Elvin Larson, 64

Published December 8, 2004, Page B-5

Elvin A. Larson, 64, died on Friday, December 3, 2004, at his home in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Monday, December 6, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Rev. Barbara Spaulding officiating. Burial was in the Oakland Cemetery in Forest City, with arrangements by the Petersen Lund Funeral Home.

Elvin Arlo, the son of Elias and Anna (Werstein) Larson, was born in Forest City on March 23, 1940. Elvin received his education in Forest City and graduated from the Forest City High School in 1959. He then attended trade school for a year. Elvin worked for Eames Construction, Peterson Construction Company and the city of Forest City. He owned and operated Elvin Larson Construction for many years, building houses and doing remodeling. He also enjoyed restoring old autos and trucks. Elvin took great pride in his work.

On July 22, 1968, he was united in marriage to Sandra Bronsema. Elvin was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church and was active in 4-H and Pheasants Forever. He loved caring for his 40 acre "hobby farm," raising grain and livestock. He liked to go boating and fishing and treasured time spent with his family. After two years of retirement, Elvin returned to work as an auto technician at Wal-Mart in Mason City.

Elvin is survived by his son, David Larson of Forest City; his daughter, DeEtta Larson of Mason City; his ex-wife and dear friend, Sandy Larson of Forest City; father-in-law, Frank Bronsema of Forest City; a sister, Eleanor (Gary) Sheldahl of Forest City; two brothers, Franklin (Marsha) Larson of Forest City and Louis (Joyce) Larson of Story City; and many nieces and nephews, Tom and Denise Larson, Ed Sheldahl and Brittney Sterner, Jennifer and Jeremy Jordahl, Tammy and Mitchell Daniels, DeAnna and Jerry HeWitt, Ursula and Jeff Hanselman, Myrna, Deana and Kendra Larson.

Elvin was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Leonard and Elmer; sister, Lois; nephew, Jon; niece, Ann; and mother-in-law, Thelma Bronsema.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Vern Peterson, 84

Published December 8, 2004, Page B-5

Vern R. Peterson, 84, of Thompson, died on Friday, December 3, 2004, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Wednesday, December 8, at the United Methodist Church in Thompson, with Pastor Wayne Squier officiating. Interment will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery, with military honors by the VFW Post 8408. The Winter Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Organist, Eleanor Roper accompanied congregational hymns. Casket bearers are Mike Krull, Timothy Severson, Todd Severson, James Severson, Julie Fritz, Tracy Peterson and Dwight Nelson. Honorary bearers are Josie Fritz, Nathan Krull and Katie Krull.

Vern Reuben, the son of Melvin and Edith (Anderson) Peterson, was born on May 5, 1920 in Winnebago County. Vern was baptized at the Winnebago Lutheran Church and was confirmed at the Pilot Knob Lutheran Church near Forest City. He later transferred from Winnebago Lutheran Church to the United Methodist Church in Thompson. Vern grew up on a farm around Forest City and entered the United States Air Force in March 1942 and was discharged in November 1945. After his discharge, he worked as a carpenter around the Thompson area. On March 17, 1946, Vern was united in marriage to Irine A. Willert at the United Methodist Church in Thompson. When Vern and Irine retired, they traveled by bus and saw lots of the country. They spent many years camping.

Vern is survived by his wife, Irine of Thompson; his children, Betty and her husband, Keith Krull of Scarville, Doug Peterson and his wife, Donna of Elgin and Juanita and her husband, Allen Severson of Fertile; his grandchildren, Mike Krull and his wife, Carye of Raleigh, North Carolina, Julie and her husband, Jim Fritz of Mason City, Timothy Severson of Lake Mills, Todd Severson of Ames and James Severson of Fertile; three great-grandchildren, Josie Fritz of Mason City, Nathan Krull and Katie Krull of Raleigh, North Carolina; his brothers, Forrest Peterson and his wife, Pat of Forest City and Ray Peterson and his wife, Myra of Austin, Minnesota; a sister, Rose Meinecke of Forest City; and many nieces and nephews.

Vern was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Alice Grace.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Robert McKim, 80

Published December 15, 2004, Page B-5

Robert W. "Bob" McKim, 80, of Mount Pleasant, died on Saturday, December 4, 2004, at the Arbor Court in Mt. Pleasant.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, December 9, at the First United Methodist Church in Mount Pleasant, with Reverend Dr. Edward R. Peterson officiating. Burial was in the Forest Home Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant, with full military honors conducted by the Burial Detail Honors Squad of the Henry County Veterans organizations. The Weir & Kimzey Funeral Home, Mount Pleasant, was in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, the former Cleo L. Humphrey, formerly of Fertile; three children, Ted, Dennis and Sue Ann Lowe; an aunt, Mrs. Fern Short Lee; a sister, Jean Riepe; two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Sally McKim and Mrs. Marge McKim; and many nieces and nephews.

His parents, a twin brother, Richard McKim and a brother, Roger McKim, precede Bob in death.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Eldean Thovson, 87

Published March 23, 2005, Page B-5

Eldean F. Thovson, 67, of Denver, Colorado, died after a tragic accident on Monday, December 6, 2004.

Funeral services were held on Friday, December 10, at the St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Denver, with interment in Olinger Chapel Hill.

He was the loving husband of Nancy for 45 years; brother of LeAnne; devoted father of Alan, Shari (Chris) and Steven; and four grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a granddaughter.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Jean VanDenBosch, 79

Published December 15, 2004, Page B-5

Jean VanDenBosch, 79, died on Tuesday, December 7, 2004, at the Hospice of North Iowa Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

According to her plans, a remembrance and celebration of Jean's life will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2005, at 2:00 p.m., at the Church of Christ in Fertile, with Pastor Curt Gallmeyer presiding. A private inurnment will be held in the Grant Cemetery at a later date, with the Ward VanSlyke Funeral Home of Clear Lake in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the services. Family suggests memorials to the Fertile Church of Christ or the Hospice of North Iowa.

Jean Ouverson, was born on January 30, 1925, to Harley and Edith (Humphrey) Ouverson of Fertile. After graduation from the Fertile High School, Jean pursued her interest in aviation obtaining her commercial pilot's license. She continued training for a period of time at the Aviation Academy in Kansas City, Missouri, before returning to Fertile. Those living in North Iowa in those days still speak of the times Jean was heard and seen soaring above their communities in her Piper Cub. She married Wayne "Butch" VanDenBosch on April 19, 1947, at the Church of Christ in Fertile. To this union four sons were born. After many years, the marriage ended in divorce.

To further her education in later years, Jean completed requirements for her Associates Degree in Liberal Arts. She worked as the bookkeeper for the family owned business, the Fertile Valley Hatchery for over 30 years as well as assisting in the overseeing of the general operation. In more recent years she was the bookkeeper for The Petal Shoppe in Clear Lake, Iowa until her retirement in the late 90s.

During Jean's declining health in recent years she has enjoyed the fellowship and assistance of many of the community members of Fertile who have so willingly helped meet her needs. Of special pleasure to her was the morning coffee group at the Downtown Café. During more active years, she enjoyed gardening, music, reading and cooking, however, she will be foremost remembered for her devout Christian Faith. She was a life-long member of the Church of Christ in Fertile, where she served for many years in various capacities including Sunday School teacher, Superintendent of Christian Education, Christian Women's organization and choir member.

She is survived by her four sons, Bob (Toby) of Mason City, Mike (Karen) of Iowa City, Tom and Scott (Kelly) both of Strawberry, Arizona; seven granddaughters; two grandsons; and one brother, Bob (Betty) of Fertile.

Family members in heaven welcoming her home for Christmas are her parents and a grandson.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Curtis Halverson, 85

Published December 15, 2004, Page B-5

Curtis Halverson, 85 of Garner, died on Saturday, December 11, 2004, at the Heritage Care Center, Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, December 16, at the Faith Lutheran Church in Miller, with the Rev. Owen Gaasedelen officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Cataldo Funeral Home in Garner and one hour prior to the services at the church.  Burial will be in the Clear Lake Cemetery. Music will be provided by organist, Leonard Markusen and soloists, Scott Mathiasen and Steve Olson. Ushers will be Bill Olson, Dave Olson and Russell Olson. Honorary bearers will be Harold Hall, Merle Hall, Arno Olson, Wilbur Peterson, Pastor Murley Severtson, Stanford Holtan, Paul Osnes, John Osnes and Russell Osnes. Casket bearers will be Nathan Halverson, Josh Halverson, Josh Knorovsky, John Endreland, John Loveless and Dave Fedeler.

H. Curtis Halverson, the son of Clinton and Minnie (Osnes) Halverson, was born on April 11, 1919, on a farm southeast of Miller. Curtis attended school at Miller and graduated from the Garner High School. After graduation he farmed on the family farm near Miller. In 1991, the farm was recognized as a Century Farm. On August 22, 1943, he was united in marriage with Gladys May Samuelson at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City. They lived on the family farm where they raised their family and Curtis continued to farm. He also worked for Winnebago Industries in Forest City as a general foreman of the KD department and other positions, retiring in 1984 after over 20 years of service. Following his retirement he continued to keep an active interest in the farm. He also volunteered his time at the Mercy Medical Center in Mason City. In June of 2001, he became a resident of Heritage Care Center in Mason City.

He loved his family very much. They were always his top priority. He was a talented woodcarver and woodworker, an avid reader and enjoyed traveling. He loved football and was an avid Hawkeye and Vikings fan. Curtis was a member of the Faith Lutheran Church, where he served on the church council and was a Sunday School teacher. He also belonged to the Sons of Norway and to a local woodcarvers club.

Curtis is survived by his three children, Linda Halverson and husband, Robert Knorovsky of Davenport, David Halverson and his wife, Jane of Garner and Jim Halverson and his wife, Jody of Minneapolis, Minnesota; 10 grandchildren, Joshua, Erika and Katie Knorovsky, Angie (Dan) Faber, Joshua, Amy, Erin, Nathan, Samantha and Ethan Halverson; a brother, Alvin (Betty) Halverson of Mason City; four sisters-in-law, Marlys (Boyd) Loveless of Cresco, Arlene (Sidney) Endreland of Lake Mills, Margaret Bolk of Sheffield and Mattie Tweeten of Forest City; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys on July 9, 1995; and his parents.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Anne Slattum, 98

Published December 22, 2004, Page B-5

Anne 0. Slattum, 98, of Joice, died on Tuesday, December 14, 2004, at the Lake Mills Care Center in Lake Mills.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 18, at the Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church near Joice, with Pastor Kevin Olson officiating. Burial was in the Bethel Lutheran Brethren Cemetery, with the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Peter Zrostlik, 79

Published December 22, 2004, Page B-5

Peter Thomas Zrostlik, 79, of Britt, passed away on Wednesday, December 15, 2004, at the Westview Care Center in Britt.

Pete, the son of Michael and Barbara Vavrik Zrostlik, was born on April 8, 1925, on the family farm near Duncan. He attended country schools and helped his parents with the farming. On February 15, 1944, Pete was united in marriage with Imogene F. Steenlage in Duncan. Only days after their marriage, Pete reported for active duty in the United States Army. He was reported as missing in action for a time and received the Purple Heart for injuries he received in battle. Following his discharge, the couple farmed for a time. Later he was employed with Goodyear in Mason City. He then worked for his brother at Zrostlik Tire and then for Winnebago Industries in Forest City. Pete then worked for his nephew, Francis at IMT and later worked for him at Stellar Industries until his retirement.

Pete was a member of the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Britt and the Knights of Columbus. He was also involved in the VFW and the Britt American Legion. He enjoyed tinkering in his garage, fishing, playing cards and bowling.

Pete is survived by his wife of 60 years, Imogene; four children, Judy Aitchison and special friend, Dale Armstrong of Britt, David and Lorna Zrostlik of Forest City, Deb and Bob Carmody of Britt and Ron Zrostlik of Lake Mills; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mike and Barbara; son, Gary (Smokey); granddaughter, Kristina Lynn Aitchison; great-grandson, Logan Lamoreux; brothers, Frank, Joe, Sylvester, James and Edward; sisters, Mary Jakoubek, Agnes Obomy and infant sister, Helen.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

David Lovick, 60

Published December 22, 2004, Page B-5

David Henry Lovick, 60, of Mankato, died on Thursday, December 16, 2004, at his home, due to complications from pancreatic cancer.

Funeral services were held on Monday, December 20, at the Christ the King Lutheran Church, with Pastor John Petersen and Pastor David Lurd officiating. Burial will be at a later date in the Bush Point Cemetery in Fertile, with the Mankato Mortuary in charge of the arrangements.

David Henry Lovick, was born on January 18, 1944 in Forest City, to James and Alvera (Hanna) Lovick. David was raised in the Fertile area and in 1962, graduated from the Fertile Consolidated High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1965 and completed his duties as a helicopter mechanic-crew chief in 1968. David had one tour of duty in Vietnam. David was united in marriage to Patricia Ann Purcell on June 8, 1968 in Fertile. He attended Waldorf College and graduated from the Mankato State University in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Arts. In July of 1968, David joined the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners Union #464, beginning what would be a 36+ years in local constructions. He worked for many years for R. W. Carlstrom Co.

David was a member of the Christ the King Lutheran Church in Mankato and served on several boards. He enjoyed spending time with his family, friends and neighbors. He also cherished his time at the lake.

David is survived by his wife, Patricia Ann (Purcell) Lovick; one daughter, Sarah (Dan) Boswell of North Mankato; one son, Michael (Kathy) Lovick of Boulder, Colorado; five grandchildren, Holli Johnson, Katie, David, Sophie and Elizabeth Boswell; parents, James and Alvera Lovick of Fertile; five sisters, Gloria Kirschbaum of Fertile, Mary (Ralph) Rye of Minneapolis, Janice Folkers of Minneapolis, Clara (Kurt) West of Rochester and Martha (William) Cavanaugh of Charles City; two sisters-in-law, Colleen (David) Lura of Oak Harbor, Washington and Barbara (Bob) Klapperich of Waverly; and aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife's parents, Mike and Virginia Purcell; his grandparents; one sister, Betty in infancy; and two brothers-in-law, Ed Kirschbaum and Doug Folkers.

He will always be loved and remembered for his sense of humor and light-hearted jokes. Memorials may be given to the ISJ-Mayo Foundation or the donor's choice.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Dr. H. R. Wilson, 78

Published December 22, 2004, Page B-5

Dr. H. R. (Ray) Wilson, 78, of Clear Lake, died on Thursday, December 16, 2004, at the Mercy Medical Center in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, December 21, at the First Baptist Church in Forest City, with Rev. Doug Snyder officiating. Inurnment was in the Oakland Cemetery in Forest City, with the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Dr. H. R. (Ray) Wilson, was born on September 8, 1926 in Woodbine, the son of John V and Virginia (Snyder) Wilson. Ray graduated from the Webster City High School in 1943 and served in the US Navy during WW II as a radio operator aboard the USS Bobolink. Following his honorable discharge, he began attending the Long Beach City College in Long Beach, California. On June 5, 1949, he married Diane Lee Mills in Webster City. The couple returned to California where Ray completed his coursework. He then did his pre-optometry work at Drake University in Des Moines before attending the North Illinois College of Optometry. After graduating in 1955, he began practicing in Forest City.

An active member of the community, Dr. Wilson served six years on the city council, was a member and former president of the Forest City Lions Club, a Mason in the Masonic Lodge, a 50+ year member of the VFW and a member of the United Methodist Church. Professionally, he served six years on the Iowa Board of Optometry Examiners, was a long-standing member of the Iowa Optometric Association, serving a term as president. He was honored as Optometrist of the Year in 1968. In 1992, he retired from practice and moved to Clear Lake.

Ray enjoyed fishing, hunting and golfing. He also loved gourmet cooking and entertaining family and friends. His family remembers what a wonderful husband, father and grandfather he was.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Diane Wilson of Clear Lake; children, Kristine Lewis and husband, Riley of Forest City, Marsha Wood and husband, Robin of Forest Lake, Minnesota and Mark Wilson and wife, Barbara of Battlefield, Mississippi; five grandchildren, Todd (April) Lewis, Karey Lewis, Sara Adkins, Matthew Wilson and Michael Wilson.

Dr. Wilson was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, John and Dean Wilson.

Family requests memorials be directed to the Hospice of North Iowa and Mercy Hospital 6 West.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Eva Schleuger, 87

Published December 29, 2004, Page B-4

Eva Helen Schleuger, 87, of Britt, died on Monday, December 20, 2004, at the Muse Norris Hospital Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, December 23, at the First Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Dr. John Meyer and Janelle Siffring Aim officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt, with the Cataldo Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Eva Helen Schleuger, was born on October 26, 1917 in Lockridge, to Floyd G. and Lucy (Boutilier) Charbonneaux. Eva moved with her family to Ottawa, Illinois, in 1923 and in 1929 to Britt. She was baptized at the Bethel Baptist Church in Britt by the Rev. B.A. Rust. She attended school at Ottawa and Britt. On November 21, 1934, she was married to Louis Frank Schleuger by the Rev. William Spence at the Methodist Parsonage in Mason City. They lived in Britt where they raised their family. Over the years, Eva served as a hot lunch manager and summer playground instructor for the Britt Community Schools. She also was an office manager for the Britt News Tribune and worked at Winnebago Industries in Forest City in the dispatch department.

Eva's hobbies included crocheting, knitting, sewing, crossword puzzles and reading. She enjoyed giving numerous quilts and crocheted items to the needy, charitable organizations, local schools, friends and relatives. She was known to make as many as 200 quilts in one year and donated many to the Salvation Army. Eva was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Britt and FLCW. She was a former member of the Girl Scouts, 4-H, the Iowa Genealogical Society and the Hancock County Historical Society. She served as Noble Grand of the Rebekah Lodge, was vice president of the Britt PTA and was a den mother for Cub Scouts.

She is survived by her four children, Katherine Schleuger of Britt, Louis (Sanae) Schleuger of Lobeco, South Carolina, Lucy (Gary) Anderson of Forest City and Shirley (Wally) Pullar of Lodi, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Dennis (Kari) Teachout of Mankato, Minnesota, Angela Rhondeau of Everett, Washington, Jason (Melanie) Teachout of Waseca, Minnesota, Louis Frank Schleuger III of Charlotte, North Carolina, Lucy Schleuger of West Palm Beach, Florida, Ginger (Dean) Nielsen of Britt and Neil (Stephanie) Daugard of Britt; great-grandchildren, Aaron Davies, Makeda and Rayjon (Bibbers) Teachout, Nathan Teachout, Brandon, Melissa and Amber Smith and Brittany, Allissa and Madison Teachout; a sister, Evelyn Smidt of Britt; a brother, Ray (Lillian) Charbonneaux of Britt; and many nieces and nephews.

Eva was preceded in death by her husband, Louis on May 17, 1998; a son-in-law, Dennis Flugum; a sister, Fern Smith; and brothers, Floyd (Pete) and Charles Charbonneaux.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Ruth Haugen, 82

Published December 29, 2004, Page B-4

Ruth (Evjen) Haugen, 82, of Lake Mills, died on Friday, December 24, 2004.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, December 28, at the Salem Lutheran Church, with Pastor Kevin Mackey officiating. Inurnment was in the Sunnyside Cemetery, with Mittelstadt in charge of the arrangements.

Ruth was born in Troy, South Dakota on September 21, 1922, the third child of John and Agnes (Osterkil) Evjen's nine children. She attended the Troy School through the eighth grade and lived and worked away from home to finish high school in Strandburg, South Dakota. After high school, Ruth attended and received a teaching certificate from the Northern State Teachers College in Aberdeen, South Dakota. She taught country school for several years and then moved to Portland, Oregon, with her sister, Nordis, and a friend. Ruth worked for Pennies and Crown Zellerbach in Portland until she joined the Coast Guard to contribute to the war effort. Ruth completed her basic training in Miami Beach, Florida and was finally stationed in New Orleans, Louisiana.

After the war was over, Ruth attended Augustana College during the summer, but complete her degree at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. During college Ruth participated in many extra curricular activities, but most of her time was spent in the music department, where she studied voice under Ella Hjertaas Roe, performing in recitals, operas and choral groups. Ruth's BA was in Sociology and Religion. After graduation she accepted the call to the Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills as parish worker. While working this position she met and married Andrew Haugen of Lake Mills. They proceeded to have five children and milk cows for forty years. It was a hard life. Ruth also finished her BA in Elementary Education from Mankato State University during this time.

Ruth was a marvelous cook, great mom and devoted wife. She loved God from a child and carried His love and promises to her last breath. Ruth enjoyed her friends in Lake Mills, the many activities at the Salem Lutheran Church and frequent telephone conversations with family members in South Dakota and throughout the country. She wanted all of you to know how grateful she was for that friendship and support.

She is survived by her loving children, Diana Haugen of Lake Mills, Marilyn (Steve) Hagle of Blooming Grove, Texas, Hartwick (Tori) Haugen of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida and Daniel (Brenda) Haugen of Hope, Minnesota; brothers and sisters, Adelle Kucker of Watertown, South Dakota, Helen (Soren) Engevik of Eden, South Dakota, Raynard (Phyllis) Evjen of Sockholm, South Dakota, Vivian (Eldor) Larson of Watertown, South Dakota and John (Joyce) Evjen of Lake Mills; son-in-law, Paul (Helen) Holtan; sisters-in-law, Joyce Evjen of Stanberg, South Dakota and Dorothy Evjen of South Shore, South Dakota; ten grandchildren and step-grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; along with several nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Andrew; one daughter, Linda Holtan; sister, Nordis VanHorn; and brothers, Lloyd and Loyal.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Clarence Sorbo, 94

Published January 5, 2005, Page B-6

Clarence Orlando Sorbo, 94, of Lake Mills, died on Sunday, December 26, 2004.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, December 30, at 11:00 a.m., at the Silver Lake Lutheran Church in rural Northwood, with Rev. Thomas Hagen officiating. Burial took place in the Oak Lawn Cemetery near Emmons, Minnesota, with the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.
© 2005 Forest City Summit