Clarence Abbas, 90

November 14, 2006

Clarence N. Abbas (also known as “Tanky”, “Bud” or “Nick”), 90, of Kanawha, passed away on Monday, November 6, 2006, at his home in Kanawha.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, November 9, at 10:30 a.m., at the United Methodist Church in Kanawha, with Rev. Cynthia Morrison officiating. Burial was in the Amsterdam Township Cemetery near Kanawha. Visitation was on Wednesday, November 8, from 5:00-7:00 p.m., at the Ewing Dugger Funeral Home, Kanawha and one hour prior to the services at the church.

Clarence, one of nine children born to Daniel Abbas and Nancy Christians, was born on Sunday, June 4, 1916, on the family farm one mile south and one half mile east of Kanawha.  He attended the country school three miles south of Kanawha, through the eighth grade.  Four years later he graduated from the Kanawha High School at the age of 16.

In 1936, Clarence was united in marriage with Vera Maddick.  The couple had one son, Larry born three years later. Clarence and Vera farmed in Wright County until 1970 when they moved to Kanawha.  He was a Pioneer Seed Dealer for 42 years and was also a dealer for Hy-Line Chickens.  Clarence thoroughly loved his jobs.

For many years, the couple spent every winter at the Pine-to-Palm Park in Weslaco, Texas.  He enjoyed traveling, antiquing and collecting old toys. Clarence enjoyed fishing and sports, at one time he had a young men's kitten ball team and a bowling team.  He also enjoyed good music, especially polka music, and doing nice things for people in need. He claimed he had about 150 of the best friends anyone could wish for.

Clarence was baptized at the Kanawha Christian Reformed Church and later joined the United Methodist Church in Kanawha.  His joy was reading the Bible daily and in the past he enjoyed teaching the young folks society.

Clarence is survived by his wife of 70 years, Vera; son, Larry and his wife, Kathleen of Kanawha; three grandchildren, Kurt Abbas and his wife, Kara and their two children, Kristen Keller and her husband, David and their two children and Nicholas Abbas and his daughter;  and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Nancy Abbas; four brothers, Fred, Anno, Chris and George; four sisters, Grace Veldhouse, Tena Peters, Bena Trenary and Faye Swyter.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

November 21, 2006

Ronny Arthur Moeller, 66, died at his home on Tuesday, November 7, 2006.

Ronny the son of Arthur and Gladys (Simpson) Moeller, was born on July 8, 1940 at Spencer, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at the Hope Lutheran Church in Everly, Iowa. He graduated from the Everly High School in 1958.

He was united in marriage to Willa Mae Nagel, on October 22, 1961 in Hartley, Iowa. He was employed as a foreman at Iowa Mold and Tool in Garner, Iowa for many years and as a plant manager in Ontario, Canada for three years. Ronny participated as an EMT and assisted the police department while living in Britt, Iowa. He also spent many years working at Stylecraft in Milford and Walmart in Spirit Lake.

Ronny enjoyed woodworking and took great pride in building a good portion of his log-home in Okoboji. Music was important to Ronny and he enjoyed playing his accordion for family, friends, and local nursing homes. Ronny loved polka music and he and Willy spent many hours polka dancing. He enjoyed the restoration of his father's 1948 John Deere M, and recently became a member of the local John Deere Club.

Patience was one of his many virtues, and humor was another. He had a very positive and encouraging influence on his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Willa Mae of Okoboji, Iowa; daughter, Nancy Knudtson and her husband, Don of Lake Mills; son, Jeffrey Moeller and his wife, Melodee of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; son-in-law, Eric Eppard of Marion; his mother, Gladys Moeller of Everly; sisters, Cheryl Whade and her husband, David of Estherville and Becky Brockmann and her husband, Don of Hartley; brother-in-law, Orville Nagel and his wife, Mary Kay of Spirit Lake; grandchildren, Joe and Emma Eppard of Marion, Sara, Laura, Ryan and Megan Knudtson of Lake Mills; nieces and nephews, Jill Whade, Fay Whade, Brain Whade, Brenda Brockmann and fiancée, Dennis Bracewell, Julie Brockmann, Sharon Brockmann, Raymond Nagel, Donna Nagel, Diane Mullen, Mike Nagel; and other family and friends.

He preceded in death by daughter, Karen Eppard; his grandson, Thomas Knudtson; his father, Art Moeller; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Nick and Dora Nagel.

Ronny was a successful organ and tissue donor. He will be dearly missed by many.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Judy Ellen Colby, 49

November 14, 2006

Judy Ellen Colby, age 49, of Lake Mills, died on Saturday, November 11, 2006, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Wednesday, November 15, at the Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills, Iowa, with Rev. W. Paul Weeg officiating. Burial will take place in the Salem Memorial Cemetery, Lake Mills.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, from 3-7:00 p.m., at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home, Lake Mills and will continue for one hour prior to the services at the church.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Albert Baker, 82

November 21, 2006

Albert Baker, 82, of Forest City, died on Saturday, November 11, 2006, at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City.

Memorial services were held on Tuesday, November 14, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Pastor Lee Laaveg officiaitng. Inurnment was in the Madison Township Cemetery in Forest City. Visitation was held on Monday, November 13, at the funeral home. The Petersen Lund Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Albert Baker, was born in Britt, Iowa, on August 8, 1924, the son of John and Jenny (Abbas) Baker. He received his education in schools in Crystal Lake and Hayfield, graduating from high school in Hayfield. He was very active in sports, especially baseball, softball and basketball. Albert was the pitcher for the Buttertop Semi-Pro Softball Team as well as many other local teams.

On June 3, 1943, he married Jeannette Hanson in Fairmont, Minnesota. The couple farmed southeast of Forest City their entire married lives before retiring from farming and moving into town in the spring of 2000. Albert was an active member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church, where he ushered for over 20 years.

He loved his life farming, enjoyed country music and treasured time spent with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Jeannette Baker of Forest City; his children, Eugene Baker and wife, Geraldine of Garner, Carolyn Krogmeier of Chester, Virginia and Candi Noteboom and husband, Terry of Pella.

Also surviving are six grandchildren, Neil Baker of Mission, Kansas, Mark (Wendy) Baker of Sioux City, Hope (Steve) Kimble of Shakopee, Minnesota, Suzanne (Roy) Reynolds of Chester, Virginia, Timothy Noteboom of Sheldon and Michael Noteboom of Pella; five great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Helen Smidt of Britt and Emma Appelhons of Thompson; and several nieces and nephews.

Albert was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Peter, Edward, Ben and George; and sisters, Jennie Hoefker, Ann Seifert and Fann Katuine.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Betty Priem, 86

November 21, 2006

Betty Priem, 86, died on Sunday, November 12, 2006, at the Good Samaritan Center, St. Ansgar.

Funeral services were held on Friday, November 17, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar, with Rev. Dr. Byron Northwick officiating. Burial was in the St. Ansgar Cemetery. Visitation was held on Thursday, November 16, at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home.

Betty Priem, was born in Mitchell, Iowa, on January 27, 1920 to Chester and Ida Schossler. She graduated from the Otranto High School in 1938. On November 11, 1939, she was united in marriage to Milburn Priem. They made their home in St. Ansgar where Milburn was employed until returning to the family farm in 1941. They farmed there until 1959, when they moved to a farm near Carpenter.

Betty was a member of the Commercial Club and Friendship Club, and Carpenter Council in Carpenter, Iowa. She was a 4-H Leader, and active in the Immanuel Lutheran Church of St. Ansgar. She also worked at the Good Samaritan Center for 15 years.

Survivors include sons, James and wife, Doreen of Roseville, Minnesota and Gerald and wife, Bonnie of Topeka Kansas; daughter, Marjory Hermanson and husband, Jerald of Leland; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one sister, Frances Clark of Plymouth; and two nieces and three nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; one sister-in-law; and two brothers-in-law.

The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Ursula Anna Marie Spenner

November 21, 2006

Ursula Anna Marie Spenner, of Mt. Airy, Maryland, formerly of Rockville, Maryland, passed away on Thursday, November 16, 2006.

She was the beloved wife of Wayne Spenner, loving mother of Melissa S. Ringer (Randy) and Scott Wayne Spenner, devoted grandmother of Dalton Randall Ringer and Shayna Marie Ringer, loving sister of Robert Paul Bode, Dennis Michael Bode and Monika Luise Boyer.

Ursula is survived by several nieces and nephews.

The family received friends at Pumphrey's Colonial Funeral Home, Rockville, Maryland on Sunday, November 19. Funeral services were held at the Trinity Lutheran Church on Monday, November 20. Interment was in the Parklawn Memorial Park.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Donald E. Aukes, 84

December 5, 2006

Donald E. Aukes, 84, of Conway, Arkansas, died suddenly on Friday morning, November 17, 2006.

A committal service will be held at a later date. The Griffin-Laggett Funeral Home in Conway, Arkansas, is handling the arrangements.

Don was born on February 13 1922, the oldest son of Reinder E. and Anna (Onken) Aukes of Buffalo Center. He was an Army veteran stationed in Burma, India during World War II. He lived in the Buffalo Center and Titonka areas before moving to Arkansas, where he operated the “Aukes Flying Service” for over 30 years.

Don is survived by his wife of 32 years, Trula Nell Marcus Aukes; son, Dennis Aukes and Char of Forest City; grandchildren, Shane Marcus of Conway, Arkansas, Shawna Evans and Bobby of Conway, Arkansas, Troy Aukes of Garner and Travis Aukes of Valencia, California; eight great-grandchildren; four brothers, Ray Aukes of Buffalo Center, Robert Aukes of Mt. Ida, Arkansas, Rollin Aukes of Keister, Minnesota and Loren Aukes of Forest City; three sisters, Ruby Hofbauer of Forest City, Millie Dontje of Forest City and Mary Lou Khowassah of Iowa City.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Russel Marcus; and siblings, Lily Weaver, Merle Aukes, Maxine Harms and Ervin Aukes.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Maurice "Steam Train Maury" Graham, 89

November 21, 2006

Maurice W. Graham (Steamtrain Maury), 89, of Napoleon, Ohio and formerly of Toledo, Ohio, passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2006, at the Northcrest Nursing Home in Napoleon, Ohio.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, November 21, from 2-8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, at the Walter Funeral Home in Toledo, Ohio. Memorial contributions are requested to the Hobo Museum in Britt, Iowa.

Maury was born to Carrie and Andrew Graham. He worked as a union cement mason and founded the Cement Mason School and was the instructor. He also taught the cement trade to members of the U.S. Army. He served as a medical technician in the U.S. Army during World War II. Maury helped to restore the first cement street in Bellefontaine, Ohio. He was an amateur wrestler and taught a wrestling class at the YMCA.

Maury was a member of Local 886 for 65 years, Seventh Day Adventist Church, VFW, and active in the Hobos where he was elected King of the Hobos for 5 years, and was named Patriarch of the Hobos. He volunteered much of his time traveling across the country visiting several veterans hospitals, cheering up patients. He also visited several penitentiaries motivating inmates to improve their behaviors. Further, Maury was “Santa Claus” for 30 years at the Franklin Park Mall and many private parties throughout the Toledo area. He was voted #1 Santa Claus by the children in Toledo, Ohio.

Maury had a strong love of country and nature. He was a strong advocate to keep America beautiful.

Maury is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Wanda; daughters, Alice (Marvin) Spangler and Karen (Terry) Carson; grandchildren, Kimberly (Jack) Rice, Jeffrey (Connie) Spangler, Jill (Eric) Lawinsky, Laura Carson and Terry II (Natalie) Carson; great-grandchildren, Jessica and Justin Rice, Nicholas, Andrew and Hannah Spangler, Nathaniel and Ryan Lawinsky; and several nieces.

Maury was proceeded in death by his parents; sisters, Alice Ritter and Lou Brand; and brother, James Graham.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Marvalyn Rayhons, 67

November 21, 2006

Marvalyn A. Rayhons, 67, of rural Garner, died on Saturday, November 18, 2006, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, November 22, at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan, with Fr. Michael Schueller officiating.  Burial will be in the St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Duncan.

Visitation was held from 4-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel in Garner, with a combined Rosary Society and Catholic Workman Rosary at 4:00 p.m. and a Scriptural Wake Service at 7:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue one hour prior to the services at the church.

Marvalyn Ann Rayhons, the daughter of Richard and Anna (Tanner) Carolus, was born on December 23, 1938 at Clarion. She graduated from the Klemme High School in 1957 and completed her LPN degree from the Marshalltown School of Nursing. 

On April 28, 1959, she was married to Henry V. Rayhons at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan. To this union four children were born. Marvalyn and Henry lived and farmed their entire married life in the Hayfield area. Marvalyn fought a long hard battle against diabetes, never complaining once. She loved the farm, her flowers, having coffee with the ladies on Monday and most of all her family.

She was a member of the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Rosary Society, Catholic Workman FCSLA Branch W51 and the Hayfield Coffee Club. 

Marvalyn is survived by her husband, Henry of Garner; her children, Carol (Mark) Juhl of Garner, Dale (Lori) Rayhons of Forest City, Sara (Doug) Abbas of Clear Lake and Gary (Michelle) Rayhons of Garner; ten grandchildren, Melissa (Trent) Anderson, Kevin and Alan Juhl, Ashley, Brian and Chris Rayhons, Jackson and Haley Abbas and Lucas and Makenna Rayhons; one great-grandchild, Jordan Anderson; her mother-in-law, Agnes Rayhons of Britt; two sisters, Carolyn Jontz of San Bernardino, California and Donna (Robert) Beier of Pleasantville; a brother, Keith (Roberta) Carolus of Klemme; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; father-in-law, Henry Rayhons; brother-in-law, Dennis Jontz; and nephew, Tom Jontz.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Elaine Jensen, 82

November 21, 2006

Elaine Jenson, 82, of Kiester, Minnesota, died on Saturday, November 18, 2006, at the Albert Lea Medical Center in Albert Lea, Minnesota.

A private family service was held on Sunday, November 19, at the Winter Funeral Home in Thompson.  Burial followed in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Thompson.

Elaine is survived by her two children, Sher (Morrie) Paschke of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Douglas (Lora) of Forest City; five grandchildren; and sister, Vernette Sanders.

The Winter Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Thompson was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Robert E. Brunsvold, 67

November 28, 2006

Robert E. Brunsvold, age 67, of Forest City, died on Sunday, November 19, 2006, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Friday, November 24, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Pastor Lee Laaveg officiating. Burial was in the Oakland Cemetery in Forest City. Visitation was held on Thursday, November 23, at the funeral home and an hour prior to the services at the church. The Petersen Lund Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Robert Erling Brunsvold, was born in Mason City, on January 2, 1939, the son of Erling and Maureen (Pollock) Brunsvold. He was confirmed at the Linden Lutheran Church and attended the Linden Country School until the eighth grade. He graduated from the Forest City High School in 1956. Bob began farming in 1957.

On June 22, 1958, he was united in marriage to Judy Fillenwarth at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. The couple lived in several farm homes before moving to their present home west of Forest City. In addition to farming, Bob owned and operated an Allis-Chalmers dealership for a time. He also worked as a salesman at several machinery and car dealers. He liked attending farm sales and visiting with everyone. Bob enjoyed his family and treasured time spent with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Judy Brunsvold of Forest City; his children, Cindy Hanna of Scotts Bluff, Nebraska, Polly (Frank) Falite of Danvers, Massachusetts, Bentley Brunsvold and fiancée Tara Wineinger of Fertile and Erling (Debbie) Brunsvold of Smithtown, New York.

Also surviving is a brother, Mark (Marsha) Brunsvold of Forest City; special cousin, Jack (Mary Fran) Larson of Clear Lake; grandchildren, Jenny & Jake Hanna, Kell & Skylar Falite, Hunter Brunsvold, Garrett, Cameron & Grant Brunsvold; and nephews, a niece and several cousins.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bradley Brunsvold; and grandson, Tanner Brunsvold.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Francis Arndorfer, 80

November 28, 2006

Francis Arndorfer, age 80, of Willmar, died on Sunday morning, November 19, at the Rice Memorial Hospital, from injuries received in a motor vehicle accident. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, November 22, at the Church of St. Mary. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Visitation hours are from 5-8:00 p.m., with a Knights of Columbus Rosary Service at 5:00 p.m. and Parish Prayers at 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, November 21, at the Peterson Brothers Funeral Home and will continue for one hour prior to the services at the church on Wednesday.

Francis was born on January 17, 1926 in Akron, Colorado, the son of Edward Francis and Mary Ellen (Pieper) Arndorfer. He graduated from high school in Galt, Iowa and became engaged in farming. On August 30, 1949, Francis was united in marriage to Lorene Mae Chizek. They lived and farmed in Galt, Britt and Clarion, Iowa until 1967 when they moved to the Willmar community. He continued farming south of Willmar until 1989, when he retired. In 1993, they moved into Willmar. Francis was a salesman for the Trojan Seed Company while in Clarion, and was a Pioneer Seed dealer for over 20 years while living in Willmar.  

On August 6, 2005, Francis was married to Verlene (Gauer) Hougen and they made their home in Willmar. He was a founding member and past state secretary for the MN Corn  Growers Association. Francis was an active member of the St. Mary's Catholic Church, serving as a lector, Eucharistic minister to the sick and homebound, money counter, sacristan, active in the Befrienders program and on the parish administrative committee and helped with various projects at church.

He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus for 59 years, serving in leadership as Grand Knight, District Deputy, Faithful Navigator of the 4th degree, Faithful Purser, Chairman of the Tootsie Roll fundraiser and member of the 4th degree honor guard. Francis was also a volunteer with Meals on Wheels and a member of the UHF board.

He is survived by his wife, Verlene of Willmar; six children, Kathy Helgeson of Duluth, Mary (and Dr. Jim) Mootz of Willmar, Ed (and Marcia) Arndorfer of Willmar, Bill (and Pam) Arndorfer of Waterloo, Elizabeth (and Mike) Carlson of Willmar and Steve (and Rita) Arndorfer of Lino Lakes; 26 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and his mother, Mary Ellen Arndorfer of Adams, Minnesota.

Also surviving are five brothers, Jim (and Gladys) Arndorfer of Humeston, Iowa, Clarence (and Joyce) Arndorfer of LeRoy,  Ken (and Margaret) Arndorfer of Austin,  Roger (and Helen) Arndorfer of Woolstock, Iowa and John (and Janet) Arndorfer of Mankato; one sister, Rosemary (and John) Laliberte of Chattanooga, Tennessee; six step-children, Peggy Hougen of Willmar, Marcia (and Mike) Voss of Littleton, Colorado, Mary Lynn (and Rick) Miner of Denver, Colorado, Mickey (and Gary) Fried of Willmar, Marjorie (and Bruce) Deadrick of Willmar and Melinda (and Bill) Masaitis of Eden Prairie; 16 step-grandchildren; and 10 step-great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Lorene in 2002; his father; and one sister, Norma Jean Porter.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Russell E. Osnes, 80

November 28, 2006

Russell E. Osnes, age 80, of Forest City, died on Monday, November 20, 2006, at his home in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Friday, November 24, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Pastor Lee Laaveg officiating. Burial was on Friday, November 24, in the Beaver Creek Lutheran Cemetery in rural Joice. Visitation was held on Thursday, November 23, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church and at the church an hour prior to services on Friday. The Petersen Lund Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Russell Ellsworth Osnes, was born on October 6, 1926, on a farm in Hancock County, Iowa, to John and Barbara (Pederson) Osnes. He grew up in a family of eight children and with many close relatives, some living with the family and others living a few miles away. He enjoyed the happy times of family gatherings and reunions, which often included homemade ice cream in the summertime and games with cousins.

He was baptized as an infant and confirmed in the Ellington Prairie Lutheran Church east of Miller, Iowa. As a boy, he enjoyed trapping fur-bearing animals, hunting, and fishing. The family moved to larger farms in Hancock and Winnebago Counties, eventually settling in Forest City, Iowa. In high school, Russ played basketball and baseball, and enjoyed riding his motorcycle.

Russ received his education in the Ventura Schools but during his 6-8th grades he attended Ellington #7 Country School, where his sister, Arlet taught him. He graduated from the Ventura High School, Waldorf College in Forest City, Luther College in Decorah and received his Master of Divinity Degree from the Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota.

On May 16th, 1953, he married O. Ardelle Osnes of Fertile, a graduate of the Kahler School of Nursing, Rochester, Minnesota and the only daughter of Thomas and Alvina (Tweed) Brosdahl.

In 1955, he was ordained as a Lutheran Minister at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City. As a pastor, he served the parishes of Trinity Lutheran in Hawthorne, California, the two-point parish of Bethany and St. Paul Lutheran in Ephraim and Juddville, Wisconsin (Door County) and Ascension Lutheran in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1960, he answered a call to establish a Home Mission Church, Lutheran Church of the Ascension in Citrus Heights, California (Sacramento area).

After serving parishes for 16 years, Russ pursued a Master's Degree in Counseling from the University of California-Sacramento. He then was awarded his Ph.D. in Psychology from the International University of Los Angeles, California. He also trained as a Psychotherapist in Transactional Analysis (TA) for seven years. Russ established the Institute for Transactional Analysis in Sacramento. They moved to the Midwest, to Forest City for two years then to Prior Lake, Minnesota for 28 years.

Russ became the Founder and President of the Midwest Transactional Analysis Institute in Minneapolis, where he counseled patients and also trained other counselors. He was a teaching member of the International and United States Transactional Analysis Associations. He served as an adjunct faculty member of several colleges and universities in the fields of Psychology and Education. He was a licensed marriage and family therapist, a trainer of trainers in TA theory and practice, a business consultant, public speaker, seminar leader, and workshop specialist.

Russ also served as Interim Pastor and part-time Counseling Pastor at the Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church in Prior Lake for a few years. He has written articles that have been published in papers, magazines and books. He co-authored the book, “Life is a Celebration”.

Wherever he has been he has served the Luther League at Immanuel in Forest City, Waldorf and Luther College small groups, Lions Clubs in Wisconsin, California and Iowa, the Sons of Norway in Minnesota and Iowa, a delegate to International and District Lutheran Conventions as a youth and as a Pastor. He was the First Chairperson of the 26 churches in the Northern California District, Spiritual Director of Cursillo, at the Heritage Park in Forest City he served on the Board and as Special Events Pastor, initially meeting for services in the barn loft, then at Beaver Creek Community Church after it was moved to the Park. He also participated in the North Iowa Travelers Chapter-Winnebago International Travelers (NIT-WITS) and the senior citizens group the Kum-Along-Club.

Russ enjoyed sports of all kinds, which continued into the lives of his children as a coach or ardent fan. He loved to watch sunsets, “figure things out”, collect “useful” items because he “might use it someday”, and celebrate, celebrate, celebrate life in every way he could. He loved to whistle and sing, and with this gift, sang solos, participated in quartets, choirs, choruses, and theater productions in schools, churches and community events. Among his favorite songs were “Great and Marvelous”, “Jesus Loves Me”, “How Great Thou Art”, “Beautiful Savior”, and “This is My Father's World”. Family was always very important to him and he especially looked forward to gatherings and reunions when everyone could be together.

Russ is survived by his wife of 52 years, Ardelle; his four children, Dr. Russell N. Osnes of Eagan, Minnesota, Laurel Laudert of Bigfork, Minnesota, Lizabeth and Scott Erie of Pinewood Springs, Colorado and Jeffrey and Carol Osnes of Minneapolis, Minnesota; grandchildren, Jason and Emily Osnes of Apple Valley, Minnesota and Laura Osnes of Eagan, Minnesota; and honorary son, Ismaila Juta of Des Moines, by way of Nigeria.

He is also survived by two sisters, Arlet Vollers of Citrus Heights, California and Barbara (B. J.) and Warren Overlie of rural Decorah; one brother, John and Bonnie Osnes of Forest City; two sisters-in-law, Vera Osnes of Covina, California and Marty Osnes of Forest City; and one brother-in-law, Clifford Johnson of Littleton, Colorado; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, double cousins and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents, John and Barbara Osnes; three brothers, Virgil, Thelan and Paul; one sister, Janice Johnson; and one son-in-law, Michael Laudert.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Uva Hanson, 88

November 28, 2006

Uva Hanson, age 88, of Forest City, died on Monday, November 20, 2006, at the Good Samaritan Care Center in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, November 25, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City, with Pastor Jerald Swanberg officiating. Burial was in the Longview Cemetery in Stanhope. Visitation was an hour prior to the services on Saturday at the funeral home.

The Petersen Lund Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Muriel Buns, 82

November 28, 2006

Muriel Elaine Buns, 82, of Britt, entered into her heavenly home on Thursday, November 23, 2006. She was surrounded by love and family at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Monday, November 27, at 10:00 a.m., at the First Lutheran Church in Britt, with Janelle Siffring AiM officiating. Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt. Visitation was held on Sunday, November 26, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Ewing Dugger Funeral Chapel in Britt and continued one hour prior to the services at the church.

Faith and family were Muriel's joys in life.  Born on September 8, 1924, to Oliver and Pauline (Bredeson) Sveen in Lake Mills, she was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith at the Synod Lutheran Church in Lake Mills. After graduating from the Lake Mills High School, Muriel earned her nursing degree from the St. Joseph School of Nursing in Mason City. She first worked as a Registered Nurse at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Mason City, where she met her future husband, Robert “Bob” Buns. She also worked at the Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Forest City Hospital in Forest City and later at Westview Care Center in Britt.

Muriel was united in marriage to Bob on July 2, 1952, at the Synod Lutheran Church in Lake Mills, and over the years the couple was blessed with 5 children. She and her husband made their home in Britt where she supported the family's road construction business for more than 50 years. Muriel enjoyed her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She and Bob spent winter months in Texas and later Arizona. She participated in several Cancer Relay for Life walks.

Muriel was active in her faith throughout her life and was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Britt, where she was a member of the Elizabeth Circle.

Those who will carry on Muriel's memory include her husband of 54 years, Bob of Britt; her children, Tom (LeAnne) of Clear Lake, Susan (Ronald) Brooks of Britt, Gary (Rose) of Stewartville, Minnesota, Sandra (Kirk) Pearson of Klemme and David (Vicki) of Louisville, Kentucky; her 12 grandchildren, Sarah (Rob) Engebretson, Anthony Buns and Matthew Buns, Carrie (Anthony) Myers and Troy (Danielle) Brooks, Jessica Buns, Eric and Andrew Buns, Amy (Nathan) Bluhm, Melissa Pearson and Jennifer (Shane) Schreck and Keenan Gizzi; her great-grandchildren, Korey, Nicholas, Austin, Emma, Michael and Sydney; her sister, Lois (Arden) Holstad of Tucson, Arizona; her sister-in-law, Margie (Ray) Hobbs of Britt; and several nieces, nephews and friends.

Muriel was preceded in death by her parents; and her father and mother-in-law.

Muriel's family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Hospice of North Iowa.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Goldie A. Felland, 78

November 28, 2006

Goldie A. Felland, age 78, of Fertile, died on Saturday, November 25, 2006, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 29, at 10:30 a.m., at the Fertile Lutheran Church in Fertile, with Pastor Dennis Ganz officiating. Burial will be in the Brush Point Cemetery in rural Fertile. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 28, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the funeral home and an hour prior to services at the church. The Petersen Lund Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Goldie A. Felland, was born in rural Leland, Iowa on October 5, 1928, the daughter of Alfred (Swede) Anderson and Gladys (Hagen) Anderson. She received her education in a rural school near her home, attended Leland Schools and graduated from the Lake Mills High School.

On January 25, 1950, she married Roger Felland at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Leland, Iowa. The couple made their home in Fertile their entire married lives.

Goldie worked retail sales for many years in Forest City. She worked for Sid Reuben, Lynn's Clothing, Anderson's Clothing and Forest Fashion. Dressing up for Ridiculous Days was a favorite time for Goldie. She worked for several years at the Fountain Center Treatment Center in Forest City until retiring.

She enjoyed antiquing, quilting and doing crafts. She was a member of the Worth County Election Board for years and an active member of the Fertile community, she was an ardent supporter of anything to do with Fertile, volunteering for many different efforts over the years. She was a member of the Fertile Lutheran Church, Women's Circle, and the Clear Lake VFW Women's Auxiliary.

She is survived by her children, Sheila Trees of Lake Havasu City, Arizona, Lona (Marty) Trees of Forest City and Tanya Olson of Forest City; six grandchildren, Jessica (Trees) Walter of Forest City, Sarah Trees of Phoenix, Arizona, Andy Trees of Forest City, Ann Trees of Ames and Taylor & Sydney Olson of Forest City; and a great-granddaughter, Madeline Walter.

Also surviving is a brother, Gerald (Judy) Anderson of Forest City; several nieces and nephews; and special friends, Ruth Ouverson and Jody Smith.

Goldie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Roger' and brothers, Robert (Pee Wee) and Roger (Bud) Anderson.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Dorothy Penning, 88

November 28, 2006

Dorothy Penning, 88, of Buffalo Center, died on Saturday, November 25, 2006, at the Timely Mission Nursing Home in Buffalo Center.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, November 28, at the Ramsey Reformed Church, rural Titonka with Pastor Dennis Redeker officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Visitation was held on Monday evening at the funeral home.

The Winter Funeral Home and Cremation Service was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Esther Lubben, 94

December 5, 2006

Esther Lubben, age 94, of Forest City, died on Wednesday, November 29, 2006, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Monday, December 4, at the First Baptist Church in Forest City, with Rev. Larry Kidwell officiating. Burial was in the Olena Mound Cemetery in Buffalo Center. Visitation was held one hour prior to services at the church. The Petersen Lund Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

Esther (Hass) Lubben, was born on October 26, 1912, the daughter of Ferdinand and Lena (Schmidt) Hass in George, Iowa. She attended school there and graduated in 1931. At the age of 14, she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior, was baptized and became a member of the Central Baptist Church.

On February 4, 1937, she was united in marriage to Leonard L. Lubben of Buffalo Center. The couple lived at Rake and Buffalo Center before moving to Luverne, Minnesota in 1946. While there, Esther was active in church teaching in Sunday School and Bible School. She worked also at Renfro's Variety & Gift Shop for 28 years. In 1976, the couple returned to Buffalo Center and moved to Forest City in 1984. Leonard passed away in 1986.

Esther was a member of the First Baptist Church in Forest City. She was an avid reader and enjoyed fishing trips with Leonard.

Esther is survived by many nieces and nephews; as well as two sisters-in-law, who were a blessing in her life, Arlene Ostercamp of Titonka and Lydia Gruis of Waukon, Iowa.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Leonard; a sister, Minnie Winkleman; and brothers, Fred and Bill Hass.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Ernest Riggle, 92

December 5, 2006

Ernest Riggle, 92, of Crystal Lake, passed away on Wednesday, November 29, 2006, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services were held on Monday, December 4, at 10:30 a.m., at the United Methodist Church in Crystal Lake, with Pastor Jerry Swanberg officiating. Interment was in the Crystal Lake Cemetery in Crystal Lake. Visitation was held on Sunday, December 3, from 3-5:00 p.m., at the Ewing Dugger Funeral Chapel in Britt and continued one hour prior to services at the church.

Ernest, the son of Sidney and Tena Daniels Riggle, was born on September 12, 1914 in Woden, Iowa. He attended country schools in the Woden area and helped on the family farm. On January 9, 1941, Ernest was united in marriage with Martha Monson at Grant Church in rural Winnebago County. The couple farmed in the Crystal Lake and Hayfield areas before moving to the home place located near Crystal Lake. They later purchased the farm where they also raised cattle and chickens. Ernest and Martha moved into Crystal Lake about 7 years ago, but Ernest continued farming through the 2006 crop season.

Ernest loved farming and was very proud of the farmstead. He enjoyed fishing and traveling, taking at least one bus trip a year. Ernest was a member of the Methodist Church in Crystal Lake.

Ernest is survived by numerous nieces; nephews; and other family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Martha on January 20, 2006; and brother, Clifford.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

December 19, 2006

Donald T. Cosgriff, age 78, of Plymouth, Minnesota, passed away on November 29, 2006, at the Methodist Hospital, St Louis Park, Minnesota. 

A Funeral Mass was held on Monday December 4, at 10:30 a.m., at The Church of St Anne, Hamel, Minnesota. Interment was in the church cemetery. Visitation was held on Sunday, December 3, from 5-8:00 p.m., at the Gearty Delmore Funeral Chapel, Plymouth, Minnesota. 

Donald was born on May 30, 1928 in Britt, Iowa, to parents Thomas and Minna Nelson Cosgriff. He attended Britt Schools and graduated from the Britt High School in 1946.  He played track and football. Following high school, he joined the U.S. Army and participated in the occupation of Japan following WW II. He was a member of the Britt American Legion Post.  

He continued his education at the University of Iowa, graduating in 1951. He moved to E. Grand Forks, Minnesota and met Collette Anderson, originally of Chisholm, Minnesota. They were married in Minneapolis on January 16, 1954. They moved to Golden Valley, Minnesota, where Don was involved in the financial industry from 1951 through 1982. He then worked in the real estate and property management fields. In 1985 Don and Collette moved to Plymouth Minnesota.

Survivors include his wife, Collette; children, Bradley (Roberta) Cosgriff, Bridget Cosgriff, Brian (Lori) Cosgriff and Barry Cosgriff; and granddaughter, Brook Collette Cosgriff. 

He was preceded in death by parents, Thomas and Minna Cosgriff; and sister, Doris Cosgriff.

Memorials preferred to the Struthers Parkinsons Clinic, C/O Park Nicollet Medical Center, St Louis Park, MN.  55416.
© 2006 Forest City Summit