Leona Barber, 90

Published May 11, 2005, Page B-5

Leona M. Barber, 90, died on Sunday, May 1, 2005, at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, May 5, at the First Baptist Church in Forest City, with Pastor Doug Snyder officiating. Burial was in the Newell Cemetery in Newell, on Friday, May 6. The Petersen Lund Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Leona Mae Goetschius, was born on a farm near Newell, Iowa on May 27, 1914, to Earl and Louise (Rogers) Goetschius. She lived near Newell but a short time before moving with her family to a farm near Winthrop, Minnesota, where she attended a country school until she was 10 years old. The family then moved to South Dakota, where her father purchased a farm near Grover. Leona again attended a small country school, graduating from eighth grade in 1928. Following graduation, she went to high school in Watertown, South Dakota for two years. On her own initiative, she completed high school 34 years later, through correspondence studies with the American School in Chicago, Illinois. At the age of 15, Leona met a neighbor, Frank William Snyder. School proved no match for love and they married on November 14, 1931, in the Parsonage of the Watertown Methodist Church. They had two children, a daughter, Elinor Mae, who was born and also died on September 1, 1933 and a son, Donald Earl, born on January 10, 1936.

Frank passed away on February 1, 1977 after a long battle with diabetes, just months after celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary. On February 13, 1979, Leona married Lyle Barber, a long time family friend who had lost his wife. They lived in Watertown, where both had spent much of their lives. Leona and Lyle had many wonderful years together, traveling and visiting their combined families and many friends. When Lyle passed away after a prolonged illness, Leona moved to Forest City to be near her son.

Leona's initial "career" was farming, first with her father on their family farm and then with her husband, Frank. In the 1950s and 60s she worked for the Newell Consolidated School in the hot lunch program. Her last employer was Winnebago Industries, where she worked for about 10 years.

After becoming a true follower of Jesus Christ her Lord, as a young wife, Leona became active in her churches - the United Methodist Church in Watertown, Newell and then Forest City. She worked with Sunday School and Ladies Mission work, as well as hosting many missionaries and evangelists who visited these churches. While living in Forest City, she was a regular attendee at the First Baptist Church, where she had worshiped on the morning of home going. She passed away peacefully at the Good Samaritan Center, where she had lived following falls requiring two hip surgeries.

Leona is survived by her son, Don and his wife, Clare and their three children, JoLynn and Mark Langerud, Taryn Brumm and McKinzie of Pleasant Hill; Lisa Olberg, Jordan and Linden of Victorville, California; and Douglas and Beth Snyder, Benjamin, Matthew, Rachel, Samuel and Andrew of Forest City; a sister, Cerena (Beth) Arnold of Fountain Colorado; her sister-in-law, Helen Goetschius of San Antonio, Texas; and many nieces and nephews, as well as the children and grandchildren of her late husband, Lyle.

Leona was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Louise; husbands, Frank and Lyle; daughter, Elinor Mae; sister, Ruthie James; and brothers, Perry, Bill and Jim.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Paul Myer, 97

Published May 11, 2005, Page B-5

Paul Myer, 97, died on Sunday, May 1, 2005, at the Kanawha Community Home.

Funeral services were held on Friday, May 6, at the Woden Christian Reformed Church, with Pastor Kevin Jordan officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery, with the Winter Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Paul Fred Meyer, son of Rev. Dirk J. and Emma (Rotschafer) Meyer, was born on January 9, 1908 at Owensville, Missouri. In 1913, he moved with his family to rural Woden, where his father was pastor at the Ostfriesland Christian Reformed Church. Paul attended the rural schools of Bingham Township and then worked for various farmers in the Woden area. On February 28, 1933, he married Mattie Limberg at her parents' home near Woden. They farmed west of Woden until 1971 when they retired from active farming. In addition to farming, Paul had also worked as a tiler and excavator throughout North Iowa. In 1983, Paul and Mattie moved into Woden. Due to ill health, he moved to the Kanawha Care Center on September 1, 1993.

Paul was a member of the Woden Christian Reformed Church, where he served as deacon, elder, treasurer and belonged to the Men's Society. He served as director of the Bingham Township School #3 and the Woden Creamery Board. Paul was an avid sports enthusiast enjoying golf, bowling and fishing.

Paul is survived by three daughters, Shirley and her husband, Rev. James Rozendaal of Independence, LaVonne and her husband, Jerry Wierenga of Niles, Michigan and Lelah and her husband, Buzz Krominga of Rockford, Illinois; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one sister, Ruth DeWaard and one sister-in-law, Hannah Mae Meyer, both of Woden.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mattie in 1994; four brothers, John, Edwin, Dan and Elmer; four sisters, Mary Limberg, Aletta Eden, Esther Limberg and Sophia Meyer; and one great-grandson.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Clara Brass, 93

Published May 11, 2005, Page B-5

Clara Brass, 93, died on Wednesday, May 4, 2005, at the Timely Mission Nursing Home in Buffalo Center.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 7, at the First Baptist Church in Buffalo Center, with Rev. Paul Haugen officiating. Organist, Vera Bronleewe accompanied Judy Junkermeier and congregational hymns. Interment was in the Olena Mound Cemetery, Buffalo Center, with the Winter Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Honorary casket bearers were Alvin Landheer and Tim Berschman. Casket bearers were Ronald Brass, Gene Brass, Don Haisman, Donald Buseman, Russell Buseman and Ronald Buseman.

Clara Mae, was born on July 14, 1911, the daughter of Claus C. and Anna (Adams) Buseman near Canistota, McCook County, South Dakota. Clara attended country school near her home and was a member of the Spring Valley Baptist Church, until she moved with her parents and sister to Buffalo Center in 1942. She married Aeilt Brass on January 14, 1947, in Buffalo Center. She was presently a member of the First Baptist Church of Buffalo Center, Mission Band and Legion Auxiliary.

Clara was a homemaker and she loved music. Playing her piano was a very important part of her life. She taught many young girls and boys how to play the piano and was still helping a young girl with her lessons when she came to visit. She liked to listen to old-time music on the radio, garden, crochet, watch TV, read, word puzzles, remember people with cards and write letters. She enjoyed visiting with her many friends and relatives and always had a story to share.

Clara is survived by her daughter, Audrey and her husband, Leo Kastenmeier of Wells, Minnesota; three sisters-in-law, Lillian Brass of Garner, Henrietta Brass and Jennie Frerichs, both of Buffalo Center; numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1989; and her sister, Adeline Steen in 1979.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Isabell Bell, 97

Published May 18, 2005, Page B-8

Isabell Grace Bell, 97, of Thompson, died on Monday, May 9, 2005, at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, May 12, at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Thompson, with Rev. Mark Decker officiating. Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Thompson, with the Winter Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Isabell Grace Waage, was born on April 14, 1908 at Oslo, Minnesota, to Martin and Mary (Larson) Waage. Isabell attended school in Scarville. She was baptized in the Lutheran Faith at Oslo, Minnesota and was confirmed at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Thompson on June 3, 1923. Isabell was united in marriage with Elmer Hagenson on June 27, 1929 and to this union, two children were born, Robert DuWayne and Viola Deloris. Elmer passed away on February 15, 1956, at the hospital in Buffalo Center. On October 4, 1962, Isabell was united in marriage with Obert Bell, who later passed away on July 1, 1979 in Forest City.

Isabell was a longtime resident of Thompson, where she was a homemaker who spent much time tending to her family. She was a faithful member of the Bethany Lutheran Church, keeping active with the. Ladies Aid and the circle she belonged to. Isabell also enjoyed being a part of the Thompson Senior Citizens.

Survivors include her daughter, Viola "Tootie" Merryman and her husband, Duane of Warsaw, Missouri; daughter-in-law, Gladys "Babe" Hagenson of Thompson; six grandchildren, Randy (Mary Jane) Hagenson, Lynn (Julie) Hagenson, Gescha Schroader, MaDonna Merriam, Douglas (Janet) Berhow and Timothy Berhow; 10 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Velma Waage of Titonka; two step-daughters and their families, Opal DeVries of Buffalo Center and Marjory Sorenson of Crystal Lake; and a step-daughter-in-law, Almira Bell of Thompson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands, Elmer and Obert; a son, Robert Hagenson on May 14, 1976; a great-granddaughter, Dawn Lunning; three sisters, Myrtle Crooks, Irene Waage and Einora as an infant; and two brothers, Leonard Waage and Cyrus Waage.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Beverly Helgeson, 65

Published May 18, 2005, Page B-8

Beverly Jean Helgeson, 65, of Kensett, died on Wednesday, May 11, 2005, as a result of a vehicle accident in rural Fertile.

Funeral services were held on Monday, May 16, at the Elk Creek Lutheran Church, Kensett, with Reverend Allan J. Stoa officiating. Burial was in the Elk Creek Lutheran Church Cemetery, with the Bride Colonial Chapel in charge of the arrangements.

Beverly Jean, the daughter of Everett and Edna (Entner) Boutelle, was born on May 20, 1939 in Mason City. Beverly was raised and educated in the Kensett and Osage areas. She was a lovely child full of energy that loved being outside doing whatever her father and grandfather were doing. She also helped her mother with the cooking and housekeeping, but would jump at the chance to go out and help her grandfather. She was a very intelligent and beautiful young lady. She graduated from the Osage High School in 1956 at the age of 16, a full two years ahead of her peers. After graduation, she worked as a telephone operator for Bell Telephone in Mason City. In 1960, she injured her head while traveling with her family near Plymouth. She was admitted to Mercy Hospital for a couple of days and it was at this time that she first spotted Roger. She told her friends he was the most handsome man she had ever seen. Roger was in the hospital with a broken leg. She stopped and talked to him and this started a courtship, which lasted nearly 42 years. While other people had hobbies, took vacations, Beverly just wanted to spend her time by Roger's side taking care of the animals, the farm and raising their family with the man she adored, respected and loved more than anything else. Beverly started working at the Post Office in June of 1979.

She was a member of the Elk Creek Lutheran Church, the church circle and was a Sunday School Teacher for many years. She was also a member of the Rural Carrier's Association. Beverly was very active in scouting, 4-H and various school organizations. She loved her animals, gardening and bird watching, but above all she loved and adored her family.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Roger Helgeson of Kensett; two sons, Steven J. Helgeson and his wife, Sally of Clarion and Dr. Rodney D. Helgeson of Louisville, Kentucky; one daughter, Lori J.. Peters and her husband, Mike of Lansing; her mother and stepfather, Edna Boutelle Seamann and her husband, Heinz Seamann of Davenport; seven grandchildren, Brittany and Brandon Helgeson, Shaun McBride Peters, Joseph "Joey" Helgeson, Caelan McBride Peters, Connor Helgeson and Makayla Peters; one brother, Robert Boutelle and his wife, Nancy of Walcott; and many nieces and nephews, as well as other relatives and many friends.

An infant son, Timothy, her father, Everett Boutelle, and her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Lu Lu and James Helgeson, preceded her in death.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Catherine Armstrong, 90

Published May 18, 2005, Page B-8

Catherine Armstrong, 90, of Buffalo Center, died on Thursday, May 12, 2005, at the Timely Mission Nursing Home in Buffalo Center.

Funeral services were held on Monday, May 16, at the United Methodist Church in Buffalo Center, with Rev. Lots Abel officiating. Burial was in the Olena Mound Cemetery, Buffalo Center, with the Winter Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Anna Catherine, daughter of Charles and Dicy (Smouse) Rhubee, was born on April 9, 1915, northeast of Buffalo Center on a farm in Winnebago County. In 1920, their family moved to a farm at Raymond, Minnesota, where Catherine attended rural school and graduated from the Raymond High School with the class of 1933. On February 12, 1936, she was united in marriage with Royal Armstrong. They lived in the Clara City-Willmar areas of Minnesota until 1946, when they moved to Buffalo Center. The Armstrong’s owned and operated a repair shop for many years.

Catherine was a member of the United Methodist Church in Buffalo Center, the United Methodist Women, Mary Circle and was a member of the Buffalo Center Public Library for 26 years. Catherine was employed at Fleetguard in Lake Mills for 21 years, retiring in 1980.

Catherine is survived by her son, Charles Armstrong and his wife, Marcy of Buffalo Center; a daughter-in-law, Sandy Armstrong of Buffalo Center; seven grandchildren, Scott (Shelley) Armstrong, Tracy (Jacqueline) Armstrong, James (Robin) Armstrong, Troy (Sue) Armstrong, Barb (Rick) Hofbauer, Paul (Julie) Armstrong and Kelly Armstrong and her fiancée, Justin Lugar; 12 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; a sister, Darlene Kinkead of Apopka, Florida; an aunt, Regina Danger of Buffalo Center; an uncle, Elmer Rhubee of Buffalo Center; four step-sisters, Grace Bosma and Elvera Hanson of Buffalo Center, Jennie Grothe of Lake Mills and Lots Teigen of Kingman, Arizona; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Royal in 1973; a son, Robert in 2004; brother, Gerald Rhubee; and a step-sister, Wilma Stewart.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Louise L. Hanson, 90

Published May 25, 2005, Page B-7

Louise L. Hanson, 90, of Le Roy, Minnesota, died on Friday, May 13, 2005, at the Maple Manor Nursing Home in Rochester, Minnesota.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, May 18, at the Le Roy Lutheran Church in Le Roy, with Rev. Thomas Kolden officiating. Burial was in the Madison Township Cemetery in Forest City.

Louise Lucille, the daughter of Peter and Mary (Barth) Etzen, was born on January 7, 1915 in Woden. Louise attended the Hayfield School. She was united in marriage with Raymond W. Hanson, on January 19, 1935 in Garner. The couple farmed in the Riceville area until their retirement in 1975 when they moved into Le Roy.

Louise enjoyed traveling south for the winter to spend time in Texas where they had a second home for many years. She also enjoyed playing cards, antiquing, making crafts and crocheting.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Charlene (Clarence) Johnson of Lincoln, Nebraska, Marcelle (Lester) Clapp of Rochester, Minnesota, Deloryce (Glenn) Johnson of Le Roy and Lenore (Steven) Peters of Mukwonago, Wisconsin; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Irene Cook of Clear Lake; and a brother, Ed (Dorothy) Etzen of Forest City.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 2000; a granddaughter, Kim Louise; brothers, Enno, Pete and John; and sisters, Berndetta Brakey, Grace Larson and Rose Peterson.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Donald Busick, 71

Published May 25, 2005, Page B-7

Donald "Booie" Busick, 71, of Forest City, died on Friday, May 13, 2005, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Center in Mason City, after a long battle with cancer.

Funeral services were held on Monday, May 16, at the Andrews Funeral Home in Belmond.

Donald Duane, the son of Dale and Alice (McMannus) Busick, was born on January 2, 1934 in Belmond. Donald attended school in Belmond and later earned his GED while serving in the Marine Corps. After serving in the Marines, he worked in La Cross, Wisconsin, where he was married to Rosada Postin in 1958. The marriage was later dissolved. The couple moved back to Belmond where Donald was employed at Acco Seeds for many years. He worked test plots, germinating corn, etc. He moved to Forest City and began working at Winnebago Industries as a press operator. He retired in 1996.

In his leisure time, Donald enjoyed fishing, bowling, horse shoe tournaments and playing the harmonica. He was the Wright County and Belmond city bowling champion in the mid 50s, and took great pride in being the first bowler to roll a 700 scratch series in 1958 at Bowl Mor Lanes in Belmond. Donald also enjoyed visiting, always having a story or a joke for everyone. He enjoyed times spent at the Sportsman Cafe having coffee and visiting with friends and family. In his later years he enjoyed watching old classic movies with his dog "Max" at his side. He developed a special relationship with Ron Bronson, transit and taxi driver who took Donald shopping and to medical appointments. Donald was grateful to Helen Alne who cared for Max when he had to be away from home.

Don is survived by his daughter, Suzette Hughes (Keith) Trusedale; brothers, Darwin (Joan) Busick of Haverhil, Massachusetts, Ken (Carol) Busick of Mason City and Doug Busick of Britt; sisters, Shirlene (George) Van Den Heuvel of Klemme, Remae (Eddie) Schuver of Goodell and Rosetta Busick and her special friend, Jim Peterson of Lake Cornelia; several aunts; 28 nieces and nephews; 53 great-nieces and nephews; special friend, Jean Thompson; and many friends and his faithful companion, Max.

He was preceded in death by Rose; his paternal and maternal grandparents; his parents; brothers, Dale Jr., Darrel and Harold; a sister, Darlene Baker; and his father- and mother-in-law, Doug and Florence Postin.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Myron "Mike" Becker, 80

Published May 18, 2005, Page B-8

Myron Ray Becker, 80, of Forest City, died on Saturday, May 14, 2005, at the St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 18, at 10:30 a.m., at the United Methodist Church in Forest City. Burial will be in th Madison Township Cemetery in Forest City. Visitation will be from 5-8:00 p.m., on Tuesday, May 17, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City and an hour prior to the services at the church.

Myron Ray "Mike" was born on May 27, 1924, the son of Herman and Lillian (Husted) Becker at Blairstown. Mike graduated from the Blairstown High School in 1942. He farmed with his father and later owned a tavern in Mt. Vernon. In 1946, he married Bette Butteris, which later ended in divorce. Six children were born to this union. In 1962, Mike came to Forest City and owned the Forest Tavern and in 1968 the Village Lounge. On October 27, 1976, he married Judy Hiscocks Dahle. One son was born to this marriage. Mike and Judy owned and operated Uptown Liquor from 1989 to the present.

Mike went to work everyday and loved his cabin at Summerbreeze, Minnesota, fishing and especially driving his car. He was a member of the United Methodist Church. He loved spending time with family and telling stories of the "old days," Buster and always had a joke to tell.

Mike is survived by his wife of 28 years, Judy; his six children, Sharlyn (Larry) Pardubsky of Johnston, Pam (Harley) Urbatsch of Forest City, Michael "Butch" Becker of Clear Lake, Gary (Teresa) Becker of Cottonwood, Minnesota, Richard Becker of Shakopee, Minnesota, Karia (Tim) Woodward of Mason City and Judy's three children, Kevin (Beth) Dahle of Northfield, Minnesota, Kirn (Matt) Jennings of Forest City and Tony (Colleen) Dahle of Mason City; 22 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Also surviving Mike is his sister, Albert Volz of Amana; two brothers, Donnie Becker of Van Horn and Wayne Becker of Blairstown.

Mike was preceded in death by a son, Andy Becker; a sister, Bonnie Kahle; and his parents, Herman and Lillian Becker.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Myrtie V. Hanna, 89

Published June 1, 2005, Page B-5

Myrtle V. Hanna, 89, of Forest City, died on Saturday, May 14, 2005, at the USA Healthcare in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Monday, May 16, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City, with Rev. Barb Spaulding, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial was in the Grant Township Cemetery in rural Woden, with the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Myrtle Vivian, the daughter of Edward I. and Gunel (Hanson) Evans, was born on November 8, 1915, on the family farm east of Dows. Myrtle attended country school near her home. She lived at home with her parents and her brothers for a few years then moved to Chicago where she worked briefly in a factory. In 1940, she entered beauty school to become a beautician. She moved to Forest City in 1942 and began working as a beautician at the Dainty Maid Salon. She later owned and managed her own salon. On April 4, 1956, she married Gordon Oren Hanna. To this union a daughter, Colette, was born. The family lived for a time in Woden and in Dows before settling in Forest City in 1966. Myrtle began working for Winnebago Industries in the Stitchcraft area in 1971. She continued there until her retirement in December of 1977.

Myrtle was an active member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City. She loved to help with Do Day - making quilts with the other ladies of her church. She was seen walking many places to and from town. Her passion was for her flower gardens, quilting, sewing and crocheting.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Colette and John Sowder of Forest City; two grandchildren, April Eames of Nevada and Preston Sowder of Ames; a brother, Edward E. Evans of Florence, Arizona; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters; six brothers; her husband; and a grandson.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Hubert Orvick, 80

Published May 25, 2005, Page B-7

Hubert Orvick, 80, died on Tuesday, May 17, 2005, at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City.

A private family service was held on Friday, May 20. Burial was in the Madison Township Cemetery in Forest City, with the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Hubert Dale Orvick, was born in Hanlontown on December 8, 1924, the son of George and Mabel (Mandsager) Orvick. Hubert attended rural school near his home and graduated from the Meservey High School. On January 28, 1947, he was united in marriage to Leona Mae Ruiter in Des Moines. Hubert worked for Sondergard Trucking and at the washing machine plant in Clear Lake. In March of 1950, the family moved to the Agnes Jacobs farm south of Forest City where Hubert farmed until March of 1976. They moved to their present home in Forest City at this time and Hubert began working at the Forest City Co-op Elevator. He continued there until his retirement on January 1, 1989. He also worked for the City of Forest City, reading meters from 1989 to 1992. He went on to drive the Headstart School Bus in Forest City from 1992 until retiring in 1997.

He was a past member of the Forest Evangelical Lutheran Church and a present member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Hubert is survived by his wife, Leona of Forest City; his daughters, Sheilah Luttring and husband, Duane of Faribault, Minnesota and Carmen Hauge and husband, Kent of Kiester, Minnesota; two grandsons, Chad Green of Faribault and Bryan Hauge of Kiester; a sister, Eileen Field of Belmond; and two brothers, Rev. George Orvick and wife; Ruth of Mankato, Minnesota and Sherman Orvick and wife, Lucille of Oregon, Wisconsin.

Hubert was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mabel Orvick; a granddaughter, Lauri Green; brother-in-law, Marlin Field; and in-laws, Fred and Tina Ruiter.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Edgar Thorland, 87

Published May 25, 2005, Page B-7

Edgar Thorland, 87, of Thompson, died on Thursday, May 19, 2005, at the Timely Mission Nursing Home in Buffalo Center.

Funeral services were held on Monday, May 23, at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Thompson, with Rev. Mark Decker officiating. Organist was Mary Ann Olsen. Honorary bearers were John Burke, Paul Burke, Ken Moen, Doc Johanson, Ray Harang, Merlin Morgan, Dean Farland, Mark Brunsvold, Paul Branstad and Kerry Wentworth.

Casket bearers were Lyle Nelson, Gary Nelson, Dean Thorland, Eugene Irons, Dennis Appelhons and Norman Skogen. Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Thompson, with the Winter Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Edgar Marlin, the son of Edward and Mary (Dahl) Thorland, was born on April 3, 1918, on the family farm near Thompson, Iowa. He was the seventh child of eight children. As a young man, Edgar attended country school in Eden Township and continued his education at the Thompson High School.

Among his interests were hunting, trapping, tinkering with his tractors, reading newspapers and watching TV programs. He had a special love for his horses, cats and dogs. He enjoyed home-cooked meals with family and friends, especially those meals prepared by his sister-in-law, Pearl. He was baptized and confirmed at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Thompson where he was a lifetime member.

Left to cherish his memory is one sister, Ruth Nelson of Thompson; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Richard, Albert and Clarence; three sisters, Mary (Ed) Johnson, Josie (Cliff) Burke and Agnes (Elmer) Stenberg; and four nephews, Dicky and Jerry Thorland, Arlyn Burke and Roger Johnson.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Donald Bartz, 93

Published June 1, 2005, Page B-5

Donald Bruce Bartz, died on Saturday, May 21, 2005. Private services were held.

Donald was born on April 18, 1912, in Charles City. During World War II, he served his country by designing large weaponry for U. S. battleships. He then became a design engineer for the Oliver White Corporation and Whirl Air Flow.

Donald is survived by eight children; 16 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

James Ormsby, 92

Published June 1, 2005, Page B-5

James Ormsby, 92, of Forest City, died on Tuesday, May 24, 2005, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 28, at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Clear Lake. Interment was in the Clear Lake Cemetery, with Military Honors by the Clear Lake VFW. The Ward Van Slyke in charge of the arrangements.

James E., the son of John and Josie (McCroden) Ormsby, was born on August 7, 1912 in Woden. Jim attended parochial schools in Wesley and the Wesley High School. He farmed until entering the U.S. Army during WW II. On October 22, 1946, he was united in marriage with Maxine Thronson at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner. They continued to live on Maxine's family farm south of Ventura. He painted for over 40 years and also helped on the farm. Maxine and Jim had celebrated 56 years together.

Jim loved his music, playing the guitar, harmonica and violin. He enjoyed going to nursing homes and playing his music. Jim and Maxine loved to dance and won a dance contest at the Surf. He was everybody's friend. Jim took pride in his faith, family and music his whole life. He was a member of the St. Boniface Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus Counsel #7897 of St. Boniface Catholic Church, Garner and enjoyed singing in the church choir.

Jim is survived by three daughters, Kathy Meinecke and her husband, Don of Forest City, Karen Purcell and her husband, Dan of Clear Lake and Joan Losey and her husband, Brad of Clear Lake; seven grandchildren, Christopher and Jennifer Meinecke, Michael and special friend, Carmen, Matthew, Benjamin and Rachel Purcell and Courtney Losey; one sister, Mary Ormsby of Sacramento, California; and many special cousins.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Maxine on October 5, 2003; granddaughter, Sara Purcell; brother, Joe Ormsby; sister, Eileen Kearney; and one infant sister.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Wayne E. Foster, 78

Published June 8, 2005, Page B-5

Wayne E. Foster, 78, of West Des Moines, died on Thursday, May 26, 2005, of a massive stroke.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 31, at the St. Mark's Lutheran Church in West Des Moines. Internment was in the Greenfield Cemetery.

Wayne E. Foster, was born in Greenfield, the second son of J. Emmert and Irene (Dwyer) Foster. Wayne graduated from the Greenfield High School and Iowa State University. Following his graduation from Iowa State University, he accepted the job of city engineer at Mason City. He enjoyed a life-long career as a civil engineer and was a World War II veteran. Wayne was united in marriage to Marie Challas, daughter of William and Katherine Challas of Mason City. To this union two sons and a daughter were born.

He is survived by his wife, Betty; three children, Steven Foster of Boulder, Colorado, Thomas (Patty) of Urbandale and Kathy Foster of Urbandale; two brothers, Erwin (Vivian) Foster of Forest City and Dr. Jerry (Mary) Foster of Normal, Illinois; two sisters, Helen (Bob) Beer of Panora and Veryl (Merl) Schweers of Greenfield; an aunt, Mildred (Dwyer) Mathews of Creston; four granddaughters, Robyn, Lisa, Jillian and Courtney; 12 nieces and nephews; five step-children; six step-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Victor Oleson, 58

Published June 8, 2005, Page B-5

Victor Oleson, 58, of Coffeyville, died on Friday, May 27, 2005, in Coffeyville.

Memorial services were held on Sunday, June 5, at the Peace Lutheran Church in Rogers, with Eric Boye officiating. The Benton County Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Victor Wayne Oleson, the son of Frank and Darlene Rasmussen Oleson, was born on April 6, 1947 in Forest City. Victor was a mechanic and built Harley-Davidson motorcycles. He was a member of the Peace Lutheran Church in Rogers.

He is survived by three children, Lindsay Victoria Oleson of Seligman, Missouri, Victor Wayne Weissenfluh of Coffeyville and Tawnia Prior of Delano, Minnesota; one sister, Valerie Schleiff of Rogers; two granddaughters, Nisa and Alyssa Prior; and one nephew, Brandon.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Carl Boehm, 79

Published June 8, 2005, Page B-5

Carl Boehm, 79, of Buffalo Center, died on Sunday, May 29, 2005, at the Cedar Valley Hospice in Waterloo.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, June 2, at the First Baptist Church in Buffalo Center, with Pastor David Langer officiating. Burial was in the Graceland Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the Buffalo Center Color Guard. The Winter Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Carl William Boehm, the son of William and Gertie (Janssen) Boehm, was born on April 1, 1926 in Kossuth County, near Lakota. Carl was the fourth of ten children. He was baptized at the Reformed Church in Titonka and confirmed at the Presbyterian Church in Lakota. Following his schooling, Carl served in the United States Army from April 1945 until December of 1946. He was assigned to the 46th Engineer Construction Battalion serving at Yokohoma, Japan.

He had been a member of the Buffalo Center American Legion for 47 years. On April 3, 1947, Carl was united in marriage with Gretchen Wessels at Blue Earth, Minnesota. Together they farmed near Lakota for 21 years and then moved to an acreage in Stevens. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, visiting with friends and relation, playing cards and he had a great love for animals.

Carl is survived by three children, Patricia Boehm of Urbandale, Sandra Murphy of La Porte City and Larry Boehm and his wife, Mary of Black River Falls, Wisconsin; five grandchildren, Matthew Murphy and Sara Murphy of La Porte City and Joshua, Jeremy and Jamie Boehm, all of Black River Falls, WIisconsin; six brothers, Fred Boehm, Otto (Dorothy) Boehm, George (Elaine) Boehm, John Boehm, Robert (Gracile) Boehm and Dennis (Joan) Boehm; three sisters, Pauline Eisenhauer, Irene Winter and Roseine (Harvey) Nerdig; as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Gretchen; four brothers-in-law, Ed Winter, Harold Eisenhauer, Arnold Swalve and Jake Wessels; and one sister-in-law, Juanita Behm.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Michael W. Ades, 36

Published June 8, 2005, Page B-5

Michael "Mike" W. Ades, 36, of Woden, died on Tuesday, May 31, 2005, in a traffic accident near Crystal Lake.

Funeral services were held on Friday, June 3, at the Clear Lake United Methodist Church, with Rev. Jan Burnett and Rev. Bill Poland officiating. Burial was in the Grant Township Cemetery in Fertile, with the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel in charge of the arrangements.

Mike, son of Carl and Wilma (McCollough) Ades, was born on May 13, 1969 in Sheldon. Mike graduated from the Clear Lake High School in 1987. Following high school he attended the North Iowa Community College. He was an Eagle Scout and with the help of troop #30, built a bat roost at Lime Creek Nature Center as his Eagle project. On May 18, 1991, he was united in marriage to Jami Johnson in Forest City. They moved to Volga, South Dkota and lived there until the fall of 1993, then moved back to the Forest City area and started working for Winnebago Industries.

Mike loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting, trapping, mushrooms hunting, eating ice cream, his dog Mattie, camping, cooking and especially spending time with his family as his daughters, his nieces and nephews were very special to him. Mike never got excited about anything and would always go with the flow. He was always there for his friends. He grew up attending the Clear Lake United Methodist Church and was a member of the Trappers Association and Ducks Unlimited.

Mike shared his life and will be sadly missed by his wife, Jami Ades of Woden; their three children, Sydney, Sadhna and Samara (Sammi) Ades; his parents, Carl and Wilma Ades of Clear Lake; two brothers and one sister, Jerry Ades and his wife, Sheila, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Beth Hanson and her husband, Mike of Lake Mills and Mark Ades and his wife, Molly of Belmond; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Raymond and Deidre Johnson of Forest City; sister-in-law and brother-in-laws, Jodi Fank and her husband, Dan of Manly and Cody Johnson of Forest City; nieces and nephews, Carter and Dylan Ades, T.J. and Hannah Hanson, Krista, Ashton and Adrii Fank and Theresa Storby; and also many uncles, aunts, cousins and a host of friends.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Hylene Nonnweiler, 85

Published June 8, 2005, Page B-5

Hylene Nonnweiler, 85, died on Tuesday, May 31, 2005, in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

A private interment was held at the Forest City Cemetery.

Hylene Margaret Nonnweiler, daughter of Henry and Johanna (Folkerts) Brower, was born on December 16, 1919 in Crystal Lake.

Hylene is survived by her daughter, Leila (Larry) Rovang of Eden Prairie; two grandsons, Jim (Kim) Rauser of Cologne, Germany and John (Jenny) Rauser of Seattle, Washington; and two great-grandsons, Matthew and Markus Rauser of Cologne, Germany; two sisters, Betty Dorenkamp of Minnetonka, Minnesota and Marlys Hutzell of Pisgah; one brother, Bill (Marie) Brower of Ventura; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Layton Nonnweiler.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Benjamin Rutherford, 91

Published June 15, 2005, Page B-5

Benjamin T. Rutherford, 91, of Forest City, died on Tuesday, May 31, 2005, at the Mercy Medical Center West Campus in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Friday, June 3, at the First Baptist Church in Forest City, with the Rev. Larry Kidwell and the Rev. Terry Port officiating. Burial was in the Oakland Cemetery in Sac City, with the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Benjamin T. Rutherford, son of James and Gerda (Wahlin) Rutherford, was born on June 22, 1913 in Ross. He received his early education in Gray and graduated from high school in Manila. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree at Morningside College in Sioux City and his Masters of Arts Degree at the University of Wyoming in Laramie. Ben married Lucille McVey in Fairfield and to this union, a daughter, Jane, was born. Lucille passed away in 1969. He began teaching at a rural school in Crawford County and later in what is presently the Audubon Community School District. World War II interrupted his teaching career and Ben served four years in the US Navy. Following his honorable discharge, he began teaching mathematics and social studies in the seventh grade in Sac City. In 1952, he accepted the position of principal at the Sac Community School. On October 22, 1970, Ben was united in marriage to Gretchen Nelson. The couple made their home in Sac City until Ben's retirement in 1974.

A very involved and dedicated professional, Ben has served as president of the Northwest Iowa Teachers Association and as a member of the Board of Directors of ISEA. He also worked closely with the North Central Association, the Iowa Association of Secondary School Principals and the National Association of Secondary School Principals. After retiring, Ben and Gretchen enjoyed spending their winters in California and summers in Forest City.

Ben enjoyed playing golf, even until his 90th year. Other hobbies included televised sporting events, working on various craft projects and baking, especially making cookies, which earned him the name, "Cookie Man". Ben attended the First Baptist Church in Forest City and was a member of the Palm Desert Presbyterian Church in Palm Springs, California.

Ben is survived by his wife, Gretchen Rutherford of Forest City; his children, Jane Ramsberger and husband, Tom of Scottsdale, Arizona, Rebecca Kurtze and husband, Larry of St. George, Utah and John Nelson and wife, Susan of Charlottesville, Virginia; five grandchildren, Margaret Ramsberger, Jennifer Nelson, Clifford Frederickson, Sean Frederickson and Craig Frederickson; a sister, Margarete Reinholdt of California; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ray, Glen and James; and a sister, Helen.
© 2005 Forest City Summit