/Ingalls); brothers Jim and infant brother Steven; and brothers-in-law Leo Leonelli, Ray Olberding, Darrell Nemmers, and Chuck Ingalls Sr.

Obituary Preview: A memorial service for Cheryl L. George, 64, of Fairmont, Minnesota, formerly of Ledyard will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 2, 2022 at Oakcrest Funeral Services in Bancroft. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 2, 2022 at Oakcrest Funeral Services in Bancroft.Cheryl Lynn Thompson was born on November 4, 1957, to Everett and Helen Anderson Thompson in Blue Earth, Minnesota. The family lived in Ledyard, Iowa, where she received her education. Cheryl grew up attending the Methodist church.On July 14, 1997 Cheryl married Ronald Lynn George in Las Vegas, Nevada. They made their home in Fairmont, Minnesota. Cheryl worked her whole adult life at the Fairmont hospital in the Lutz Wing. She retired when the Lutz Wing closed in 2017. Cheryl began selling Avon products at the age of 20 and continued throughout her lifetime. It was a job she loved.Cheryl was an avid cat lover; and Juliet will miss her dearly. She also enjoyed playing cards and spending time with her family.Cheryl is survived by her husband, Ronald of Fairmont, MN; sisters, Pat (Randy) Rowan of Fairmont, MN, and Nancy Engeman, of Fairmont, MN; brothers, Richard Thompson, Dennis (Tracy)  Thompson, all from Ledyard; Cheryl had many nieces and nephews: Kris Simpson, Michael (Kara) Rowan, Shawn (Heidi) Engeman, Travis, (Jessi) Engeman, Zac (Alicia) Thompson and Derek Thompson. Cheryl also had great and great-great nieces and nephews, Ana (Jack) Elliott, Isaac, Shantel and Jackson Engeman, Carter Rowan, Everett Thompson, and Rose Elliot.Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents, infant brother James, maternal and paternal grandparents and sister-in-law Ann Thompson.