Bertha C. Monsen, 94

Published April 12, 2006, Page B-6

Bertha C. Monsen, age 94, of Forest City, died on Monday, April 3, 2006, at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, April 6, at 1:30 p.m., at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Rev. Lee Laaveg officiating. Burial was in the Madison Township Cemetery in Forest City.

Visitation was from 4-7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, April 5, at the funeral home. The Petersen Lund Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Bertha Christina Charlson, was born on a farm in Winnebago County, Iowa, on February 8, 1912, the daughter of Martin E. and Ada (Twito) Charlson. She grew up in rural Scarville and attended rural school near her home. On March 16, 1935, she was united in marriage to Martin E. Monsen at the Scarville Parsonage. The couple farmed for many years in the Scarville, Kiester and Forest City areas. Martin passed away in 1974. Bertha worked at Lynns Department Store, Federated Clothing Store, the Forest City Bakery, Winnebago Industries and Doris Fabrics. She was a talented seamstress with a gift for making clothing.

She enjoyed baking and loved having her family and relatives into her home for Sunday dinner. She was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church and attended Bible Study there.

She is survived by a daughter, Mary Ann Ward of Forest City; a son, Martin Monsen of Shell Knob, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Tom (DeeAnn) Monsen, Brian (Lisa) Monsen, Jim Ward, Jeff Monsen, Robin (Julie) Ward, Pam (Larry) Gapp and Kim (Larry) Merchant; seventeen great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Ernest Riggle of Crystal Lake; daughter-in-law, Carmen Monsen of Garner; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Martin in 1974; son, Eugene in 1993; sisters, Gilma and Agnes; and brothers, Clifford, Edgar, Royden, Morris, Homer and infant brother, Alford.

Bertha’s family would like to thank the staff of the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City and the North Iowa Hospice Staff for their kind, compassionate care.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Troy Scott Dahl, 43

Published April 12, 2006, Page B-6

Troy Scott Dahl, 43, of Krysilis in Forest City, died on Monday, April 3, 2006, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, April 5, at the Bride Colonial Chapel, Manly, with Reverend Kenneth Hatland officiating. Visitation was on Wednesday, April 5, from 10:00 a.m. to the time of the services. Interment was in the Manly Cemetery.

Troy Scott Dahl, was born on January 19, 1963 in Mason City, Iowa, to Allan and Betty Dahl. He was baptized into the Lutheran faith. Troy was loved and cherished during his life by his family and friends and was well cared for at Krysilis of Forest City. The family wishes to thank all of the staff and friends at Krysilis, which was Troy’s home for over 20 years.

Troy enjoyed music, wind chimes and going to the races where he could hear all of the loud noises. Troy was also an active competitor in Special Olympics.

Survivors include Troy’s parents, Allan Dahl of Manly and Betty Dahl of Manly; sisters, Tara (Matt) Brick of Mason City and Tricia (Daniel) Neumann of New Richland, Minnesota; brothers, Mark (Jodie) of Clear Lake and Brian (Julie) of Sheffield; paternal grandmother, Edna Dahl of Manly; nieces and nephews, Brett, Scott, Tyler, Amanda, Brittany, Alearah, Arizona, Travis and Rylei; and his aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Philip Dahl; maternal grandparents, Wallace and Laura Jean Rose; aunt, Phyllis Mix; and cousins, Larry and Randy Mix.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Garland "Jack" Compston, 99

Published April 12, 2006, Page B-6

Garland "Jack" Compston, age 99, of Forest City, died on Wednesday, April 5, 2006, at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Monday, April 10, at 11:00 a.m., at the United Methodist Church in Forest City, with Pastor Jerald Swanberg officiating. Burial was in the Oakland Cemetery in Forest City.

Visitation was held on Sunday, April 9, from 3-6:00 p.m., at the funeral home. The Petersen Lund Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Garland “Jack” Compston, was born in Charleston, West Virginia, on August 13, 1906. He grew up in Ohio in the home of his grandparents, Newt and Sarah (Sidenstricker) Compston. In this large, loving family, his aunts and uncles were like siblings to him. Jack left home when he was 12 years old. He attended the Marion Business College in Ohio. He moved to Chicago, Illinois and found a job with a teletype firm. He later began selling vacuum cleaners door to door. On June 30, 1937, he married Ann Clark at Wheaton, Illinois. The couple made their home in Chicago where they owned and operated a grocery store.

In 1942, they moved to a farm near Wabena, Wisconsin and it was here in 1944, they bought their first movie theater. The couple eventually owned and operated several theaters and were involved with owning or leasing and improving theaters in various communities. After a brief time in Arlington, Washington, the family returned to the Midwest and in 1954, purchased the Forest Theater in Forest City, Iowa. In 1967, Jack designed and built the theaters in Decorah, Iowa. Jack operated the Forest Theater until retiring in 1974.

He and Ann enjoyed traveling in their travel trailers and Winnebago motor home, spending time in Texas and Florida. Jack was an avid sportsman who loved to hunt and fish. He enjoyed yearly fishing trips to Canada and Minnesota with family and friends and loved hunting pheasants with his dogs. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Forest City. Jack was very focused on his family and dedicated to his work.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Cathy Compston of Forest City; granddaughter, Catina Kinney and her husband, Scott and great-grandchildren, Brendon and Abigail Kinney, all of Enterprise, Alabama.

Jack was preceded in death by his loving grandmother; and his wife, Ann who died on July 7, 2000.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

David 0. Twito, 82

Published April 19, 2006, Page B-5

David 0. Twito, age 82, of Lake Mills, died on Tuesday, April 11, 2006, at his home in Lake Mills.

Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., on Saturday, April 15, at the Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills, with the Rev. Kevin L. Mackey officiating. Burial took place in the Salem Lutheran Cemetery in Lake Mills, with military honors being conducted by the Otto Chose Post No. 235 of the American Legion. Visitation was held on Friday night, at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in Lake Mills and was also held prior to the services at the church.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Donald Marvin Skogerboe, 86

Published April 26, 2006, Page B-5

Donald M. Skogerboe, age 86, of Forest City, died on Friday, April 21, 2006, at the Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 25, at 1:30 p.m., at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home, with Rev. Lee Laaveg, pastor at the Immanuel Lutheran Church officiating. Burial was in the Ellington Township Cemetery in rural Forest City. Visitation was an hour prior to the services at the funeral home. The Petersen Lund Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Donald Marvin Skogerboe, was born on April 29, 1919 in Garden City, Iowa, the tenth child of Omund and Johanna (Helgoy) Skogerboe, who were Norwegian immigrants that purchased land and set up a farming business in the late 1800’s. The family eventually moved to a farm near Blue Earth, Minnesota. Don’s father died when Don was four years old, leaving his older brothers to manage the farm until leaving home. Don attended school in Blue Earth, later taking his turn working his Mother’s farm and caring for her until her death in 1953. He then moved to a farm southeast of Forest City, met Margie Barth and married her on September 28, 1955, making their home on the Barth family farm. Don also worked several years for the Forester Trailer Factory until they closed, then took a maintenance position with the Forest City Schools.

He was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church and was known for his personal interest in people, his hearty laugh and keen memory of significant family birth and wedding dates. Due to failing health, he lived his last three years in the Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake until his death. Uncle Don will be missed.

Survivors include his wife, Margie; younger brother, Robert “Bob” Skogerboe and his wife, Nelbi of Oregon; sisters-in-law, Mildred Skogerboe of Frost, Minnesota and Marj Barth; along with many nieces and nephews.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Merle D. Schoenwetter, 85

Published April 26, 2006, Page B-5

Merle D. Schoenwetter, 85, of Garner, died on Friday, April 21, 2006, at the Good Samaritan Center, Forest City.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, at the United Methodist Church in Garner, with Rev. David Wagner officiating. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery, Garner. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Madeline M. Moldenhauer, 83

Published April 26, 2006, Page B-5

Madeline M. Moldenhauer, age 83, of Forest City, died on Sunday, April 23, 2006, at the Westview Care Center in Britt, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 26, at 10:30 a.m., at the United Methodist Church in Forest City, with Pastor Jerald Swanberg officiating. Burial was in the Madison Township Cemetery in Forest City. Visitation was held from 4-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, April 25.

The Petersen Lund Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Madeline Mae Behrends, was born on May 15, 1922 at Ringstead, Iowa, to Mino and Emma (Reber) Behrends. She attended school in the area and graduated from the Emmetsburg High School in 1942. She attended health related training at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City. On February 27, 1943, Madeline married Earnest LuVerne Kearney; who had a daughter, Marilyn age 5. Born to this union were two children, Judith and Larry. Madeline and Earnest raised their family in Algona until 1960, when they opened Kearney’s Surplus in Britt. Earnest passed away on November 20, 1963. Madeline continued to operate the business with the help of her children.

On January 16, 1965, Madeline was united in marriage to Clifford Lloyd Moldenhauer. Cliff readily stepped into the position of father and grandfather to all of Madeline’s children and grandchildren. Cliff and Madeline later moved to the Forest City area. Since 2004, Madeline has lived at the Westview Care Center in Britt.

Madeline enjoyed babysitting and vacation time with her grandchildren. She loved holidays spent with family.

Madeline is survived by her husband of 41 years, Clifford Moldenhauer of Britt: daughters, Marilyn Robinson and husband, Darrel of Wesley and Judith Clark and husband, Robert of Wesley; a son, Larry Kearney and wife, Gloria of Forest City; 8 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Earnest; 3 brothers; and 1 sister.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Marvin R. Johnson, 74

Published May 3, 2006, Page B-6

Marvin R. Johnson, 74, of Ft. Myers, Florida and formerly of Scarville, died on Monday, April 24, 2006, at the Coral Trace Hospice in Cape Coral, Florida.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 29, at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Vinje, with Rev. Chris Fiske officiating. Burial was in the Bethel Lutheran Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the Otto Chose Post #235 of the American Legion. Visitation was held on Friday, April 28, at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Norris Petheram Nelson, 92

Published May 3, 2006, Page B-6

Norris Petheram Nelson, 92 Years - 5 Months - 16 Days old, died on Tuesday evening, April 25, 2006, at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls.

A funeral ceremony was held on Sunday, April 30, 2006, at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Belmond, Iowa. Clergy was Pastor Lowell Halvorson, Organist was Carol Severson, with Soloist Nathan Larson; “I Will Worship You” and the congregational singing was “Precious Lord”, “Pass Me Not O Gentle Savior” and “Onward Christian Soldiers.” Casket Bearers were Norris’s grandchildren. Interment was in the St. Olaf Lutheran Cemetery in Belmond. The Winter Funeral Home and Cremation Service was in charge of the arrangements.

The son of Nickolie and Helen Emelia (Oscarson) Nelson, Norris was born on November 9, 1913 in Belmond, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church in rural Belmond and attended school in Belmond. He owned and operated a portable feed grinding business prior to his military service. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in May 1941 and as a member of the 34th “Red Bull” Division, saw service in Ireland, Tunisia and Italy during World War II. While on the Anzio Beachhead on May 20, 1944, Norris and one fellow soldier in his division held off an entire battalion of Germans. That feat earned him the Distinguished Service Cross, the second highest military honor in the nation. He also earned six overseas bars, an American Defense Service Ribbon, a Good Conduct Ribbon, a European African Middle Eastern Ribbon and a Silver Battle Star.

When he returned to the United States, Norris was further honored for his military valor when he was asked to ride as an outstanding war hero in an open-air car with General Mark W. Clark on a 15-mile parade route through Chicago, Illinois. He was discharged from the Army in May 1945. Norris married Florain Janice Peterson on March 19, 1949 in Badger, Iowa. The couple farmed together in Scarville, Iowa. Norris remained on the farm after his retirement. He moved to the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls in 2002.

He was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church in Thompson, Iowa and the Thompson VFW Post. He had also served on the Winnebago County Extension Service Board. Norris enjoyed reading, politics and music. His Christian faith was the most important thing to him throughout his life.

He is survived by his children, Norrine and her husband, James Heesch of Seymour, Gerald Nelson and his wife, Cynthia Matson of Kiester, Minnesota, Tim Nelson and his wife, Linda of Huntington Beach, California, Helen and her husband, Michel Coumes of Longmont, Colorado and Arlyn Nelson and his wife, Kris of Fergus Falls, Minnesota; his grandchildren, Codi and her husband, David Christianson and Clint and his wife, Andrea Heesch of Seymour, Landon Nelson and Veronica Okokon and Graham Nelson of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Wade Rognehaugh of Boulder, Colorado and Sondra Rognehaugh of Longmont, Colorado, Jessica and her husband, Adam Bleess of Rochester, Minnesota, Matthew Haws of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Jacob Haws of St. Paul, Minnesota; his great-grandchildren, Tuff and Colt Christianson and Wyatt, Tell, and Paige Heesch of Seymour and Miles Okokon Nelson of Minneapolis; his brothers, the Rev. Clifford and his wife, Elnor Nelson of St. Cloud, Minnesota and Rueben and his wife, Ellie Nelson of Belmond; his sisters, Mildred Meyer of Toledo, Ohio and Esther Larson of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota; brothers-in-law, John and his wife, Marilyn Peterson of Apple Valley, Minnesota and Paul and his wife, Shirley Peterson of Kenyon, Minnesota; his sisters-in-law, Clara Nelson of Dent, Minnesota and Lyla and her husband, James Fulgelberg of Shell Lake, Wisconsin; and by many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Florain on September 24, 1999; son-in-law, Aaron Rognehaugh; his brother, the Rev. Everett Nelson; his sisters, Ruth Lonnevik and Pearl Nelson at birth; and his brothers-in-law, Roy Larson, Russell Lonnevik, Alfred Meyer and Gerald Peterson.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Wayne D. Olson, 61

Published May 3, 2006, Page B-6

Wayne D. Olson, 61 Years - 11 Months - 3 days old, lost his courageous battle with cancer on Tuesday, April 25, 2006, while at the Muse-Norris Hospice Unit in Mason City, Iowa.

Funeral service were held on Saturday, April 29, at the Bethany Lutheran Church, Thompson. Officiating was Rev. Ted Gullixson of the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church. Cyndy Johnson, organist, with Rosemary Brackey & Amy Thorland, Vocal Duet, “What A Friend We Have In Jesus” Congregational singing: ”I Know That My Redeemer Lives”, “Abide With Me”, “I Am But A Stranger Here, Heav’n Is My Home.”

Honorary bearers were Arnold Grunhovd, Jerry Arnevik, Norman Skogen, Bob Moklestad, Gary Krull and Don Reicks. Casket bearers were Roger Stenberg, Leon Wipplinger, Gisle Bartleson, Norman Hauan, Eugene Erickson and James Brackey. Internment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Thompson. The Winter Funeral Home and Cremation Service was in charge of the arrangements.

Wayne David Olson, was born on May 8, 1944, on the home farm near Leland, Iowa, to Clifford and Irene (Wigern) Olson. He was baptized and confirmed at the Center Lutheran Church, Leland. Wayne received his education at the Newton #1 Country School, also near Leland. On October 6, 1962, he was united in marriage to Rebecca Vilimek in Lake Mills. To this union two children, Bob and Susan were born. Wayne farmed for Eugene Erickson at Coon Grove, then continued to work for Gene in his Oliver shop. Wayne then farmed with Norm Hauan for 12 years. In 1976, Wayne began farming and raising hogs on his own. Wayne continued farming until his death. He also assisted with picking sweet corn for Jason Wirth for many years, becoming known to many area teenagers as Uncle Wayne who drove the tractor.

Wayne was active with the Winnebago County Pork Producers and held several positions and earned various awards with this organization. Wayne was a long time member of the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Thompson, where he held several offices over the years. Spring and fall fishing trips to Canada with family and friends was something that Wayne looked forward to every year. Wayne was a dedicated and devoted farmer, husband, father and grandfather to his family and a very special person and friend to all those who knew him.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 43 years, Becky of Thompson; his son, Bob Olson and his wife, Marcy of Ellsworth; his daughter, Susan and husband, John Bray of Lake Mills; his four grandchildren, Jonathon Olson, Nicholas Olson, Abbey Bray and Emily Bray; his sister, Bonnie Bruhns and her husband, Francis of Buffalo Center; and his brother, Dale Olson and his wife, Kris of Ames.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; and grandparents.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Lawrence "Red" Lodin, 72

Published May 10, 2006, Page B-8

Lawrence “Red” Lodin, age 72, of Thompson, died on Wednesday, April 26, 2006, at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City, under Hospice care, where he had resided for one week. Lawrence had suffered with Parkinson’s Disease for 17 years.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, May 1, at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Thompson, with Rev. Mark Decker officiating. Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the Thompson American Legion. Visitation was on Sunday, April 30, from 3-6:00 p.m., at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home, Lake Mills.

Lawrence E. Lodin, was born on a farm near Thompson, to parents Austin and Olga (Jacobson) Lodin on June 16, 1933. He was baptized and confirmed at the Linden Lutheran Church, rural Thompson. He attended country school and graduated from the Thompson High School. Red farmed with his father before entering the United States Army. He was very proud of his military service, where he served from 1953 until 1955. On August 30, 1953, Lawrence was united in marriage with Judy Kallestad at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Thompson. They became the parents of two children, Lori Ann and Kerby Jay. After farming for 12 years, Lawrence worked for Standard Oil Co., later purchasing the local business known as Lodin Oil Co., which he operated until his retirement in 2002.

Lawrence enjoyed his work, classic and antique cars, especially Corvettes, but most of all he enjoyed his family. He was a member of the Thompson Businessmen’s Club, Thompson Development Company, Thompson Improvement Corporation and was especially known for organizing the Thompson Car Show for 10 years.

Lawrence is survived and will be greatly missed by his wife, Judy; son, Kerby and his wife, Ellen; and two grandchildren, Haley and Madison, all of Thompson; a brother, Arnold Lodin and his wife, Gladys of Kanawha; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Lori; and a brother, Darold Lodin.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Nadine Monsen, 69

Published May 3, 2006, Page B-6

Nadine Monsen, age 69, of Forest City, died on Wednesday, April 26, 2006, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

The funeral ceremony was held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, at the Forest City Foursquare Church in Forest City, with Pastor Jim Haake in charge. Burial will be in the West Cemetery in Rake. The visitation will be on Sunday, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Winter Funeral Home in Buffalo Center.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Bonnie Hanson; and nephew, Ronald L. Monsen.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Lila Rogeness, 95

Published May 31, 2006, Page B-7

Lila Rogeness, 95, of Torrance, California, died on Sunday, April 30, 2006.

A memorial service was held on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 14. The Cremation Society of South Bay was in charge of the arrangements.

Lila Rogeness, the daughter of Swen and Rachel (Orvick) Rogeness was born on November 26, 1910 on the Rogeness farm 1½ miles south of Clear Lake. She attended the Clear Lake Schools and graduated from the Clear Lake High School in 1929. She received a teaching certificate from an area college and taught at several area country schools. After numerous years of teaching school here she moved to the Chicago/Wheaton area and worked for Wheaton College in various capacities until her retirement. She moved back to the family farm around 1995 to live with her brother, Sanford. Upon his death in November 2002, she moved to California with her niece.

Lila was a lovely lady and a caregiver always helping someone else. She enjoyed her family, her friends, eating out, music, reading and crocheting, among other things. She was a member of the Methodist Church in Crystal Lake.

She is survived by two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Roy (Gladys) Rogeness of Britt and Mrs. Grant (Ruby) Rogeness of North Riverside, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Swen and Rachel; three sisters, Mrs. Roy (Alice) Grinde, Mrs. Fred (Valida) Valentine and Jennette Rogeness; and four brothers, Arthur, Grant, Roy and Sanford.
© 2006 Forest City Summit