Hilda Kugler, 81

Published October 6, 2004, Page B-5

Hilda Kugler, 81, of Forest City, died on Friday, October 1, 2004, at her daughter's home in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, October 5, 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.

Hilda Kugler, was born in Kirchensall, Germany on June 25, 1928, the daughter of Johann and Maria (Grupp) Andreas. She grew up and attended school in Ohringen, Germany and received her degree in accounting. Hilda was later drafted into the German army and served as a captain. In 1953, Hilda immigrated to America, eventually settling in Mason City, where she worked as the office manager for J.C. Penney. On December 16, 1961, she married Oskar Kugler at the Immanuel Lutheran Church. The couple made Forest City their home for many years.

Hilda was a devout Republican and was very active in county and state Republican politics. She was a wonderful cook and treasured time spent with her family and her grandchildren. She was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City.

Hilda is survived by her children, Erika (Bradley) Gentz of Mason City, Uwe (Debbie) Kugler of Thunder Lake, Missouri, Heinz J. Kugler of Waterloo and Werner (Debbie) Kugler of Coconut Creek, Florida; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; a sister, Irmgard Deininger of Schwabish Hall, Germany; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Hilda was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Oskar; a son, Oskar H. Kugler; a sister, Elfriede Andreas; and a brother, Otto Andreas.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Larry Swanson, 76

Published October 13, 2004, Page B-5

Larry Swanson, 76, of Sheffield, died on Wednesday, October 6, 2004, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, October 9, at the Zion St. John Lutheran Church in Sheffield, with Rev. Kent A. Mechler presiding. Burial was in the Hillside Cemetery, Sheffield, with the Retz-Grarup Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Larry Wayne, the son of Alvin and Ida (Elias) Swanson, was born on February 6, 1928 in Forest City. Larry was baptized and confirmed at the Pilot Knob Lutheran Church near Forest City. He graduated from the Fertile High School. On April 21, 1950, Larry was united in marriage with Violet J. Clair at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City. They made their home in Forest City, where Larry drove truck for International Harvester and worked on farms as a hired hand. In 1961, they moved to Sheffield where he worked as a hired hand for Junior Edgington and other area farmers. Larry also sold cattle for the Sheffield Cattle Company and fertilizer. For two years Larry and Vi ran the bowling alley in Sheffield.

He was known as 'Grandpa Larry' to Sheffield kids for 14 years as he drove school bus and really enjoyed and cared for the children on his busses. When his children were in Little League he began coaching and enjoyed it so much he continued coaching for 17 years. His number one rule was "Everybody gets to play." Every year he took his team to a Twins baseball game. To his family Larry was known as 'The Guy.' He could fix anything and gladly helped out his family whenever needed. Always a happy, friendly and giving person he made sure everyone he met had what they needed without expectation of being repaid. Larry and Vi were excellent polka dancers and would often be given the floor for others to enjoy watching them. Larry was a member of the Zion St. John Lutheran Church, Sheffield.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Vi; children, Cheryl (Tim) Riherd of Forest City, Vickie Ronnenberg of Zumbrota, Minnesota, Norlene (Mike) Kramer of Sheffield, Jon (Barb) Swanson of Sheffield, Dave (Karen) Swanson of Brighton, Colorado and Gail Kuper of Omaha, Nebraska; 16 grandchildren; 12 great -grandchildren; and a brother, Dean (Fran) Swanson of Williams.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gerald Swanson; and sister, Gloria Griffith.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Jerry Valley, 65

Published October 13, 2004, Page B-5

Jerry Valley, 65, of Forest City, died on Saturday, October 9, 2004, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Memorial services were held on Tuesday, October 12, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City, with Rev. Lee Laaveg, pastor of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City officiating. Burial will be held at a later date.

Jerry Floyd Valley, was born on November 24, 1938 in Des Moines, the son of Charles and Florence Clair. When Jerry was three years old, he was adopted by Floyd and Mable Valley of Forest City. He attended school in Forest City and graduated from the Forest City High School in 1957. On November 1, 1959, he married Judy Jenkins of Fertile. Jerry worked at Jenkins Trucking in Fertile and also at the Fertile Tile Plant. He worked many years for Forest City Ready Mix and most recently had been the custodian at the Forest City Police Station until his retirement in 2001.

Jerry is survived by his children, Terry (Peggy) Valley of Whitwell, Tennessee, David (Ann) Valley of Albertville, Minnesota and Deb (Lee) Albertson of Scarville; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; his biological siblings, Alice Kinley of Des Moines, Vi Swanson of Sheffield, Frank Launsen of Morris, Illinois, Maribelle Olsen of Sheffield, Delbert Witt of Mason City and Sue Hansen of Humboldt. Also, very dear friends, Jeanie Thompson and JoAnn Bartleson of Forest City; as well as Dr. Clark and the wonderful folks at Hospice.

Jerry was preceded in death by his biological parents, Charles and Florence Clair; his adoptive parents, Floyd and Mable Valley; and a brother, Charles Ness of Des Moines.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Harold Skilbred, 78

Published October 20, 2004, Page A-13

Harold Skilbred, 78, of Hanlontown, died on Sunday, October 10, 2004, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

Memorial services were held on Wednesday, October 13, at the Grace Lutheran Church in Hanlontown, with Rev. Kris Snyder officiating. Military honors were conducted by members of the Clear Lake VFW at the church. Inurnment will be at a later date with arrangements by the Ward Van Slyke Funeral Home.

Harold Richard Skilbred, was born on January 9, 1926 in Buffalo Center, the son of John Jr. and Clara Annette (Holland) Skilbred. Harold attended the Grant #6 Country School. He moved to Oregon and became a welder building ships. He enlisted in the United States Army in April of 1944 and was honorably discharged October 1947. He was in the reserves when he was called back for the Korean Conflict.

During WW II he met Karola in Munich, Germany. They moved back to Forest City and were united in marriage on November 19, 1947, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Forest City. To this union four children were born. Harold worked for several implements as a mechanic in the area. He was a bus driver and custodian for the North Central School System in Hanlontown. He retired at Winnebago Industries in Forest City.

He enjoyed playing cards and tinkering in his shop. He was a member of the Grace Lutheran Church, Hanlontown, the Clear Lake VFW and was a volunteer fireman for the Hanlontown Fire Department.

Harold is survived by his wife, Karola Skilbred of Hanlontown; children, Monika and her husband, James Sorenson of St. Ansgar, Loretta and her husband, Gary Boiler of Blanchard, Oklahoma, Richard and his wife, Bette Skilbred of Clear Lake and Robin and her husband, Barry Chronister of Fertile; grandchildren, Doug and his wife, Jennifer Sorenson, Cassie and her husband, David Nelson, Joanna and her husband, Brian Southard, Joshua and his wife, Jessie Boiler, Jamie Boiler, Adrienne Skilbred, Jason Sheahan, Gabe and his wife, Angle Sheahan, Renee and her husband, Derek Gustafson, Keith Schmitz, Danielle Schmitz, Shanda and her husband, Danny Boatright, Aaron Chronister; 13 great-grandchildren; brother, Darwin and his wife, Doris Skilbred of Donna, Texas; sister, Darlene James of Mason City; sister-in-law, Traudi and her husband, Heinrich Kiefer of Munich, Germany; along with several cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by parents; brother-in-law, Galen James; and two great-grandsons, Tanner Southard and Charlie Gustafson.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Darwin W. Skilbred, 72

Published October 20, 2004, Page A-13

Darwin W. Skilbred, 72, of Donna, Texas, died on Tuesday, October 12, 2004, at the Knapp Memorial Hospital in Weslaco.

Memorial services were held on Friday, October 15, at the McCaleb Funeral Home in Weslaco, Texas, with military honors conducted at the funeral home.

Darwin, the son of John Jr. and Clara Annette (Holland) Skilbred, was born on July 2, 1932 in Forest City. Darwin attended country schools and worked as a farmhand until enlisting in the U.S. Army in July 1950. He was a veteran of the Korean War and retired in August 1970. He worked at Winnebago Industries delivering motor homes from 1970 to 1980.

He loved talking on the C.B. radio and was known as "Green Hornet." He was married to Doris on September 1, 1984 in Donna, Texas. He was owner and manager of his RV Park in Donna for 24 years. He loved traveling in his motor home during the summer months.

Darwin is survived by his wife, Doris of Donna, Texas; a twin sister, Darlene James of Mason City; son, John (Beatrice) Skilbred of Las Vegas, Nevada; Yvonne Brown of Fort Pierce, Florida; three granddaughters; one great-grandson; many nieces and nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Galyn James; and brother, Harold Skilbred.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Susan Perry, 62

Published October 20, 2004, Page A-13

Susan Perry, 62, died on Wednesday, October 13, 2004, at her home in Lake Mills.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, October 16, at the Salem Lutheran Church Chapel, with Rev. Roger Dykstra officiating. Burial was in the Kensett Cemetery in Kensett, with the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Susan Eileen, was born on October 9, 1942 in Forest City, the daughter of Hale and Lucille (Bolstad) Cooley. Susan was confirmed at the Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills. She was united in marriage with Keith Thompson in 1958 and was blessed with two daughters, Kathy and Jill. Susan worked at Duffy's Drive-in, at the Winnebago County Home and most recently, at Woodvale in Albert Lea, Minnesota for ten years.

She was a patient, tender-hearted person who loved her family and took great pride in her grandchildren. She enjoyed cooking, reading, walking and spending time with friends and neighbors.

Survivors include her fiancée, Evans Olmsted of Lake Mills; two daughters, Kathy Gilbertson and her special friend, Doug Block of Emmons, Minnesota and Jill Black and her husband, Terry of Mason City; three stepchildren, Kevin Sprecher of Lake Mills, Rhonda Schriever of Lake Mills and Kyle Sprecher of Houston, Texas; eight grandchildren, Cole Gilbertson, Haley Gilbertson, Ali Gilbertson, Chase Gilbertson, Chance Gilbertson, Cody Black, Garrett Black and Mackenzie Black; a brother, Mark Cooley and his wife, Diane of Lake Mills; two nephews, Tony Cooley of Clackamer, Oregon and Hale Cooley of Lake Mills; and many aunts and uncles.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a niece, Annalisa Cooley.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Max P. Lunstrum, 83

Published October 20, 2004, Page A-13

Max P. Lunstrum, 83, of Dumont, died on Thursday, October 14, 2004, at the Dumont Wellness Center in Dumont.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, October 17, at the New Hope United Methodist Church in Dumont, with the Rev. Terra Amundson officiating. Burial was in the Oakland Cemetery in Forest City, with the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Max Palmer Lunstrum, was born in Boone on April 10, 1921, the son of Elmer and Mamie (Lackore) Lunstrum. Max moved to Forest City as a young child where he received his education and graduated from the Forest City High School in 1939. He worked on the farm for an uncle until moving to California for a brief time to work in the wartime industries. He was united in marriage with Ruby Cunningham in Clear Lake on September 19, 1942. Shortly after, he was inducted into the U.S. Army where he served as a front line medic with the 4th Infantry Division throughout the European Theater. Following his honorable discharge, he began working toward his Bachelors Degree from the University of Northern Iowa.

After receiving his BA, he taught for two years in Swaledale. He received his Masters Degree from the University of Iowa and then moved to Dumont where he spent the next 30 years teaching science, math, biology and industrial arts. He served as Principal of the Dumont Community High School and continued teaching there until his retirement in 1983.

Max served as the city clerk of Dumont, was active in the PTA, the American Legion, the Lions Club and the 4th Infantry Division Association. He liked to go fishing and enjoyed elk hunting trips in Colorado. He always took pleasure in visiting his children and helping them with home projects.

He is survived by his children, Sharon Lunstrum and husband, Oscar Argumedo of San Antonio, Texas, Kathy Lurene Lunstrum of Golden, Colorado, Judy Ginapp and husband, Clark of Holyoke, Colorado, Danny Lunstrum and wife, Lynne of Dumont and Terry Lunstrum and wife, Jeanette of San Antonio, Texas; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a brother, Vernon Myhre of Brooks, Oregon.

Max was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ruby; an infant sister, Anna Grace; and a sister, Helen Cassie.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Stephen Flugum, 57

Published October 27, 2004, Page B-5

Stephen Flugum, 57, of Leland, died on Friday, October 15, 2004, at his home in rural Leland.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, October 21, at the Winnebago Lutheran Church, rural Lake Mills, with Pastor James C. Haake officiating. Burial was in the Winnebago Lutheran Church Cemetery, with the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Stephen Craig Flugum, was born on January 29, 1947 in Forest City, Iowa, the son of Ruth Lots (Bolstad) and Melvin Flugum. The day that Stephen was brought home from the hospital, the road was filled with snow, so they had to drive across the field from the north just to get home. Stephen attended the Lake Mills High School and later received his GED and took marketing classes at NIACC. He worked a short time for J.C. Penney's in Mason City and at the Bungalow Cafe in Forest City. He was united in marriage to Linda Shaw and to this union two daughters, Dawn and Michelle, were born.

Stephen loved his father and mother and he loved his Heavenly Father. He had the heart of a true servant. He was a very active member of the Forest City Foursquare Church, where he served in many capacities. He loved music and playing his trumpet. He loved the outdoors. He had a giving spirit, almost to a fault. He also put much time and hard work into the Forest City Food Bank. Stephen will be missed.

He is survived by his father, Melvin Flugum of Leland; his mother, Ruth Flugum of Forest City; his ex-wife, Linda Shaw of Elkader; daughters, Dawn Hansel of West Union and Michelle Williams of Elkader; eight grandchildren, Dawn's children, Tifani, Zachery Jacob, Christian, Isabelle and Hailey and Michelle's children, Joshua and Taylor; a special friend, Mae Shropshire of Thompson; and aunt, Marilyn Larsoir of Clear Lake.

Stephen was preceded in death by his grandparents, Norman and Christina Flugum; uncle, Norman Larson; and aunt and uncle, Alvira and Walter Thompson.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Terry DeGeus, 32

Published October 20, 2004, Page A-13

Memorial services for Terry DeGeus, were held on Saturday, October 16, at the Ewing Dugger Funeral Home in Britt, with Rev. Dr. John Meyer officiating.

Terry Scott DeGeus, 32, of rural Britt, was wrongfully taken from his family on November 5, 1993. Inurnment was in the Bingham Township Cemetery, Woden, with the Ewing Dugger Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements. Honorary casket bearers were Jeff DeGeus, Brian DeGeus, Terry Kunkel, Kevin Nelson, Steve Gerdes and Paul Pigman.

Terry Scott, the son of Edward and JoAnn DeGeus, was born on November 19, 1960 in Charles City. He was baptized and confirmed at the First Lutheran Church in Gamer. He graduated from the West Hancock High School in 1980. While in Jr. High School, Terry was a record holder in pole vaulting and enjoyed being a member of the wrestling team. Terry worked for Holland Construction in Forest City and later drove semi for Schmidt Trucking of Britt. Terry also drove truck for Bud Ranken and Bud Schrotter.

Some of Terry's hobbies were playing pool, spending time with his friends and most of all spending quality time with his daughter, Ashley.

Terry is survived by his parents, Edward and JoAnn DeGeus of Britt; two sisters, Ronda Francis and her husband, Jerry of Britt and Brenda Stone and her husband, Bryan of Charles City; two brothers, Jeff DeGeus and his wife, Becky of Britt and Brian DeGeus of Orlando, Florida; his daughter, Ashley of Corwith; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Terry was preceded in death by his son, Westin Scott DeGeus.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Mary V. Frisbie, 89

Published October 20, 2004, Page A-13

Mary V. Frisbie, 89, of Lake Mills, died on Sunday, October 17, 2004, at the Lake Mills Care Center in Lake Mills.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Wednesday, October 20, at the Lime Creek Synod Lutheran Church, rural Lake Mills. Burial will be in the Hartland Cemetery in Hartland, Minnesota, with the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Clarence E. "Zeke" Garst, 86

Published October 27, 2004, Page B-5

Clarence E. Garst, 86, died on Tuesday, October 19, 2004, at the Westview Care Center in Britt.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, October 23, at the United Methodist Church in Buffalo Center, with Rev. William Peake officiating. Military honors were by the Buffalo Center VFW/American Legion Honor Guard, with a Taps echo by Carmen Garst. Interment was in the Olena Mound Cemetery, Buffalo Center, with the Winter Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Organist, Vera Bronleewe accompanied a violin solo by George Dobrovolny, soloist Patricia McCone and congregational hymns. Casket bearers were Matthew Garst, Mark Garst, Joe Shortenhaus, Harry Drennan Jr., John C. Robinette and Tom Robinette. Honorary bearers were Refine Rossman, Reinert Levik, Jim Kiewiet, Robert Johnson, A. J. Robinson, Bruce Robinson, Ken Koch, Layman Wilkinson, Terry Drennan, Joe Kessinger and Roy Jakle.

Clarence E. "Zeke" Garst, the son of Clarence and Clyda Edith (Van Winkle) Garst, was born on November 14, 1917 in Springfield, Ill. Zeke was a 1936 graduate of Springfield High School in Springfield, Illinois. After graduation he farmed with his father until he was drafted into the Army in 1942. He served with the Army 53rd General Hospital in England, where he worked in the burn unit. During his three and a half years there, he cared for many soldiers, including those returning from the Normandy beaches on D-Day. Following his honorable discharge in 1946, Zeke farmed in the Hillsboro area. On June 4, 1949, he was united in marriage with Naomi Shortenhaus at the United Methodist Church in Buffalo Center. In 1951, Zeke and Naomi moved to Buffalo Center, where they farmed until he retired and they remained there.

Zeke was a 51-year member of the American Legion, a 42-year member of the Masonic Lodge and The Shrine, a longtime member of the United Methodist Church in Buffalo Center and a 19-year member of the Board of Directors of the Farmers Trust & Savings Bank. He loved to hunt, fish and garden, but most of all he loved spending time with his family.

Zeke is survived by his wife, Naomi of Buffalo Center; his two sons, Ike Garst and his wife, Lucy of Littleton, Colorado and Gary Garst and his wife, Debby of Buffalo Center; six grandchildren, Elizabeth Garst of Littleton, Colorado, Nicole Garst of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Ashley Garst of Littleton, Matthew Garst and his wife, Sheryl of Council Bluffs, Mark Garst and his wife, Jill of Lakota and Carmen Garst of Brookings, South Dakota; his great-granddaughter, Bailee Garst of Lakota; his sister, Phyllis Brooks of Springfield, Illinois; as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Zeke was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Warner Garst and his wife, Anna; his sisters, Lou Weltha Crouse and her husband; LaVerne Burd and her husband, Robert; Mildred Langston and her husband, Harold; Alta and her husband, Harry Drennan; Rosa Alma Robinette and her husband, C. B.; and his brother-in-law, Lester Brooks.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Jennie Aasland, 94

Published October 27, 2004, Page B-5

Jennie Marie Aasland, 94, died on Sunday, October 24, 2004, at the Lake Mills Care Center in Lake Mills.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, October 27, at the Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills, with Rev. Kevin Mackey officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday, October 26, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in Lake Mills. Burial will be in the Beaver Creek Cemetery, rural Lake Mills, with the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Jennie Marie Furness, was born on August 10, 1910 at rural Banks, North Dakota, to John and Adiida (Jacobson) Furness. The family moved back to Iowa where Jennie graduated from the Hanlontown High School in 1929. She was united in marriage with Burton J. Aasland on February 22, 1932 at Mason City. During the 25 years Jennie and Burt lived in Joice, they owned and operated a restaurant and a plumbing/heating business. Many people through the years paid Jennie compliments about her wonderful pies and fine cooking abilities. The couple also farmed for seven years near Scarville. Following retirement, Jennie continued to work part time in the food service area of the Lake Mills Care Center.

Jennie was an active participant in the churches and communities in which she lived. She was an avid reader, sports enthusiast and especially enjoyed friends and fellowship in church circles. Her greatest pleasures came from her home and family. She was a loving wife and mother who left a legacy of many treasured memories that her family will always cherish.

She is survived by her children, Bonnie Miller and her husband, James of Cedar Rapids, Darlene Larson of Eldridge and Dennis Aasland of Lake Mills; 10 grandchildren, Joseph Larson, Gary Larson, Bradley Larson, Steven Miller, Paul Miller, Deanna Aasland, Bryan Larson, Dale Aasland, Douglas Aasland and Lynda Thomas; 17 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Evelyn Klein and her husband, Harold, Dorothy Schultel and Helen Baife; a sister-in-law, Jennie Furness; and a long-time friend, Arlene (Moe) Sprecher.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a great-granddaughter, Megan Charlson; seven sisters; and five brothers.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Melroy Fenske, 71

Published November 3, 2004, Page B-8

Melroy "Mel" Fenske, 71, of Mankato, Minnesota, died on Monday, October 25, 2004, at his home.

Funeral services were held on Friday, October 29, at the Christ The King Lutheran Church, Mankato, with Rev. John Petersen officiating. Burial was in the Woodland Hills Memorial Park, with the Woodland Hills Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Mel was born on January 27, 1933 in Gibbon, Minnesota, to Ernest and Leona (Jahnke) Fenske. Mel graduated from the Gibbon High School in 1951. On June 27, 1961, Mel married Carin Kjellson in South Ruislie, England and they later divorced. On March 31, 1995, he married Nadine Schulte in Mankato. Mel served in the U.S. Air Force from April 14, 1952 to July 31, 1972 in Germany, Turkey, England, Japan and many other locations. During his working career, Mel worked over 12 years for the Hubbard Milling Company and 14 years as an insurance salesman for Bankers Life and Casualty, retiring in 1999.

Mel had many interests. He enjoyed sports, cribbage, 500, Pfeiffer, traveling and people. He loved talking to longtime friends and he never met a stranger. He was a member of the Christ The King Lutheran Church. His other memberships included the American Legion Post 11, 40&8 Voiture 281, VFW Post 950, Disabled American Veterans, Air Force Sergeants Association, National Association of Uniformed Services, The Retired Enlisted Association, Post Commander of Post 11 from 1991 until 1992, District 2 (Southwest Minnesota) Vice Commander 1993 until 1996, District 2 Commander 1996 until 1997, Post 11 executive board, color guard, membership, Post 11 newspaper 12 years.

Mel is survived by his wife, Nadine of Mankato; two sons, Bob (Robin) Fenske of Forest City and Mike Woitas of Mankato; daughters, Cathy (John) Krause, Therese Woitas, Jenny Pehrson, Lois (Donn) Vetter, all of Mankato, Margaret Robinson (Jim Gaard) of Chaska, Georgia Woitas of Minnetonka, Judy Woitas of St. Paul, Joni Woitas of Richfield, Donna (Kashi) Mirsa of Mobile, Alabama, Christine Woitas of Winnebago; daughter-in-law, Lesa Woitas of Mankato; sisters, Lorna Rasmussen of Osseo and Caroline Pelzel (Susan Spaeth) of Duluth; sister-in-law, Judith Fenske; 24 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and nine nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Chuck; grandson, Jonathon Woitas; brother, Willard Fenske; and brother-in-law, Burnell Rasmussen.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Ardie Lovick, 77

Published November 3, 2004, Page B-8

Ardie L. "Red" Lovick, 77, of Washington, died on Tuesday, October 26, 2004, at the United Presbyterian Home, following complications of Parkinson's Disease.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, October 30, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Washington, Iowa, with the Rev. Brian Gentz officiating. Interment, with military rites was in the Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington, with the Jones-Eden Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Ardie was born on July 7, 1927 in Fertile, the son of Henry O. and Ida (Hanson) Lovick. After graduating from high school, Ardie graduated from Iowa State University in Ames in 1951. Ardie served in the United States Navy during World War II. On June 7, 1952, he was united in marriage to Juanita Badger in Montezuma. He was a resident of Washington since 1967. In his earlier years he was a Vocational Agriculture and Shop teacher at Mingo from 1951 until 1956. He was then a Feed Mill operator for ten years and later worked for the Kaiser Fertilizer Company in Keota from 1966 until 1972, where he was district manager. Ardie owned the Sears catalog store in Washington for 13 years. For 14 years Ardie was employed by the Washington Community School District as a school bus driver and at the same time was a self-employed furniture restorer and owner of the Washington Prairie Antiques.

Ardie was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church, serving on the church council for six years and he was also a member of the Washington Kiwanis A. Mer's, and the Southeast Iowa Antique Car Club since 1971. He enjoyed working on his "57" Chevy and Cushman scooter. Ardie was a member of the American Legion.

He is survived by his wife, Juanita "Nita" Lovick of Washington; son, Steven K. Lovick and wife, Emily of Ft. Smith, Arkansas; daughters, Debra Jo Rees and husband, Loren of Boone and Robyn Marie Feik and husband, Jim of Letts; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; three brothers, James Lovick and wife, Alvera of Fertile, Leo Lovick and wife, Marlys of Ackley and Larry Lovick and wife, Diane of Forest City; and five sisters, Murlette Hagen of Lake Mills, Pearl Hanna of Clear Lake, Alice Toresdahl of Clear Lake, Elaine Ollenburg and husband, Bob of Ventura and Doris Bonnstetter and husband, Frank of Clear Lake.

Ardie was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Karl in 1997; one brother, Paul; and two sisters, Amy Brakke and Irene Brakke.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Eleanor (Moe) Iverson, 91

Published November 3, 2004, Page B-8

Eleanor (Moe) Iverson, 91, of Cudahy, Wisconsin, died on Thursday, October 28, 2004, at the Willow Crest Nursing Home in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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

Fannie E. Peters, 84

Published November 3, 2004, Page B-8

Fannie E. Peters, 84, died on Friday, October 29, 2004.

Funeral services were held on Monday, November 1, at the Holmes Baptist Church in Holmes, with Pastor Patrick Odle officiating. Interment was in the Oakland Cemetery in Forest City, with the Ewing Dugger Funeral Home of Kanawha in charge of the arrangements. Organist and pianist was Lana Smith. Honorary casket bearers were Rhonda Sellergren, Miriam Leckrone, Julie Palmer, Angela Peters and Valereie Lapointe. Casket bearers were Kevin Peters, Bruce Gast, Mark Stupka, Scott Peters, Brad Gast, Mike Stupka, Chris Peters, Brian Gast, Daryl Hanson and Brent Gast.

Fannie Elizabeth Stearns, was born on May 19, 1920 in Webster City, Iowa, to Grace Elizabeth (Teal) and William Bradford Stearns. She grew up and attended country school in the Webster City area. She was married on July 30, 1938, to Julius Earl Peters. To this union seven children were born. They made their home between Webster City and Stanhope until 1950, when they moved to a farm west of Forest City. She moved to Kanawha in 1978.

She was a member of the Holmes Baptist Church. She enjoyed her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. She often said she didn't know what she would do without her kids. She liked to fish and garden and enjoyed making quilts, working with wood and traveling.

Left to cherish her memory are her five children, Marvin Peters and his wife, Delilah of Manly, Mary Stupka and her husband, Marvin of Kanawha, Judy Lowmaster and her husband, Jim of Bemidji, Minnesota, Charles Peters and his wife, Joyce of Mason City and Betty Hanson and her husband, Andy of Tomah, Wisconsin; 15 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; a sister, Marjorie Wood; sister-in-law, Doris Stearns; two brothers, Ralph Stearns and his wife, Dorothy and Bill Stearns and his wife, Eloise; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband; an infant son; a son, Louie; grandson, Steve; a son-in-law, Roger Gast; her parents; two brothers, John and Frank; and her brother-in-law, Dr. Elon Wood.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Roger D. Brackey, 68

Published November 3, 2004, Page B-8

Roger D. Brackey, age 68, died on Friday, October 29, 2004, in Gresham, Oregon.

A memorial service was held at the home of his sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Morris (Ferne) Jones, of Gresham. Several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends were in attendance. A graveside service will be held in the Lake Mills Synod Cemetery for the immediate family.

Roger was born on January 18, 1936 and was baptized and confirmed in the Synod Lutheran Church. He lived in the Lake Mills and Albert Lea, Minnesota areas for most of his life. Because of his love for the mountains and the great outdoors, he retired in Oregon, spending most of his time in the Mt. Hood and the Columbia River areas. Among his many jobs through out his life, he was an over-the-road truck driver and a motor home delivery driver that took him through all of the USA and Alaska, as well as the provinces of Canada.

His hobbies included photography of mountain scenery as well as photographing wild life in the Yellowstone National Park.

He is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Morris (Ferne) Jones of Gresham, Oregon and Janice Winklbauer of Forest City; brothers, Leroy and his wife Sharon Brackey of Lake Mills and Steve Brackey and his wife, Bev of Forest City.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ben and Ella Westendorf; his mother, Frances (Westendorf) Brackey; two sisters, Mrs. Roscoe (Bernice Brackey) Palmer and Mrs. Harry (Elaine Brackey) Sevley; one nephew, Larry Sevley, son of Harry and Elaine Sevley; and two nieces, Lisa Winklbauer, daughter of Janice Winklbauer and Sara Brackey, daughter of Leroy and Sharon Brackey.
© 2004 Forest City Summit