Gladys Robinson, 94

Published April 13, 2005, Page B-5

Gladys Robinson, 94, died on Friday, April 1, 2005.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, April 16, at 1:30 p.m., at the Grant Lutheran Church, rural Woden.

Gladys Marvel, the daughter of Ole and Annie (Bru), was born on July 15, 1911, near Goldfield. She was baptized at the Lake Church in Goldfield. In 1913, the family moved to Winnebago County and eight years later to Hancock County near Woden. She attended the Grant Township School No. 7 and Bingham School No. 1 and the Buffalo Center High School. When Gladys was 11 years old, her mother died. As a young girl she loved to play ball with her brothers and neighboring youngsters.

She was confirmed in 1925 by Rev. Malmen at the Grant Lutheran Church. She was a member there for over 80 years. She taught Sunday School, was an active member of Ladies Aid and Circle. She was also a member of the Linden Ladies Club, worked on the township election boards and was active in 4-H clubs. Gladys was united in marriage with LeRoy Robinson in Albert Lea on August 24, 1929. They lived on a farm southwest of Thompson, then moved to a farm near Woden. In 1935, they moved to the family farm south of Thompson.

After her husband died in 1988, she moved to an apartment in Thompson and was a member of the Senior Center. Some time later, Gladys moved to Arizona to be closer to her youngest son, LeRoy Jr. She eventually moved to Lake Hills Inn Care Center where she spent the remainder of her life.

Gladys is survived by her children, Lorraine (Palmer) Olson of Thousand Oaks, California, Merle (Mary) Robinson of Forest City, JoAnn (LeRoy Everhard of Albert Lea, Minnesota and LeRoy (Cathy) Robinson of Lake Havasu City, Arizona; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; three sisters; five brothers; and one grandson.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Mathilda E. Eenhuis

Published April 13, 2005, Page B-5

Mathilda E. Eenhuis, 90, of Garner, died on Tuesday, April 5, 2005, at the Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake.

Funeral services were held on Friday, April 8, at the Peace Reformed Church south of Garner, with the Rev. Jeff DeBoer officiating. Music was provided by organist, Connie Greiman who accompanied soloist, Brent Renner and congregational hymns. Ushers were Bill Katter, Sr. and Steve Lenz. Honorary bearers were Jerry Eenhuis, Robert Peterson, Les Peterson and Larry Schlawin.

Casket bearers were Craig Schlawin, David Eenhuis, Steve Eenhuis, Virgil Stahl, Larry Eenhuis and Chad Schlawin. Burial was in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, with the Cataldo Funeral Home in Garner in charge of the arrangements.

Mathilda Elizabeth, the daughter of Otto A. L. and Mathilda E. (Katter) Schlawin, was born on September 3, 1914, on a farm southwest of Garner. Mathilda was baptized and confirmed by the Rev. C. A. Schmid. She attended the rural schools in Liberty Township. On December 23, 1935, she was united in marriage with Menno Johann Eenhuis at the Kanawha Christian Reformed Parsonage. The couple farmed northeast of Kanawha for four years, northeast of Hayfield for 26 years and then northeast of Miller for four years, before retiring to Garner in 1970. In 1989, Mathilda moved to the Town Square Apartments in Forest City and in 1999 to the Three Links Apartments in Mason City. She became a resident of Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake in June 2002.

She enjoyed her family and working with craft items. She was a member of the Peace Reformed Church, where she was active in the Women's Missionary Society and taught Sunday School.

Mathilda is survived by her children, Marjorie (Orlando) Peterson of Clear Lake and Melvin (Pauline) Eenhuis of Des Moines; five grandchildren, Carolyn (Craig) Schlawin of Farmington, Minnesota, Robert (Genon) Peterson of Forest City, Les (Robin) Peterson of Colorado Springs, Colorado, David (Toalima) Eenhuis of Mason City and Steven (Shirley) Eenhuis of Mason City; six step-grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; six step-great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; five step-great-great-grandchildren; her twin sister, Myra Stahl of Belmond; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Menno on March 5, 1991; her parents; a great-grandson, Michael Tavita Eenhuis; an infant brother; brother, Roger Schlawin; and three sisters, Sadie Lemke, Norva Cole and Helena Boland.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Marian Holstad, 85

Published April 13, 2005, Page B-5

Marian A. Holstad, 85, of Lake Mills, died on Friday, April 8, 2005, at the Lake Mills Care Center in Lake Mills.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 12, at the Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills, with Rev. Kevin Mackey officiating. Burial was in the Salem Memorial Cemetery in Lake Mills, with the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Marian Alice, was born on January 17, 1920 in Worth County, the daughter of Edward and Alice (Tapager) Meehan. She was a resident in this area all her life. She attended rural schools and graduated from the Lake Mills High School. She was a member of the Bristol Church and later Salem Lutheran Church. On February 18, 1939, Marian was united in marriage to Arnold M. Holstad at the Sion Lutheran Parsonage in rural Lake Mills.

Survivors include her daughter, Sharon and husband, Jerome Jensen of Albert Lea, Minnesota; five grandchildren, Thomas Jensen and James Jensen both of Clarks Grove, Minnesota; Allen W. Holstad II and his wife, Lauri of Windsor, Colorado; Amy Jo and husband, Eric Pagel of Greeley, Colorado; and Robert Jensen of Clarks Grove, Minnesota; two great-grandchildren, Rachel and Sam Jensen of Clarks Grove, Minnesota; one brother, Edward and his wife, Betty Meehan of Lamont; sister-in-law, Beverly Dregne of Clear Lake; brother-in-law, Alton Johnson of Clear Lake; brothers and sisters-in-law, Dale and Shirley Holstad of Clear Lake, Vi and Verne Nelson of California and her best friend, Betty Colby of Lake Mills; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Marian was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Arnold; her son, Allen; her sister, Marjorie Miles; her brother, Richard Meehan and another brother in infancy.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Peter Reinsmoen, 83

Published April 13, 2005, Page B-5

Peter Orland "Ole" Reinsmoen, died of colon cancer at the Comfort House Hospice, McAllen, at his winter home in Alamo, Texas on Friday, April 8, 2005. 

A memorial service will be conducted by Pastor Bill Peters, Bethany Lutheran Church, Joice, at a later date with inurnment in the Concordia Cemetery, Joice.

The son of Peter M. and Olga (Skrien) Reinsmoen, he was born on March 13, 1922, at his parents' Joice, Iowa, farm home where he lived his entire life. His education was in the Joice Schools, graduating as class president from high school in 1940. From boyhood he participated in sports at every opportunity, lettering in baseball and basketball at Joice High School and continuing with town and church teams sometimes on the same teams as his sons. He married Lois Tweed of Joice, daughter of Otis and Florence (Nelson) Tweed at the Beaver Creek Lutheran Church on May 9, 1943. They were to celebrate their 62nd anniversary this spring. To this union six children, Mary, Mark, Robert, Jane, Laura and Molly were born.

He was partial to his church, his family, his hometown and the Great Outdoors, exploring the Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota and Canada in his canoe over fifty times. The last time was in 2003 at age 81 with his wife and all five children. He enjoyed camping with family and friends and the summer vacations at the same Minnesota resort in the same cottage for 18 years. An extended trip to Norway with Lois and over sixty of the Tweed/Tvedt clan in 1993 was a highlight of his life. "Ole" and two cousins were given nicknames in early childhood by his Grandmother Kaia Reinsmoen from a comic strip in The Decorah Posten. His nickname always stayed with him.

He was a good pool player, cribbage player and bowler, an avid reader, especially history and was always a firm supporter of Indian causes and wildlife. Although not an ardent golfer he had two, "pure luck," he said, holes-in-one at the Rice Lake Course where he was a longtime member. He was a faithful, loving son, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He bravely assumed the role of "Roommate" in his wife's newspaper columns and was an unflinching sport about it. Norwegian through and through he never missed a chance to say so. He was a homebody and loved his homestead which was designated a Century Farm in 1878. An honest and trustworthy gentleman in all his dealings, his way of life was to leave his "campsite" better than he found it.

Orland is survived by his wife, Lois of Joice; five children, Mary Reinsmoen of Madison, Wisconsin, Mark (Dianne) Reinsmoen of Burnsville, Minnesota, Robert (Mary) Reinsmoen of Chanhassen, Minnesota, Jane Heilskov of Mason City and Molly (Dave) Iverson of Joice; one sister, Carole (Allen) Freize of Hampton; 16 grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law; four brothers-in-law; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Peter Orland Reinsmoen was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Laura at age thirteen; two sisters, Mildred (Kermit) Anonson and Carma (Alton) Tenold; parents-in-law; three brothers-in-law; one sister-in-law; two sons-in-law, Paul Heilskov and Ron Almelien; and one nephew.

Blessed be his memory.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Richard Carney, 73

Published April 13, 2005, Page B-5

Richard "Dick" Carney, 73, of the Titonka-Crystal Lake area, died on Friday, April 8, 2005, at the Hospice of North Iowa in Mason City.

Memorial services were held on Monday, April 11, at the Crystal Lake Methodist Church, with Reverend Catherine Luck officiating. Pianist, Anita Eden accompanied soloist, Bruce Wubben and congregational hymns. Usher was Keith Sorenson. Inurnment was in the Buffalo Township Cemetery, Titonka, with the Ewing Dugger Funeral Chapel of Britt in charge of the arrangements.

Dick, the son of Hugh and Carrie Blanche (Schneider) Carney, was born on January 24, 1932 in Mallard. Dick attended school at Whittemore and then graduated from the Fenton High School in 1949. He served in the Korean War from 1952 until 1955. Following an honorable discharge, Dick worked in Fort Dodge for the Rankin Motor Company and then nine years for U.S. Gypsum. Dick was united in marriage with Cheryl Grimm on January 31, 1964 in Whittemore. The couple made their home in Cylinder for three years where Dick was manager of the Standard Oil Fertilizer Plant. They then moved to Irvington, where Dick was plant manager for the Fertilizer and L.P. Gas Company. In 1971, Dick and Cheryl then had the chance to take over the oil agent's job in Crystal Lake. In 1975, Dick became the oil jobber for Standard Oil and the family ran that business.

Dick served one term on the Crystal Lake City Council and then served as Mayor for three terms. While serving as Mayor, Dick helped get the Senior Center started in the City Hall building so they would have a nice place to meet. Dick also helped to get cable television in at no cost at that time. Dick and Cheryl spent every winter in Mesa, Arizona. He always was ready to go to Arizona in October, but in April was ready to come home and be with his two granddaughters, Melanie and Janet.

Dick is survived by his wife, Cheryl; three children, Sandy Hofmann and Gary of Titonka, Rick Carney and Kesha of Denver, Colorado and Teena Blade and Scott of Altoona; four granddaughters, Melanie and Janet Hofmann, Madison and Sidney Carney; one grandson, John Neal Holland; one sister, Catherine Derenthall of Mesa, Arizona; one brother-in-law, Rolland Krug of West Bend; very special friends, Jim and Janice Kirshbaum and family; special neighbor, Erlene Schutter and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Patsy; brother, Hugh; and sister-in-law, Geraldine Krug.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

DeVere Steffensen, 83

Published April 20, 2005, Page B-5

DeVere G. Steffensen, 83, of Lake Mills, died on Sunday, April 10, 2005, at the Lake Mills Care Center.

A celebration of life service was held on Thursday, April 14, at the Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills, with the Rev. Roger Dykstra officiating. Burial was in the Salem Memorial Cemetery in Lake Mills, with the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

DeVere was born on November 22, 1921, at the home of his maternal grandparents near Forest City, to Arthur and Zilpha (Oleson) Steffensen. DeVere was baptized on November 7, 1926, by Rev. Carwin Taylor of the United Methodist Church, Forest City, at the home of his grandparents and received confirmation instruction at the Salem Lutheran Church, Lake Mills. He attended rural schools in Winnebago and Worth Counties and graduated from the Joice High School in 1940. He attended Hamilton Business College, Mason City. DeVere was employed as an accountant at Wilson's Packing Company in Albert Lea, Minnesota for four years. On January 28, 1943, DeVere and Clarine Aamodt were united in marriage at the home of her parents. They began farming in 1944 west of Lake Mills. In the mid-1940s, the Steffensens moved to a farm west of Lake Mills where they lived until 1997, when they retired and moved to Lake Mills.

DeVere was a charter member of the Iowa Cattlemen's Association. Feeding approximately 500 cattle per year, DeVere was one of the first users of automated cattle feeding systems. He was selected as an Iowa Master Farmer in 1974 and was also an honorary member of the Lake Mills Chapter of the Future Farmers of America. He was a DeKalb seed corn dealer in Newton Township for several years. Active in his church and community, DeVere was a long-time member of the Salem Lutheran Church, serving as a Deacon and on other church committees. He served on the board of directors of the Winnebago WCTA for 31 years and of the Winnebago REA for 28 years. He also served on the Lake Mills Community Schools Board, and was President during the school building project in the late 1950s and the consolidation of the rural Lake Mills, Scarville and Joice Schools. He was a lifetime member of the Lake Mills Historical Society.

DeVere delighted in his family and visited with each of his children at least twice per week. Saturday mornings always meant early phone calls to check on everyone. The family was very close-knit and never left one family gathering without planning for the next.

Left to cherish DeVere's memory are his loving wife of 62 years, Clarine; six children, LouAnn (Richard) Mikes of Sanibel, Florida and Ventura, Patricia (Curtis) Nelson of Northwood, Nancy (David) Monson of Leland, Julie (Leigh) Foster of Boone, Rebecca (Larry) Hill of Thompson and DeRay (Karen) Steffensen of Goshen, Indiana. Others who brought joy to his life were his 15 grandchildren, Jonathan Mikes, Richelle Mikes, Michelle (Kevin) Petznick, Chad Nelson, Anne Monson, Kathleen Monson, Aaron (Melissa) Foster, Amanda Foster, Alan Foster, Carrie (Cameron) Martin, Christopher Hill, Jennifer (Jason) Sheehan, Stephanie Hill, John Steffensen and Sally Steffensen; and "Bapa Cane's" great-grandchildren, Maeghan Petznick, Cole Sheehan and Conner Martin; three brothers, Cecil Steffensen, Donald (Barb) Steffensen and Marvin Steffensen; five sisters, Elaine Yates, Betty Mitchell, Mae (Duane) Legg, Jeanette (Markley) Ennen and JoAnn (Tom) Costigan; two brothers-in-law, Donald (Faye) Aamodt and Carroll (Maynis) Aamodt; and three sisters-in-law, Elaine Aamodt, Delores Steffensen and Susan Steffensen.

Welcoming DeVere to his heavenly home are an infant son; grandson, Michael Nelson; his parents; brothers, Clyde Steffensen and Garth Steffensen; and other beloved family members.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Bernice Rygh, 92

Published April 20, 2005, Page B-5

Bernice Rygh, 92, died on Tuesday, April 12, 2005, at the St. John's Nursing Home in Albert Lea, Minnesota.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 16, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in rural Kiester, Minnesota, with Pastor Chris Fiske officiating. Burial was in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in rural Kiester, Minnesota, with the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Bernice Lucille, daughter of Lewis and Lillian (Cox) Rygh, was born on September 21, 1912 in Eden Township, Winnebago County. Bernice was baptized and confirmed at the Trinity Lutheran Church and remained a life long member there. She was very faithful in her work for her church and served in many capacities. She was Sunday School Superintendent, LCW, stewardship officer, circle officer, served on the Alter Guild and on various committees. Bernice was an excellent seamstress and made quilts the year around to donate to charities.

Bernice cared for her parents until their death and worked at Fleetguard in Lake Mills until her retirement in 1977. She then became active in Senior Citizens in Lake Mills and served as an officer, worked in the "Meals on Wheels" program and also volunteered at the Lake Mills Nursing Home where she spent many hours helping with activities there. She lived at her home in Lake Mills until she became unable to live alone and then she went to live with her sister, Mavis Flo in Albert Lea. Mavis cared for her until she broke her hip and then she moved into the St. Johns Nursing Home.

Bernice is survived by one sister, Mavis Flo of Albert Lea, Minnesota; one sister-in-law, Wanda Rygh; 15 nieces and nephews; 30 great-nieces and nephews; and a host of great-great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lewis and Lillian Rygh; three brothers, Cecil, Glenn and Lloyd; brother-in-law, Marlin Flo; sister-in-law, Alma Rygh; one great-nephew, Dan Anderson; and great-nieces, Kristen Brekke and Emily Wedel.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Odin Johnson, 94

Published April 20, 2005, Page B-5

Odin H. Johnson, 94, died on Tuesday, April 12, 2005, at the St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 16, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Rake, with Rev. Larry Rehlander officiating. The American Legion Post #539 of Rake provided military honors. Inurnment will take place at a later date in the West Cemetery, Rake, with the Winter Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Odin Harris, was born in Rake on the family farm on March 20, 1911, to parents Gustave and Susan (Ryg) Johnson. Odin was baptized and confirmed at the Lincoln Lutheran Church in Rake. He was a member of the second graduating class of the Rake High School in 1930 and then went on to attend Waldorf College where he studied bookkeeping, typing and commercial law. Following his schooling, Odin and his brother, Sidney purchased the family business, Johnson's Meat Market, from their father in Rake. He worked there until he was drafted into the United States Army in 1941. He was released later that year, only to re-enter later to serve during WW II. During the war, Odin served with the 6th Medical Battalion as a surgical technician and spent time in the Hawaiian Islands, New Guinea and the Philippines. He was honorably discharged on November 10, 1945 and received the Good Conduct Medal and the American Defense Service Ribbon. Upon returning to Rake, Odin resumed his work of providing quality meats for the people of the Rake area until his retirement in 1975.

On March 1, 1958, Odin was united in marriage with Lillian Thompson Russ at the Zion Lutheran Church. He was welcomed into the family by Lillian's children and baby granddaughter. He and Lillian enjoyed watching their family grow. They liked to travel and took several trips throughout the United States and Canada. Odin loved Rake and was a great source of information about the history of the town. He served on the committee which prepared the History Book for Rake's Diamond Jubilee in 1975. He was a very active and faithful member of the Zion Lutheran Church, serving in various capacities. He was instrumental in translating the early Rake Church records from Norwegian to English. During his retirement years, he worked as assistant librarian at the Rake Library, did the bookkeeping for several small businesses and served as a volunteer driver for many senior citizens.

Odin had a great love of learning. He taught himself to use the computer when in his 70s. He loved to read, and after losing his sight to macular degeneration, he continued to absorb information by daily listening to books on tape. He enjoyed visiting about any subject and because of his amazing ability to retain information, continued to pass his knowledge along to the people he talked with until the very end of his life. Odin took great delight in his family and was always eager for news about their lives. One of his greatest joys was being great-great-grandpa to two little boys. In 1998, Odin and Lillian moved to the St. Lukes Lutheran Home in Blue Earth, Minnesota. Lillian passed away on February 3, 1999. Odin's most recent place of residence was the Thorne Crest Retirement Center in Albert Lea.

Survivors include his daughters, LouAnn VanGerpen and her husband, Peter of Rake and Pat Eastvold and her husband, Allen of Forest City; daughter-in-law, Irene Russ of Minneapolis, Minnesota; 10 grandchildren, Lori (Dave) Stanley, Mike (Stephanie) VanGerpen, Mary Jo (Todd) Horner, Paul (Traci) VanGerpen, Debra Cashman, Daniel (Kim) Russ, Brenda Russ, Tim (Melissa) Eastvold, Matt Eastvold and Darla (Brad) Evenson; 16 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; brothers, Sidney Johnson, Alanzo Johnson and his wife, Betty and Herman Johnson, all of Albert Lea; a sister, Alta Erdahl of Bricelyn, Minnesota; a sister-in-law, Jackie Peth of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; brother-in-law, Don Thompson and his wife, Willi of Kerrville, Texas; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gustave and Susan; step-mother, Lena Johnson; wife, Lillian; son, Ronald Russ; grandson, David Russ; two brothers, Russell Johnson and Irvin Johnson; brothers in-law, Sidney Erdahl and Herman Thompson and his wife, Lucille; sisters-in-law, Alice Thompson and Ethel Birkedal and her husband, Peter; and a nephew, Craig Erdahl.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Erma Haskin, 91

Published April 27, 2005, Page B-5

Erma N. Haskin, 91, formerly of Austin, died on Saturday, April 16, 2005, at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 20, at the First United Methodist Church of Austin, with the Reverend Dennis Tamke officiating. Organist was Becky Bissen. Casket bearers were Bill Ulwelling, Frank Ulwelling, Craig Tapp, Brad Tapp, Randy Berge and Tom Stevens. Interment was in the Grandview Cemetery in Austin, with the Clasen-Jordan Mortuary in charge of the arrangements.

Erma was born on March 29, 1914 in Austin, Minnesota, to Theodore and Edna (Churchill) Olson. On April 5, 1932, she was united in marriage with Frank Maynard Haskin in Austin, Minnesota. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Austin and has resided with her daughter, Katherine for the past five years in Forest City. Erma was a house wife and mother. She also worked as a cook and baker at the Rose Room, Hub and many years for the Kellogg family at the Oak Leaf and Jerry's Other Place.

Erma is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Maynard (Marjorie) Haskin of Minneapolis; daughters and sons-in-law, Dolores (Richard) Berge of Florida and Katherine (Floyd) Tapp of Forest City; 15 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Ruth (Robert) Olson of Austin, Minnesota.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank; daughter, Lillian (Albert) Ulwelling; her parents; and five brothers.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

June Smith

Published April 27, 2005, Page B-5

June A. Smith, of Wheat Ridge, Colorado, died on Saturday, April 16, 2005, at the Lutheran Medical Center.

A memorial service was held on Friday, April 22, at the Wheat Ridge Lutheran Church. Burial will be at a later date.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Russell Swingen, 80

Published April 27, 2005, Page B-5

Russell C. Swingen, 80, of Forest City, died on Sunday, April 17, 2005, at the Good Shepherd Care Center in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 23, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Rev. Lee Laaveg officiating. Burial was in the Grant Township Cemetery in rural Woden, with the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Russell Clair Swingen, was born on a farm near Woden on March 11, 1925, the son of Alfred and Amelia (Holland) Swingen. He received his education at a county school, Grant #8 near Woden and graduated from the Buffalo Center High School in 1943. He farmed for many years in the Woden area. Russell was united in marriage with Arlys Fredrickson on August 7, 1948, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. To this union three children were born, Dennis, Mark and Rodney. The family moved to Faribault, Minnesota in 1964 as Rodney attended School for the Deaf. In 1974, they moved back to Forest City. Russell farmed and worked at Winnebago Industries until retiring.

He was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City. Due to health problems, Russell kept close to home. He liked watching sports on TV and always enjoyed trips to see his family and friends.

Russell's survivors include his wife, Arlys of Forest City; daughter-in-law, Susan Swingen of Faribault, Minnesota; sons, Mark Swingen and wife, Valerie of Faribault, Minnesota and Rodney Swingen of Minneapolis, Minnesota; five grandchildren, Wanda Rosch and husband, Stan, Troy Swingen, Tae Swingen, Marissa Swingen, Cory Swingen and wife, Stephanie; four great-grandchildren, Derek Swingen, Logan Rosch and Oliver and Nora Swingen; a sister, Deane Harringa of Titonka; as well as nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Dennis in 1983; and his brother, Vernon Swingen.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Edith Cobb, 85

Published April 27, 2005, Page B-5

Edith V. Cobb, 85, died on Monday, April 18, 2005, at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 20, at the Salem Lutheran Church Chapel in Lake Mills, with Rev. Kevin Mackey officiating. Burial was in the Forest Home Cemetery in Leland, with the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Edith Viola Cobb, was born on August 30, 1919 in Tama, the daughter of Bert and LuLu (Hoskis) Anderson. On January 11, 1941, Edith was united in marriage to Dickerson Cobb in Northwood. Dickerson passed away on July 4, 1976 in Belmond. Edith loved her family and enjoyed fishing and growing tomato plants.

She is survived by her sons, Richard Cobb of Albert Lea, Minnesota, Fred and his wife, Maxine Cobb of Forest City, David and his wife, Judy Cobb of Fertile, Tom and his wife, Kathy Cobb of Windom, Minnesota and Paul Cobb of Thompson; her daughters, Janice Peterson of Forest City and Viva Willardson of Thompson; one brother, Ben Anderson of Waterloo; two sisters, Mary Frodin of Dwight, Illinois and Betty and her husband, Warren Sime of Madison, Wisconsin; many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Edith was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one son, Walter; and two sisters, Kathryn Miller and another at a very young age.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Mayvis Sheimo, 81

Published April 27, 2005, Page B-5

Mayvis D. Sheimo, 81, of Garner, died on Wednesday, April 20, 2005, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 23, at the Fertile Lutheran Church, Fertile, with the Rev. Merlin Norris officiating. Interment was in the Brush Point Cemetery, Fertile. The Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of the arrangements.

Mayvis was born on December 7, 1923, on the family farm in rural Fertile, Worth County, the daughter of Tollef and Eleanor (Teigen) Felland. Mayvis attended rural schools near Fertile. She was united in marriage with Erling Keith Sheimo on March 21, 1942 in Princeton, Missouri. They lived in Fertile, then moved to Buffalo Center in 1955 until 1962, when they moved back to Fertile.

Mayvis is survived by four children, Marsha Smidt and her husband, Richard of Longmont, Colorado, Pamela Hartman and her husband, Gene of Buffalo Center, Paulette Quame of Ventura and Jeff Sheimo and his wife, Cheryl of Clear Lake; 15 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; one sister, Sharon Jenkins and her husband, Dennis of Longmont, Colorado; two sisters-in-law, Ardis Sheimo of Fertile and Shirley Sheimo of Garner.

Mayvis was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1994; two sisters, Naomi Hope and Kathleen Schlawin; a brother, Ordean "Bud" Felland; son-in-law, Greg Quame; and great-grandson, Travis Owen Dotseth.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Richard Winden, 67

Published May 4, 2005, Page B-5

Richard D. Winden, died on Sunday, April 24, 2005, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

According to  his wishes, a graveside memorial service was held on Saturday, April 30, in the Grant Center Cemetery south of Fertile, with Rev. Curt Gallmeyer officiating. The Petersen Lund Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. A lunch and a time of fellowship followed at the Church of Christ in Fertile.

Richard Duane Winden, was born in Lake Mills on November 11, 1937, the third son of Adolph and Minnie (Bergan) Winden. Richard was baptized and confirmed at the Bristol Lutheran Church in rural Joice. He attended country school and graduated from the Joice High School in 1955. He served in the U.S. Army for two years and in the Army Reserves for four years. On June 16, 1962, he was united in marriage to Harriet Stokke of Fertile at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. The couple moved to Minneapolis where they lived for a number of years, then moved back to Iowa. Richard worked in several occupations until he found his real niche in outboard motor sales and service. He worked at the Touristville Boats in Clear Lake a number of years, then bought his own business, Manly Motor Company. Ill health stopped him in 1996 for a few years. He continued the worked he loved to do almost to the end. He was a master mechanic and always went the "extra mile" for a satisfied customer.

He enjoyed camping, fishing, woodworking and keeping the lawn "just so!"

He is survived by his wife, Harriet of Hanlontown; his brothers, Marvin Winden of Fresno, California and Wallace Winden and his wife, Audy of Lake Mills; and several nieces and nephews along with other relatives and friends. He will be sadly missed and always remembered.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Anna Upmeyer, 82

Published May 4, 2005, Page B-5

Anna Mae Upmeyer, 82, of Garner, died on Wednesday, April 27, 2005, at the Concord Care Center, Garner.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 30, at the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Garner, with Rev. Edward Bard, Hospice Chaplain officiating. Music was provided by organist, Margaret Jass who accompanied congregational hymns. Special music was provided by Loren and Alberta Kalkwarf. Ushers were Ed Barkema and Doug Upmeyer.

Honorary bearers were the North Garner Community Club. Casket bearers were Cory Upmeyer, Shane Upmeyer, Ryan Upmeyer, Justin Upmeyer, Nicholas Upmeyer and Bradley Upmeyer. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery, Garner. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Anna Mae, the daughter of Ben and Carrie (Andersen) Hall, was born on March 12, 1923 at Miller. Anna attended the Ellington No. 8 Country School. On October 10, 1944, she was married to Curtis Benjamin Upmeyer at the Ellington Prairie Lutheran Church near Miller. They lived and farmed southwest of Garner until 1963 when they moved to a farm north of Garner. In 1998, they moved to the Prairie View Apartments in Garner and in February of 2002 to Concord Care Center.

Her passion was helping her husband, Curtis outdoors with the farming operation. She enjoyed her family, grandchildren, baking, singing, gardening and helping others. She was a member of the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church where she sang in the choir, Zion Women's Fellowship, North Garner Community Club and a Homemakers Club.

Anna Mae is survived by her husband, Curtis of Garner; three sons, Allen (Jeanette) Upmeyer of Clinton, Daryl (Kathy) Upmeyer of Garner and Dale (Linda) Upmeyer of Garner; ten grandchildren, Cory (Jennifer) Upmeyer and son, James of Aurora, Illinois, Shane (Jennifer) Upmeyer and son, Joshua of Warrington, Virginia, Darci (Jason) Reis of Omaha, Nebraska, Ryan (Abby) Upmeyer and children, Jane and George of St. Louis, Missouri, Justin (Maggie) Upmeyer of Grand Junction, Colorado, Angela (Cyrus) Balsara and daughter, Azita of Seattle, Washington, Kristi (Derrick) Meyer of Albia, Nicholas Upmeyer of Garner, Bradley Upmeyer of Garner and Lori (Nick) Schmitt of Britt; a sister, Ruth Greimann of Garner; a brother, Orville (Josephine) Hall of Garner; two brothers-in-law, Clarence Schroeder of Klemme and Dick Halloway of California; a sister-in-law, Fae Upmeyer of Hemit, California; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by an infant son, Dorance (twin of Dale); her parents; two sisters, Olive Halloway and Alice Schroeder; brothers-in-law, Curtis Greimann, Alton Upmeyer and Gordon Upmeyer; and a sister-in-law, Marguerite Upmeyer.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Evans Anderson, 90

Published May 18, 2005, Page B-8

Evans Leland Anderson, 90, of San Diego, California, died on Wednesday, April 27, 2005, peacefully at the Alvarado Hospital with his daughter, Anita by his side.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 14, at the College Lutheran Church, with interment in the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. 

Evans Leland Anderson, was born in Minnesota and lived a multi-faceted life from September 26, 1914 until April 27, 2005. Evans was fluent in Swedish and Norwegian languages and a good steward of the life, liberties, possibilities and opportunities that God offered him. He was an honor student earning a BA Degree from Gustavus Adolphus College and an MA Degree from the University of Minnesota and was director of teacher training at Waldorf College in Forest City. He proudly served in the U.S. Army during WW II. After WW II, he continued his association with the U.S. Army as a veterans counselor and professor at St. Cloud State in Minnesota through 1950. In 1951, he earned his Ed.D at Denver University and subsequently returned to St. Cloud State until 1954 when he moved to San Diego. Dr. Anderson was an Emeritus professor at San Diego State University where he taught for 30 years. Upon his retirement in 1984, he continued his clinical practice.

In 1944, he was married to his first wife, Virginia. She died in 1983. He married Irene Goodwin in 1985. Dr. Anderson's organizational involvements and memberships included the American Psychological Assn., president and Hall of Fame member of Phi Delta Kappa, American Legion, Kiwanis, two travel clubs, Scout Master, local and state university retirement groups, Audubon Society and the Sierra Club.

He is survived by his wife, Irene; daughter, Anita of San Diego, California; a brother and a sister.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Anna Gunderson, 100

Published May 11, 2005, Page B-5

Anna O. Gunderson, 100, of Lake Mills, died on Thursday, April 28, 2005, at the Lake Mills Care Center in Lake Mills.

Funeral services were held on Monday, May 2, at the Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Leland, with Rev. Randy Baldwin officiating. Burial was in the Winnebago Lutheran Cemetery in rural Leland, with the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Anna Olive, the daughter of Jonas and Trina (Lyngaas) Kloster, was born on December 17, 1904, at the home of her parents near Scarville. She was baptized at the North Prairie Lutheran Church and was confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran in Scarville. She attended country school in Winnebago County. She worked around the Scarville and Lake Mills areas. On September 1, 1927, she married Arthur Gunderson of Leland at Scarville. The couple was blessed with two children, Arlene Knudtson of Northwood and Gerald Gunderson of Bagley, Wisconsin. They lived on farms near Leland until they retired. Arthur passed away on April 27, 1979.

Anna loved to crochet and made many doilies for family and friends and loved working with her house plants and outdoor flowers in the summer. She entered the Lake Mills Care Center on January 7, 2000.

Survivors include her son, Gerald and his wife, Marlene and daughter, Arlene; sisters, Olga Hermanson of Lake Mills, Martha Knutson of Northwood and Inga Bolstad of Forest City; one brother, Charles Kloster of Austin, Minnesota; sister-in-law, Alvira Kloster of Lake Mills; grandchildren, Sherry (Neil) Christ, Sandy (Randy) Sime, Gary (Vicki) Knudtson, Tammy (Steve) Krauter and Scott (Tina) Gunderson; great-grandchildren, Jason (Meredith) Christ, Nic Christ and friend, Linda Kane, Craig Christ, Katie, Angie and Bryan Sime, Kirby (Dawn) Knudtson, Heather (Matt) Dingbaum, Heidi Knudtson, Nicole and Zachary Krauter, Jami, Jeremy and Megan Gunderson; great-great-grandchildren, Paige, Teyannah, Raevyn, Khiya Knudtson, Kadyn Dingbaum and Ethan Christ; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Arthur; son-in-law, Harlan Knudtson; brothers, Andrew, Arthur, Carl, Oliver and Gordon; sisters, Jorgina Peterson, Jenette Ashpole, Cora Thorson and Gilma Kloster; sisters-in-law, Ann Gunderson and Thelma Kloster; and brother-in-law, Marlin Gunderson.
© 2005 Forest City Summit