Julia Peterson, 96

Published December 10, 2003, Page B-5

Julia C. Peterson, 96, of Lake Mills, Iowa, died on Monday, December 1, 2003, at the Lake Mills Care Center in Lake Mills.

Funeral services were held on Friday, December 5, at the Winnebago Lutheran Church rural Leland, with Rev. Bill Peters officiating. Burial was in the Winnebago Lutheran Cemetery, with the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Julia Christina Peterson, was born on August 1, 1907 in Winnebago County, to Job and Inger (Sydness) Kloster. She was united in marriage to Peter J. Peterson on March 12, 1930, at the Winnebago Lutheran Church in rural Leland.

Julia enjoyed her family, gardening, quilt making and crocheting. She was also employed at the Lake Mills Care Center for several years.

Julia is survived by one son, Parnell and his wife, Mary Peterson of Mason City; one daughter, Marion and her husband, Phillip Brown of Lynchburg, Virginia; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Inga Waite of Paulsbo, Washington; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 60 years, Peter J. Peterson on July 26, 1990; sisters, Anna Dahlan, Thea Peterson and Alma Rygh; and brothers, Olaf, Andrew and John Kloster.
© 2003 Forest City Summit

Lenard Waage, 94

Published December 17, 2003, Page B-5

Lenard Waage, 94, of Forest City, died on Sunday, December 7, 2003, at his home in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, December 10, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City, with Rev. Ed Bard officiating. Burial was in the Ellington Township Cemetery in rural Forest City, with the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements

Ben Lenard Waage, was born on October 1, 1909 in Story City, the son of Martin and Mary (Larson) Waage. Lenard was united in marriage to Garland (Ethel) McClain on February 13, 1935. He farmed in the North Iowa area for many years and worked for Winnebago Industries before retiring.

Lenard enjoyed fishing, sight-seeing, family gatherings and spending time with his children, grandchildren and friends.

He is survived by his sister, Isabel Bell of Thompson; two daughters, Rosemary (David) Thompson and Lucille (Ronald) Torkelson of Forest City; a son, Galen (Nancy) Waage of Plymouth; grandchildren, Sheldon (Ramona) Torkelson of Forest City, Mark (Ann) Torkelson of Kasson, Minnesota, Lisa (Frank) Lacy of Fertile, Laura (Jason) Haugen of Eagan, Minnesota, Jason Thompson of Forest City and Scott and Amy Waage of Plymouth; great-grandchildren, Paige, Ashley and Marissa  Lacy  of Fertile, Alexander and Joshua Haugen of Eagan, Minnesota, Olivia Torkelson of Forest City and Madelyn Torkelson of Kasson, Minnesota; and step-great-granddaughter, Hannah Thompson of Forest City.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Ethel in 1981; his parents; a sister, Myrtle Crook of Thompson; two infant sisters; grandson, Hollis Torkelson of Forest City; and two granddaughters, Debra and LaRae Torkelson of Forest City.
© 2003 Forest City Summit

Merle Sorensen, 86

Published December 17, 2003, Page B-5

Merle E. Sorensen, age 86, of Forest City, died on Monday, December 8, 2003, at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Friday, December 12, at the Faith Lutheran Church in Miller, with Rev. Owen Gassadelen officiating. Burial was in the Oakland Cemetery in Forest City, with the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Merle E. Sorensen, was born on a farm in Ellington Township, Hancock County, on August 17, 1917, the son of Anton and Elvina (Hansen) Sorensen. He received his education in rural school near his home and attended the Garner High School. He moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin and worked as a roofer. There he met Vernelle Roese and they were married on January 4, 1941. Merle served in the US Army during WW II. After his discharge he returned to Milwaukee for a time, moving to Forest City in 1949 to start his own company, Sorensen Roofing and Siding. He retired from the business in 1972. For 11 years he drove a school bus for the Forest City School District.

Merle was a member of the Faith Lutheran Church in Miller, a member of the American Legion and VFW and was active in the Kum Along Club at the Senior Citizens Center. He liked to go hunting and fishing and enjoyed playing golf.

Merle is survived by his sons and their spouses, Thomas and Violet Sorensen of Oshkosh, Wiscosnin and Paul and Kay Sorensen of Forest City; five granddaughters, Marlo Hoewisch and husband, Kirk of Howard Grove, Wisconsin, Nicole Herbst and husband, Bill of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, Dr. Shawn Sebora and husband, Capt Christopher Sebora of San Antonio, Texas, Amanda Kopischke and husband, Troy of Hamel, Minnesota and Elizabeth Barker of Forest City; eight great-grandchildren, Danielle, Lindsay, Maren and Pierce Hoewisch, Nicholas and Liam Herbst, Caleb Barker and Cole Kopischke; and lifelong friend, Delores Langerud of Forest City; and several nieces and nephews.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Vernelle; two brothers, Harvey and Leslie Sorensen; three sisters, Laura Stevens, Ida Halvorson and Mabel Pedersen; and a granddaughter, Danielle Sorensen.
© 2003 Forest City Summit

Arthur Bendickson, 77

Published December 17, 2003, Page B-5

Arthur "Art" M. Bendickson, 77, of Northwood, died on Monday, December 8, 2003, at the Manly Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Manly.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 13, at the First Lutheran Church in Northwood, with Reverend Paul Holmer officiating. Burial was in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood, with full military honors by the Our Buddies VFW Memorial Post 6779, of Northwood, with arrangements conducted by the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood.

Art Bendickson, was born on April 21, 1926 in Emmons, Minnesota, the son of George and Luella (Hanson) Bendickson, the first of four children. He attended school at Lake Mills and graduated from the Emmons High School. He was inducted into the U.S. Navy in 1946, serving overseas during World War II until his honorable discharge in 1948. He was united in marriage to Eunice Schilling on May 29, 1949, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Myrtle, Minnesota. Art worked as a mechanic for Chrysler garages in Albert Lea, Minnesota and Northwood for 25 years and was the Worth County shop mechanic for 15 years, until his retirement in 1987.

He enjoyed fishing, camping and attending athletic events, especially the Waldorf College games. Art was very active and a life member in the Our Buddies VFW Memorial Post 6779 of Northwood. He also held positions in the third district VFW. He was veterans’ affairs commissioner of Worth County for many years. While his sons were growing up, he was a Boy Scout Leader for a number of years. When the grandchildren from Omaha came to visit, he would take them fishing to area lakes, which they always looked forward to. Art was afflicted with cancer 10 years ago, with frequent reoccurrences, but never complained having treatments many times. He was one of the honorary chairpersons for the Relay for Life in Northwood in 2001. He was a member of First Lutheran Church in Northwood.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Eunice Bendickson of Northwood; two sons, Barry (Patricia) Bendickson of Forest City and Steven (Linda) Bendickson of Albert Lea, Minnesota; a daughter, Rebecca (Mark) Goebel of Omaha, Nebraska; six grandchildren, Ryan Bendickson of Des Moines, Kristen Bendickson of Greeley, Colorado, Tori Bendickson of Forest City and Daniel, David and Hannah Goebel of Omaha, Nebraska; two sisters, Annie Anderson and Gladys Bombella of Albert Lea, Minnesota; and a brother-in-law, Lawrence Swehia in Georgia.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; and a sister, Gilma.
© 2003 Forest City Summit

Patricia Bendickson, 52

Published December 17, 2003, Page B-5

Patricia R. Bendickson, 52, of Forest City, died on Thursday, December 11, 2003, at the Muse Norris Hospice Outpatient Unit in Mason City.

Memorial services were held on Monday, December 15, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Rev. Bill Peters and Rev. David Bolstorff officiating.

Patricia (Patty) Rae, the daughter of Leonard and Betty (Shriver) Johnson, was born on June 24, 1951 in Mason City. She attended the Northwood-Kensett Schools where she graduated in 1969. She was united in marriage to Barry Bendickson on June 24, 1972, at the Silver Lake Lutheran Church in rural Northwood. Patty worked for the Northwestern Bell Telephone Company for nine years and then began working at Waldorf College in Forest City, first as a switchboard operator and later as Administrative Assistant to the Waldorf Athletic Department, a position she held for the past 25 years. In 1993, she received the Holman Community Service Award which is based on distinguished service to Waldorf College, the community of Forest City, church, civic organizations and volunteer efforts.

Throughout her life, Patty had a passion for her family and friends. She enjoyed attending the Forest City Indian and Waldorf College Warrior games, watching her daughter, Tori as a cheerleader. She also enjoyed watching all the Waldorf College athletic events and watching her husband, Barry as men's assistant basketball coach. In her spare time she enjoyed exercising, especially running and walking outside around her family's home. She loved animals, especially dogs and had two at home, Hercules and Pepsi Joe. Pepsi Joe never left her side as they had a special bond. Patty had battled ALS for the past months, but always had a positive and cheerful outlook. She loved knowing that God was at her side. She was a member of Winnebago Lutheran Church in rural Lake Mills. What Patty loved more than anything in this world was her family and friends. She had an incredible gift of connecting with people. She has forever touched the lives and hearts of anyone who knew her.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Barry Bendickson of Forest City; daughter, Tori Bendickson and boyfriend, Ryan Eastvold of Forest  City; her parents, Leonard and Betty Johnson of Albert Lea, Minnesota; two sisters, Diane and husband, Larry of Albert Lea, Minnesota and Jody Mershon of Dallas, Texas; her mother-in-law, Eunice Bendickson of Northwood; brother-in-law, Steven Bendickson and wife, Linda of Albert Lea, Minnesota; sister-in-law, Rebecca Gobel and husband, Mark of Omaha, Nebraska; nieces and nephews, Chad Jacobson, Cara (Rob) Liddle and their daughters, Megan and Brynn, Brooke Jacobson, Jack Mershon, Ryan Bendickson, Kristen Bendickson, Daniel, David and Hannah Goebel; life-long friend, Janie Odegaard; and many other friends and family.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents; and father-in-law, Arthur Bendickson who died three days earlier.
© 2003 Forest City Summit

Thona Anderson, 94

Published December 24, 2003, Page B-5

Thona Anderson, 94, of Lake Park, Minnesota, died on Saturday, December 13, 2003, at the Sunnyside Nursing Home, Lake Park, Minnesota.

Funeral services were held on Friday, December 19, at the Lake Park Lutheran Church, Lake Park, Minnesota, with Pastor John Krueger officiating. Interment was in the Lake Park Lutheran Church Cemetery, with the Vigen-Wright Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements. Organist was Melissa Bjerke and a trombone solo was played by Carolyn Mathieson. Pallbearers were Ivars Krafts, John Toomer, Robert Thompson, Lowell Anderson and Norman Webb. Honorary pallbearers were her grandchildren.

Thona Ann Juliette, the daughter of Halvor and Henrikka Halvorson, was born on October 25, 1909 in Lake Mills. She grew up and attended school in Lake Mills. She taught in the Lake Mills Country School for two years. She was united in marriage to Carl Johnson and to this union two children were born. Carl died in 1933. She married Reuben Anderson in 1938 and together they farmed in Iowa until 1961. They purchased a farm in Lake Park, Minnesota and lived there until Reuben's death in 1990.

Thona Anderson is survived by five daughters, Bonna (Ivars) Krafts of Circle Pines, Minnesota, Jeanne Rowene (John) Toomer of Zimmerman, Minnesota, Judith (Robert) Thompson of Lake Park, Minnesota, Norma (Norman) Webb of Redland, Florida and Twyla Wentworth of Tacoma, Washington; one son, Richard Anderson of Forest City; 16 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husbands; parents; one infant daughter, Rachel Ann; one son, Howard Johnson; one daughter, Helen Anderson; two grandsons; one great-granddaughter; and one sister, Grace Grasley.
© 2003 Forest City Summit

Norma Anderson, 88

Published December 24, 2003, Page B-5

Norma C. Anderson, 88, of Lake Mills, died on Saturday, December 13, 2003, at the Lake Mills Care Center in Lake Mills.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, December 16, at the Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills, with Rev. Roger Dykstra officiating. Burial was in the Salem Memorial Cemetery in Lake Mills, with the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Norma Clarice, the daughter of Ole and Bertha (Ferley) Sorbo, was born in Silver Lake Township on December 13, 1915. She was raised and educated in the Lake Mills area. On June 7, 1936, Norma was united in marriage with Arthur M. Anderson at the Silver Lake Church. The couple made their home in the Lake Mills area their entire lives, during which they owned and operated the Gambles Store and the Skogmos Store.

Norma was an active member of the Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills and she had also been a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for 57 years.

Survivors include her brother-in-law, Glen Weinberger of Coulter; two nephews, David Weinberger and Donald Weinberger; and two nieces, Sandra Keehn and Linda Stoddard.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Arthur; and two sisters, Alice Hauge and Avanel Weinberger.
© 2003 Forest City Summit

Brad E. Throlson, 42

Published December 17, 2003, Page B-5

Brad E. Throlson, 42, of Urbandale, died on Sunday, December 14, 2003, at his home.

Funeral services are pending at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in Lake Mills.
© 2003 Forest City Summit

Orian Aamodt, 80

Published December 24, 2003, Page B-5

Orian J. "Ornery" Aamodt, 80, of Lake Mills, Iowa died on Sunday, December 14, 2003, at the Lake Mills Care Center in Lake Mills, Iowa.

Memorial services were held on Friday, December 19, at the Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills, with Rev. Kevin Mackey officiating.

Inurnment was in the Salem Memorial Cemetery in Lake Mills, with the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Orian J., the son of C. Oscar and Clara (Peterson) Aamodt, was born on July 25, 1923 in Joice. He was baptized at the Salem Lutheran Church and confirmed at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Joice. He graduated from the Joice High School. He was united in marriage to Elaine Thompson on March 14, 1948, at the Concordia Lutheran Church near Joice, by Rev. L. F. Scheie. Orian was a farmer and substitute mail carrier until he became a regular carrier in 1986. He retired from the mail route in 1990, after 22 years as a sub and regular carrier.

He served on various boards at the Salem Lutheran Church and Farmers Elevator. He was a volunteer at the food bank, 4-H Leader for 15 years and enjoyed his trips with the Country Cousins of which he served as President.

He is survived by his loving wife, Elaine Aamodt of Lake Mills; two sons, Jan Thomas and his wife, Jaki Aamodt of Shoreview, Minnesota and Paul Robert and his wife, Teresa Aamodt of Lake Park, Minnesota; five grandchildren, Carlin Ann Aamodt, Jana Marie Aamodt, Ashley Marie Aamodt, Travis Daniel Aamodt and Brian Thomas Aamodt; sister, Clarine and her husband, Devere Steffensen of Lake Mills; brothers, Carroll and his wife, Maynis Aamodt of Northwood and Donald and his wife, Faye Aamodt of Lake Mills; sisters-in-law, Mavis Olson of Lake Mills and Norma and her husband, Lynn Ramsey of Joice; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Virgean Hogan.
© 2003 Forest City Summit

Sidney Anders Rand, 87

Published December 24, 2003, Page B-5

Sidney A. Rand, was born in Eldred, Minnesota, on May 9, 1916, to Charles W. and Alice Pedersen Rand. He lived in Beltrami and Williams, Minnesota, where his father was Superintendent of Schools. Following his father's death in 1920, the family moved to Rothsay, Minnesota, his mother's hometown.

He attended school in Rothsay and graduated from high school in Fergus Falls, Minnesota in 1933, from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, in 1938 and from Luther Theological Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1943. He also did graduate work at the University of Chicago. In 1942, he was married to Dorothy Holm, a college classmate. Two children were born to them. Dorothy died in 1974 and later that year he married Lois Schiager Ekeren, a long-time friend.

He is survived by his wife; by son, Peter (Nancy) Rand of Minneapolis; daughter, Mary (Ron) Taylor of La Jolla, California; step-daughter, Sarah (Ben) Buck of Ames; and step-son, Mark Ekeren of Northfield; by grandchildren, Amy (Scott Pryor) Rand, Dorothy Rand, Luke (Jill) Williams, Leah (David) Barbieri, Dave Boosinger, Bryce and Jessica Ekeren, Jennifer (Rocky) Rivera, Charity Spencer; by great-grandchildren, Luke and Sam Barbieri, Nate and Sydney Williams, Cynthia, Chyna and Cole Rivera; and by a brother, Lyman Rand.

Sidney Rand was ordained into the Lutheran ministry in 1943 and served as pastor of Nashwauk and Trout Lake Lutheran Churches in Northern Minnesota for two years. He then joined the religion faculty of Concordia College in Moorhead, where he taught from 1945 to 1951. He then served as President of Waldorf College, Forest City, Iowa, for five years. In 1956, he became Executive Secretary of the Board of Christian Education of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. In 1961, at the time of the formation of the American Lutheran Church, he became Executive Director of its Board of College Education. From October, 1962, to February, 1963, he was a tutor in the Ecumenical Institute of the World Council of Churches in Bossey, Switzerland.

In July, 1963, he became President of St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota and served in that capacity until February, 1980, at which time he became United States Ambassador to Norway. He returned to retire in Minneapolis in 1981. Since that time, he has taught part-time at Luther Seminary in St. Paul and has been a consultant to colleges on management studies. He has served as interim President of two colleges, Augustana College, Sioux Falls, South Dakota (1986-87 and 1992-93) and Suomi College (now Finlandia University), Hancock, Michigan (1990-91). In 2000, he and his wife, Lois moved to Northfield.

He served on numerous boards and commissions, including the Minnesota Higher Education Coordinating Commission, the Governor's Commission on Tax Reform, the Minnesota Judicial Planning Committee, the Executive Committee for the Peace Prize Forum, the National Architectural Accrediting Board and the Boards of Directors of Fairview Community Hospitals, Northfield National Bank, North American Life and Casualty Company, Wheat Ridge Foundation, Fund for Theological Education and on the Regional Board of the former National Conference of Christians and Jews. He also served on the boards of several national and regional organizations in the field of higher education.

Sidney Rand received numerous recognitions of his work, including honorary doctoral degrees from Concordia College, Colorado College, St. Olaf College, St. John's University, Carleton College, College of St. Scholastica, Augustana College and Luther College. He was decorated by His Majesty King Olav V of Norway with the Knight's Cross, First Class, Order of St. Olav and the Commander's Cross, Royal Norwegian Order of Merit. King Harald V awarded him the Commander's Cross with Star of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit. He received the Edgar F. Carlson Award for service to higher education, the Brotherhood-Sisterhood Award of the National Conference of Christians and Jews and the Luther Institute's Wittenberg Award and was elected an honorary member of the American Institute of Architects.

He was a member of the St. John's Lutheran Church in Northfield. Services will 1:30 p.m., on Tuesday, December 23, at the Boe Chapel of St. Olaf College, with Revs. Bruce Benson & Joseph Crippen officiating. Music will be provided by Anton Armstrong, John Ferguson, B. J. Johnson and the St. Olaf Choir. Interment will be in the Oaklawn Cemetery in Northfield. Arrangements are with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home in Northfield.

During his retirement years, he wrote a memoir for his family and entitled it In Pleasant Places.

The family suggests that gifts may be made to the Rand Family Scholarship Fund at St. Olaf College, to Luther Seminary in St. Paul, to St. John's Lutheran Church in Northfield, or to the Northfield Retirement Center.
© 2003 Forest City Summit

Ray Morem, 92

Published December 24, 2003, Page B-5

Raymond Morem, age 92, of Forest City, died on Wednesday, December 17, 2003, at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 20, at 1:30 p.m., at the Pilot Knob Lutheran Church, with Rev. Bob Snitzer officiating. Burial was in the Pilot Knob Lutheran Cemetery. The Petersen Lund Funeral Home, Forest City, was in charge of the arrangements.

Raymond Morem, was born on a farm near Forest City, Iowa on March 19, 1911, the son of Bertina Morem. He received his education in rural schools near his home, Ellington Township School #2 and the Ellington Township School #1. He married Evelyn Leach on April 19, 1931. The couple lived in the Forest City area for many years. Ray farmed and was a gifted mechanic. Although his eyesight was poor for much of his life, it didn't seem to affect his skill at diagnosing a mechanical problem with a car or motorcycle and get it running again. In 1974, the couple retired from farming and moved to Forest City.

Ray was a member of the Pilot Knob Lutheran Church and he enjoyed fishing and music. He was a devoted husband who regularly visited his wife and helped care for her during her stay at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City. Evelyn died in 1996. Ray entered the Good Samaritan Center in December of 1998 and died there on December 17, 2003 at the age of 92 years.

Ray is survived by his daughters and their spouses, Donna Eden and husband, Harvey of Wesley, Iowa and Delores Nyhus and husband, Norman of Forest City; five grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother; his wife, Evelyn; uncles, Albert and Henry Morem; and his aunt, Oliva (Morem) Charleson.
© 2003 Forest City Summit

Alice Michaelson, 91

Published December 24, 2003, Page B-5

Alice A. Michaelson, age 91, of Forest City, died on Wednesday, December 17, 2003, at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 20, at 10:00 a.m., at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Rev. Lee Laaveg and Rev. Dawn Quame officiating. Burial will be in the Madison Township Cemetery in Forest City. Visitation was from 5-7:00 p.m., on Friday, December 19, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home, Forest City.

Alice Ann Michaelson, was born in Massena, Iowa on February 8, 1912, the daughter of Frank and Tina (Johnson) Maas. She graduated from the Corning High School in 1930. On June 27, 1945, she married Edward Michaelson at the Mondamin Church of Christ in Des Moines, Iowa. The couple lived in several Iowa communities before moving to Forest City in 1961. Alice taught elementary school in the Forest City School District for 39 years.

She enjoyed music, reading, going for walks and loved sharing coffee with her friends. As an active member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church, she taught Sunday School, sang in the church choir and was a member of WELCA. She especially enjoyed time spent with her grandchildren. In 1993, she entered the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City. She died there on December 17, 2003 at the age of 91 years.

Alice is survived by her daughter, Mary Lura and husband, Chuck of Bottineau, North Dakota and three grandchildren, Erik, John and Anna Sill, all attending Luther College in Decorah, Iowa; a sister, Mildred Ranney of Massena; sister-in-law, Frances Nelson and husband, Truman of Garden City, Pennsylvania; brother-in-law, Carlyle Smith of Gering, Nebraska; and several nieces and nephews.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Edward who died in 1983; two sisters, Lucile Mesler and Eileen Smith; and three brothers, Frank, Ed and Charles Maas.
© 2003 Forest City Summit

Anna Cornell, 79

Published January 21, 2004, Page B-5

Anna Cornell, 79, died on Thursday, December 18, 2003.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 20, at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church, with Rev. Linda Gunderson officiating. Interment was in the Central Freeborn Cemetery in Bancroft Township, with the Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home of Albert Lea, Minnesota, in charge of the arrangements. Soloist was Bill Struck. Organist was Wendy Moszer. Casket bearers were her grandchildren.

Anna, the daughter of Thomas and Helga (Olson) Trostheim, was born on May 10, 1924 in Scarville. She attended school in Thompson. She worked for several families as in her words, "a hired girl". She was united in marriage to Roger W. Anderson on November 4, 1944. To this union five children were born. He preceded her in death in 1967. On February 16, 1973, she married Kenneth Christenson. He preceded her in death in 1981. Ann and Arthur R. Cornell were married on September 23, 1984.

Ann was a true homemaker who found great joy in making a home for her husbands, children and grandchildren. She was a member of the Grace Luther Church, the Church Circles and was involved in many other church activities. She was also a member of the Birthday Club and the Twin Lakes Card Club. She enjoyed car trips, doll collecting and bird watching.

Survivors include her husband, Art Cornell; children, Gary Anderson and his wife, Sharon, Diane and her husband, Gene Wangen, Barb and her husband, Bill Kneeland, Donald Anderson and his wife, Kathy and Mary Anders; step-children, Randy, Curtis and Donna; brothers, Elmer Trostheim and his wife, Harriet and Gilman Trostheim; sisters, Helen and her husband, George Young and Clarice and her husband, LaVerne Olson; 11 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

Ann was preceded in death by her husbands, Roger Anderson and Kenneth Christenson; sister-in-law, Burnette Trostheim; and one nephew in infancy.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Jack Furleigh, 68

Published December 31, 2003, Page B-5

John "Jack" Philip Furleigh, 68, of Clear Lake, died on Friday, December 19, 2003, at the USA Health Care Center in Mason City.

A Funeral Mass was held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, December 24, at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Clear Lake, with Msgr. Robert Hogan officiating. Military honors were performed by members of the United States Marine Corps and by members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of Clear Lake. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Clear Lake Cemetery.

The family of Jack Furleigh has requested that memorial contributions be made to the American Legion Boys State, St. Patrick's Catholic Church or to Opportunity Village in Clear Lake in his memory.

Jack Furleigh, was born on December 24, 1934 in Clear Lake, the son of Philip and Anna (Heidenreich) Furleigh. He attended and received his education in the Clear Lake School System, graduating from the Clear Lake High School. He was inducted into the U.S. Marine Corps on July 1, 1953, in Des Moines and was honorably discharged on June 30, 1956, in Miami, Florida. After his honorable discharge, Jack came back to the north Iowa area and attended and graduated from NIACC in Mason City and also graduated from the University of Iowa with a BA Degree. After completing his schooling he worked for State Farm Insurance in Mason City and also worked for Allied Group Insurance in Des Moines until his retirement. He was united in marriage to Jean Diesburg on January 7, 1968 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Jack was very active in doing volunteer work for Opportunity Village in Clear Lake and the American Legion Boy's State. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family. He was a member of the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Clear Lake, past commander for the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Clear Lake and was very active in the Republican Party in Iowa.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Philip Edward Furleigh and his wife, Margaret of Minneapolis, Minnesota, James "Tony" Anthony Furleigh and his wife, Laura of Mason City, Janelle Marie Holland and son-in-law, Anthony Holland of Woden and Curt Thompson and his wife, Dona of Forest City; 5 grandchildren, Steven Thompson, Josh Holland, Patrick Furleigh, Katherine and Gabrielle Furleigh; brothers and sister, Phyllis Pederson of Lake Mills, Roberta Goodman and her husband, Richard of Urbandale, Richard Furleigh and his wife, Dorothy of Oelwein, James Furleigh and his wife, Mary of Fallbrook, California and Frank Furleigh of Texas City, Texas; as well as other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jean Furleigh; and two brothers, Patrick and Tom Furleigh.

The Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2003 Forest City Summit

Eugene Fredrickson 67

Published December 31, 2003, Page B-5

Eugene Fredrickson, age 67, of Neillsville, Wisconsin, died on Sunday, December 20, 2003, in the Emergency Room of the Memorial Medical Center in Neillsville.

Memorial services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, December 29, at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville. Pastor James Mohr officiated. Music was provided by Jodi Rueth. Military Rites were accorded by the Loyal American Legion Post #175. Visitation was from 10-11:00 a.m., on Monday, at the Gesche Funeral Home.

Eugene Keith Fredrickson, was born on January 8, 1936 in Mason City, Iowa, the son of Oscar and Florene (Walton) Fredrickson. He graduated from the Forest City High School in 1954 and then enlisted into the United States Army on November 18, 1954. He was based in Germany during the Korean War and was honorable discharged on November 3, 1956. On November 7, 1959, he was united in marriage to Doris Elaine Holtz in Neillsville. They farmed in the Globe area and Eugene worked for the Wedges Creek Research Farm. Doris died on August 25, 1972. Eugene was later married to Joanne M. Chambers on August 11, 1973. At the time he was still working at the Wedges Creek Research Farm. He worked there until it closed and then went to work as an area manager for the Meridian Group. He worked there until his retirement.

Eugene enjoyed woodworking and made many things for his daughters, grandchildren and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Joanne; six daughters, Debra (Dave) Goldbach of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Diane (Mark) Selz of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, Becky (Jerome) Rossman of Neillsville, Darci (Mike) Mahoney of Owen, Wisconsin, Karla (Mark) Pfuhl of Wausau, Wisconsin and Kristy (Jeff) Sischo of Neillsville; twelve grandchildren, Jessica, Jennifer, Jordyn, Danielle, Dillon, Daniel, Justine, Derek, J.C., Dustin, Teeghan and Tyler; one brother, Ordean Fredrickson of Forest City; two sisters, Shari (Don) Dakin of Moravia, Iowa and Sandy (Dennis) Vestweber of Leland, Iowa; and a son-in-law, Dan Soma of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.

He was preceded in death by one daughter, Dawn Soma; and his parents.
© 2003 Forest City Summit

LaVonne "Vonny" Grunhovd 82

Published December 31, 2003, Page B-5

LaVonne M. "Vonny" Grunhovd, age 82, of Lake Mills, passed away on Monday, December 22, 2003, at the Lake Mills Care Center in Lake Mills.

Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., on Saturday, December 27, at the Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills, with Rev. Roger Dykstra officiating. Visitation was from 4-7:00 p.m., on Friday, at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home and again one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday. Burial was in the Oak Lawn Cemetery, Emmons, Minnesota.

LaVonne "Vonny" Maxine Grunhovd, was born on February 8, 1921 in Forest City, Iowa, the daughter of Alert John and Selma L. (Hauge) Wilson. She was baptized and confirmed at the Emmons Lutheran Church and graduated from the Emmons High School "Class of 1939". She then attended and graduated from the School of Cosmetology in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Vonny owned and operated Vonny's Beauty Shop in Emmons. On September 18, 1945, she was united in marriage to Adolph S. "Duffy" Grunhovd at the Emmons Lutheran Church. They resided in Ames, Iowa until Duffy graduated from ISU. In 1952, they moved to Lake Mills and opened up the first drive-in restaurant in Lake Mills called Duffy's Drive-In which they operated for twenty years. Vonny was food supervisor at the Lake Mills Community School for nineteen years.

After retirement, she was a volunteer for everything she could be. She was active in the Salem Lutheran Church and was an active member and Past President of the American Legion Auxiliary, where she held various positions on both the local and state levels.

Vonny is survived by her loving children, John W. and his wife, Kathleen Grunhovd of Lake Mills, Paul D. Grunhovd of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Susan A. Theiss of Lake Mills; along with six grandchildren, Andy Grunhovd, Kyle Grunhovd, Alex Grunhovd, Tiffani Theiss, Ryan Theiss, and Dustin Theiss.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two half-sisters, Beatrice and Dora; one half-brother, Clem; son-in-law, Robert Theiss; and two aunts, Lenora and Murrie.
© 2003 Forest City Summit

Joan Hansmeier 72

Published December 31, 2003, Page B-5

Joan Shirley Hansmeier, 72, Foley, Minnesota, formerly of Fertile, Iowa, died on Wednesday, December 24, 2003, at home.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 31, at 10:30 a.m., at the Church of Christ, Fertile, with the Rev. Kurt Gallmeyer officiating. Interment will be in the Brush Point Cemetery, Fertile. Visitation was on Tuesday, December 30, from 4-7:00 p.m., at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake.

Joan was born on April 8, 1931 in Foley, Minnesota, the daughter of William Baker and Mary Elizabeth (Biggers) Gray. She graduated from the Foley High School. She worked at the Foley Bakery. Joan was a WAC in the U. S. Army. Joan married Marvin G. Hansmeier on October 8, 1949 in Foley. They were married 49 years. Joan and Marvin moved to Fertile, in the spring of 1954. She was a bookkeeper for the Fertile Quarry, then later a nurses aid at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home, Forest City. She helped her husband as a bookkeeper while he ran the gas station.

Joan was involved with the Girl Scouts in Fertile. She loved singing and listening to music, knitting, crocheting, traveling and her pets. Following her husband's death, she moved back to her hometown of Foley. After returning home, she was very active in the Presbyterian Church in Foley. Joan was a member of the Church of Christ in Fertile.

Joan is survived by five sons, Bruce and his wife, Glenna of Clear Lake, Mick and his wife, Deb of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Doug and his wife, Lisa of Maple Grove, Minnesota, Craig and his wife, Dawn of Fertile and Todd and his partner, Steve of Clear Lake; nine grandchildren, Joe, Rene, Courtney Maskarina and her husband, Shane, Brent, Shane, Dan, Tara, Abby and John; three great-grandchildren, Taylor, Shelbey and Hayden Maskarina; and one brother, Les Gray and his wife, Mary of San Bernardino, California; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Marvin on October 21, 1998; two sisters, Margie and Doris; and one brother, Bud.
© 2003 Forest City Summit

John M. Torkelson 74

Published December 31, 2003, Page B-5

Forest City—John M. Torkelson, age 74, of Forest City, died on Saturday, December 27, 2003, at his home in rural Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, December 30, at 10:30 a.m., at the Evangelical Free Church in Clear Lake, Iowa, with Rev. David Wiersbe officiating. Burial was in the Ellington Township Cemetery, in rural Forest City. Visitation was on Monday, December 29, from 4-8:00 p.m., at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home, Forest City.

John M. Torkelson, was born in Thompson, Iowa on August 13, 1929, the son of Osmund and Bessie (Olson) Torkelson. He received his education in a rural school near his home. John served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. Following his discharge from the service he returned home and began farming and working at the Torkelson Gravel and Excavating business. He married Bonnie Olson on June 5, 1965 in Hinkley, Minnesota. The couple made their home on a farm southeast of Forest City.

John enjoyed reading, singing, playing musical instruments, helping friends and neighbors, but mostly John enjoyed talking about Jesus. Many times he told his children, "For me to live is Christ but to die is gain." John was always concerned with the needs of others and continuously put others before himself. He was a loving and caring husband and father. John had just served his 13th year as a Hancock County Supervisor.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie of Forest City; his children, John Jr. and Bradley, both of Forest City, Andrea Welch and husband, Kevin of Yucaipa, California and Rachel Torkelson of Ames; his siblings, Lavina Askeland of Buffalo Center, Othelia Torkelson and Thelma Sunde, both of Forest City, Orrin Torkelson and wife, Marian of Miller, Louise Germeland of Forest City, Julaine Albertson and husband, Charles of Leland and Darlene Hanna and husband, Marvin of Forest City; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Joseph, Clifford and Arthur Torkelson; sister, Myrtle Olson; and a brother who died in infancy, John Torkelson.
© 2003 Forest City Summit

Pearl Thorland, 73

Published January 7, 2004, Page B-5

Pearl Elaine (Braadland) Thorland, died on Sunday, December 28, 2003, at the Lake Mills Care Center.

Pearl was born on February 2, 1930 on a farm in Winnebago County, the daughter of Thore and Julia (Knutson) Braadland. She was the third of four children. She attended country school in Winnebago County. On December 31, 1976, Pearl was united in marriage with Clarence Thorland at Crystal Lake. The couple made their home in the rural Thompson area their entire lives, during which Pearl was a homemaker and Clarence farmed.

Her hobbies were cooking, embroidering, putting puzzles together and raising flowers. She will be remembered for being a loving caretaker, first to her parents, followed by her husband and then her extended family.

Survivors include her two brothers, Merle Braadland and his wife, Marge of Woden and Norman Braadland and his wife, Judy of Scarville; brother-in-law, Edger Thorland of Thompson; sister-in-law, Ruth Nelson of Scarville; an aunt, Alice Knutson of Cedar Rapids; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clarence in 1992; and one brother, Arnie Braadland.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Ellen Young, 54

Published January 7, 2004, Page B-5

Ellen L. Young. 54, of Lake Mills, formerly of Mason City, died at her home on Tuesday, December 30, 2003.

Funeral arrangements are pending at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in Lake Mills.
© 2004 Forest City Summit