Garnet Johnson, 93

April 10, 2007

Garnet Johnson, died on Sunday, April 1, 2007, at The Abington on Grand in Ames, Iowa. She was 93.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, April 10, 2007, at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Britt, with Father Henry P. Huber officiating. Burial was in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Corwith.

Garnet Gertrude Johnson, was born on January 29, 1914 in Britt, Iowa, the daughter of James and Ethel (Carl) Adams. She attended country school before her family moved into Corwith, where she finished her schooling, graduating from the Corwith High School in 1932.

On June 5, 1935, Garnet was united in marriage to Ralph Albert Johnson at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Corwith. To this union 10 children were born. They farmed until 1963, when they moved into Corwith. Garnet worked as a cook at restaurants in Corwith and Wesley until she retired in 1979.

Garnet was a member of the St. Mary's Catholic Church, Rosary Society, Catholic Daughter's of America and the Delta Club. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, reading and helping others.

She is survived by her children, JoAnn Johnson of Mesa, Arizona, Donald and Lana Johnson of Billings, Montana, Donald and Mary Schmitt of Grinnell, Iowa, Robert and Rose Bosch of Allendale, Michigan, Richard and Karen Johnson of Bettendorf, Iowa, John and Loretta Halbur of Milford, Iowa, Steve and Judy Johnson of Hastings, Minnesota, John and Betty Johnson of Nickerson, Nebraska and John and Edna Skjordal of Gilbert, Iowa; 36 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ralph on August 11, 1985; daughter, Patricia; sister, Edna; son, Allen; and two grandsons, Justin and Jacob.

Funeral arrangements were handled by the Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home of Corwith. 
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Harold P. Swenson, 60

April 3, 2007

Harold P. Swenson, age 60, of Leland, died on Monday, April 2, 2007, at his home in rural Leland.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 4, 2007, at 1:30 p.m., at the West Prairie Lutheran Church in rural Leland, with Pastor Clarence Baalson officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation was held on Tuesday, April 3, at the funeral home and an hour prior to the service at the church. The Petersen Lund Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Harold P. Swenson, was born in Forest City, Iowa on September 16, 1946, the son of Harland and Marion (Bergstad) Swenson. He received his education in the Fisher Country School near his home and attended the Forest City High School.

In June of 1966, he was married to Nancy Bakken. The marriage later ended in divorce. Harold farmed with his father for many years. After his dad passed away, Harold began working for Waste Systems. He was there for 23 years until failing health forced him to retire in 1997.

On August 14, 1992, he was united in marriage to Judy (Countryman) Price at the Good Hope Lutheran Church in Titonka, Iowa. The couple made their home west of Leland. Harold enjoyed horses, playing cards with family and going fishing. He loved being outside working in the garden and taking care of his flowers. Harold treasured time spent with his family and especially his grandchildren.

Harold is survived by his wife, Judy Swenson of Leland; son, Brian (Rane) Swenson of Joice; daughter, Misty (Todd) Juveland of Forest City; step-sons, Adam Price of Thompson and Andy Price of Lakota; foster-daughter, Cathy Peterson of Leland; four grandchildren, Darian & Tyler Swenson and Johanna & Annika Juveland; three sisters, Sheryl (Don) Hall of Sheffield, Marge Smith and Helen Stohr, both of Crystal Lake; two nieces, a nephew and Harold's faithful dog, Buck.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents; and brother-in-law, Richard Smith.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Kenneth Justman, 54

April 10, 2007

Kenneth Roy Justman, of Corwith, died on Monday, April 2, 2007, at the Hospice of North Iowa in Mason City.

Ken was born on January 24, 1953. He moved to Woden, in 1997. In 2001 he purchased the property of  the late Harold and Esther Fatka and moved to Corwith.

Ken served his country in the Viet Nam War from 1970 to 1972.

He is survived by his brothers, Roger and Greg Justman; a sister, Connie Krueger; and two sons, Randy and Jacob Justman; one daughter, Cassidy Justman; and one grandson, Nathaniel Justman

No funeral services were held and his body was cremated.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Carroll "Bud" Larson, 86

April 10, 2007

Carroll “Bud” Larson, 86, of Thompson, Iowa, died on Tuesday, April 3, 2007, at the Timely Mission Nursing Home in Buffalo Center.

His funeral ceremony was held on Saturday, April 7, at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Thompson, with Pastor Mark Decker. Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery. Visitation was held on Friday, at the Winter Funeral Home in Thompson.

Carroll Orville Larson, the son of Levi and Dena (Branstad) Larson, was born outside of Leland, on September 27, 1920. He attended school in Leland and Thompson and graduated from the Thompson High School in 1939.

He married Eileen Gahan on September 15, 1946. They farmed outside of Thompson until retirement in 1985. They moved into town in 1994.

Carroll enjoyed collecting and admiring all sorts of rocks and minerals, visiting museums, and bowling. He also enjoyed reading, particularly National Geographic and Readers Digest. Carroll served on the elevator board in Thompson for many years. He also served on the Bethany Lutheran Church Board and was the council treasurer. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Eileen of Thompson; three children, Dave Larson of Cave Creek, Arizona, Carolyn Larson of Three Forks, Montana and Dan Larson of Thompson; his grandchildren, Jeremy Tegland of Forest City, Robin (Laramie) Heuser of Stillwater, Oklahoma, Travis Tegland of Forest City and Alannah Larson, Sydney Larson, and Reece Larson of Thompson; his brother, Victor (Maxine) Larson of Thompson; his sister-in-law, Patricia Larson of Spirit Lake; and many nieces and nephews.

Carroll was preceded in death by his parents, Levi and Dena Larson; three brothers, Leslie, Marvin and Eldon; and three sisters, Dorothy, Frances and Mildred.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Margaret I. Randall, 86

April 10, 2007

Margaret Irene Randall, 86, of Garner, died on Saturday, April 7, 2007, at the Concord Care Center in Garner.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, April 14, at the Faith Lutheran Church in Miller, with Rose Visser, lay minister officiating.

Memorials may be directed to the Faith Lutheran Church in Miller. The Cataldo Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Richard "Dick" Wilson, 64

May 1, 2007

Richard "Dick" Wilson, 64, of Paton, died on Sunday, April 8, 2007.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, April 12, at the Paton Salem United Methodist Church. Burial was in the Paton Township Cemetery

Honorary casket bearers were Kenny Smith, Jack Fredrickson, Keith Walker, Dennis Ladd, Lyle Taiber, Les Fister, Dean House, Dick Lindgren, Ferrol Miner, Ron Lehman, Dale Higgins, Doug Westre and Jack Cunningham.

Dick Wilson, the son of Jesse and Nadine (Metzger) Wilson, was born on May 10, 1942 at Jefferson, Iowa. He was raised in Paton and attended school in Paton. After his schooling, Dick lived two years in Rippey and worked for Eugene Muir. He then worked for Greene County secondary roads and left to drive for the Paton Co-op. He then drove semis for various owner/operators, including hauling cattle for his brother, Raymond. He also drove for Smithway Motor Express. He returned to Greene County secondary roads, retiring in December of 2006.

On October 24, 1964, Dick was united in marriage to Judy Ann Darling at the Salem United Methodist Church in Paton. To this union were born two children. Dick and Judy lived their entire married life in Paton. Dick enjoyed his family and loved to relax on his front porch and visit with his family and many friends. He also enjoyed feeding the birds, planting and caring for his many types of trees. He enjoyed his time as a semi driver and heavy equipment operator and loved traveling. To say the least, Dick never knew a stranger.

Dick was a member of the “MIRZA” Masonic Lodge #609 and FEZB Shrine Club of Pilot Mound. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry and a member of the Jefferson Elks Lodge #2306.

Survivors include his wife Judy; son, Jeff (Ann) of Altoona; daughter, Jacquie (Chuck) Samples of Wheeling, Illinois; grandchildren, Amanda, Hayley and Meghan Wilson; step-grandchildren, Julia & Cameron Samples; mother, Nadine of Jefferson; brothers, Raymond (Jane) of Farnhamville and Rex (Virginia) and Roger (Dorena) both of Paton; sisters-in-law, Ellen (Robert) Wilson  and Judi (Russ) Wilson,  both of Jefferson.

Dick was preceded in death by his father; two brothers, Robert and Russ; sister-in-law, Lois (Russ); and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Eldon and Lois Darling.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Gordon Dean Rye, 75

May 8, 2007

Gordon Dean "Rocky" Rye, 75, of Blaine, Washington, has been fighting heart disease for 8 years and cancer for almost five years. 

On April 8, 2007, at 1:00 p.m., on Easter Sunday, he lost his gallant battle to Leukemia at home surrounded by family and friends. 

He was born in Forest City, the middle son of Harlan and Grace (Raun) Rye. A memorial was held on Monday, April 23, at the Sons of Norway Hall in Seattle, Washington.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Richard A. Clark, 77

April 10, 2007

Richard A. Clark, age 77, of Forest City, died on Monday, April 9, 2007, at his home in Forest City.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Thursday, April 12, at 10:00 a.m., at the St. James Catholic Church in Forest City, with Fr. Henry Huber officiating. Burial will be in the St. James Catholic Cemetery in Forest City. Visitation will be from 4-8:00 p.m., on Wednesday, April 11, at the funeral home, with a Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continued an hour prior to the service at the church. The Petersen Lund Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Richard A. Clark, was born on August 20, 1929, the son of Robert and Rosa (Gelner) Clark in Forest City, where he lived his entire life. Richard married Michaela Jo Monnahan on December 11, 1954, and from this marriage they raised six daughters.

Richard owned and operated Clark's Sawmill south of Forest City for 50 years. He was blessed in loving his work and took pride in his business and accomplishments. He enjoyed fishing, bowling, playing cribbage and horseshoes, and traveling in later years.

Richard cherished his wife, Michaela and was most proud of his daughters and grandchildren. Those who knew Richard will remember his laughter, quick wit, and fun-loving spirit. He was a kind and thoughtful neighbor and could always be counted on to offer a hand to those in need.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Michaela Clark of Forest City; six daughters, Julie (Bill) Johnson of Norwalk, Kelly Thompson of Van Meter, Lorie (Doug) Bolinger of Forest City, Molly Clark of Van Meter, Nanette (Tony) Wilson of Crystal Lake and Theresa Clark of Van Meter. Also surviving are eleven grandchildren, Wesley, Jessie, Amanda, Megan, Becky, Rick, Steven, Kalli, Kurtis, Samantha and Summer; sister, Margie Kirschbaum; half-brother, Bobby Clark of Minneapolis; half-sister, Sharon Scheckloth of Stewartville, Minnesota' and his little buddy, Max.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers, Kenneth, Milton and Gordon.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Lionel P. Anderson, 82

April 17, 2007

Lionel P. Andersen, age 82, of Lake Mills, died on Wednesday, April 11, 2007, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, Iowa.

Memorial services were held on Monday, April 16, 2007, at the Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills, with Rev. Randy Baldwin officiating. Inurnment was in the Salem Memorial Cemetery, rural Lake Mills.

Visitation with the family was held one hour prior to the services at the church on Monday.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Cynthia Joy Bunge, 46

April 24, 2007

Cynthia Joy Bunge, died on Wednesday, April 18, 2007, at her home in Williamsburg, after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 46 years.

A Celebration of Life Service was held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, April 21, 2007, at the First Presbyterian Church in Williamsburg. Pastor Jan Scott officiated. Burial was in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Williamsburg. Visitation was held on Friday, April 20, from 4-8:00 p.m., at the Uhlmann-Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Williamsburg.

Cynthia was born on June 7, 1960 in Cameron, Missouri, the daughter of Dean and Joyce (Kenney) Burkett. She graduated from the Cameron High School and received her associates degree at Missouri Western State College in St. Joseph, Missouri. She was united in marriage to Martin Bunge on August 25, 1984, in Cameron, Missouri.

The couple lived in St. Joseph and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a short time after their marriage, then moved to Forest City, where they owned and operated the Forest City Summit and Britt News-Tribune from 1987 to 2001. They then made their home in Williamsburg.

Cynthia enjoyed scrap booking, camping, eating chocolate and reading, and her two greatest loves were her children and her relationship with her church. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Williamsburg.

Cynthia is survived by her husband, Martin; a son, Aaron; two daughters, Allison and Angela, all of Williamsburg; her mother, Joyce of Cameron, Missouri; a brother, Doug Burkett of Phoenix and a sister, Sue (Mike) Hutchison of Hutchinson, Kansas.

She is preceded in death by her father, Dean.

Memorials are for the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Linda Lou Lee, 61

April 24, 2007

Linda Lou Lee, 61, of Titonka, died peacefully on Saturday, April 21, 2007, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, following a 3 year battle with colon cancer.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 24, 2007, at the Good Hope Lutheran Church, Titonka, with Reverend James Berka officiating. Burial was in the Good Hope Cemetery, Titonka. The Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, Titonka, was in charge of the arrangements.

Linda was born on March 29, 1946 in Buffalo Center, to William and Delores (Rippentrop) Rode. She was confirmed and received her Christian education at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Titonka. She graduated from the Titonka High School in 1964 and the LaJames School of Cosmetology in 1965.

On May 1, 1965, she married Ron Lee of Fertile at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Titonka. They made their home in Titonka and together they raised three children, Lisa, Denise and Jeff.

She worked for 12 years as a beautician with Mavis Looft at the Beauty Nook in Titonka and 25 years as a nurse's aid at the Titonka Care Center. She was an avid reader and the social coordinator as she traveled with her many friends to tea rooms and shopping excursions through out the years. She could never pass up a good cup of coffee and visiting with friends.

Linda is survived by her loving husband, Ron; her three children, Lisa (David) Meyer of Urbandale, Denise (Eric) Rossmiller of Forest City and Jeffrey (Shannon) Lee of Eagan, Minnesota; four grandchildren, Allison and Mitch Meyer, William and Matthew Rossmiller.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Delores Rode; and cousins, Keith Rode and Rodney Rippentrop whom she considered siblings.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Laurie Harms and the staff at the North Iowa Hospice Center for the care and comfort they provided to Linda and her family. We will never forget your kindness.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Mary E. Schaefer, 78

April 24, 2007

Mary E. (Freeman) Schaefer, a resident of Bettendorf, died of complications following hip replacement repair surgery at the Trinity Health Center, just after midnight, Saturday, April 21, 2007.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, April 24, at the Asbury Methodist Church, with services following. Mary was buried in the Davenport Memorial Park.

Mary was born on December 4, 1928, the second daughter of Percy and Zelma Freeman of Methodist Hollow, McGregor, Iowa. Her father was a worker on the Rob Roy II ferry boat between McGregor and Prairie Du Chien, was a night watchman, policeman and a farmer from 1946-1973. Zelma was a full working partner in all of Percy's work.

Mary attended the McGregor Public Schools from 1st grade through the 12th. She was an honor student, Class President both her freshman and sophomore years, participated in drama, cheerleading, sang in the sophomore sextet and the church choir, played clarinet in band from 4th through12th grade, basketball 9th through 12th grade, was a nominee for Prom Queen and received the Good Citizenship/Leadership award in 8th grade, the Literary Award in 12th grade and an academic scholarship to Upper Iowa University. She was the salutatorian of her class of 1946, and was selected to deliver the class address at graduation.

At Upper Iowa she completed the Two Year Teachers course with high honors (2nd in the entire sophomore class of 1948), was President of the UIU Future Teachers - Elementary, UIU Band President, and was elected President of her Dormitory. She was a college cheerleader, the Future Teachers' nominee for Homecoming Queen, and was selected as the UIU Homecoming Queen of 1947-1948. She did her practice teaching in the 1st grade, Fayette Schools.

She met her husband to be, Donald A. Schaefer, at Upper Iowa in 1947, where Don was a returning GI studying in mathematics, physics and philosophy on the GI bill. They were married on August 15, 1948, at the McGregor Congregational Church. The minister was Professor/Reverend William Richards, who was their philosophy and religion teacher.

Mary taught 1st grade in Postville, Iowa, during 1948 -1949, while Don was finishing his degree work at UIU. With the birth of their first son, Randy, in September, 1949, Mary (who always wanted to be a teacher) decided that an even more important job was as a full time wife and mother, and as five more sons were born, she did that job to perfection for the next 18 years. She worked as a part time elementary substitute teacher from 1954 -1956, in West Union, where her husband was a math and science teacher, and 1964 -1967 in Bettendorf.

She worked as a Teacher Associate in Learning Disabilities from 1967 until she retired in 1990 (so she and her husband could spend retirement time together). She was also a Cub Scout Leader (1958-1965), PTA vice-president at Grant Wood, District Secretary, Robe Mother and Youth Choir Assistant at Asbury Methodist Church (2 years), a charter member of Arts and Crafts group (Faculty Wives, Bettendorf School System). This group gave numerous $500 scholarships to students planning to become elementary teachers, with all income from handmade craft work done by this group.

She enjoyed creative craft work of all kinds, was a member of the Mississippi Valley Quilters Guild, and family activities with her husband, her sons and their families. She was her grandson, Shane's number one baseball fan, though she had to attend all games in a wheelchair. All family members tried to come home for Christmas every year. She accompanied her husband to India (where he taught summer programs for Indian physics teachers). The Schaefers and two other American Physics teachers and their wives lived in the guest house at North Bengal University and in 1965 had a chance to travel to Darjeeling and see Kanchenjunga, the world's third tallest mountain.

Mary was preceded in death by two of her sons, Randall, 45 and Mark, 1 day; her parents, Percy and Zelma Freeman of McGregor; her husband's parents, Emery and Caroline Schaefer of Forest City; her brother-in-law, Kenneth Moore of McGregor; her husband's brother, Elwyn Schaefer of Guttenberg; 2 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her sons, Steven (Sheri) Schaefer of Davenport, Craig (Judith) Schaefer of Terre Haute, Thom Schaefer of Carrollton, Texas, Jeffrey (Sherri) Schaefer of Ft. Worth and Sharon Schaefer of Cottonwood, Texas, (widow of Randall Schaefer). Mary and Don have 13 grandchildren or step-grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and a fine teacher, with unlimited patience, she was a gentle, compassionate lady. She was an inspiration to her entire family and a role model in every positive way. She provided a warm, loving haven from the world for her entire family. She thought of everyone else, first.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the “Donald and Mary Science Scholarship” fund at the Bettendorf Community School's Foundation.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Oscar H. Rinden, 92

May 1, 2007

Oscar H. Rinden, age 92, of Lake Mills, died on Tuesday, April 24, 2007, at the Lake Mills Care Center in Lake Mills, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 28, 2007, at the Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church, rural Joice, with Pastor Kevin Olson officiating. Burial was in the Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church Cemetery.

Visitation was held on Friday, April 27, from 5-8:00 p.m., at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home, with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation continued one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Ruby V. Okland, 84

May 1, 2007

Ruby V. Okland, age 84, of Lake Mills, died on Friday, April 27, 2007, at the Lake Mills Care Center in Lake Mills, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Monday, April 30, 2007, at the Center Evangelical Lutheran Church, rural Lake Mills, with Rev. Thomas Rank officiating. Burial took place in the Center Evangelical Church Cemetery.

Visitation was held on Sunday at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home, Lake Mills, and continued one hour prior to services at the church.

Ruby Venetia (Carlson) Okland, was born on July 29, 1922 near Leland, Iowa, to parents Eddie and Alma (Vold) Carlson. She attended and graduated from the Leland High School in 1940.

On April 28, 1942, Ruby was united in marriage with Luther Okland at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Leland, Iowa. The couple were blessed with six children, and they made their home in rural Lake Mills. Ruby spent many years working in the cafeteria at both the Lake Mills Community School, and later at the Lake Mills Care Center. She was a member of the Center Evangelical Lutheran Church, rural Lake Mills, where she was active with the Ladies Aid.

Ruby also enjoyed spending time playing Bridge, having coffee with her friends, crocheting, and making crafts. She was a Gold Star Mother of the Lake Mills American Legion Auxiliary.

Ruby will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to all who met her.

Survivors include her husband, Luther of Lake Mills; children, Raymond Okland of Houston, Texas, Jayne (Jim) Edwards of Sioux City, Jeanne (Richard) Duben of Forestville, California, Jennie (Steve) Woerner of Huffman, Texas, Scott Okland of San Antonio, Texas, and Ruby lost her beloved son, Vernon on May 4, 1970; nine grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Vernon in 1970; three brothers, Vernon, Dean and Richard Carlson; and a sister, Dorris Knutson.
© 2007 Forest City Summit