Obituaries for June 18, 2003

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, June 18, 2003

Neal R. Fossey, 46

Neal Richard Fossey, 46, of St. Ansgar, Iowa, died Sunday, June 15, 2003, at Mitchell County Regional Health Center, Osage, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 19, 2003, at Deer Creek Lutheran Church, rural Carpenter, Iowa, with AIM Intern Irmgard Ellingson officiating. Burial will be held at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Mona, Iowa. Lunch will be served at the Carpenter Community Center following the services. Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. today, June 18, 2003, at Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, 207 S. School St., St. Ansgar, Iowa.

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Neal was born Nov. 5, 1956, in Austin, to Leo and Joan (Bridgeman) Fossey. He was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior's Lutheran church in Lyle. Neal grew up in rural St. Ansgar and graduated from St. Ansgar High School in 1975. He continued his education at Iowa Lakes Community College in Emmetsburg, Iowa, studying agriculture.

Neal married Cindy Johnson on July 11, 1981, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Lyle by Rev. Harold Luecke. To this loving marriage three children were born: Eric, Heidi and Benjamin. For all their married life, Neal and Cindy were members of Deer Creek Lutheran Church, rural Carpenter, Iowa.

Neal enjoyed all aspects of sports, whether playing softball or basketball with family and friends; coaching his children's teams; or spectating in his spare time. He especially treasured the time that he spent with his family. Neal also loved taking care of his livestock and enjoyed every day to the fullest up until the end, when he died doing what he loved, playing basketball.

Neal was preceded in death by his father, Leo Fossey; mother-in-law, Lucille Johnson; sister-in-law, Kathy Johnson; and his grandparents.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Cindy; children, Eric of Carpenter, Heidi of Carpenter, and Ben at home; mother, Joan Fossey of St. Ansgar; brothers, Gary (Barb) and son Bryan of St. Ansgar; Joel (Connie) and children Luke and Colby of St. Ansgar; sisters, Lori (Jim) Hatten and children Michael, Melissa and Amy of Jackson, Minn.; Lana (Jim) Blaser and children Brent, Katie and Jayme of Stacyville, Iowa; father-in-law, Tiny Johnson and special friend Judy Olson of Carpenter, Iowa; brothers-in-law, Tim (Renae) Johnson and children Kayla, Kally, Nicole and Landon of Carpenter; Joe (Teresa) Johnson and children Adam, Emily and Dylan of St. Ansgar; sisters-in-law, Robin (Spike) Bauers and children Zane and Darby of Northwood, Iowa; Christy (Dean) Scott and children Cody, Haley and Shelby of St. Ansgar; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, is in charge of arrangements.

Urban J. Klapperick, 89

Urban J. Klapperick, 89

Urban John Klapperick, 89, of Austin, died Monday, June 16, 2003, at Comforcare Good Samaritan Care Center.

He was born Dec. 7, 1913, in McIntire, Iowa, to Tony and Mary (Gerhartz) Klapperick.

On May 14, 1936, he married Alyce Mildred Nelson in Austin.

Urban was employed at Hormel Foods in Austin for 43 years. He was a licensed engineer and realtor associate.

Urban enjoyed fishing and golfing.

Survivors include his son, Tony (Judy) Klapperick, Big Lake; daughters, Mary Ann (Francis) Heimer, LaCrescent; Arlene Heimer, Austin; 15 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife on Aug. 10, 2000, son, parents, stepmother and brother.

Visitation: 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 19, 2003, with a 6:30 p.m. wake service and Friday from 9 to 10 a.m. at the funeral home.

Service: 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father Paul Nelson officiating.

Interment: Calvary Cemetery.

Funeral Home: Mayer Funeral Home, Austin.

Patricia A. Chapek, 69

Patricia A. Chapek, 69, of Austin, died Monday, June 16, 2003, at Comforcare Good Samaritan Center.

She was born Sept. 14, 1933, in Austin, to Richard and Freida (Douglas) Downs.

Patricia grew up in Austin and, in 1951, graduated from Austin High School.

In August 1957 she married Elmer Chapek. They had two sons. The couple divorced in 1984.

Patricia was employed as a veterinarian assistant and worked for various political organizations.

She was a member of First United Methodist Church, sang in the Chancel Choir for years, League of Women Voters in Albert Lea and Groundswell, an organization which fought for farmers' rights.

Survivors include her sons, Greg Chapek, Truman; Brian Chapel, Austin; one grandchild; sisters and brother-in-law, Evon and Robert Troester, Austin; Dixie Hanson, Austin; Kathy Anderson, Austin; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Norma Lee Downs.

Visitation: 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 19, 2003, at the mortuary and Friday at the church for one hour before the service.

Service: 11 a.m. Friday at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Patricia M. Toschak officiating. Casket bearers will be John Chapek, Chad Williamson, Doug Chapek, Randy Chapek, Ralph Bryant, Willis Hanson, Verne Olson, Tim Anderson, Shawn Anderson and Robert Dolan, Jr.

Interment: Oakwood Cemetery, Austin.

Funeral Home: Clasen-Jordan Mortuary, Austin.

Memorials: To the American Cancer Society or the First United Methodist Church of Austin.