Orville Borg, 84

Published September 14, 2005, Page B-5

Orville Borg, 84, of Forest City, died on Thursday, September 1, 2005, at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, September 7, at the First Baptist Church in Forest City, with Pastor Larry Kidwell officiating. Burial was in the Madison Township Cemetery in Forest City, with the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Orville Lyle, the son of Martin and Emma (Isaacson) Borg, was born on August 14, 1921, on a farm southeast of Forest City. Orville attended a country school near his home in Ellington Township, Hancock County and graduated from the Forest City High School in 1939. He helped his father farm until moving to Palo Alto, California, where he worked for Western Pipe and Steel. In 1943, he was called into the US Army. He trained at Ft. Leonard Wood and soon shipped out with the 592 Company E, Amphibious Engineer Battalion; serving in the Pacific Theater. He met his future wife, Goldie Geddes of Hayfield, during the war and upon his return home they became engaged, marrying on September 22, 1946, at the Methodist Church in Hayfield. Orville farmed until 2002, when he retired and moved to Forest City.

The couple spent many winters in Florida. Orville enjoyed his extended family and treasured time spent with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Goldie Borg of Forest City; a daughter and her husband, Sue and Scott Bjelland; two grandchildren, Ethan and Erica Bjelland, all of Decorah; sisters, Mildred Ostrander of Forest City, Gloria Chodur and her husband, Don of Kensett and Arlys Hendrickson and her husband, Nelson of Humboldt; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Lennea, Albert and Kenyon Borg; and two sisters, Ruth Borg and Verlene Chodur.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Anna Marie Henely

Published September 14, 2005, Page B-5

Anna Marie Henely, 75, of Charles City, died on Thursday, September 1, 2005, at the Floyd County Memorial Hospital in Charles City.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Saturday, at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City. Pastor Marty Miller will officiate. Burial will be in the Howardville Cemetery, rural Floyd. Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home from 5-8:00 p.m. on Friday. Visitation will continue on Saturday at the funeral home an hour prior to the servicse.

Anna Marie Rasmussen Henely, was born on December 26, 1929 in Wright County, the daughter of John and Amy (Benson) Rasmussen. She graduated from the Clarion High School in 1947 and received her teaching certificate from Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls. Anna Marie taught country school for three years. On August 26, 1949, she was united in marriage to Gene Henely at Blue Earth, Minnesota. They moved to the Charles City area in 1949 and started farming in 1953.

Anna Marie attended the Howardville Wesleyan Church, where she was very active in many church activities. She was also a member of the Wesleyan Women International, the Heritage Club and had served as a 4-H Leader for 10 years. Her hobbies included all types of gardening, fishing, sewing, embroidery, reading and doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles. She and Gene also enjoyed traveling and had visited every state of the United States except Delaware. The highlight of traveling, however, was their trip to Australia and New Zealand. Family was also very important to Anna Marie and she looked forward to those times they could have together.

Living family members include her husband, Gene of Charles City; a son, Kenneth (Darla) Henely of Charles City; a daughter-in-law, Jolene Henely of Forest City; five grandchildren, Joe, Eric, Martin, Tom and Philip Henely; a great-grandson, Jonathan Henely; and two sisters, Dorothy Egge of Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Marcia (Lloyd) Abrams of Mason City.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Fredrick Henely; and a sister, Mary Rasmussen.

Memorials may be directed to the Hospice of North Iowa Charles City site. The Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Mollie Jo Vega, 15

Published September 14, 2005, Page B-5

Mollie Jo Vega, 15, of Forest City, died on Saturday, September 3, 2005, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

A memorial service was held on Wednesday, September 7, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Pastor Barb Spaulding and Pastor Lee Laaveg officiating. Inurnment was in the Clear Lake Cemetery in Clear Lake, with the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Mollie Jo Vega, was born in Mason City on June 29, 1990, the daughter of Jerry Vega and Amy Everett. Mollie attended elementary school in Forest City and this year was a freshman at the Forest City High School. She was a very active teenager who loved photography, riding bikes, walking, golfing and swimming. She was involved in youth bowling, school choir and the Special Olympics, basketball and track and field and enjoyed playing horseshoes. A real jokester, Mollie always had a smile. She loved her dogs, treasured her niece and was a friend to everyone. She was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Mollie is survived by her mother, Amy Everett and John Treloar of Clear Lake; her father, Jerry Vega and Starla Parker of Forest City; a sister, Megan Vega and Gilbert Sambalyegula of Mason City; a brother, Chad Vega and friend, Lorie Eveland of Boise, Idaho; step-sister, Alohna Ammons of Forest City; step-brothers, Brock Kielty of Forest City and Brandan Kielty of Clear Lake; niece, Danessa Sambalyegula; grandparents, Carl and Pauline Krukow of Clear Lake and Byron Everett of Latimer; aunts, Polly Krikorian of Boise, Idaho and Sue Roben of Bellevue; uncles, Todd Everett of Chicago, Illinois and Chuck Vega of Gillette, Wyoming; and other relatives and a host of friends.

Mollie was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents; cousin, Curtis Vega; and her step-grandmother, Arlene Everett.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Adella Sinnwell, 90

Published September 14, 2005, Page B-5

Adella Sinnwell, 90, died on Tuesday, September 6, 2005, at the Colonial Manor in Elma.

A Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, September 10, at the St. Bernard Catholic Church in Alta Vista. Inurnment was in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Alta Vista, with the Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home in Elma in charge of the arrangements.

Adella Bemadina, was born on October 29, 1914 at Alta Vista, the daughter of Charles F. and Rose (Hermsen) Recker. Adella was baptized and confirmed at the St. Bernard Catholic Church. She received her education at a country school and later the St. Williams Catholic School in Alta Vista. After her schooling she worked for neighboring families doing house work and caring for children. She also worked as a nurse’s aid for one year at the Waverly Hospital. On September 20, 1937, Adella was united in marriage to Urban J. Sinnwell at the St. Bernard Catholic Church in Alta Vista. Following their marriage the couple farmed near Ionia for two years and then moved to a farm south of Alta Vista. Later the couple purchased a farm southeast of Alta Vista. In 1947, they purchased what was later called the Sinnwell Elevator in Alta Vista. In 1960, the couple moved off the farm into Alta Vista.

After their retirement in 1971, the couple sold their home in Alta Vista and developed the Old Well Mobile Home Park in Alta Vista where Adella resided until January of 2005 when she moved into the Colonial Manor in Elma, where she received gracious care from the staff.

Adella enjoyed writing, especially frequent letters to her children and in her daily journal where she kept a detailed account of her life. She also played a large role in writing the history of Alta Vista for their centennial celebration. Adella also loved to play cards and was active in league bowling in past years, but most important to her were her grandchildren. She was a lifelong member of the St. Bernard Catholic Church, Rosary Society, Garden Club, Alta Vista VFW Auxiliary and the Alta Vista Commercial Club.

Adella is survived by her four children, Judy Sinnwell, OSF of Dubuque, Eva (Larry) Brooks of Baker City, Oregon and their children, Tony (Holly) Brooks and Rick Brooks; Tim (Linda) Sinnwell of Eldorado Hills, California and their children, Jeremiah Massey and Sky Massey; Andy (Karen) Sinnwell of Forest City and their children, Matt, Casey and Kelsy Sinnwell; great-grandchildren, Gideon, Josiah, Jedidiah and Hannah Brooks; a sister, Marie Recker of New Hampton; and a sister-in-law, Taisa Recker of Alta Vista.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Urban; a sister and her husband, Nita (Elroy) Northness; five brothers; and two sisters-in-law, Ambrose (Winnie) Recker, Ray (Evelyn) Recker, Leon Recker, Louis Recker and Edwin Recker in infancy.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Robert E. Ambroson, 80

Published September 14, 2005, Page B-5

Robert E. Ambroson, 80, of Leland, died on Thursday, September 8, 2005, at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Monday, September 12, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Leland, with Pastor Randy Baldwin officiating. Burial was in the Forest Home Cemetery in Leland, with the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Robert Edward, the only son of Eddie and Alma (Holland) Ambroson, was born on March 19, 1925, on the family farm west of Leland. Robert was baptized and confirmed at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Leland, where he was a lifelong member. He attended the Leland School, graduating in 1942. Bob played basketball and baseball throughout high school and enjoyed telling stories about the area teams and gymnasiums in which they played. Besides his involvement in high school sports, Bob followed local and national teams throughout his lifetime and was an avid Green Bay Packers fan. Bob and Dorothy Tinderholt were married on September 10, 1950. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary several years ago enjoying an open house with many relatives and friends. They were to have celebrated their 55th anniversary this past Saturday.

Bob was born, raised and lived his entire life on the Ambroson family farm. He very much appreciated his rural upbringing, working the land and took great pride in caring for the livestock and farm very well. He was also a rural mail carrier for a number of years in the Leland area. Bob had a strong belief in right and wrong. A very ethical man, he believed in honesty and telling the truth. He had a quick wit and a dry sense of humor. He was always the first to try out a new practical joke on someone and expected one in return. He was always interested and attended as many of the grandchildren's functions as he possibly could and was always very proud of all his grandchildren.

Bob is survived by his wife, Dorothy Ambroson of Forest City; two children, James Ambroson and wife, Melanie of Leland and Janet Haugen and husband, Dennis of Forest City; four grandchildren, Christopher Ambroson and wife, Shannon of Ames, Jamie Licko and husband, Jim of Cedar Rapids, Michael Haugen at Minnesota State University in Mankato, Minnesota and Justin Haugen of Eagen, Minnesota; and an aunt, Frances Holland of Leland.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; and several aunts and uncles.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

David Brue, 46

Published September 21, 2005, Page A-8

David L. Brue, died on Thursday, September 8, 2005, at his home.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, September 13, at the First Baptist Church in Forest City, with Pastor Larry Kidwell and Pastor Doug Snyder officiating. Interment was in the Graceland Cemetery, Buffalo Center, with the Winter Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements. Special music was provided by organist Carol Tweeten, pianist Beth Synder and a trio of James Anderson, Tim Fredrickson and Kirk Jefson. Honorary bearers were Randy Buns, Brian Legried, Brent Matson and Joe McEuen. Casket bearers were Juern Akkerman, Mickey Berg, Byron Carlson, Kim Davids, David Milbrandt, Brian Thilges and Bud Jermland.

David La Verne, the son of La Verne and the late Gloriann (Tjarks) Brue, was born on January 7, 1959 in Buffalo Center. He attended the Linden Lutheran Church in rural Thompson. He accepted Jesus as his personal savior as a young man. David graduated from the Buffalo Center High School in 1977 and from Iowa State University with an associate degree in agriculture in 1979. He married Barbara Teig on June 7, 1980, at the Liberty Lutheran Church in Rake. The couple was blessed with two sons, Jeremy, age 19 and Jonathan, age 16. David loved his lifelong profession of being a farmer. He and his father farmed together on land southeast of Buffalo Center. He was a seed dealer for DeKalb/Asgrow for 12 years.

David was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Forest City, served as a Farm Bureau Director and as a North Iowa School Board member. He enjoyed flying, vacationing with his family and was a devoted father who enjoyed participating in his sons' activities. Many memorable evenings were spent watching Twins baseball games with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Barbara; two sons, Jeremy and Jonathan; his father, La Verne Brue and wife, Rita of Britt; three sisters, Carolyn Legried and husband, Brian of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Mary Beth McEuen and husband, Joseph of St. Louis, Missouri and Diane Matson and husband, Brent of Buffalo Center; his father-in-law, Donald Teig and wife, Valborg of Wanamingo, Minnesota; and his sister-in-law, Linda Buns and her husband, Randy of Chandler, Arizona; and by many nieces and nephews and good friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Gloriann; his mother-in-law, Lucille Teig; and his brother-in-law, Scott Arnevik.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Debra Koester, 50

Published September 21, 2005, Page A-8

Debra Koester, 50, of Forest City, died on Friday, September 9, 2005, at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, September 13, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Rev. Lee Laaveg officiating. Burial was in the Madison Township Cemetery in Forest City, with the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Debra Dawn, the daughter of Harold and Marlys (Everson) Book, was born on October 17, 1954, at the Forest City Hospital. Debra was baptized at the Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills and later confirmed at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City. Debbie graduated from the Forest City Community Schools in 1973. Deb was united in marriage with Steven Koester in 1978 and the couple later divorced.

She enjoyed searching for antiques and reselling them, going to rummage sales and working with plants. She also enjoyed taking care of the elderly. Deb loved visiting with her aunts and uncles, cousins and friends. She always greeting you with a wonderful smile.

Surviving Debbie are her three children, Chad Koester, Aric Koester and Angela Koester; her parents, Harold and Marlys Book; a brother, Allan Book; a sister, Linda Levang and friend, Wayne; a brother, Floyd Book; and four nieces, Laura Swingen, Stephanie Daugard and husband, Neil, Kara Swingen and Maria Levang.

Debbie was preceded in death by her grandparents; and several aunts and uncles.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Imogene Zrostlik, 81

Published September 21, 2005, Page A-8

Imogene Zrostlik, died on Sunday, September 11, 2005, at the Westview Care Center in Britt.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, September 14, at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Britt, with Fr. Jerry Blake officiating. Burial will be in the St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Duncan, with the Ewing Dugger Funeral Chapel of Britt in charge of the arrangements.

Imogene, the daughter of John and Emma Hauptly Steenlage, was born on July 25, 1924 in Britt. She grew up in the Britt area where she attended country school and helped on the family farm. On February 15, 1944, Imogene was united in marriage with Peter Zrostlik in Duncan. Only days after their marriage, Pete was called into active duty with the United States Army. Following Pete's discharge from the Army, the couple farmed for a time. Imogene babysat for many years for various families in the Britt area. She was also employed at the Britt Country Club.

Imogene enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoyed flowers and playing cards and bingo. She was a member of the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Britt and the Britt VFW Auxiliary.

Imogene is survived by four children, Judy Aitchison and special friend, Dale Armstrong of Britt, David and Lorna Zrostlik of Forest City, Deb and Bob Carmody of Britt and Ron Zrostlik of Lake Mills; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Viola Holck and Phyllis Peck; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Peter in December of 2004; one son, Gary "Smokey"; one grandchild; one great-grandchild; and one brother, John Steenlage.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

C. Larry Charlson, 63

Published September 21, 2005, Page A-8

C. Larry Charlson, 63, of Thompson, died on Monday, September 12, 2005, at his home.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, September 15, at the West Prairie Lutheran Church, rural Leland, with Rev. Randy Baldwin officiating. Burial was in the West Prairie Lutheran Church Cemetery, with the Winter Funeral Home of Thompson in charge of the arrangements.

Christian Larry, the son of Christian Benjamin and Pearl Evelyn (Anderson) Charlson, was born on December 28, 1941 in Forest City. Larry was baptized and confirmed at the West Prairie Lutheran Church, rural Leland. He attended grade school in Leland and graduated from the Forest City High School with the class of 1960. Following graduation, Larry started driving truck with Bob Ambroson and Jerry Severson. A short time later, Larry purchased his own root picking machine and moved to Georgia where he lived for a couple of years. From 1977 until 1980, Larry worked for Wayne Ambroson. On June 30, 1978, Larry was united in marriage with Janice Elaine Clark at Ridgeway. The couple made their home in Thompson.

Larry was active at the West Prairie Lutheran Church, where he was a lifelong member. He worked with the youth group for some time, taking the kids on camping trips and teaching them how to cook outdoors. Larry also enjoyed cooking meals for different charitable organizations through the church. In addition, Larry served as President of the Thompson Community Development Group. As a hobby, he spent time fishing and hunting. Larry was a kind and giving man who continually thought of others instead of himself. He always stated that his most important job in life was to be a good father and grandfather.

Survivors include his wife, Janice of Thompson; children, Laurie Swearingen of Britt, Lisha Pogliano and her husband, Jeff of Aspen, Colorado, Jeff Miller and his wife, Jayne of Derby, Benjamin Charlson of Thompson, Jayme Charlson in the U.S. Navy stationed at Whidbey Island Naval Base in Washington and Joey Charlson of Thompson; grandchildren, Joshua Paulson of Thompson, Jolene Paulson of Emmons, Minnesota, Miranda, Torren and Tristen Miller, all of Derby and Sienna Pogliano of Aspen, Colorado; a sister, Lois Anderson and her husband, Lon of Minneapolis, Minnesota; two brothers, Dale Charlson and his wife, Barb of Clear Lake and Paul Charlson and his wife, Pat of Leland; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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

Duane H. Hanson, 83

Published September 21, 2005, Page A-8

Duane H. Hanson, 83, of Forest City, died on Thursday, September 15, 2005, at his home.

Funeral services were held on Monday, September 19, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Rev. Lee Laaveg officiating. Burial was in the Madison Township Cemetery, Forest City, with the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Duane Herbert, the son of Lewis Hanson and Hannah (Hanson) Hanson was born on April 18, 1922, on a farm near Miller. He attended elementary school in rural Ellington Township. He farmed with his father and on July 8, 1942, was united in marriage to Mildred Thelma Charlson. Duane was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1943 and served in the South Pacific Theater. Following his honorable discharge in 1945, he returned home and continued farming. In 1956, he began working with Hallet Construction of Boone, Iowa. He continued to work with that company until 1961 when he joined Gjellefald Associates. He started working at Winnebago Industries in 1970 until retiring in 1985 due to ill health.

Duane was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church, the American Legion and the Kum Along Club. He enjoyed the out of doors and camping. He treasured time spent with family and especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Mildred Thelma Hanson of Forest City; his grandchildren, Elke Hanson and Case Hanson, both of Chardon, Ohio and Dane Hanson and wife, Heidi and their children, Luke and Dru Hanson, all of Williamsburg, Virginia; brothers, Ernest Hanson of Garner, Milton Hanson of Forest City and Earl Hanson of San Clemente, California; sisters, Dorothy Wilson and Lula Schroeder, both of Garner and Vivian Rasmussen of Clear Lake; and many nieces and nephews.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Lowell; two sisters, Mary Stewart and Pearl Pinkerton; and a brother, Raymond Hanson.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Irene Miller, 84

Published September 28, 2005, Page B-5

Irene Miller, 84, of Forest City, died on Sunday, September 18, 2005, at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, September 21, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Rev. Lee Laaveg officiating. Burial was in the Madison Township Cemetery, Forest City, with the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Irene Miller, was born on May 10, 1921, the daughter of Roelf and Lena Oudekerk. Irene was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. On September 15, 1940, she was united in marriage to Kobes Miller. To this union a son, Al was born. Irene worked several jobs during her life—in restaurants, at Stitchcraft and delivering motor homes.

She treasured time spent with her family and loved it when they came to visit. She enjoyed her pets, garage sales, flowers, cooking and baking. Her Buick was her pride and joy!

She is survived by her son, Al Miller and his wife, Kay of Mankato, Minnesota; three step-grandchildren, James Johns and wife, Vonnie, Janell Twait and husband, Dan and Carla Retter and husband, Mike; seven great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; four sisters, Jessie Oudekerk, Harriet (Lloyd) Thoren, Cora (Lawrence) Maupin and Rosie (Robert) Holecek; a brother, Sam (Tilly) Oudekerk; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Kobes in 1974; four brothers, Henry, infant brother John, John and Koert; and a sister, Elizabeth.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

George Tiffany, 75

Published September 28, 2005, Page B-5

George Tiffany, 75, of Britt, died on Monday, September 19, 2005, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services were held on Friday, September 23, at the First Lutheran Church in Britt, with Janelle Siffring, AiM, officiating. Music was provided by organist, Twila Schroeder accompanying congregational hymns. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date in the Ashton Chapel Cemetery, Jasper County. The Ewing Dugger Funeral home was in charge of the arrangements. Casket bearers were Jean Day, Jackie Peters, Joe Tiffany, John Tiffany, Ray Tiffany and Terry Tiffany.

George, the son of Joseph S. and Minnie M. Kaldenberg Tiffany, was born on January 19, 1930 in Jasper County, Iowa. George grew up on the family farm and attended country school. He graduated from the Collins High School in 1948. Following graduation from high school, George entered the United States Army and served during the Korean Conflict. On June 23, 1951, George was united in marriage with Theo Aspholm in Des Moines. Following his discharge from the Army, George attended Drake University, graduating in 1956. His accounting degree allowed him the opportunity to be involved in financial management for Amsted Industries, Pyle National Corporation and Fawn Engineering Corporation in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illinois and Iowa. In 1974, George and Theo moved to Marshalltown where he founded Party Pac Popcorn Company. In 1985, they moved to Britt where George was vice president for administration and controller for Britt Tech. He retired in 1992.

George enjoyed golf, bridge and woodworking. His greatest joy during his retirement was spending time with family and friends, especially his grandchildren. George was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Britt. He was a member of the Lions Club and the AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants).

George is survived by his wife, Theo; four children, son Dennis (Patty) of Plymouth, Minnesita, daughter, Patricia (Lorren) Johnston of Fairbanks, Alaska, son, Doug of Webster City and daughter, Lisa (Mark) Nelson of Forest City; seven grandchildren, Anna and Amy Tiffany, Eric and Theresa Tiffany, Nehemiah, Natalie and Noah Nelson; a sister, Johanna Hudson of Des Moines; a brother-in-law, Paul (Wilma) Aspholm of Manson; sisters-in-law, Betty of Mingo, Myrtle of Nevada, Lois and Barbara, both of Ames and Edith Peters of Poway, California; and many nephews, nieces and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Arthur, Alvin, Henry and John Tiffany; and nephews, Paul and Gary Tiffany and Mark Hudson.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Connie Ho, 61

Published September 28, 2005, Page B-5

Connie Y. Ho, 61, of Lake Mills, died on Monday, September 19, 2005, at her home in Lake Mills.

A visitation was held on Wednesday, September 21, at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in Lake Mills. She will be inurned in a temple family niche in Los Angeles, California at a later date.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Cheryl A. Swearingen

Published September 28, 2005, Page B-5

Cheryl A. Swearingen, 40, of Woden, died on Tuesday, September 20, 2005, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, September 24, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Pastor Barb Spaulding officiating. The Petersen Lund Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Cheryl Ann, the daughter of Eugene and Mary (Lehne) Iverson, was born in Benson, Minnesota on August 20, 1965. Cheryl was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and received her elementary education in St. Cloud, Minnesota. The family moved to Alexandria, Minnesota, where Cheryl graduated from high school. She met Michael Swearingen and the couple moved to Iowa where they were later married. Cheryl was a devoted and loving mother to her daughters.

She treasured time spent at family get-togethers and camping. She enjoyed motorcycle riding and loved crafts, creating many unique items. She had a bubbly personality and a real zest for living.

Cheryl is survived by her daughters, Jennifer and Nicole of Forest City and Michelle and Melissa of Leland; a two-year old granddaughter, Neriah; her mother, Mary Iverson of Alexandria, Minnesota; her brother, Mark Iverson and wife, Sharon of St. Joseph, Minnesota; and an extended group of close friends and family.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her father.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Brice Stevenson, 56

Published October 5, 2005, Page B-6

Brice Stevenson, 56, of Mason City, died on Saturday, September 24, 2005, at his home.

Memorial services were held on Saturday, October 1, at the Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel in Mason City, with Reverend Tom Healey of the St. James Lutheran Church, Mason City, officiating. Burial was in the Union Cemetery in Alta Vista.

Brice Matthew, was born on May 25, 1949 in Elma, the son of Brice M. and Carmella M. (Althof) Stevenson. Brice attended and received his education in the Elma Community School. He was united in marriage with Carla Kooiman on February 11, 1977 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and to this union two sons were born, Cory and Jeff Stevenson. Brice worked as a security guard for Winnebago Industries in Forest City for many years and also worked as a salesman for the Kirby Vacuum Cleaner Company in Mason City for several years.

He enjoyed playing pool, model trains, fishing, was an avid Minnesota Twins baseball fan, riding his motorcycle and his 57 Chevrolet.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Michelle Fraser and her husband, John of Meservey, Cory Stevenson of Clear Lake and Jeff Stevenson of Leland; two grandchildren, Jacob and Casey Fraser, both of Meservey; a brother, James Stevenson and his wife, Louise of Mason City; three sisters, Kay Deetz and her husband, David of Forest City, Pat and Gail Stevenson, both of Mason City; three uncles, Jack Althof and his wife, Lois of Jamestown, North Dakota, Kenny Stevenson and Lynn Stevenson and his wife, Amajean all of Elma; as well as other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a nephew, James Stevenson.
© 2005 Forest City Summit

Opal Browning, 82

Published October 12, 2005, Page B-5

Opal Browning, 82, died on Thursday, September 29, 2005, at her residence, The Heather’s Assisted Living Manor.

Funeral services were held on Monday, October 3, at the Major Erickson Funeral Home, Mason City, with Rev. James Grabitske of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Mason City and the Rev. David Russow of the King of Grace Lutheran Church, Golden Valley, Minnesota, officiating. Interment was in the Memorial Park Cemetery.

Opal Bernice, was born in Vinje on July 17, 1923, to Maynard and Jennie Maakestad. Opal was baptized on July 22, 1923 and confirmed on May 1, 1938, at the Center Lutheran Church, Scarville. She attended the Leland High School graduating in May 1942. After graduation she attended Waldorf College in Forest City, where she earned her teaching degree. Her first teaching job was at the Fertile School in Fertile, where she taught for two years. She then accepted a position at the Belmond Elementary School leaving after one year to be married. On June 21, 1947, Opal was united in marriage with Raymond Browning. Their marriage was blessed with two sons and one daughter. The family moved to Spirit Lake in 1949 where Ray and his brother bought a plumbing business which Opal helped to manage until 1958. In 1958, the family moved to Forest City when Ray began work for Plumb Supply of Mason City. They resided there until 1963 when Ray and the family moved to Mason City, where Opal was a substitute teacher. After Ray’s death in 1974, she accepted a full-time position at NIACC. She retired from NIACC in 1989.

Opal enjoyed her retirement with golfing, playing bridge and “500,” traveling and gardening - especially her roses. She later moved to Crystal, Minnesota, to be close to her family and continued to enjoy family celebrations and visits.

Opal is survived by sons, Daniel and wife, Linda of Minnetonka, Minnesota and Timothy and wife, Jane of Baxter, Minnesota; daughter, Rebecca and husband, Dr. Greg Lecy of Marshall, Minnesota; 10 grandchildren, Kathryn and husband, Scott Roeber, Jacob Browning and wife, Jennifer, Alexander Browning, Dr. Joseph Browning and wife, Rana, Adam Browning, Ryan Browning, Ross Lecy, Andrew Lecy, Abigail Lecy and Kirstin Lecy; three great-grandchildren, Gavin Browning, Scott Browning and Harrison Browning; sister, Adoline and husband, Dale Martinson of Radcliffe; brother, Duane and wife, Jean Maakested of Fairmont, Minnesota; brother and sister-in-law, Eldon and Elvira Browning of Galt, California; sister-in-law, Pauline Browning-Blevins of the Seattle area; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; loving husband, Raymond Browning; brother, Merle; and sisters, Mertie (Arnold) Tweeten, Olina (Eldon) Willis and Irene (Maynard) Wacholz.
© 2005 Forest City Summit