Darol Mitchell, 61

Published December 7, 2005, Page B-5

Darol Merle Mitchell, 61, died on Thursday, December 1, 2005, at the Fairview Red Wing Hospital in Red Wing, Minnesota.

Memorial services were held on Monday, December 5, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Rev. Laaveg officiating. Inurnment was in the Madison Township Cemetery, with the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Darol was born in Wright County, east of Belmond, on his Aunt Jerushia and Uncle Recee Redmond’s farm, to Milo Merle and Daisy R. (Wilson) Mitchell. He was the youngest of five siblings. He was raised in Forest City and attended school through the 10th grade. He then started up a band with Bob Mary. Darol also played with the Fjetland Band, with the Rondels, the Blue Banners and several other bands. On January 3, 1965, he was married to Gail Rich of Britt. This union was blessed with two daughters. The couple later divorced. Darol worked for the Gulf Gas Station of Highway 69 North in Forest City. He also worked for Kayot-Forester and Winnebago Industries. He held other jobs but music was his life. On January 3, 1976, he married Beverly Jean Phillips of Woden. He adopted Jennifer Phillips and they were blessed with another daughter. The couple later divorced.

In October of 1984, Darol suffered a serious stroke which left him paralyzed on the left side. He lost all his ability to sing and play music. He entered the nursing home in Austin, Minnesota in 1997. He later transferred to Albert Lea, Minnesota and then to a Red Wing, Minnesota nursing home.

Darol is survived by four daughters, Kimberly (Richard) Brass of Thompson, Valorie (Robert) Marr of Thompson, Jesse (Scott) Schwering of Fort Worth, Texas and Jennifer Mitchell Nauman of Fort Worth, Texas; a step-son, Richard (Dick) Phillips of Austin, Minnesota; eight grandchildren, Christopher, Cory and Dakota Brass, GabreGail and Anastasia Marr, Angelica and Alex Schwering, Staci Marr and great-granddaughter, Korra Marr; two brothers, Cecil (Karen) Mitchell of Forest City and Phillip Mitchell of St. Paul, Minnesota; a sister, Jeanette (Doyce) Michelson of Mt. Pleasant; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and Beverly Phillips of Fort Worth, Texas and Gail Eggers of Fertile.

Darol was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Phyllis who died at birth; and his grandparents, Thomas and Sierra Mitchell and Timothy and Purnie Wilson.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Myra Nies, 67

Published December 7, 2005, Page B-5

Myra Shirley Nies, 67, of Forest City,  died on Friday, December 2, 2005, at the St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 8, at 10:30 a.m., at the First Baptist Church in Forest City, with Pastor Doug Snyder officiating. Burial will be in the First Baptist Cemetery in Forest City. Visitation will be on Wednesday, December 7, from 4-7:00 p.m., at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Martha Peterson, 85

Published December 7, 2005, Page B-5

Martha H. Peterson, 85, formerly of Emmons, Minnesota, died on Saturday, December 3, 2005, at the Veterans Home in Marshalltown, where she had been a resident for several years.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 7, at the Silver Lake Lutheran Church, rural Northwood, with Pastor Kevin Mackey officiating. Burial will be in the Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Albert Lea, Minnesota, with the Mittelstadt Funeral Home, Lake Mills, in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will be on Tuesday, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the funeral home and one hour prior to the services at the church.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Irvin Sierp, 88

Published December 7, 2005, Page B-5

Irvin Sierp, 88, of Forest City, died on Saturday, December 3, 2005, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 7, at 2:30 p.m., at the Wolfe Funeral Home in Villisca.

Irvin, the son of Carl J. and Effie Pearl (Fulton) Sierp, was born on July 10, 1917. He was united in marriage with Lucille Overman on October 21, 1939. Irvin and Orie Sierp owned and operated gas stations and delivered oil in the Villisca, Tenville and other area stations for several years. He and Lucille moved to the Forest City area where he also operated gas stations and delivered oil. He retired in 1972.

Irvin was a member of the Villisca Presbyterian Church and was a member of the Villisca Fire Department.

Irvin is survived by his wife, Lucille of Forest City; son, Robert (Marcia) Sierp of La Crosse, Wisconsin; daughter, Marlene (Marion) Huff of Rockwell; three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

Irvin was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters; and four brothers.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Stanley Wogen, 87

Published December 14, 2005, Page B-5

Stanley R. Wogen, 86, of Kiester, Minnesota, died on Saturday, December 3, 2005, at the Lake Mills Care Center in Lake Mills.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, December 7, at the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, in Kiester, with Reverend Richard Steffens officiating. Interment was in the Our Savior’s Lutheran Cemetery in Kiester.

Stanley R., the son of Sam and Lizzie (Wiig) Wogen, was born in Humboldt County, on October 28, 1919. Stanley was baptized in Humboldt and confirmed at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Vinje. He attended high school in Kiester, graduating in 1937. On October 13, 1945, he married Evelyn Jensen of Albert Lea, Minnesota. He was engaged in farming until 1964. He then managed Kiester Lanes for two years and then went to work for the Sime Equipment Company, where he served as parts manager until retirement.

He was a member of the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church since 1952 and served several terms on the church council, including two years as president. He and his wife spent 16 winters in McAllen, Texas, while keeping their home in Kiester. Stanley enjoyed traveling, bowling and golf.

He is survived by his wife, Evelyn Wogen of Lake Mills; two sons, Duane Wogen of St. Charles, Illinois and Dennis (Peggy) Wogen of Malta, Illinois; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; as well as two sisters, Selma Sime and Luella Flo of Lake Mills.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Milford and Elvin Wogen.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Tamara Kuhnau, 38

Published December 14, 2005, Page B-5

Tamara L. Kuhnau, 38, of Forest City, died on Thursday, December 8, 2005, at the home of her sister and brother-in-law in Leland.

A celebration of life was held on Monday, December 12, at the Word of Faith Church, rural Lake Mills, with Pastor Doug Domokos officiating.

Tamara Louise, was born on March 1, 1967 in Estherville, to Don and Donna Kuhnau. She graduated valedictorian of her class at the Estherville High School in 1985 and graduated from Waldorf College with honors in 1987. She graduated from Northwestern College in Orange City in 1989, majoring in Political Science/Pre-Law. After working three years in Washington D.C., she returned to Iowa in 1992 to assume the position of Director of Student Activities at Waldorf College in Forest City. Later, she also served as an Associate in Campus Ministry and a Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Waldorf football team, as well as a fitness instructor at the YMCA.

Tamara’s strong faith in the Lord and her love for His Word were evident in every area of her life. Her greatest desire was that God would be glorified through her life. She also had great love and compassion for people—her family, friends, neighbors, students and co-workers. Tamara loved life and lived each day to the fullest. She enjoyed traveling, gardening and landscaping, cooking, singing and had a big spot in her heart for animals. Tamara knew how to have fun just about anywhere.

She is survived by her parents, Don and Donna Kuhnau of Estherville; her sister, Twila (Gregg) Helmich; a nephew, Tyler Helmich; a niece, Hannah Helmich of Leland; and her brother, David Kuhnau of Chicago, Illinois; as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Wilhelm and Cleo Kuhnau, Paul and Wilma Paulson; an uncle, Roger Kuhnau; and an aunt, Patti Kuhnau.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Orville Trytten, 87

Published December 14, 2005, Page B-5

Orville H. Trytten, 87, of Lake Mills, died on Thursday, December 8, 2005, at his home in Lake Mills.

Funeral services were held on Monday, December 12, at the Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills, with Rev. Roger Dykstra officiating. Burial was in the Salem Memorial Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the Otto/Chose Post #235 of the American Legion. The arrangements were by the Mittelstadt Funeral Home.

Orville Herman, the son of Oscar and Emma (Leifson) Trytten, was born on May 16, 1918 in Thompson. Following baptism and confirmation in the Lutheran faith, Orville moved with his family to Lake Mills. After serving in the U.S. Army, he was married to Irene M. Trenhailein 1944 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Following six years of farming in the Thompson and Grafton areas, they opened the Golden Star Roller Rink, which moved seasonally to various towns in northern Iowa.

Orville loved working with children and enjoyed playing games with his family who had a weekly family meal (“Fat Tuesday”) at his home in Lake Mills. Orville shared his enthusiasm for music, skating, carnivals, parades, fireworks, outdoor movie theaters and all things fun with his children. His greatest treasures were his family—wife Irene, children and grandchildren.

Survivors include five children, Viola Simmons of Lake Mills, Dean (Beverly) Trytten of Taylors, South Carolina, Twyla (Alain) Pederson of Lake Mills, Karen (Mike) Leidal of Austin, Minnesota and Pamela McPherson of Boulder City, Nevada; two brothers, Arlo (Darlene) Trytten of Lake Mills and Glaydon (Donna) Trytten of Lake Mills; nine grandchildren, Nickolas Simmons, Dana (Becky) Trytten, Dana Benson, Denise (Jerry) Lensing Jerry (and stepson Michael), Misty Liedal, Tara Leidal, David Meineke, April (Christopher) Harris and Alex McPherson; and four great-grandchildren, Brandon (Simmons) Ralston, Michael and Jessica Harris and Madison Rose Lensing.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Irene; his parents, Oscar and Emma Trytten; two grandchildren, Jason Leidal and Chad Simmons; brothers, Lawrence Trytten, Elmer (Bud) Trytten and Hiram Trytten; and sisters, Juella Trytten and Alice Peterson.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Kathy Ann Hall, 47

Published December 14, 2005, Page B-5

Kathy Ann Hall, 47, of Warr Acres, Oklahoma, died on Saturday, December 10, 2005, at her home after a five-year battle with ovarian cancer.

A memorial service was held on Tuesday, December 13, at the Candlewood Chapel in Midwest City, Oklahoma, with Chaplain Mark Thompson officiating. Interment was in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery, with the Corbett Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Kathy Ann, was born on July 19, 1958 in Clinton, to Paul and Zella (Altenburg) Severson and was raised in Forest City. She graduated from the Forest City High School in 1976. Following graduation, Kathy attended Upper Iowa University in Fayette and then enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1978. She worked as a telephone field phone linesman and parts clerk with the 8th Infantry Unit in Bad Kreuznach, West Germany until 1982. She returned to the States and joined the Colorado Army National Guard in Golden, Colorado and also attended Parks College in Denver, receiving a degree in Travel/Transportation in 1983. In June 1984, she was married to Thomas “Glenn” Hall, whom she had met in Germany, in Blue Mountain, Mississippi. They later moved to California where Kathy enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1986 and served as a jet engine mechanic at Travis AFB, California until 1990. In 1989, Thomas “Glenn” was killed in a motor vehicle accident.

While in California, Kathy also attended Solano Community College and graduated with AS Degrees in both Business Marketing in 1993 and Business Management and Administration in 1994. She then moved to Idaho and attended the University of Idaho and graduated with a BS Degree in Environmental Science in 1998. She moved to Alaska to find work and met and married Stanley Slagle in 2000. They were later divorced. She then moved to the Oklahoma City area where she completed the tile setting program at Francis Tuttle Technology Center in 2003 and the plumbing program at Mid-Del Technology in 2005 and received an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Construction Technology from Oklahoma State University in 2005.

She will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor and her perseverance and determination. She was an avid traveler, stamp collector and downhill skier. She also had a remarkable talent for remodeling houses. Kathy was an avid reader with a personal library of thousands of books. She quenched her thirst for knowledge by continually taking college classes.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Thomas “Glenn” Hall; her father, Paul Severson; and her infant brother, David Paul Severson.

She is survived by her mother, Zella Severson of Longmont, Colorado; three sisters, Susan (Charles) Smith of Olive, Montana, Nancy (Todd) Shafer of Auburn, Washington and Marsha Campbell of Hanahan, South Carolina; a brother, Steven (Penny) Severson of Edmond, Oklahoma; a nephew, Matthew Smith; six nieces, Lisa Smith, Katie Smith, Brandi Shafer, Ashley Shafer, Dezirae Ferrin and Skyler Severson; and two great-nieces, Hailee Ross and Kaylianne Jordan.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Donald Abbas, 80

Published December 21, 2005, Page B-5

Donald Abbas, 80, of Kanawha, died on Saturday, December 10, 2005, at the Wright Medical Center in Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, December 14, at the Kanawha Christian Reformed Church, with Pastor Steve Schulz officiating. Burial was in the Amsterdam Township Cemetery, Kanawha, with the Ewing Dugger Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements. Organist, Marilyn DeKruyff accompanied soloist, Ryan Zonnefeld and congregational hymns. Casket bearers were Jason and Angela Abbas, Jeremy and Sara Abbas, Valorie and Ryan Zonnefeld, Daniel and Lisa Mouw and Stephanie Mouw.

Donald E., the son of Fred and Grace Folkerts Abbas, was born on August 15, 1925 in rural Kanawha. Donald was raised in the Kanawha area where he attended country school and graduated from the Kanawha High School in 1943. Following graduation, Donald helped his father farm the family farm. He was united in marriage with Eleanor Ruka on April 10, 1948 in Goodell. The couple made their home in the Kanawha, Britt and Corwith areas. Following their retirement they moved from the Corwith farm into Kanawha.

Donald loved his family and friends very much. He especially enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed bowling, listening to male gospel quartets and traveling when given the opportunity. He served as a role model to his family and was a true inspiration. In 1999, Donald married Leona Carlson Freerksen in Jenison, Michigan. The couple made their home in Kanawha. Donald was an active member of the Kanawha Christian Reformed Church and served on the church council as deacon and elder and was a member of the Men’s Society.

Donald is survived by his daughter, Lois Ann (Glen) Mouw of Sioux Center; his son, Darl (Paula) Abbas of Kanawha; two step-children, Arlene (Larry) Goemaat of Lakewood, California and Richard (Ruth) Freerksen of Grand Rapids, Michigan; five grandchildren; eight step-grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; 14 step-great-grandchildren; his sister, Audrey Mehl and her husband, Norman of Britt; his brother, Dennis Abbas and his wife, Jean of Marshalltown; and numerous other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, Maude; first wife, Eleanor in 1998; second wife, Leona in 2005; and brother, Jerry.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Sylvia Severson, 90

Published December 21, 2005, Page B-5

Sylvia Haugen Severson, 90, of Forest City, died on Tuesday, December 13, 2005, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 17, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Pastor Barb Spaulding officiating. Burial was in the Oakland Cemetery, Forest City, with the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Sylvia Ada, was born on a farm in Grant Township, Winnebago County, on December 13, 1915, the daughter of Ole. G. and Gerda (Gjerde) Hanna. Sylvia received her education in rural schools near her home and graduated from the Forest City High School in 1934. After receiving her Normal Training, she began teaching in country schools in Ellington Township and Grant Township. She married Ray Haugen on August 12, 1939. The couple lived on a farm east of Forest City where they raised hogs, cattle and horses.

During this time, Sylvia was active in the Rainbow Trail Riders. She loved animals and especially enjoyed her horses. Ray died in 1973. On June 5, 1976, Sylvia was united in marriage to Orle Severson. Sylvia was an active member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City. She was a talented china-painter and shared this talent with others. For nearly 50 years she taught china painting classes to area women, often holding classes every day. She loved to travel and spent 26 years wintering in Mission, Texas with Orle. She entered the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City on November 1, 2002.

Sylvia is survived by her step-children, Jerry (Mary Lou) Severson of McDonough, Georgia, Marilyn (Ed) Hrubes of Henderson, Nevada and Dennis (Cathy) Severson of Eagan, Minnesota; six grandchildren, Jeff Hrubes of Cedar Rapids, Greg Hrubes of Henderson, Nevada, Diana Severson of Atlanta, Georgia, Sara (Chris) Wier of Shakopee, Minnesota, Erin Severson of Eagan, Minnesota and Lindsay Severson of Eagan, Minnesota; two great-grandchildren, Kelsey and Cole Hrubes of Cedar Rapids; a sister, Virginia Wessels of Forest City; and three sisters-in-law, Lois Hanna of Woden, Virginia Meinecke of Leland and Cleora Severson of Escalon, Calornia.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Ray and Orle; and two brothers, Alvin and Gordon Hanna.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Elwin Redinius, 63

Published December 21, 2005, Page B-5

Elwin Redenius, 63, of Britt, died on Thursday, December 15, 2005, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Monday, December 19, at the First Lutheran Church in Britt, with Janelle Sifring, AiM, officiating. Organist, Donna Tech accompanied soloist, John Weishaar and congregational hymns. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Britt, with the Ewing Dugger Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements. Casket bearers were Steve Waters, Shawn Van Laere, Brent Drahn, Jason Redenius, Bob Seefeld and Roger Ewing.

Elwin James, the son of Menno and Lora (Stohr) Redenius, was born on April 25, 1942 in Britt. Elwin grew up in the Britt area and graduated from the Britt High School in 1960. Following graduation, he joined the National Guard/Army Reserves. He was employed at the milk plant in Britt and at Floyd and Leonard’s in Mason City as parts man. On May 28, 1965, Elwin married Linda Brunner in Mason City. The couple lived in Mason City for three years and then moved to the family farm near Britt, where Elwin farmed for 37 years.

Elwin loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and friends. He loved his Corvettes, racing and farming. He was instrumental in establishing the Britt Hobo Day Car Show. Elwin was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Britt.

Elwin is survived by his wife, Linda; four daughters, Sandra (Troy) Thompson of Arlington, Washington, Sara Jo (Steve) Waters of Ankeny, Stephanie (Brent) Drahn of Charles City and Susan (Shawn) VanLaere of Mason City; six grandchildren; four brothers, Myron Redenius of Billings, Montana, Kermit Redenius and wife, Kristin of Webster City, Gerald Redenius and wife, Yolanda of Britt and Ronald Redenius and wife, Mary Jane of Forest City; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister-in-law, Rose Redenius.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Judy Eley, 60

Published December 21, 2005, Page B-5

Judy Ann Eley, 60, of Lake Mills, died on Friday, December 16, 2005, at the Mercy Medical Center in Mason City.

A memorial service was held on Monday, December 19, at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in Lake Mills, with Rev. Roger Dykstra officiating.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Ernest Hanson, 94

Published December 28, 2005, Page B-8

Ernest Hanson, 94, of Garner, died on Friday, December 16, 2005, at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, December 20, at the Faith Lutheran Church in Miller. Burial was in the Madison Township Cemetery, Forest City, with the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Ernest LeVerne, the son of Lewis and Hannah (Hanson) Hansen, was born on a farm near Thompson, on October 16, 1911. Ernest received his education in a country school near Miller. He married Florence Rhine on December 25, 1935. To this union five children were born. Ernest worked for area farmers for several years. In 1943, he began farming on his own northeast of Miller.

He enjoyed gardening and watching the deer and wildlife on the farm. He treasured time spent visiting with family and friends and loved a Sunday drive in the country to check on the crops. He was a member of the Faith Lutheran Church in Miller.

Ernest is survived by his sons and their spouses, Arlo (Maralyn) Hanson of Mason City, Ron (Donna) Hanson of Forest City, Carroll (Kathryn) Hanson of Glenville, Minnesota and Joel (Brenda) Hanson of Garner; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Milton Hanson of Forest City and Earl Hanson of San Clemente, California; three sisters, Dorothy Wilson of Garner, Lula Schroeder of Britt and Vivian Rasmussen of Clear Lake.

Ernest was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Gene; grandson, Todd; brothers, Duane and Raymond Hanson; sisters, Mary Stewart and Pearl Pinkerton; daughter-in-law, Karen Hanson; a sister who died in infancy, Laurel; and brothers-in-law, Alvin Schroeder and Forest Wilson.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Betty Ouverson, 76

Published December 28, 2005, Page B-8

Betty Jean Ouverson, 76, of Fertile, died at her home on Tuesday, December 20, 2005.

Funeral services were held on Friday, December 23, at the Church of Christ in Fertile, with Pastor Curt Gallmeyer officiating. Burial was in the Grant Center Cemetery, rural Clear Lake, with the Petersen Lund Funeral Home of Forest City, in charge of the arrangements.

Betty Jean, the daughter of Selmer and Irene (Ballard) Brackey, was born in Aurora, Missouri, on September 21, 1929. The family moved to Bristol, in Worth County, when she was six months old. She attended the Bristol No. 3 School for eight years, then graduated from the Lake Mills High School in 1948. She attended Waldorf College one year. In 1949, she was united in marriage with Robert Ouverson at the Lake Mills Lutheran Church. They farmed for 56 years at Fertile.

Betty loved to sew, garden and provide for her husband, children and grandchildren.

Those left to remember her are her husband, Robert W. Ouverson; children, Bruce (Mara) Ouverson of Mason City, Lisa (Rod) Nielsen of La Porte, Indiana, Brian (Roberta) Ouverson of Fertile and Cynthia (Charles) Taft of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania; grandchildren, Tony Funk, Rachel Nielsen, Joseph Funk, Bethany Nielsen, Sarah Taft, Emily Ouverson, Elizabeth Ouverson, Lydia Ouverson, Katelyn Ouverson and Amelia Ouverson; siblings, Earl Brackey of Manly, James Brackey of Omaha, Nebraska, Mary Lechman of Lancaster, California and Robert Brackey of St. Paul, Minnesota.

She was preceded in death by her parents.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Vera Westby, 91

Published December 28, 2005, Page B-8

Vera Westby, 91, of Eagle Grove, died on Thursday, December 22, 2005, at the Rotary Ann Nursing Home in Eagle Grove.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, December 27, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Pastor Barb Spaulding officiating. Burial was in the Oakland Cemetery, Forest City, with the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Vera, the daughter of Harry and Lucy Frowick, was born on September 13, 1914 in Juliaetta, Idaho. After living in Lakeland, Florida for five years, in 1920 the family moved back to Thompson where Vera grew up on the Michaelson family farm. She graduated in 1931 from high school. After graduating from the American Institute of Business in 1921, she worked in Des Moines as a secretary for the president of Bankers Life Insurance Company until 1940. While working in Des Moines she met Roy Peterson and they were married on April 2, 1938 in Omaha, Nebraska. They moved to Winnebago County in 1941, eventually making their home in Forest City where Vera worked as a legal secretary for Nels Branstad from 1952 to 1960. In 1960, she ran for and won the election for the Clerk of the District Court, a position she held until her retirement in 1976.

In 1961, Roy passed away from a heart attack. On August 14, 1982, she was married to Joseph Westby. They enjoyed living in Decorah, Clarion and Mesa, Arizona. Vera was active in the Lutheran Church women’s circle, the Federated Club, the Republican Women, the Sons of Norway, bridge club and served on the United Fund Board. She also enjoyed knitting, china painting, oil painting, gardening and traveling.

Vera is survived by a brother, Larry; a sister, Isabelle; a son, Clinton Peterson of Palm Desert, California; a daughter, Diane and husband, Paul Edwards of Clarion; two granddaughters and their husbands; and two great-granddaughters.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Anna M. Nicholson, 81

Published January 4, 2006, Page B-4

Anna Nicholson, 81, of Northwood, died on Tuesday, December 27, 2005, at her home.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 31, at the Elk Creek Lutheran Church, rural Kensett, with Reverend Tom Martin officiating. Burial was in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood, with the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood, in charge of the arrangements.

Anna Marie, the daughter of William and Emma (Bareiss) Miller, was born on December 10, 1924 in Good Thunder, Minnesota. She was baptized and reaffirmed the faith of her baptism through confirmation at the Good Thunder Lutheran Church. She attended and received her education in the country school near Good Thunder. She was united in marriage to David Nicholson on November 20, 1948, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Anna worked for a short time at the Wilson Meat Packing plant in Albert Lea, Minnesota. After their marriage together they farmed in Worth County, until their retirement from farming in 1969. Anna and her husband, David began driving Winnebago Motor Homes for Winnebago Industry in Forest City, driving for many years. In 1975, the family moved to Forest City.

One of Anna’s hobbies was making Lefse that she sold to several stores in the North Iowa area. She enjoyed wintering in Florida with her husband, gardening, sewing, embroidering, making quilts, crocheting and reading, but her great love and enjoyment was her family and grandchildren.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband, David Nicholson of Northwood; four children, Nancy Klingfuss and her husband, Darrell of Northwood, Donna Hayes and her husband, Russell of Midland, Texas, Bill Nicholson and his wife, Terry of Northwood and Tina Kuennen and her husband, Joe of Northwood; 10 grandchildren, Mark Klingfuss and Brian Klingfuss, both of Northwood, Nikole Nicholson of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Alexandria Nicholson of Northwood, McKensie Nicholson of Northwood, Andra Lea Hall and her husband, Ed of Midland, Texas, Emily Hayes Stephens of Midland, Texas, Anna Kuennen of Duluth, Minnesota, Laura Kuennen of Northwood and Heather Chambers and her husband, Paul of Charles City; three great-grandchildren; two brothers, Herman Miller and his wife, Grace of Waldorf, Minnesota and Walter Miller of Good Thunder, Minnesota; a sister, Emma Speck and her husband, Bob of Good Thunder, Minnesota; as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, David Nicholson; a sister, Martha; and a nephew, Marvin Miller.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Stephen Humphrey, 58

Published January 11, 2006, Page B-5

Stephen L. Humphrey, 58, of Fennimore, Wisconsin and formerly of Lake Mills, died on Thursday, December 29, 2005, peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, January 4, at the Lake Mills Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lake Mills, with Rev. Karl Hermanson officiating.

Burial was in the Lake Mills Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery in Lake Mills, with the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Stephen was born on November 15, 1947 in Mason City, the son of Leighton and Gladys (Peterson) Humphrey. He was baptized at his parents home in Fertile and confirmed at the Lime Creek Evangelical Lutheran Church in rural Lake Mills. Steve graduated from the Lake Mills High School in 1966. He was united in marriage to Suzanne Troe in 1967. To this union three children were born and they later divorced. He then attended and graduated from a Tech School in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Steve worked several jobs in the engineering position before moving to Wisconsin where he worked for 18 years at Ray-O-Vac as a supervisor mechanical engineer. He was united in marriage to Karen Becwar and they later divorced. He then owned and operated Steve’s Liquor and Tackle for several years in Fennimore, Wisconsin. Steve also was involved with E Bay as an entrepreneur.

He enjoyed fishing, golfing and was an avid Green Bay Packer and NASCAR fan. He also loved his Corvette and astrology, but his greatest love of all was his family.

Steve is survived by his three children, Michelle (Dave) Thompson of Forest City, Chad Humphrey and his special friend, Jennifer of Charles City and Derek (Julie) Rhatigan of Geneva, Illinois; stepdaughter, Chelsea Becwar of Fennimore, Wisconsn; six grandchildren, Hannah, Drew, Connor, Noah, Macie and Jordyn; his parents, Leighton (Gladys) Humphrey of Lake Mills; two brothers, Bill (Karen) Humphrey of Lake Mills and Jim Humphrey of New Ulm, Minnesota; a sister, Mary (Orlan) Lau of Lake Mills; and his fiancée, Jude Murphy of Fennimore, Wisconsin.

He was preceded in death by a son, Michael Humphrey; grandson, Spencer Humphrey; and grandparents, Paul and Lucille Humphrey and Evelyn and Emil Peterson.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Katie Baartman, 90

Published January 11, 2006, Page B-5

Katie Baartman, 90, of Sheldon, died on Saturday, December 31, 2005, at the Northwest Iowa Health Center in Sheldon, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, January 5, at the Barker Funeral Home in Alta, with Rev. Marvin Lindley officiating. Burial was in the Madison Township Cemetery, Forest City, with the Barker Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Katie, the daughter of John and Grace (Roetman) Ver Hoef, was born on April 11, 1915 near Granville. While growing up, Katie lived in North Dakota, Minnesota, Forest City and Sioux County, Iowa. She married Willard Thovson on April 15, 1933, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. To this union were born two sons, Dennis and Paul, and one daughter, Janet. Katie and Willard farmed, then purchased a hardware store in Fertile which they owned for five years until it was destroyed by fire. After Willard’s death in 1970, Katie worked for school hot lunch programs in Lake Mills and Boyden and for 11 years served as a food service supervisor for the Lake Mills Nursing Home. In 1985, Katie married Edward Baartman and they made their home in Boyden. Ten years later they moved to Alta and lived there until 2004, when they moved to the Fieldcrest Assisted Living in Sheldon. Katie entered the Oak Park Care Center in Sheldon on December 5, 2005.

Katie loved the Lord and served Him as LCW President, Sunday School Superintendent and was a Sunday School Teacher for 20 years. She also attended many Bible studies and was an active church member wherever she lived. Katie enjoyed golf, bowling, handwork, quilting and was a very good cook. Katie and Ed also enjoyed camping at the Iowa Great Lakes and met many friends there. While Katie only had an eighth grade education, it was very important that her children had the education that she didn’t have and she was proud of their many achievements. She will be remembered for her love of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and her extended family.

Those remaining to cherish Katie’s memory are her husband of 20 years, Edward; sons, Dennis (Marlys) of Berkeley Heights, New Jersey and Paul (Carole) of Mesa, Arizona; daughter, Janet (Don) Peterson of Alta; stepsons, Kenneth (Shirley) Baartman, Edwin (Kathy) Baartman and Allen (Bonnie) Baartman, all of Boyden; stepdaughter, Patricia (John) Steensma of Sanborn; sister, Nancy Steffen of Garner; brother, John (Marjorie) Ver Hoef, Jr., sister-in law, Lois Ver Hoef and brother-in-law, Don Gahan, all of Forest City; five grandchildren, Diane (Holly) Malone of Houston, Texas, David Thovson of Kirkland, Washington, Jill (David) Koch of Cedar Rapids, Beth (Lonnie) Samuelson of Badger and Timothy (Kathy) Peterson of Alta; six great-grandchildren, Adam, Allison, Madelyn, Emily, Henry and Oliver; 12 step-grandchildren; 27 step-great-grandchildren; one step-great-great-grandchild; and many other relatives and friends.

Katie left this life to be with those who have passed before her, including her parents; her first husband, Willard; brothers, Francis and Herman Ver Hoef; sister, Jean Gahan; brother-in-law, Leonard Steffen; and sister-in-law, Esther Ver Hoef.
© 2006 Forest City Summit