John S. Wubben, 88

Published February 8, 2006, Page B-8

John S. Wubben, 88, of Fort Dodge, died on Wednesday, February 1, 2006, at the Trinity Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services were held on Monday, February 6, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Buffalo Center, with Pastor Perry Aalgaard and Rev. David Grindberg officiating. Visitation was held one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial was in the Olena Mound Cemetery in Buffalo Center. Memorials may be left to the Hospice of Fort Dodge.

John S. Wubben, was born on December 25, 1917, on a farm near Burt, and attended rural schools. Following his education, he worked in farming. On September 3, 1941, he was united in marriage to Frances Berryhill near Popejoy and they established their home on a farm near Woden. In 1952, they moved to a farm near Buffalo Center and farmed in the Buffalo Center area until he retired in 1978. In 2002, they moved to Fort Dodge. John was a member of the St. Olaf Lutheran Church.

Surviving is his wife, Frances; sons, Wayne and his wife, Dorothy of Leland, Alan and his wife, Marcia of Forest City and Warren “Willie” of Buffalo Center; daughter, Nancy Hamilton and her husband, Craig of Fort Dodge; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 15 great-great-grandchildren; and a sister, Helen Eenhuis of Barnesville, Minnesota.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Simon and Gertie (Wilts) Wubben; his step-father, John Knapper; 3 sisters; 6 brothers; and a granddaughter, Sandra Boeckholt.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Corrine E. Miller, 90

Published February 8, 2006, Page B-8

Corrine E. Miller, 90, of Clear Lake, died on Thursday, February 2, 2006, at the Muse-Norris Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

A service of celebration of her life on her 91st birthday, was held on Monday, February 6, at the Church of Christ, Fertile, with Reverend Curt Gallmeyer officiating. Interment was in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City.

Visitation was held on Sunday, February 5, at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake. Memorials are suggested to the Hospice of North Iowa.

Corrine was born on February 6, 1915, the daughter of John & Janet (Halvorson) Zobel at Goodrich, Minnesota. Corrine married Verle Miller on March 15, 1933, at Mason City. She lived most of her life in Fertile. Corrine and her sister, Doris operated the restaurant in Fertile for several years, farmed with her husband, and then she also worked at Winnebago Industries in the upholstery department.

Corrine enjoyed reading books, playing cards, camping, fishing, doing puzzles, having fun and playing practical jokes. She was known for her cooking, making Lefse and baking her apple pies. She was a member of the Fertile Senior Citizens and the Fertile Church of Christ.

Corrine is survived by her four children, Earl (Donna) Miller, Marlin (Dianne) Miller, Jean (Dan) Blake and Jack (Eva) Miller, all of Clear Lake; 16 grandchildren, Sheila (Michael) Ball, Arlyn (Claudia) Miller, Dan (Penny) Miller, LuAnn (Dick) Paulson, Jeffrey Miller, Shawn (Dan) Charlson, Jerry (Doreen) Gudmonson, Mark (Linda) Gudmonson, Laurie (Allen) Deuschle, Curtis (Margaret) Blake, Jack Junior Miller, Janelle Herzberg, Linda Peterson, Richard ( Rita) Miller, Gary (Sue) Miller, Eric Miller and friend, Kim; grandson-in-law, Phillip Krambeer; 39 great-grandchildren; 19 great-great-grandchildren; 3 sisters-in-law, Viola Roberts, Leona Meeks and Verna Butts; 3 brothers-in-law, Glennis (Flo) Miller, Amos (Irene) Miller and Orland (Marlys) Miller; and many special nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; 3 sisters, Viola Evans, Ruth Zobel and Doris Burtness; 4 brothers, Maynard, Edgar, Marvin, Harold Zobel and a infant brother; granddaughter, Rhonda Krambeer; great-grandson, Kenneth Herzberg; and son-in-law, Don Gudmonson.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Bernice M. Anderson, 100

Published February 8, 2006, Page B-8

Bernice M. Anderson, age 100, of Forest City, died on Friday, February 3, 2006, at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, February 7, at 1:30 p.m., at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Thompson, with the Rev. Mark Decker officiating. Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Thompson, with visitation one hour prior to the services at the church.

Bernice Mabel Anderson, the daughter of Louis and Emma (Anderson) Olson, was born on October 3, 1905, on the family farm near Garner. She was baptized and confirmed at the Ellington Prairie Lutheran Church and received her education in rural school near her home. She lived and worked in Mason City for Dr. Burke for many years. On February 15, 1942, she married Norman M. Anderson of Thompson. Following brief stays at Fort Hancock, New Jersey during WW II and Los Angeles, California after the war, the couple returned to Thompson in 1948.

Bernice was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church in Thompson. She was an avid reader and enjoyed gardening. She entered the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City in 1986.

She is survived by her son, Dennis Anderson and his wife, Linda of Medfield, Massachusetts; her brother, Arno Olson and his wife, Alma of Garner; and several nieces and nephews.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Norman; son, Roger; two brothers; and a sister.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Laurence Greiman, 94

Published February 8, 2006, Page B-8

Laurence Greiman, 94, of Garner, died on Saturday, February 4, 2006, at the Good Samaritan Center, Forest City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, February 8, at the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Garner, with the Rev Tim Diehl officiating. Burial will be in the Concord Township Cemetery, Garner. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services at the church.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Herbert E. Holtan, 88

Published February 15, 2006, Page B-8

Herbert E. Holtan, age 88, of Albert Lea, formerly of Lake Mills, Iowa, died on Sunday, February 5, 2006, at the St. John’s Lutheran Home in Albert Lea, Minnesota.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, February 8, at the Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills, with Rev. Kevin Mackey officiating. Burial was in the Salem Memorial Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the Otto Chose Post #235 of the American Legion.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, February 7, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in Lake Mills.

Herbert E. Holtan, the son of George and Marie (Haugen) Holtan, was born on the family farm in Mt. Valley Township, Winnebago County, Iowa, on February 19, 1917. He was baptized and confirmed at the Winnebago Lutheran Church. After country school, he entered Waldorf Academy and graduated from Waldorf College in 1938 with a major in physics. Herbert married Arlene Bolstad on May 16, 1939, at the Winnebago Parsonage.

They resided on the home farm until Herb accepted a position with the Federal Security Board at Baltimore, Maryland, operating sorting and tabulating machines. In November 1942, he was inducted into the army at Camp Dodge, Iowa and received his basic training at Camp Robinson, Arkansas. He served with records units in Texas, Louisiana and New York until crossing the Atlantic on the troop ship Queen Mary in July 1943. While in Europe he worked in enlisted man’s pay and allowance sections and he spent six months as an army cashier in Paris handling money conversion and payment of vouchers. In December 1945, he returned to the United States on the Victory Ship Gustavus Adophus and was discharged from the Army.

After returning home, he moved to Lake Mills, Iowa and became active in the insurance business with his father. He built a new home in 1948. In 1956, Herb accepted a position with the Lake Mills Bank where he served until retirement in 1981.

Herb participated lifelong in athletics including baseball and softball and was an avid golfer until no longer physically able. He was proud of three hole-in-one golf shots. In Lake Mills, Herb was a member of the Salem Lutheran Church, where he served as treasurer for many years and the Otto/Chose Post Chapter 235 of the American Legion for which he also was the treasurer. In addition he was a local election official. His hobbies included coin collecting, bowling and sports. Herb most enjoyed spending time with his extended family and his in-laws, often traveling to North Dakota to visit relatives there.

He is survived by three children, Neal Holtan and partner, Stephen Dent, Wendy and husband, Merwin Pothast and Patti Pederson; seven grandchildren, Nathan Bergom, Inger Bergom and husband, Spencer Piston and Sally Bergom, Molly and Mary Pederson, and Jeremy and Ryan Pothast; four step-grandchildren; brother, Boyd Holtan; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; son-in-law, Donald Bergom; siblings, Mavis Lovik, Joel and Wayne Holtan; and sisters-in-law, Genevieve, DeElda and Jane Holtan.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Ruth T. Juhl, 86

Published February 15, 2006, Page B-8

Ruth T. Juhl, 86, of Garner, died on Tuesday, February 7, 2006, at the Concord Care Center, Garner.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, February 11, at the Faith Lutheran Church in Miller, with the Rev. Owen Gaasedelen officiating. Burial was in the Ellington Township Cemetery near Miller.

Ruth Thora Juhl, the daughter of William and Clara (Solsaa) Schow, was born on March 10, 1919, on a farm northwest of Ventura. She attended country school near her home and the Ventura Elementary School. She graduated from the Garner High School in 1937 and continued her education at Iowa State Teacher’s College in Cedar Falls.

After receiving her teaching certificate she began teaching at the Ellsworth Community Schools. On August 21, 1942, she was married to Norman Juhl at Macon, Missouri. They lived on the Juhl family farm near Miller. Ruth taught school in Rudd for two years after their marriage and then retired to become a full time wife and mother for their three children, Mary Ann, Chris and Mark. In 1971 she returned to work as a teacher’s aid in Garner.

Ruth thoroughly enjoyed her family, grandchildren and the many friends she made throughout her life. She was an active member of the Faith Lutheran Church in Miller, where she taught Sunday School and played the piano for church services for many years.

Ruth is survived by her children, Mary Ann Juhl of Des Moines, Chris (Mary) Juhl of Garner and Mark (Carol) Juhl who live on the family farm near Miller; grandchildren, Tom (Stephanie) Juhl of Watertown, Wisconsin, Alison (Brent) Eden of Cannon Falls, Minnesota, Jeff Juhl, Molly Juhl, Melissa Juhl and fiancée, Trent Anderson of Forest City, Kevin Juhl and Alan Juhl; three great-grandchildren, Jordan Anderson, Nicholas Juhl and Alexis Juhl.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman on February 16, 2000; her parents; and brother, Clifford Schow.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Grace L. Thompson, 100

Published February 15, 2006, Page B-8

Grace Luella Thompson, 100, died on Thursday, February 9, 2006, at the St. John’s Lutheran Home, Albert Lea, Minnesota.

Funeral services were held on Monday, February 13, at 1:30 p.m., at the First Lutheran Church, Northwood, Iowa, with Rev. Wayne Hagen officiating. Burial was in the Kensett Cemetery, Kensett, Iowa. Visitation was on Sunday, from 3-5:00 p.m., at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood. The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home of Northwood, was in charge of the arrangements.

Grace Luella Thompson, was born to Ole and Christine (Bergh) Thompson on December 11, 1905, on a farm near Kensett. She was baptized at home by the Rev. L. O. Pederson, the same day she was born and confirmed by the Rev. Thor Sigmond at the Bethany Lutheran Church, Kensett on July 6, 1919. Luella attended rural school for her first seven grades and often talked about the school programs and basket socials that she enjoyed so much. She then attended school in Northwood and completed her junior and senior years at Forest City where she graduated.

Luella was employed for ten years at the restaurant in Chester, Iowa, that was owned by her brother, Milton and wife, Enid and later by her brother, Olaf and wife, Venita. She worked at the Bowen Food Center in Forest City for a number of years and managed the Bowen Food Center in Northwood for ten years. After the store in Northwood was sold, she once again returned to the store in Forest City. After several years, Luella returned to Northwood to care for her aged mother. After her mother’s death, Luella was employed as a receptionist for Drs. Forland and Anderson from July 1970 until retiring March 9, 1988 at the age of 83. In 1996, she moved to the Knutson Place apartments in Albert Lea, Minnesota.

Luella loved to work and enjoyed all the friends she had made over the years. She never married, but loved children and they loved her. Many of them called her Grandma Lu. She was a member of the First Lutheran Church, Northwood and an active member of the Lydia Circle for many years.

Luella is survived by her nieces, Gartiel Zidlicky of Spillville, Iowa, Beth Sheeley of Coralville, Iowa and Donna Hanson of LeRoy, Minnesota; nephews, Dean Thompson and wife, Lavonne of Riceville and Conrad Thompson and wife, Joyce of Rochester, Minnesota; special friends, Ray and Beverly McMullin of Albert Lea, Minnesota and their sons, Mike and Randy; special friends, Dennis and Renee Bergo of Lake Mills and their children, Andrea and Earl Thorton and daughter, Anja Luella of Chandler, Arizona, Jennifer and Jason Chose of Ames, Iowa and the late Jonathon Bergo.

Preceding her in death were her parents; one sister, Emylia Rygmyr; four brothers, Melvin, Olaf, Milton and Ernest; one nephew, Charles Thompson; three sisters-in-law, Enid Thompson, Venita Thompson and Urania Thompson; three nephews-in-law, Glenn Sheeley, Don Hanson and Art Zidlicky; and her precious niece, Kristeen Drugg.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Robert Dean Kitner, 80

Published February 15, 2006, Page B-8

Robert D. Kitner, 80, died on Saturday, February 11, 2006, at the Mercy Hospital Medical Center in Des Moines.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday, February 14, at the New Virginia United Methodist Church. The Rev. Henry Grant officiated. Visitation was on Monday, with family greeting friends from 6-8:00 p.m., at the Kale Funeral Home in Osceola.

Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Thompson, Iowa, at 4:00 p.m., on Tuesday, February 14, 2006.

Robert Dean Kitner, the son of Samuel and Mary (Willert) Kitner, was born on June 28, 1925 at Thompson. He graduated from the Fertile High School in Fertile.

Survivors include his wife, Emilyn; sons, Roger of New Virginia, Robin Russell of Des Moines and Dale (Laura) of Peru; daughters, Lois (Donald) Standley of Garner and Linda (Paul) Thede of Boone; 9 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Florence Graff of Mason City and Lillian Weaver of Thompson; sister-in-law, Opal Kitner of Forest City, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; children, Royden and Rebecca; brothers, John, Clairence, Lester, Leroy, Jesse and Henry; sister, Anne Kitner; and brothers-in-law, Herman Weaver and Max Graff.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Orville Russell Strohman, 84

Published February 22, 2006, Page B-9

Orville Russell Strohman, passed away on Monday evening, February 13, 2006, at the Good Samaritan Center In Forest City, Iowa. He was 84 years and 22 days old.

Visitation was held at the Hansen Funeral Home in Lakefield, on Friday, February 17, from 5-7:00 p.m., and again at the church on Saturday one hour prior to the service.

Orville Russell Strohman, son of Peter and Myrtle (Miller) Peterson, was born on January 22, 1922 in Clay County, Iowa. At the age of two, Orville was adopted by his aunt and uncle, Jerry and Olive Strohman. He grew up on the family farm in Sioux Valley Township, Jackson County and was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Sioux Valley, on June 23, 1940. Orville graduated from the Sioux Valley High School in 1941.

He married Eva Hartman on December 12, 1943, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Sioux Valley. Following their marriage, the couple lived on the farm for 44 years before moving into Lakefield, where they lived for 16 years. On June 1, 2003, they moved into assisted living in Forest City and this past December moved to the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City. Orville was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Sioux Valley and taught Sunday School. He enjoyed farming, dart ball, horseshoes and playing cards.

Orville is survived by his wife, Eva Strohman of Forest City; daughter, Joyce and her husband, Grant Russell of Fertile; three sons, Ken and his wife, June Strohman of Fertile, Russell Strohman of Dunnell, Iowa and Darrell and his wife, Patricia Strohman of Chandler, Arizona; eight grandchildren; twelve great- grandchildren; a brother, Ed and his wife, Merlene Peterson of Eagle Grove; sister, Bernice Rogers of Davenport; and a sister-in-law, Mary Peterson of Eagle Grove.

Orville was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Charles Peterson; sister, Illa Miller; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Velma (Strohman) and John Jacobson and Florence (Strohman) and Ernest Wulf.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Sherry (Ingebretson) Hocum, 58

Published March 1, 2006, Page B-5

Cheryl “Sherry” Hocum, 58, of Platteville, Colorado, died on Wednesday, February 15, 2006, at the Hospice and Palliative Care of Northern Colorado inpatient unit in Greeley, Colorado.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, February 21, at the Stoddard Funeral Home in Greeley, Colorado. Interment was in the Mizpah Cemetery in Platteville, Colorado.

She was born on April 4, 1947 in Forest City, to Arden and Helen (Anderson) Ingebretson. She attended school in the Forest City Community Schools and later took several college courses in Minneapolis. Sherry worked for several years at the Crystal State Bank in Robbinsdale, Minnesota and at the Courage Center in Minneapolis as a personal care attendant. Currently she was working in the accounts payable department for the City of Longmont, Colorado. On October 1, 1988, she married Douglas Hocum, formerly of Forest City in Northglenn, Colorado.

Mrs. Hocum was a very private person who enjoyed spending time with her husband, going on camping and fishing trips, area sightseeing rides and working on outdoor projects at home. She was an avid reader and liked doing crossword puzzles and studying clothes and colors.

Survivors include her husband, Douglas Hocum of Platteville, Colorado; sons, Neil Baker of Mission, Kansas and Corey (Diane Ricks) Parker of Hudson, Colorado; grandson, Jacob Douglas Parker of Lochbuie, Colorado; stepdaughter, Kimberly (Greg) Visage of Henderson; stepson, Keith (Shenell) Hocum of LaSalle; sister, Brenda Ingebretson of Las Vegas, Nevada; brother, Gary Ingebretson of Lake Mills; and two nephews, Jason (Lynnea) Ingebretson of Denver, Colorado and Michael (Rachel) Ingebretson of Wabasso, Minnesota.

She was preceded in death by her parents.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Jeralyn K. Monk, 75

Published February 22, 2006, Page B-9

Jeralyn K. Monk, 75, of Forest City and Monticello, Iowa, died early Thursday morning, February 16, 2006, at the Muse-Norris Hospice house in Mason City, due to complications from pneumonia and Parkinson’s disease.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, February 25, at 2:00 p.m., at the Forest City United Methodist Church, with Rev. Jerald Swanberg officiating.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Cremation Society of Eastern-Central-Western Iowa.

Jeralyn was born on June 19, 1930, the daughter of C. Eldon and Betty Lou (Partello) Price. She graduated from the Roosevelt High School in Des Moines in 1948 and from Drake University in 1951, with a two-year teacher’s certificate. Jeralyn taught kindergarten at Postville (1951-52) and Monticello (1952-54), and then taught preschool-aged mentally and physically handicapped children from (1967-1975).

She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Monticello.

Jeralyn is survived by her two children, Steve Monk and wife, Raeanne of Forest City and Melissa Muzzy and husband, Norman of Cedar Falls. Jeralyn was also blessed with five grandsons, Ryan Monk, Jacob & Adam Gatton, Neal and Peter Muzzy.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers; and her husband, Lester on January 6, 2002.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Timothy M. Collins, 47

Published March 1, 2006, Page B-5

Timothy M. Collins, age 47, of Forest City, died on Monday, February 20, 2006, in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Friday, February 24, at 1:30 p.m., at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Pastor Lee Laaveg officiating. Burial was in the Oakland Cemetery in Forest City. Visitation was from 4-8:00 p.m., on Thursday, February 23, at the funeral home and an hour prior to the services at the church.

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

Timothy Michael Collins, was born in Rock Rapids, Iowa on March 27, 1958, the son of Dr. Perry L. and Joan (Koller) Collins. He received his elementary education in Rock Rapids and graduated from the Central Lyon High School in 1977. He worked in Worthington, Minnesota, for a time at Campbell’s Soup and Bedford Industries. In 1990, he married Darcy Anderson. The marriage later ended in divorce. Tim continued his education at the Jackson Technical Institute graduating as a lineman. In 1993, Tim began working for the city of Forest City as a lineman, a position he held until his death. In 1998, he met Rhonda King and the couple have made a life together.

Tim was an attentive father. He loved restoring old cars with his son, Ben and the two of them had been working on building a dune buggy. He enjoyed fishing and being Ben’s wrestling “coach”. He liked to take Ashley snowmobiling and enjoyed watching her play volleyball and cheerleading. He treasured quiet times spent with Rhonda and the grandchildren. Tim was always there for other people — willing to lend a hand and help out. He enjoyed NASCAR, the Minnesota Vikings and Texas Hold-Em.

He is survived by his children, Ashley and Ben Collins of Forest City and Stacy (Collins) Schulz of Brewster, Minnesota; fiancée, Rhonda King of Forest City; his mother, Joan Collins and brother, Steven Collins, both of Rock Rapids, Iowa; sisters, Leigh (Mark) Stewart of Rock Rapids and Caryn (Kevin) Raddle of Fulda, Minnesota; step-children, Allison (Matt) Zrostlik of Forest City and Mike (Mishala) Good of Forest City; and three step-grandchildren, Caleb Zrostlik and Hannah and Mark Good.

Tim was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Perry L. Collins.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Marvin Leroy Rye, 84

Published March 15, 2006, Page B-6

Marvin LeRoy Rye, 84, died on Monday, February 20, 2006, in Lynwood, Washington.

Memorial services will be held at the Roseville Lutheran Church, at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, March 18. Graveside services will be held at the East Zion Cemetery in Rake, at 1:00 p.m., on Sunday, March 19.

He was born on September 18, 1921 in Fertile. Marvin LeRoy Rye and Ardys Erdal were married on December 2, 1945 in Rake. Ardys preceded him in death in 2001. Marvin had a genuine spirit devoted to Christ and loving his family. His long career in banking included service as the Minnesota Commissioner of Banks.

He is survived by his children, Ralph (Mary), Amelia Nossum and Marty (Kathy); grandchildren, Hannah, Ellen, Rachel, Elsa, Olav, Carrie, Kelsey and Kirsten; and brothers, Dean, Gordon and Donald.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Elvina A. Bowman, 86

Published March 1, 2006, Page B-5

Elvina A. Bowman, age 86, of Forest City, died on Tuesday, February 21, 2006, at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 25, at 10:30 a.m., at the Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Leland, with Rev. Clarence Baalson officiating. Burial was in the Forest Home Cemetery in Leland.

Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m., on Friday, February 24, at the funeral home and an hour prior to the services at the church. The Petersen Lund Funeral Home, Forest City, was in charge of the arrangements.

Elvina Ann Bowman, was born on April 9, 1919 in rural Forest City, Iowa, the daughter of Helmer and Elizabeth Ann (Range) Myre. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and attended rural school near her home. Her father died when she was eleven and the family moved to Forest City where she graduated from the Forest City High School in 1937. She married Orval Bowman on October 12, 1940, at the Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in Forest City. After Orval returned from the service in 1945, the couple made their home on a farm east of Leland for over 45 years. This being where they raised their family.

Elvina was a member of the Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Leland, where she was active in Ladies Aid, circle and other women’s activities. Her special interests through the years have included her children’s and grandchildren’s school programs, sports and concerts. Good memories include lots of picnics, fresh peach pies, Sunday drives, getting together with friends and family and especially keeping in touch with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, no matter how close or far away they lived. The couple retired from farming and moved to Forest City in 1991. Orval passed away in April 2000. Elvina continued living at home until recently entering the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City.

Elvina is survived by her children and their spouses, Patricia and Ron Johnson of Bemidji, Minnesota, Marcia and Jon Hillesland of Leland, David and Elizabeth Bowman of Ames and James and Nancy Bowman of Forest City; grandchildren include, Ron Jr. and wife, Cherlyn, Rod and Randy Johnson and Michael Johnson and wife, Angela, Rob and wife, Roxanne, Kent and wife, Melissa Hillesland, Kandyce and husband, Randy Larson, Judd and wife, Cassie Bowman, Lindsay and husband, Mike Tuszynski and Amy Bowman; eight great-grandchildren, Jennifer, Joshua & Joylyn Johnson, Jessica Johnson, Haley Asmus, Kali Johnson, Isaac Hillesland and Ada Tuszynski; two sisters, Fern Rollefson of Forest City and Gladys Hagenson of Thompson; a sister-in-law, Charlotte Baumann of Bancroft; and a brother-in-law, Rudy Monson of Forest City.

Elvina was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Orval; sisters, Evelyn Pletcher, Esther Sitzler and Doris Monson; brother, Harvey Myre; and son-in-law, Jimmy Van Lenning.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Hazel Palmer, 87

Published March 1, 2006, Page B-5

Hazel Palmer, age 87, of Forest City, died on Tuesday, February 21, 2006, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Friday, February 24, at 10:00 a.m., at the Calvary Baptist Church in Forest City, with Rev. Douglas Farrell officiating. Burial was in the Oakland Cemetery in Forest City.

Visitation was from 4-8:00 p.m., on Thursday, February 23, at the funeral home and an hour prior to the services at the church. The Petersen Lund Funeral Home, Forest City, was in charge of the arrangements.

Hazel Ellen Palmer, was born on April 26, 1918, on the Lundstrom farm near Lime Creek (Winnebago River), northwest of Forest City. She was the daughter of Albert E. Anderson and Mable J. (Myre) Anderson. Hazel’s Sunday School teacher led her to accept the Lord as her personal Savior at a young age. In 1918, her parents purchased and moved to the Louis Nelson farm west of Forest City, where she attended the Linden #7 Rural School. Hazel graduated from the Forest City High School in 1936. She then worked various jobs, one of which was an operator for Farmer’s Mutual Telephone Company. Later she taught in a one-room schoolhouse at Forest #8 (Otis School) and was then hired by C. M. Palmer to teach in Forest #4 (Palmer School). It was at this teaching position where Hazel met her husband-to-be. On June 14, 1940, Hazel married Donald Nelson Palmer at the Radio Chapel in Mason City, Iowa.

Hazel was a loving wife, mother, sister and grandmother who was a lifelong member of the Calvary Baptist Church. Her love for Jesus and her faithfulness to her church was evident throughout her life. She enjoyed participating in sewing and mission circle, AWANA club, in addition to teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She found pride and happiness in gardening, sewing, baking and ceramics while living and working on her family’s farm in Forest City. Hazel also was a 4-H Club Leader for a time and was a long time member of her neighborhood birthday club. For over 30 years, Hazel and Donald spent summers in Iowa and winters in Arizona, to enjoy time with their 4 sons and respective families.

Hazel is survived by her husband, Donald Nelson Palmer; four sons, Gary and his wife, Esther of Bartlett, Tennessee, Charles and his wife, Linda of Tempe, Arizona, Douglas and his wife, Joy of Forest City and Timothy and his wife, Barb of Forest City; 8 grandchildren; brother, Marvin D. Anderson of Forest City; and sisters, Marilyn Sogard of Ames and Nancy Johnson of Plymouth, Minnesota.

Hazel was preceded in death by her parents; and step-father, Walter J. Thompson; sisters, Lucille, Irene, Grace, Janice and Evelyn; and brothers, Marlowe, Merle, Carroll and Arden.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Othelia Torkelson, 94

Published March 1, 2006, Page B-5

Othelia C. Torkelson, age 94, of Forest City, died on Wednesday, February 22, 2006, at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 25, at 2:00 p.m., at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Rev. Lee Laaveg officiating. Burial was in the Ellington Township Cemetery in rural Forest City.

Visitation was from 5-7:00 p.m., on Friday, February 24, at the funeral home and an hour prior to the services at the church. The Petersen Lund Funeral Home,  Forest City, was in charge of the arrangements.

Othelia Cornelia Torkelson, the daughter of Osmund and Bessie (Olson) Torkelson, was born near Humboldt, Iowa on April 21, 1911. The family moved to a farm near Thompson, Iowa, where Othelia met and married Clarence Torkelson. Othelia was a lifelong homemaker while she and Clarence raised nine children. Later in life she started the career she totally loved and had been in training for almost her whole life, a cook at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City.

God came first in her life followed closely by her family. Her family and friends will remember her warm and caring ways. Othelia’s children all feel they were especially blessed to have her as a mother. Her heart had a special spot for each of her 26 grandchildren whom she lived to spend time with. Each one of them has special memories of times spent with her. She was definitely a cookie-baking grandma. Othelia’s love of music was instilled in all her children. She taught herself to play the piano and read music like a professional, a skill she used for many years as her church’s organist. She was especially proud of any grandchild’s music ability and was an encouraging force in their involvement in music. Othelia’s children and grandchildren witnessed her boundless love of God’s creatures. Birds, numerous cats and dogs and children found a safe haven in her care.

Othelia was born to teach. Her home became a classroom to her family and friends. She especially loved to teach the story of Jesus’ love but you could also have lessons in baking, sewing, crocheting, knitting, canning, baby care, animal care, music, wallpapering, quilting, gardening and any part of nature. Othelia was a life-long learner. She was an avid reader and loved to complete crossword puzzles. She could master any craft she tried, soon becoming the person who taught others her newly learned skill. She loved to travel and was especially proud of her trip to Mount St. Helens soon after it erupted. In her late sixties, she was the proud owner of her first car and the driver’s license she worked hard to obtain. You would often find her family gathered at her house on Sundays experiencing a delicious meal and special time together. Her children remember special foods she would make just for them. She always had a very special relationship with all her daughters-in-law and sons-in-law and found a very special spot in that big heart of hers just for them. Othelia loved to spend time with her brothers and sisters. She spent many happy hours quilting at her sister Thelma’s house.

Those left to cherish the memory of her life include her children, Margie Sogard of Ames, Bernice Voelker of Charles City, Carroll Torkelson of Fertile, Ronald (Lucille) Torkelson, Leslie (Paulette) Torkelson, Roger Torkelson, Wayne Torkelson and Marsha (Mark) Brunsvold, all of Forest City; 24 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; brother, Orrin Torkelson; sisters, Lavina Askeland, Thelma Sunde, Louise Jermeland, Julaine Albertson and Darlene Hanna; two sisters-in-law, Linda Kesler and Bonnie Torkelson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clarence; son, Clarence Junior; daughter, Margie Helen; grandchildren, Lisa Tate, Hollis, Debra and LaRae Torkelson; and her brothers and sisters, Joe, Clifford, John, Arthur, John and Myrtle.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Marie K. Vaag, 78

Published March 1, 2006, Page B-5

Marie K. Vaag, of Chino Valley, Arizona, formerly of Forest City and Bode, died on Saturday, February 25, 2006, at the Las Fuentes Care Center in Prescott, Arizona, at the age of 98 years.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2006, at 10:30 a.m., at the Pilot Knob Lutheran Church in rural Forest City. Inurnment will be in the St. Olaf Lutheran Cemetery in Bode.

Marie Katherine Vaag, daughter of Nels M. and Dorthea (Dahle) Helle, was born on May 4, 1907, on a farm west of Scarville. At three weeks her mother took her to the prairies of North Dakota, near Montpelier, where her father was homesteading. On September 21, 1927, she married Alfred P. Vaag on the home farm place. Alfred and Marie made their home in Bode where three children were born to them, Dolores, Darlene and Dennis. Alfred died on April 20, 1958, leaving Marie a 51 year old widow. She moved to Forest City (where her daughter Dolores lived) in August, 1958 and worked at several jobs while simultaneously being a companion to older women who needed her help. She was a nurse’s aide, a receptionist at Dr. H. R. Wilson’s optometrist office and a telephone operator-receptionist at Waldorf College until her retirement.

Her strong faith in Jesus, her Lord and Savior, were evident to all who knew her and she had a ministry of knitting small children’s sweaters and baby afghans for children (through missions) all over the world from South America, to Africa, Russia, China and Mexico. Hundreds of children have been kept warm by her labor of love. Marie was a person who loved people and had a compassion for all and will be greatly missed. At the age of 98 she made a move from Forest City to Chino Valley, Arizona and she really enjoyed the views of the mountains and wildlife.

Left to remember her are her daughters, Dolores Bartleson (Hanford) of Chino Valley, Arizona and Darlene Walsh of St. Louis, Missouri; daughter-in-law, Elaine Vaag of Omaha, Nebraska; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Verna (Helle) Miller of Humboldt; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Alfred Vaag; son, Dennis Vaag in 2002; son-in-law, Jerry Walsh in 2003; a sister, Inga Hanson; brother, Albert Helle; and two great-grandchildren.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Alice Jean Irish Kenney, 83

Published March 8, 2006, Page B-6

Alice Jean Irish Kenney, 83, passed away on Saturday, February 25, 2006, at her home in Orinda, California.

She was born Alice Jean Irish to Magdalene Grimm and Dr. Thomas Judson Irish in Forest City, Iowa, on August 26, 1923, the eldest of five siblings. She graduated from the Forest City High School, salutatorian of her class and attended Carleton College for two years before graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of Iowa in 1945. She was also a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Alice Jean went on to work at the Scripps Metabolic Clinic in La Jolla, California, before earning her MS in Biochemistry from the University of California in Berkeley, with honors.

She was an active member of the research team for Cancer Studies at U.C. Berkeley and later worked at Stayner Pharmaceuticals in Berkeley, California. She met her husband, Robert Warner Kenney, while living at the International House at U.C. Berkeley and they were married on June 2, 1950. Together they raised their family in Orinda, California.

Alice Jean, familiarly known as Ollie, was a devoted wife and mother and contributed to numerous charities, including World Vision, Jewish Women’s Federation, the Unitarian Church, Red Cross and The United Way. She was an avid bird-watcher and nature-lover all her life.

She was preceded in death by her brother, John Irish; her parents, Magdalene Irish and Dr. Thomas Irish; and brothers-in- law, Dr. John Baker and Donald Craig, PhD.

She is survived by her sisters, Ellen Irish Craig of Deep River, Ontario and Sally Irish Baker of Mason City, Iowa; her brother, Dr. Thomas (Sandra) Irish of Tacoma, Washington; numerous nieces and nephews; her husband, Robert W. Kenney, PhD, of Orinda, California; and her daughters, Jane (Eric) Kenney-Norberg of Portland, Oregon and Wanda (Rick) Kenney-Crook of San Diego, California.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the American Cancer Society.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

James B. Larsen, 65

Published March 8, 2006, Page B-6

Gainesboro, Tennessee—James D. Larsen, 65, died on Saturday, February 25, 2006, at the Cookeville Regional Medical Center, Cookeville, Tennessee.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in the Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

He was born to Axel and Josephine Larsen on September 22, 1940, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Jim was raised in Hinckley, Minnesota and graduated from the Hinckley High School in 1958. He then served three years in the Navy on the USS Plymouth Rock (1958 to 1961). He was married to Marie Sikkink and later divorced. On December 22, 1979, he was united in marriage to Mary Johnson of Forest City. He worked in production management for Honeywell in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Winnebago Ind. in Forest City and retired in 1997 from Nielsen & Bainbridge in Gainesboro, Tennessee.

Jim had many hobbies before his health declined. He enjoyed baseball and was an avid fisherman, hunter and camper. He loved to play poker and won many tournaments in pool. He had a quick wit and loved to laugh and joke around with friends and family. He also enjoyed cooking and became well known for his homemade fudge, chili, breads and smoke meats.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; two daughters, Jamie of Gainesboro, Tennessee and Stephanie (Doyle) Smidt of Galesville, Wisconsin; son, Christopher (Christine) Larsen of Winona, Minnesota; two step-sons, Shaw (Lisa) Biermann of Sparta, Tennessee and Daniel (Samantha) Johnson of Baxter, Tennessee; six grandchildren, Tyler, Nicol, Derek, Madeline, Ethan and Nathan; four sisters, Edna (Johnny) DeStunder of La Crescenta, California, Betty Clark of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, Mary Ann Larsen of Elk River, Minnesota and Kay (Jim) McGillivary of Bainbridge Island, Washington; and sisters-in-law, Pat Larsen of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Janice Larsen of Cambridge, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers, Christian (Crit), Lawrence (Buzz) and Axel (Buddy).
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Sharon Lelane Schultz, 65

Published March 15, 2006, Page B-6

Sharon Lelane Schultz, 65, of Longmont, died on Sunday, February 26, 2006, at home.

Visitation was held on Thursday, March 2, with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m., at the Ahlberg Funeral Chapel. A Mass of Resurrection was held on Friday, March 3, at the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, with the Rev. Brian Morrow officiating. Cremation followed the service. Private inurnment will take place in the Longmont Mountain View Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Mrs. Schultz was born on April 26, 1940 in Forest City, Iowa, to Lloyd and Jennette (Knudtson) Fredrickson. She attended the Forest City Public Schools and was active in band. She also attended Waldorf College in Forest City. She married David E Schultz on October 7, 1967 in Wells, Minnesota. Mrs. Schultz worked in Minnesota before her marriage, then as a homemaker and mother. She worked part time for the Daily Times-Call for eight years. In 1987, she started to work for Blue Mountain Arts Publishing of Boulder. She worked until her health forced her to retire in 2005.

She attended the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2601 Woman's Auxiliary and Woman of the Moose Lodge 1548 of Longmont. She enjoyed bowling, knitting, card games and traveling. She also was a seamstress.

She is survived by her husband of Longmont; two sons, Brian Schultz and Kasia McRoberts of Santa Fe, New Mexico and Tracy Schultz and Candice Eaton of Tucson Arizona; a daughter, Heider Schuultz and Tom Neb of Durango; two brothers, Warren Fredrickson and his wife, Marge of Omaha, Nebraska and Larry Fredrickson and his wife, Jackie of Forest City; a sister, Lois Timparo of Forest City; and a grandchild, Joseph Schultz.

Mrs. Schultz was preceded in death by her parents.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Z. Sadie Charlson, 82

Published March 8, 2006, Page B-6

Joice—Z. Sadie Charlson, 82, died on Tuesday, February 28, 2006, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, March 4, at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Mason City, with Rev. Sam Hamilton-Poore officiating. Burial will be in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City. Visitation was held from 4-6:00 p.m., on Friday, at the Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, Mason City and also one hour prior to the services on Saturday at the church.

Z. Sadie Charlson, was born on August 31, 1923 in Lake Mills, the daughter of Arthur and Pearl Olson. She was adopted by Martin and Gurine Dahlseide. Sadie attended country school and graduated from the Joice High School. She was united in marriage to Sherman Charlson in 1940 at the Concordia Lutheran Church, Joice. They farmed near Joice all their married life until retiring. Sherman passed away on July 3, 1996. Sadie lived on the family farm for over 80 years. She also was employed at Fleet Guard, Lake Mills, for 23 years as a fork lift operator.

Sadie was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. She was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, Mason City. Sadie loved to fish and travel with Sherman across the continental United States, Canada, Alaska and the Scandinavian countries. She enjoyed baking, playing bingo and taking bus trips.

Sadie will be greatly missed  by her four daughters, Sharon  (Ron) Lance of Cedar Falls, Gloria  “LaRae” (Curtis) Hamilton of Escondido, California, Kathy Hebel of Mason City and Vickie Charlson of Joice; son, Steven  (Darby) Charlson of Mission, Texas; seven grandchildren, Janice Glaspie of Cedar Falls, Deana Hughes of Escondido, California, Thad Hamilton of Escondido,  California, Brad Charlson of Oceanside, California, Nicole Charlson of Salem, Oregon, Ryan Hebel of Fargo, North Dakota and Jessica Burchett of Salem, Oregon; three great-grandchildren, Danielle and Samantha Glaspie of Cedar Falls and Wyatt Hamilton of Escondido, California; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Bonnie; son-in-law, John; and grandson, Jared.
© 2006 Forest City Summit