George Hillson, 82

Published July 14, 2004, Page A-8

George Hillson, 82, of Forest City and formerly of Cedar Falls, died on Thursday, July 1, 2004, at the Belmond Care Center in Belmond.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, July 6, at the Richardson Funeral Home in Cedar Falls.

George S., the son of Ray Frank and Mary Olive (Baker) Hillson, was born on February 27, 1922 in Arlington. George was united in marriage to Dorothy Tripp in October 1941 and later divorced. He then married Zelma Dobbs-Goudreau in January 1966. She preceded him in death.

George farmed in the Arlington, Oelwein and Mederville areas, then hauled milk for the Volga Creamery and was employed with the city of Cedar Falls in the Street Department for 24 years.

George is survived by two daughters, Sharon (Robert) Eames of Forest City and Linda (Marlin) Blau of Alexander; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a brother, Robert Hillson of Waterloo.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Glen and Raymond Hillson; and sister, Ruth Hillson.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Fred Pauk Sr., 83

Published July 21, 2004, Page A-8

Fred John Pauk Sr., died on Thursday, July 1, 2004, in the Hospice Unit of the Wright Medical Center in Clarion, with his family at his side.

Funeral services were held on Monday, July 5, at the St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Wesley, with Father Marvin Bries officiating. Pianist was Elizabeth Mc Glynn and cantor was Paula Scott. Honorary casket bearers were Fred's grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Casket bearers were Mike Pauk, Bob Pauk, Dennis Pauk, Paul Pauk, Mark Schilling, Kris Schilling, Mike Crotty and Fred Zeman. Interment was in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Corwith, with the Ewing Dugger Funeral Home, Kanawha, in charge of the arrangements.

Fred, the son of George and Catherine (Micona) Pauk, was born on October 24, 1920, on the family farm at Marathon. He was a graduate of the Laurens High School in 1938. Fred was united in marriage with Elsie Dora Schilling on November 29, 1941, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Laurens. The couple farmed in the Laurens area until 1951, when they moved to a farm northwest of Kanawha where they raised their family. They continued to farm until retiring in 1984, at which time they moved into Corwith. In addition to farming, Fred worked several years at Triggs Manufacturing, delivered Winnebago motor homes and sold DeKalb Seed Corn.

Fred was active in the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Corwith until it's closing. He participated in choir and was custodial caretaker for many years. He was currently a member of the St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Wesley. He was an active member of the community, participating in the Kanawha Jaycees, 4-H Leader, Hancock County Fair Beef Superintendent and Hancock County Fair Board member. Fred was an avid fisherman and loved watching the Chicago Cubs.

Fred is survived by his wife of 62 years, Elsie; his children, Fred Pauk Jr. and his wife, Mary of Webster City, Beverly Otey and her husband, Tom of Alexandria, Virginia, Mary Pals and her husband, Ray of Van Meter, Barbara Pauk of Garner, Roger Pauk and his wife, Jean of Fitchburg, Wisconsin and Jim Pauk and his wife, Cindy of Clarion; 13 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Worster of Des Moines and Kay Zygutis and her husband, Larry of West Bend; and brother, George Pauk Jr. and his wife, Rose of Prescott, Arizona.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Lois; younger brothers, Don and Bill and his twin brother, Frank Pauk.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Rebecca Williams, 20

Published July 14, 2004, Page A-8

Rebecca K. Williams, 20, of Forest City, died on Sunday, July 4, 2004, at the Mercy Medical Center in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, July 8, at the First Baptist Church in Forest City, with Rev. Doug Farrell officiating. The Petersen Lund Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Rebecca K. Williams, was born in Paradise, California, on August 5, 1983, the daughter of Kevan and Sharon (Taylor) Williams. She moved with her family to Mason City when she was 10 years old. She later made her home in Forest City.

Becca wrote poetry and liked to draw. She loved animals, enjoyed going fishing and working on her puzzles. She was challenged by cystic fibrosis her entire life and dealt with all the difficulties and treatments with a positive attitude.

She is survived by her parents, Sharon Youngton and husband, Steve of Forest City and Kevan Williams of Cottonwood, California; step-grandmother, Mary Anderson of Fertile; two brothers and two sisters, Justin Williams of Cottonwood, California, Kevan Williams of Crescent City, California, Carrie Taylor and Jesse O'Toole of Madison, South Dakota and Sara and Duane Zens of Madison, South Dakota; eight nieces and nephews, Jordyn, Hunter, Hailey, CJ, Sweet Pea, Zoe, Xavier and Marcus; paternal grandparents, Ed and Carol Williams of Concord, California; her fiancée, Ryan Williams; his parents, Jackie and Russell Williams and his sisters, Angel and Angela, all of Forest City.

Becca was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents; paternal grandfather; and a sister who died in infancy.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Linda Finger, 56

Published July 14, 2004, Page A-8

Linda R. Finger, 56, of Forest City, died on Monday, July 5, 2004, at her home.

Funeral services were held on Friday, July 9, at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel in Clear Lake, with the Rev. Ed Bard officiating. Interment was in the Clear Lake Cemetery, with the Ward-Van Slyke Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Linda R., the daughter of George F. and Nina (Zimmel) Hoffman, was born on December 9, 1947 in Mason City. Linda attended the Clear Lake High School. She worked as a waitress at the Holiday Inn, Mason City and Winnebago Ind. for over 20 years in the Stitch Craft Dept. Linda was married to Dale Finger on January 4, 1992, at the Faith Lutheran Church, Miller.

Linda was an avid Coca Cola collector. She loved her animals and raising flowers and was an excellent mother and wife. She was an outstanding cook and loved to entertain her relatives. Linda enjoyed fishing and driving thru Pilot Knob. She was diagnosed with cancer and had been receiving wonderful care from the Midwest Regional Medical Cancer Center, Zion, Illinois.

Linda is survived by her husband, Dale Finger of Forest City; a daughter, Melody Solvwisch and her husband, Scott of Forest City; a son, Shannon Torkelson of Forest City; step-son, Tyrel Finger of Forest City; step-daughter, Micah Finger of Rock Valley; step-grandson, Tylen Finger of Fredericksburg; three sisters, Betty Lunn and her husband, George of Clear Lake, Evelyn Frank of Mason City and Judy Bisher and her husband, Glen of Citrus Heights, California.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Keith Hoffman and Gary Hoffman Sr.; and one sister, Marlene Stevens.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

James McGrath, 85

Published July 14, 2004, Page A-8

James F. McGrath, 85, of Joice, died on Tuesday, July 6, 2004, at the Heritage Care Center in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Friday, July 9, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City, with Rev. Catherine Luck officiating. Burial was in the Oakland Cemetery in Forest City.

James F., the son of Frederick and Ruth (Brooker) McGrath, was born on a farm near Miller on April 21, 1919. James was raised on a farm in the Thompson area and graduated from the Thompson High School. On December 22, 1940, James was united in marriage to Mildred Wirtjes. Four children were born to this union. James and Mildred farmed in the Woden, Buffalo Center and Thompson areas for the next 33 years. In 1973, they purchased a farm near Joice where James continued to farm until he suffered a stroke in 2003.

James was a member of the First Congregational Church in Buffalo Center. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participating in sporting activities.

James is survived by a brother, Richard of Mesa, Arizona; daughter-in-law, Kathy McGrath of Mt. Ayr; sons, Jack and his wife, Terry of Aiken, South Carolina and Gene and his wife, Karen of Mason City; daughter, Gloria Boggess and her husband, Lee of Fort Madison; six grandchildren, Patrick McGrath and his wife Lisa, Dawn Dolecheck and her husband, Eric, Lisa Jones and her husband, Chris, Matt, Kris and Danny Boggess; and four great-grandchildren, Lindsey, Lauren, Kyler and Kaitlyn.

James was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother; wife, Mildred; and a son, Michael.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Dale Perry, 77

Published July 14, 2004, Page A-8

Dale G. Perry, 77, of Mason City and formerly of Lake Mills, died on Tuesday, July 6, 2004, at the Muse Norris Hospice Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, July 8, at the Asbury United Methodist Church in Lake Mills, with Pastor Audrey Young officiating. Burial was in the Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood, with military rites by the Lake Mills Otto/Chose Post No. 235.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Helena Buss, 86

Published July 14, 2004, Page A-8

Helena C. Buss, 86, of Buffalo Center and formerly of Woden, died on Thursday, July 8, 2004, at the North Iowa Mercy Medical Center in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Monday, July 12, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Buffalo Center, with Mr. Perry Aalgaard officiating. Interment was in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, rural Titonka, with the Winter Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Helena Charlotte, was born on March 4, 1918, to Ernest and Minnie (Baade) Senne, at their home in rural Hancock County. Helena was baptized and confirmed at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Titonka. She attended and graduated from the Titonka Consolidated School in 1936 and went on to attain her teaching certificate from the Iowa State Teachers College. Following her education, Helena taught country school in the rural Titonka and Woden areas. On September 25, 1941, Helena was united in marriage with Melvin Leon Buss. The couple made their home farming in rural Woden. Helena moved into Buffalo Center in 1982, shortly after her husband's passing. In April 2000, Helena became a resident at the Timely Mission Nursing Home in Buffalo Center.

She was long time member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church at Titonka and later at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Buffalo Center. She was active in the church circle, the Corner Club and she enjoyed oil painting and quilting.

Survivors include her children, Leon Buss and his wife, Marylou of Dundas, Minnesota, Mavis Hess of Forest City, Dale Buss and his wife, Nancy of Le Center, Minnesota and Russell Buss and his wife, Karen of Woden; 14 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Betty Senne of Britt; brother-in-law, Ben Buss and his wife, Doris of Titonka; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Helena was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Melvin in 1981; daughter-in-law, Sandy (Thompsen) Buss; two sisters, Louise DeWaard and Anna Attig; and three brothers, Dick, George and Ernest Senne.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Cornie Kooiman, 78

Published July 14, 2004, Page A-8

Cornie "Koik" Kooiman, 78, died on Sunday, July 11, 2004, at the Hegg Memorial Hospital in Rock Valley.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 14, at 1:30 p.m., at the First Christian Reformed Church in Rock Valley, with Rev. Paul Bakker officiating. Interment will be in the Valley View Cemetery, with the Porter Funeral Home of Rock Valley in charge of the arrangements.

Cornie, the son of Walter "W.C." and Dena (Vugteveen) Kooiman, was born on September 2, 1925 in Rock Valley. Cornie helped his father at the grocery story and bakery stores in Rock Valley and Orange City. He was united in marriage to Grayce Zwaan on March 27, 1946 in Rock Valley. They moved to Forest City in 1958, where he worked at the Forest City Bakery and later at Maroff. Cornie moved back to Rock Valley in 1981.

Survivors include his son, Ronald of Forest City; daughters, Darcia (Monty) Schlawin of Garner, Audrey Kooiman of Forest City and Carla (Donald) Lauritsen of Leland; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sisters, Grace Voetberg of Rock Valley and Jennie (Marinus) Maassen of Rock Valley; and sister-in-law, Marian Kooiman of Seminole, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Daniel; brother, Herman Kooiman; infant sister, Pearl; sister, Elizabeth Kooiman; and brother-in-law, Bert Voetberg.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Gladys Anderson, 83

Published July 21, 2004, Page A-8

Gladys W. Anderson, 83, died on Thursday, July 15, 2004, at the Lake Mills Care Center in Lake Mills, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Monday, July 19, at the West Prairie Lutheran Church, rural Leland, with Rev. Jacqueline Swanson officiating. Burial was in the West Prairie Lutheran Cemetery, with the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Gladys Wilma, was born on April 5, 1921 in Faribault County, Minnesota, to Peter T. and Mae (Thompson) Peterson. Gladys attended country schools. On January 5, 1939, she was united in marriage with Earnest H. Anderson at Scarville. The couple farmed in the Leland area. Earnest passed away on August 31, 1966 at Shakopee, Minnesota.

Gladys remained in the Leland area for more than 40 years, where she held various jobs in both Leland and Forest City. She was a member of the West Prairie Lutheran Church, where she was active in the church circle prior to her illness progressing.

Survivors include her friend and loving companion, Dale Zingg of Leland; children, Kenneth Anderson of Braham, Minnesota, Helen Peterson and her husband, Curt of Montrose, Minnesota, Sharon Oulman and her husband, James of Forest City, Rodney Anderson of Forest City and Douglas Anderson of Houston, Texas; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; a sister, Donna Schobert and her husband, Harry of Albert Lea, Minnesota; six sisters-in-law, Betty Peterson of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, Marcella Peterson of Charles City, Thelma Leegaard of Hoffman, Minnesota, Anna Branstad of Lake Mills, Alica Christian of Foley, Ala. and Ora Hofbauer of Dike; and many nieces and nephews.

Gladys was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Earnest; a sister, Clarine Nelson; three brothers, Ted, Perry and Lloyd Peterson; and four nephews.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Evelyn Klipping, 91

Published July 21, 2004, Page A-8

Evelyn B. Klipping, 91, died on Friday, July 16, 2004, at the Ravenwood Nursing & Rehab Center in Waterloo.

There was no funeral service. She had donated her body to the University of Iowa.

She was born on July 2, 1913 in Forest City, to George and Bertha (Charlson) Klipping. Evelyn graduated from the University of Iowa School of Nursing in 1937. She was a registered nurse at various hospitals since 1937. She retired in 1974.

Survivors include nephews, Harvey Larson of Milford, Tom Gorton of Waterloo, Alfred Klipping of Buffalo Center, Paul Gorton of Eau Claire, Wisconsin and Robert Gorton of Marion; nieces, Ardith Bredeson of Rake, Mary Hove of Forest City, Ruth Smith of Forest City, Cheryl Dutcher of Rosburg, Washington and Joan Butler of Omaha, Nebraska; and several great and great-great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Beatrice Klipping, Pauline Gorton and Genevieve Larson; and two brothers, Paul Klipping and George Klipping, Jr.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

JoAnn Kinseth, 66

Published July 21, 2004, Page A-8

JoAnn Kinseth, 66, of Longmont, Colorado, formerly of Joice, died on Saturday, July 17, 2004, from complications of a long illness.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, July 20, at the Lewellen Longmont Chapel in Longmont. Interment will be at Bode at a later date.

JoAnn was an elementary teacher at Renwick for several years and worked at Winnebago Industries for over 25 years. She loved to read, quilt, putter in her flower garden and was also known to get on a horse or two.

Surviving loved ones are her husband, Burt Kinseth of Longmont, Colorado; her children, Ramona Kinseth of Joice, Dean and Kathy Kinseth of Joice, Dale Kinseth of Syracuse, Utah and Barbara Kinseth of Joice; her step-children, Arvin and Donna Kinseth of Lincoln, Nebraska and Ronda and Paul Elbert of Marne; her brother and family, James and Carolyn Haviland of Waverly; her sister and family, Patricia and Gary Davison of Clear Lake; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents, Pearl and Harold Haviland; and an infant son.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Darrel Buckley, 62

Published August 18, 2004, Page B-6

Darrel R. Buckley, 62, died on Friday, July 23, 2004, at the Joseph Richey Hospice, after a two-year battle with cancer.

Funeral services were held last month in Hanover, Maryland, with the Singelton Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Darrell Buckley, the son of Richard and Olive (Olson) Buckley, was born on May 11, 1942 in Iowa City, Iowa. Darrell worked for SWL Inc., in Crystal Lake, Virginia and Docu-Data in Linthicum. He served in the U.S. Navy and retired in 1980, with the rank of chief warrant officer after 20 years of service.

He was a member of the Elks Lodge. He enjoyed reading science fiction and stamp collecting.

Darrell is survived by his wife of 40 years, Sandra Buckley; three daughters, Laurie Murray of Millersville, Amy Baucom of Brooklyn Park and Kiaran Buckley of Hanover; three brothers, Gene Buckley of Washington, Wayne Buckley of Nebraska and Danny Buckley of Florida; and two grandchildren.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Arnold Ambroson, 91

Published July 28, 2004, Page B-3

Arnold "Runt" Ambroson, 91, of Leland, died on Sunday, July 25, 2004, at the Concord Care Center, Garner.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Leland, with the Rev. Jacqueline Swanson officiating. Music will be provided by organist, Sue Johnson who will accompany a congregational hymn and special music by Greg and Rosemary Ambroson. Casket bearers will be Greg Ambroson, Jason Ambroson, Matthew Ward, Andrew Ward, Randy Wass and Rick Wass. Burial will be in the Forest Home Cemetery, Leland, with the Cataldo Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Arnold Truman, the son of Oscar T. and Tilda (Anderson) Ambroson, was born on February 9, 1913 at Leland. He graduated from the Leland High School and continued his education at Waldorf College in Forest City. During his high school and college years he was active in sports. On October 14, 1938, he married Jean S. Evanson at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Leland. They lived in Leland all of their married life where they raised their family and Arnold farmed. Arnold also worked for Interstate Power and at bin sites for sealing government corn. He became a resident of Concord Care Center in Garner in June of 2003.

He enjoyed his family, farming, sports, politics and visiting with people. His smile and the gleam in his eye will be missed by all. He was a lifetime member of the Our Savior's Lutheran Church, where he served in many capacities over the years. Arnold was very progressive and community minded. He served as mayor of Leland and was on the city council for many years. Arnold was instrumental in helping get water and sewer into Leland and developing the city park. He also served on the Leland and Forest City School Boards.

He is survived by his two children, Vance Ambroson and wife, Judy of Leland and Debra Ward and husband, Bill of Brighton, Colorado; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; a brother, Dr. Roger Ambroson and wife, Lavonne of Lewiston, Idaho; two sisters, Carmen Romash of Anaheim, California and Margaret Andrews of Laughlin, Nevada; and a sister-in-law, Pearl Ambroson of Ft. Myers, Florida.

Arnold was preceded in death by his wife, Jean on August 7, 2003; daughter, Karen Boyd on August 3, 1987; parents; and three brothers, Art, Oscar M. and Orrin Ambroson.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Ernest McClary, 68

Published August 4, 2004, Page B-5

Ernest G. McClary, 68, of Forest City, died on Monday, July 26, 2004, at his home in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, July 29, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Rev. Barb Spaulding officiating. Burial was in the Oakland Cemetery in Forest City, with the American Legion Post 121 providing graveside military rites. The Petersen Lund Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Ernest G. McClary, was born in Washington, D.C. on June 7, 1936, the son of William and Mildred (Rasnick) McClary. Ernie received his education in Washington, D.C. He served in the United States Air Force for 14 years, enlisting in 1953. Following his discharge he worked for a brief time in Washington before moving to Forest City. Ernie began delivering motor homes for Winnebago Industries in 1969 and continued until his death.

He enjoyed fishing and hunting, playing his guitar and singing and was an accomplished practical joker. He loved spending time with his family and they remember his wonderful cooking. He was a member of the American Legion Post 121 in Forest City.

Ernie is survived by his children, Rick McClary, Kimberly Colby and husband Danny, Tina Stinnett, Teresa Harmdierks and husband, Mark, Tonya Stevens and special friend, John Eberett, Tiffiney McClary and special friend, Brett Hansen; 16 grandchildren; a few great-grandchildren; and his ex-wife, Donna McClary and her special friend, Larry Eiseman; three brothers and a sister, Robert Lusby and John and Donald McClary and Deloris Conrad and husband, Kenneth.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mildred McClary; and sister-in-law, Peggy Lusby.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

James A. Foss, 78

Published September 29, 2004, Page B-7

James A. Foss, 78, died on Monday, July 26, 2004, at his home surrounded by his family.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, July 29, at the Richland Lutheran Church, Richland, Washington.

Jim was born in Forest City on July 16, 1926, the son of Clarence C. and Alice (Thompson) Foss. He grew up on a farm in Mount Valley Township. He was united in marriage to Adalaide Arthur on April 3, 1946. In 1951, the couple and two sons moved to Richland, Washington, where he began his career as a chemical operator at Hanford. He retired after 40 years. Jim, Addie and family always spent six weeks or more in the Forest City, Lake Mills area on their vacations.

Jim is survived by four sons, Fred and Debbie of Spokane, Washington, Mike and Chris of Burnsville, Minnesota, Don and Marsha of Richland, Washington and Ed of Richland, Washington; many grandchildren; four sisters, Clarice Fank, Helen Fank, Lois and Walt Tanner, June and Carl Gibbs, all of Mason City, Mary Starn of Lake Mills; brother-in-law, Harold Arthur of Lake Mills; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife in 1987.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Donald Anderson, 82

Published August 4, 2004, Page B-5

Donald R. Anderson, 82, of Forest City, died on Friday, July 30, 2004, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, August 3, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Rev. Lee Laaveg officiating. Burial was in the Oakland Cemetery in Forest City, with the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements. Military Graveside Rites were provided by the Forest City American Legion Post 121.

Donald Robert, the second of four children was born on May 20, 1922, to O. B. and Mabel (Johnson) Anderson. Don was born in Forest City, graduated from the Forest City High School and attended Waldorf College for two years. It was during his two years at Waldorf that he met his wife, Charlotte D. Moen. On November 4, 1943, he was united in marriage to Charlotte, sharing nearly 60 years of marriage before her death on June 13, 2003.

His higher education was temporarily interrupted by World War II. Don served in the US Army Air Corps and was awarded the rank of Captain at the early age of 23. He was stationed in many European locations including Northern Ireland, England and Orly Field in Paris, as a Meteorologist/Weather Officer. His forecasts were highly valued for their accuracy in guiding air squadrons throughout the European Theatre. Post-war assignments included providing forecasts for all the incoming aircraft of world leaders attending the post-war reconstruction Potsdam Conference, where Europe was divided up by the Allied countries. His last assignment was Commanding Officer of the 21st Weather Squadron, which serviced most of post-war Germany. Dons' love for meteorology continued throughout his life and included a daily study of weather statistics via the media and his personal home weather station. If you wanted to know how much rain we had last night, you would always ask Don.

After the war, Don went on to receive three Masters Degrees, in Journalism, Civil Engineering and Meteorology, from the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and Northwestern University/U.S. Army, respectively. In 1952, while working for the Gates Rubber Company in Denver, Colorado, Don decided he wanted to return to Forest City and join his fathers' insurance and real estate business. In 1977, he sold the insurance side to Manufacturers Bank and Trust while retaining the real estate business. July 1, 1978, son Rolf and wife Anne returned to Forest City becoming the third Anderson generation selling real estate in Forest City and Northern Iowa. Don insisted he had never retired and continued to work mornings at the Anderson Agency until two days before entering Hospice.

Don was very community-minded and served on many boards including the School Board and the Waldorf College Board of Regents. Don was instrumental in the Charter of the Forest Federal Savings and Loan in 1966 and served as President for 16 years. A man of faith, Don was an active member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church and served on all levels of the church leadership. In 1955, Don and Sidney Rand (then President of Waldorf College) co-wrote the centennial history of Forest City. Sidney, a long time friend of both Don and Charlotte went on to become President of St. Olaf College and later, US Ambassador to Norway.

Waldorf College was very special to both Don and Charlotte. Many life long friendships were formed while attending Waldorf (1940-42), including his courtship and later marriage, to wife Charlotte. He served on the Waldorf Board of Regents and has been an active supporter and ambassador of the college.

Don is survived by his sister, Dorothy Twito of Lake Mills; sons, Steven Robert Anderson of Los Angeles and Rolf Ove Anderson and wife, Anne of Forest City; grandchildren, Bergen of Chicago, Illinois, Sarri and husband, David Truscinski of Mankato, Minnesota and Liv and Geir Anderson of Forest City.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Helen Fank, 79

Published August 4, 2004, Page B-5

Helen Fank, 79, died on Saturday, July 31, 2004, at the Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, August 4, at the Forest City United Methodist Church, Forest City, with the Rev. Catherine A. Luck officiating. Interment will be in the Oakland Cemetery in Forest City. The Major Erickson Funeral Home of Mason City is in charge of the arrangements.

Helen A. Fank, the daughter of Clarence and Alice (Thompson) Foss, was born on November 5, 1924 in Forest City. Helen attended the Forest City Schools. She was united in marriage with Leo Fank on December 17, 1941, at the St. James Catholic Rectory in Forest City. They spent most of their married life in the Forest City area on a farm in Mt. Valley Township. Following the death of her husband, she moved to the Autumn Park Apartments in Mason City.

Helen dearly loved all children, gardening, bingo and All Star Wrestling.

She is survived by her two sons, David Fank and his wife, Mary of Mason City and Dan Fank and his wife, Jodi of Manly; grandchildren, Matt Mattocks of Grundy Center, Lisa Fank of Mason City, Krista Fank, Ashton Fank and Adrii Fank, all of Manly; four sisters, Clarice Fank of Mason City, Lois Tanner and husband, Walter of Mason City, Mary Starn of Lake Mills and June Gibbs and husband, Carl of Mason City; many nieces and nephews; three sisters-in-law, Louise Wediking of Clear Lake, Goldie Fank of Clear Lake and Clairabel Fank of Emmetsburg; and many close friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and one brother, James Foss of Richland, Washington; and several nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
© 2004 Forest City Summit