Robert "Bob" J. Dugan, 51

August 7, 2007

Robert (Bob) Joseph Dugan, age 51, of Garner, died on Wednesday, August 1, 2007, at the Mercy Medical Center North Iowa in Mason City, with his family at his side. His sudden death was the result of a massive brain aneurism that occurred while he was golfing with his friends.

Funeral services were held on Monday, August 6, 2007, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Leland, with Pastor Timothy Miller officiating. Visitation was held on Sunday, August 5, at the funeral home and continued one hour prior to the service at the church.

Bob was born on March 3, 1956 in Oelwein, Iowa, to Robert L. Dugan and Joan Shannon-Dugan. He attended grade school at the ICA Catholic in Fairbank, middle school at Fairbank-Oran, and high school in Fayette, where he graduated in 1974.

In 1976, Bob moved to the Forest City/Garner area when he began his career at Winnebago. At the time of his death, he was a manufacturing engineer in Chassis Weld. Bob also spent many golf seasons as the Course Ranger at The Barn (Gruis Recreation Area).

Bob married Anna Abbott on March 12, 1984. To this union was born Samantha Jo Dugan and Bart James Dugan. The couple divorced in 1995.

Bob enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, going to concerts, and spending time with his friends. He was known for always having a good time (“But, are we having fun?”) and for his “words of wisdom.” Bob loved life and lived every day to the fullest.

He was an excellent father and his children were very important to him. He loved watching them play sports through high school and was their biggest fan. He was also a great brother, loving son and loyal friend to many.

Bob is survived by his daughter, Samantha Jo of Cedar Falls and son, Bart James of Leland; mother, Joan Shannon and step-father, Gerald (Benny) Bates of Oelwein; three sisters, Connie (Wayne) Thibault of Scottsdale, Arizona, Judy Gamm and Mark Sears of Gifford and Barb Dugan and Scott Rayhons of Ventura; nieces, Megan Gamm of Odessa, Missouri and Melissa Gamm of Liberty, Missouri; step-mother, Ivy Dennler of Elkader, Iowa; special friend, Tammy Mary of Garner; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his father; and his grandparents.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Verna Brown, 86

August 14, 2007

Verna Marie Brown, 86, of Britt, passed away on Monday, August 6, 2007, at the Concord Care Center in Garner

Funeral services were held on Friday, August 10, at 2:00 p.m., at the United Methodist Church in Britt, with Pastor Paddy Druhl officiating.  Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt. Visitation was held on Thursday, August 9, 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.

Verna, the daughter of Frank William and Anna Marie Ruscher Gayken, was born on October 16, 1920 in Britt. She attended school in Britt. At a young age she began caring for her mother until her mother's death.

In 1944, Verna married Newell Brown at the Woden United Methodist Church. The couple made their home in the Britt area and Verna enjoyed rural living. In 1961 they moved into Britt. Verna was employed at the milk plant in Britt and then at Winnebago Industries in Forest City for 14 years.

Verna was a member of the United Methodist Church in Britt. She made and donated many stocking caps, mittens, ornaments and anything else that the church needed crocheted. 

Verna was the strength of her family and loved spending time with them. She enjoyed crocheting, needlepoint and quilting and gave many of the items as gifts. Verna also enjoyed doing word search, playing cribbage, fishing and putting puzzles together. 

Verna is survived by five sons, Don (Kathy) of Mason City, Shirley (Linda) of Garner, Al (Barb) of Britt, Vennis of Hortonville, New York and Ralph (Audrey) of Clear Lake; 15 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; brother, Bud (Bev) Gayken of Britt; sister, Viola “Blondie” (Christie) Peterson of Goodell; and numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Newell; son, Bill; grandson, Victor; sister, Blanche Gill; and brother, Lester Gayken.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Ruth O. Olson, 95

August 14, 2007

Ruth O. Olson, age 95, of Forest City, died on Tuesday, August 7, 2007, at the Titonka Care Center in Titonka, Iowa.

Funeral service was held on Friday, August 10, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Pastor Wayne Hagen officiating. Burial was in the Oakland Cemetery in Forest City. Visitation was held on Thursday, August 9, at the funeral home and continued an hour prior to the service at the church. The Petersen Lund Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Ruth Overa Olson, was born on June 13, 1912, to Carl and Sarah (Tweeten) Gustafson in Mt. Valley Township, Winnebago County, Iowa, the third of nine children. She was baptized, confirmed, and married in the Winnebago Lutheran Church.

On January 3, 1932, she married Kenneth Olson. The couple farmed near Miller, Iowa, until 1968 when they moved to their new home near Forest City. Kenneth passed away in 1973 and Ruth remained there until moving to Forest City. She was an active member of the Faith Lutheran Church in Miller and later the Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Ruth enjoyed family gatherings, being with friends, entertaining, and growing flowers. She was a long-time member of the Happy Birthday Club, Extension, 4-H Leader, Church Circle and Sr. Citizen's Center. After retirement, the couple delivered motor homes and she and Kenneth wintered in Texas.

In 2005, Ruth moved to Forest Plaza and in March of 2007 to the Titonka Care Center.

Ruth is survived by three daughters, Janice (Morris) Kluver of Forest City, Yvonne Rippentrop of Titonka and Marcia (Irvin) Milbrandt of Elmore, Minnesota; nine grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; sister, Charlotte Nelson of Forest City; brother, Clemmit Gustafson and wife, Elaine of Walcott, Iowa; and sister-in-law, Orva Gustafson of Lake Mills.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kenneth; son-in-law, Roger Rippentrop; brothers, Gustaf, Cleo, James and Victor; a brother in infancy; and a sister, Margaret Nyhus.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

June Beshey, 93

August 14, 2007

June E. Beshey, 93, of Garner, died on Tuesday, August 7, 2007, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, August 10, at the United Methodist Church in Garner, with Rev. David Wagner officiating. Music was provided by organist, Doreen Johnson who accompanied soloist, Warren Torkelson and a congregational hymn. Ushers were Maynard Schoneman and Burke Haberkamp. Casket bearers were Mark Beshey, Jeff Beshey, Michael Richter, Scott Richter, Eric Beshey and Evan Beshey. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery in Garner. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. 

June Adell Elva Beshey, the daughter of Almon and Bertha (Hans) Lattimer, was born on June 22, 1914 at Algona. She was baptized and confirmed at the Methodist Church in Algona. June attended school in Algona. 

On November 18, 1933, she was married to Donald Beshey of Woolstock at the Methodist parsonage in Ft. Dodge. They lived in Woolstock, Webster City and Marble Rock where they worked on farms. In 1941, they moved to the Goldfield-Eagle Grove areas and in 1953 to Britt where they continued to farm. They retired in 1974 and moved into Garner. June and Don spent some of their winter months in Georgia and Florida. After Don passed away in 1999, she moved to the Prairie View Apartments in Garner.

June enjoyed going fishing with Don, making crafts and was an avid sports fan. Her great pride was her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many special neighbors and friends.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Garner, UMW, Royal Neighbors of Britt and the Holiday Homemakers Club at Britt.

June is survived by her four children, Connie (Michael) Richter of Britt, LaVonne (Robert) Kahl of High Springs, Florida, James (Jeri) Beshey of St. Clair, Minnesota and Earl (Julie) Beshey of Garner; daughter-in-law, Annette Beshey of Moultrie, Georgia; fifteen grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren;  five step-grandchildren; many step-great-grandchildren; two half-sisters, Ruth Theunte of Algona and Sherry Lloyd of Las Vegas, Nevada; a sister-in-law, Illa Lattimer of California; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Don on March 6, 1999; two sons, Jerry and Richard (Bessie) Beshey; her parents; step-father, Sid Spear; three sisters, Elnora (Hubert) Bartels, Betty (Henry) Bartels and Lorraine (Wayne) Riddle; a brother, Elmer Lattimer; and a brother-in-law, Jerry Theunte.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Caroline Slagle, 93

August 21, 2007

Caroline Leear Slagle, passed away on Friday, August 10, 2007, at the Village Health Care Center in Missoula, Montana, at age 93.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. The Garden City Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

Caroline was the daughter of Joseph and Tina Sweer Leerar. She was born on a farm near Stilson, Iowa. She attended country schools. She married Orville Slagle in 1932 at Waterloo, Iowa. They resided in Waterloo, until 1946 when they moved to Billings then to Phoenix, Arizona in 1958. After Orville's passing she moved to Missoula to be close to her children.

She will always be remembered for the many rewards she won as an excellent quilter and seamstress and the work she did for others.

Caroline was preceded in death by her husband, Orville; son, Dean; son-in-law, Robert Chamberlain; her parents; two sisters; and five brothers. She was the last member of the Joe Leerar family.

Surviving family include her daughter, Carol Gravos; son-in-law, Merv; 4 grandchildren, Bret and Laura Slagle, Doug (Mary) Chamberlain and Sandra Chamberlain; 2 great-grandchildren, Kyle and Eric; 1 step-granddaughter, Shelley Gravos Paulson (Gary); and 1 step-great-grandson, Griffin Paulson; and numerous nieces and nephews, all of which were deeply loved.

Her family would like to thank all of the Doctors, medical staff, care centers and friends who helped her through her final years.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Sandra Dudgeon, 51

August 14, 2007

Sandra “Sandy” Marie Dudgeon, 51, of Clear Lake, passed away on Saturday, August 11, 2007, at the Opportunity Village in Clear Lake.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 16, at 10:30 a.m., at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Britt, with Fr. Brian Dallert officiating. Burial will be in the St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 15, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Ewing Dugger Funeral Chapel, Britt and one hour prior to the services at the church. Scriptural Wake Service will be held at 7:00 p.m.

Sandy was born on June 20, 1956, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital, to Wayne and Gloria Dudgeon. Sandy attended the Britt Community School and in 1972 attended Happy Arc in Garner and lived in Britt until 1976 at which time she moved to Opportunity Village. Sandy worked and lived at the Village until her death.

She loved living in the Village with her second family of wonderful caregivers and resident friends. Sandy enjoyed shopping, eating out and spending time with her friends and family. At the Village she enjoyed going to the computer lab to check the family website and look at all the family photos. She was particularly fond of attending weddings and going to Britt for Hobo Days. Sandy touched many people with her big smile and loving hugs.

Sandy is survived by her mother, Gloria of Britt; sister, MaDonna Novak and her husband, Mike of Illinois City, Illinois; brother, Tom Dudgeon of Riverside, California; sisters, Catherine Sorenson and her husband, Brian of Guttenberg, Teresa Van Dine and her husband, John of Prescott, Arizona, Mary Jane Scott and her husband, Lawrence, Jr. of Irvine, California, Joanne Dudgeon of Ames and Loretta Harvey and her husband, Todd of Erie, Colorado; brother, John Dudgeon and his wife, Jody of Olathe, Kansas; 17 nieces and nephews; 10 great-nieces and nephews; two uncles, Shirley Dudgeon and his wife, Dorothy of Clear Lake and Dale Dudgeon of Ipswich, Massachusetts.

She was preceded in death by her father, Wayne Dudgeon; paternal grandparents, Ellis and Hilma Dudgeon; maternal grandmother, Alice Myslewski; and uncle, Floyd Dudgeon.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Ardith J. Holstad, 74

August 21, 2007

Ardith J. Holstad, age 74, of Lake Mills, died on Monday, August 13, 2007, at the Mercy Medical Center North Iowa in Mason City, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Friday, August 17, at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Albert Lea, Minnesota, with Pastor Norman Johnson officiating. Burial took place in the Sunnyside Cemetery in Lake Mills, Iowa.

Visitation was held on Thursday, August 16, at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home, Lake Mills, and continued one hour prior to the services at the church on Friday.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Evelyn "Jane" Stokesbary, 91

August 21, 2007

Evelyn Lucille (Jane) Stokesbary, 91, of Clear Lake, died on Thursday, August 16, 2007, at the Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake.

Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., on Monday, August 20, at the United Methodist Church, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Diana Hoover officiating. Visitation was held on Sunday, at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel in Clear Lake. Visitation was also held one hour prior to the service time on Monday at the church. Burial was in the Clear Lake Cemetery.

The family of Evelyn Lucille Stokesbary has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Hospice of North Iowa in her memory.

Jane was born on May 2, 1916, on a farm near Britt. Her parents, Noah and Zora (Wyant) Whitehurst, had 10 children, of which Jane was the sixth. She grew up and went to the local country school near Hutchins.

Jane married Arvid Stokesbary at Klemme on January 9, 1936. They started their family and worked on area farms until 1942, when they moved to Ames. The family remained in Ames until 1955. Arvid's employment then took them to Winchester, Illinois and then four years later on to Kansas City, Missouri.

In Kansas City, they attended and became members of the Countryside Methodist Church. Jane was very active with the church and served as President of the UMW group. She was President of the Sorosis Club, as well as President of the Raytown Federated Women's Club. She received a lifetime membership pin from the Countryside Church in 1975.

Jane and Arvid retired in 1975 and moved to Clear Lake. They became active members of the Clear Lake Methodist Church. Jane served on many committees and was President of the Sorosis Club.

Jane was widowed in 2002 and a year later she sold her home on Pine Tree Court and moved to the Meadows Apartments. She remained at the Meadow's until 2006, when she moved into the Oakwood Care Facility.

Jane was preceded in death by her husband, Arvid; and oldest daughter, Barbara Ford.

Left to cherish her memory is Barbara Ford's husband, Paul Ford and four grandchildren; her daughter, Beverly Lambert of Auburn, Illinois and four grandchildren; her son, Daryl and wife, Sandy Stokesbary of Hampton, Minnesota and two grandchildren; Bethene and husband, Gene Hatcher of Winchester, Illinois and six grandchildren; Debby and husband, Mick Hansmeier of Eagan, Minnesota and two grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and 13 great-great-grandchildren.

Jane is also survived by two sisters, Gladys Schmidt of Britt and Irene Pletcher of Forest City; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Kenneth Cosgriff, 73

August 28, 2007

Kenneth Lee Cosgriff, 73, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 17, 2007, at his home in Ahoskie, North Carolina, surrounded by his family and friends, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

A celebration of life service was held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, August 20, at Union Baptist Church, Ahoskie. Interment followed at the Hoggard Memorial Cemetery in Lewiston, North Carolina. The family received friends and family in the home.

Ken was the son of Edward Leo and Gladys Beatrice (Baily) Cosgriff. He was born on August 31, 1933 in Britt, Iowa, where he graduated from the Britt High School. He received a Bachelor of Science in Forestry from Iowa State University in June, 1956. Ken was a veteran of the US Army and the Army Reserve.

Ken lived most of his adult life in Portsmouth, Virginiaa, where he retired from the Atlantic Wood Industries. He moved to Ahoskie in 1998 and married his wife, Carolyn Martin on August 5, 2001. Ken opened a flower and specialty shop called Union Station/Ken's Corner in Ahoskie, North Carolina, which he ran until August, 2006.

Ken was a member of the Union Baptist Church and sang in the choir. He loved to sing and play the piano. Ken could always be heard whistling and this will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Ken was an avid gardener and loved flowers, plants and trees. He leaves behind many beautiful gardens for us to remember him by. Ken loved spending time with his wife and family. He enjoyed time spent golfing and fishing with his son, sons-in-law and grandsons.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Carolyn Martin Cosgriff; four children, Debra Cosgriff Dahmer of Midlothian, Virginia, Lissa Cosgriff Mann and husband, Richard of Richmond, Virginia, Kymberly Cosgriff Osterbind and husband, Daniel of Midlothian, Virginia and Michael Allen Cosgriff and wife, Shirley of Valdosta, Georgia; three grandsons, James Dahmer of Richmond, Virginia and Timothy and Matthew Osterbind of Midlothian, Virginia; sister, Catherine Devine and her husband, James of Corwith, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews. He was step-father to six children and step-grandfather to ten grandchildren.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Paul Cosgriff; his sister, Carol Rasmuson; and the mother of his children, Margaret Cook Cosgriff.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Dorothy Boland, 87

August 28, 2007

Dorothy Mae Boland, age 87, passed away on Saturday, August 18, 2007, at the Indianhead Medical Center in Shell Lake, Wisconsin.

The body was cremated with inurnment to be held on Saturday, September 1, 2007, at the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt, Iowa.

Dorothy was born on April 17, 1920, to Reuben & Belle (Dyrland) Knudson in Armstrong, Iowa, where she also graduated from high school.

Dorothy was united in marriage to Arthur John Boland at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Armstrong, Iowa, on October 20, 1937. The couple lived in several cities in Iowa including Armstrong, Sloan, Emmetsburg, Lake City, Anthon and Renwick.

Dorothy was employed at the Farley's Ladies Clothing Store while living in Lake City, worked at the school lunchroom in Renwick and also did babysitting in their home. The Bolands moved to Shell Lake, Wisconsin, in 2001 to live with son, Denny and his wife, Rosalie. Dorothy spent the last five years of her life at the Terrace View Living Center in Shell Lake.

Besides spending time with her family, she enjoyed traveling, music, playing cards, bible study groups, games, entertaining, cooking & baking.

Survivors include sons, Gary Boland of Austin, Texas and Dennis (Rosalie) Boland of Shell Lake, Wisconsin; four grandchildren, Karl/Rudy (Helen) Boland of Houston, Texas, Rick (Linda) Boland of Pine City, Minnesota, Robyn (Jeff Cameron) Boland of Bennington, Vermont and Zach (Candy Webb) Boland of Shell Lake, Wisconsin; three great-grandchildren, Katie (Josh) Belknap of Houston, Texas, Laura & Joshua Boland of Pine City, Minnesota; one great-great-grandchild, MaKenna Belknap; sister, Darlene (James) Diehl of Forsyth, Missouri; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Dorothy's husband, Arthur passed away on December 8, 2003. Also preceding her in death were her parents; a brother, Robert Knudson; and two nephews, Thomas Peterson and Craig Diehl.

The Cremation Society of Wisconsin served the family.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Jesse A. Jorgensen, 18

August 28, 2007

Jesse A. Jorgensen, age 18, formerly of Forest City, presently residing in Sioux City and attending Ellsworth College in Iowa Falls, died on Wednesday, August 22, 2007, at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Monday, August 27, at 10:30 a.m., at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Leland, with Pastor Timothy Miller officiating. Burial was in the Graceland Park Cemetery in Sioux City, Iowa, on Tuesday, August 28. Visitation was held on Sunday, August 26, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City.

The family requests memorials be directed to the Jesse Jorgensen Memorial Scholarship Fund through the Dollars for Scholars program.

Jesse was born on January 20, 1989 in Forest City, Iowa, the son of John and Mary (Johnson) Jorgensen. He was ‘the first baby of the new year' and the last ‘scheduled birth' at Forest City Community Hospital. He was baptized in Fallon, Montana by his grandfather, the Rev. Lowell B. Johnson. Jesse was raised and confirmed at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Leland, Iowa. He attended the Forest City Schools, graduating with the class of 2007.

Jesse participated in many activities during his school years including park and rec activities, high school bowling league, track, baseball, basketball, and most importantly football. Jesse was voted to the 2006 All District Team as defensive tackle. Jesse was really looking forward to playing football at Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls. Jesse enjoyed the challenge of band in which he played the tuba, contributing to Division I ratings in high school, and being a participant in many honor bands during middle school.

Jesse is survived by his parents, John and Mary Jorgensen of Sioux City; brothers, Joe (Alissa) Jorgensen of Northfield, Minnesota, Jacob (Meredith) Jorgensen of Sioux City and John Willey of Charles City: sisters, Jessica Jorgensen and Michelle Woodson of Sioux City; niece and god-daughter, Erica Grace Jorgensen of Northfield, Minnesota and niece, Jaydn Swiggum of Charles City; grandparents, Lowell and Reta Johnson of Woodbine, Iowa and Orval Jorgensen of Sioux City; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. Jesse will be missed by his girlfriend, Amy Kafer.

Jesse was preceded in death by his grandmother, Doris Jorgensen.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Clifford L. Moldenhauer, 80

August 28, 2007

Clifford L. Moldenhauer, age 80, former Forest City resident residing in Britt, died on Friday, August 24, 2007, at the Westview Care Center in Britt, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, August 28, at the United Methodist Church in Forest City, with Pastor Jerald Swanberg officiating. Burial was in the Madison Township Cemetery in Forest City. Visitation was held on Monday, August 27, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Clifford Lloyd Moldenhauer, was born on March 6, 1927 at Walnut Grove, Minnesota, to Robert and Marie (Fetter) Moldenhauer. He came into the world along with his twin brother, Clinton.

Cliff attended school in Corwith and left school early to join his brothers in the gas station in Corwith. He enjoyed many jobs in his early years. Some of the experiences he loved the most were passed along to the family through his many stories about when he was working as a cowpoke at the King Ranch in Texas, working in the oil fields and on the railroad. He was also part of a logging camp in Canada, which he thoroughly enjoyed.

Cliff served in the Army branch of the military in 1945. Due to a medical condition he was honorably discharged.

In 1955, he was married to Hazel Crittenden until the marriage ended in 1963. He married Madeline Kearney on January 16, 1965. Cliff became the step-father to Madeline's three children, Marilyn, Judy and Larry. Cliff took over as the father figure and loved this family as his own.

He moved to Britt and worked as a mechanic until starting work at Winnebago Industries. He worked there for over 20 years and ended his career as a foreman with the company. During his time at Winnebago he met many people from across the country and enjoyed sharing stories.

Cliff enjoyed the outdoors most of all and passed that love of nature on to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved his trips to Canada fishing with family and friends. Wildlife hunting was another passion of his. His knowledge of the outdoors was something that he freely gave to his children and grandchildren.

Cliff is survived by his children, Marilyn (Darrel) Robinson of Wesley, Judith (Robert) Clark of Wesley and Larry (Gloria) Kearney of Forest City; a brother, Clinton Moldenhauer of Forest City; eight grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren; two nieces; and a nephew.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Richard and Ernest; his sister, Dorothy Lenz; and his wife, Madeline.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Kyle H. Wyatt, 41

August 28, 2007

Kyle H. Wyatt, age 41, of Osage, died on Friday, August 24, 2007, of injuries he received in a motorcycle accident near New Haven.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, August 28, 2007, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Dennis Hanson and Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Cremation followed the funeral service with inurnment in the Osage Cemetery.

Visitation was held on Monday at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, and continued one hour before services at the church.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Victor D. Knudtson, 78

August 28, 2007

Victor D. Knudtson, age 78, of Lake Mills, died on Saturday, August 25, 2007, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, August 29, at the Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills, with Rev. W. Paul Weeg and Rev. David Jordon officiating. Visitation was held from 5-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, August 28, 2007, at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home and again one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. Burial will be in the Salem Memorial Cemetery in Lake Mills, with military rights performed by the Lake Mills Otto/Chose Post No. 235.

Victor Duane Knudtson, was born on October 9, 1928, the seventh child of Knudt B. and Clara (Haugen) Knudtson on the farm in Winnebago County, near Forest City. He was baptized and confirmed at the Winnebago Lutheran Church. He attended the country school nearby, then attended and graduated from the Lake Mills High School in 1946.

Victor helped his father and brothers with farm work until September 1951, when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After boot camp in San Diego and machinists mate school at Great Lakes, he spent 40 months as a machinists mate on a cruiser. He was honorably discharged in September of 1955.

On November 29, 1953, Victor and Evelyn Hoeft of Ventura were united in marriage at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Ventura. In March 1956, they moved to Silver Lake Township in Worth County and started farming. They have lived there to this day. To this union, five children were born, Dorthy, David, Diane, Donald and Douglas.

Victor was a member and supporter of the Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills since 1956. He served on the Worth County Extension Council, the Lake Mills Elevator Board, the WCTA Board for 18 years, the REC Board for 29 years, and the Board of Dairyland Power Corp. in La Crosse, Wisconsin for 9 years.

Victor felt very fortunate to have done some traveling, having visited all 50 US States, Canada, Mexico, and most of the countries of southern, western and northern Europe. But he very much enjoyed coming back home to the Midwest.

Victor was diagnosed with leukemia ten years ago and had been a regular giver of blood for leukemia research at Mayo Clinic in hopes of helping others fight this disease.

Victor is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Evelyn of Lake Mills; his five children, Dorthy (Tim) Neubauer of Clear Lake, David (GayJean) Knudtson of Forest City, Diane (Todd) Ranes of Lake Mills, Donald (Nancy) Knudtson of Lake Mills and Douglas (Melissa) Knudtson of Worthington, Minnesota; fourteen grandchildren, John Neubauer of Clear Lake, Jennifer (Steven) Farquhar of Des Moines, Jarod, Andrew and Gabrielle Knudtson of Forest City, Tony Ranes of Lake Mills, Sara, Laura, Ryan and Megan Knudtson of Lake Mills, Tyler, Victoria, Zachary and Lydia Knudtson of Worthington, Minnesota; great-grandchildren, Hayden Farquhar of Des Moines and Jules Neubauer of Clear Lake; brothers, James (Ruth) Knudtson of Lake Mills, Charles Knudtson of Joice and Robert (Delores) Knudtson and sister, Edith Knutson both of Forest City; sisters-in-law, Cleone Knudtson of Lake Mills and Marilyn Schotanus of St. Ansgar; brothers-in-law, Tom (Kay) Hoeft of Ft. Collins, Colorado and Robert (Betty) Hoeft of Ventura; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Victor was preceded in death by his parents, Knudt and Clara; step-mother, Mabelle; a six week old grandson, Thomas James Knudtson; brothers, Ernest and his wife, Avis Knudtson and Melburn Knudtson; sister, Florence and her husband, John Albaugh; sisters-in-law, Irene Knudtson and Charlotte and her husband, Kenneth Hyde; and brothers-in-law, Raymond Knutson, Gerald Schotanus and Leslie (Pete) Hoeft.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Kenneth "Red" Olson, 70

August 28, 2007

Kenneth “Red” Carroll Olson, 70, of Fertile, died on Saturday August 25, 2007, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 29, at 10:30 a.m., at the Church of Christ in Fertile, with Pastor Curt Gallmeyer officiating. Interment will be in the Grant Township Cemetery, rural Fertile. Visitation was on Tuesday, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake.

Red was born on January 5, 1937 in rural Thompson, the son of Casper and Tillie (Hoffman) Olson. He attended the Leland High School. Red drove a semi for several years. He then worked for and later managed Yohn Ready Mix in Forest City.

Red loved to fish and was an avid Vikings fan, played many games on the computer and was a great storyteller. He enjoyed any movies starring Clint Eastwood or John Wayne and western movies in general! He also watched Judging Amy and Home Alone.

Red was a member of the Church of Christ in Fertile and he was a former member of the Fertile City Council.

Red is survived by his wife, Kay Olson of Fertile; four children, Donald (Cely) Olson of rural Forest City, Dorrie (Rick) Hesley of Clear Lake, Kim Olson of Fertile and Cory Olson of Fertile; seven grandchildren, Adam, Kenneth and Elizabeth Olson of Forest City, Hunter and Mitchell Koch of Nora Springs, Logan Hesley of Clear Lake and Zebadyah Ataelseed of Atlanta, Georgia; brothers, Dennis (Donna) Olson of Joice and Robert (Martha) Olson of Jewel; and sister, Clarine Olson of Clear Lake.

Red was preceded in death by his parents, Casper and Tillie Olson; and infant brother, Duane Olson.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Duane Brackey, 84

August 28, 2007

Duane Brackey, age 84, of Forest City, died on Sunday, August 26, 2007, at the Mercy Medical Center North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 29, at 2:00 p.m., at the Winnebago Lutheran Church in rural Lake Mills, with Pastor Bill Peters officiating. Burial will be in the Winnebago Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, August 28, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City and an hour prior to the service at the church.

Duane M. Brackey, was born on April 12, 1923 in Center Township, Winnebago County, the son of Norman and Agnes Brackey. He was baptized and confirmed at the Winnebago Lutheran Church and graduated from the Forest City High School in 1941.

Duane was drafted into the United States Army where he served in Tokyo, Japan from 1946-1947. He married Geneva Gray-Knutson on June 1, 1967. The couple made their home on the Holtan family Century farm where Duane farmed all his life until moving into Forest City in 1992.

Duane was an active member of the Winnebago Lutheran Church and served in many capacities over the years. He was also active in the Republican Party and Farm Bureau and was a member of the American Legion.

In retirement years, Duane enjoyed spending time at Hardees having coffee and visiting with friends and especially spending time with his “little man” Alex.

Survivors include his wife, Geneva of Forest City; daughter, Kim and son-in-law, Mike Isebrand of Forest City; grandson, Alex Isebrand; nephew, Dennis Peterson and niece, Diane Hardin, both of Arizona.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Agnes Brackey; and a sister and brother-in-law, Verna and Duane Peterson.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Clara E. Rolands, 89

September 4, 2007

Clara E. Rolands, age 89, formerly of Forest City, presently residing in Spokane, Washington, died on Sunday, August 26, 2007, at the Riverview Care Center in Spokane.

Funeral services were held on Friday, August 31, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City, with Pastor Wayne Hagen officiating. Burial was in the Oakland Cemetery in Forest City. Visitation was held on Thursday, August 30, at the funeral home and an hour prior to the service.

Clara E. Rolands, was born on August 21, 1918 at Conger, Minnesota, the daughter of Fred and Anna (Huber) Beck. She moved with her family from the family farm to Albert Lea, Minnesota in 1930. She graduated from the Albert Lea High School in 1937.

She was married in 1942 to Reuben Rolands of Lake Mills. She lived in the Iowa towns of Joice, Hanlontown, Nora Springs, Emmetsburg and Forest City before moving to Spokane in March 2002.

Clara is survived her sons, David of Spokane and Brian of Houston, Texas; daughter, Karen of Ames; five grandchildren, Brandon, Jordon, Jennifer, Paul, and Tim; and a brother, Raymond Beck of Albert Lea.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Reuben; and a sister, Virgina Dahl.

Clara was loved so much by the staff at Riverview where they were honored to be her caregivers. She had many dear friends in Iowa and Minnesota. She will be missed so much by her family.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Clarence E. Ouverson, 91

September 4, 2007

Clarence E. Ouverson, 91, of Fertile, died on Sunday, August 26, 2007, at the Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, August 30, at the Church of Christ in Fertile, with Pastor Curt Gallmeyer officiating. Visitation was held on Wednesday, August 29, at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel in Clear Lake. Interment will be in the Grant Twp. Cemetery, rural Fertile.

Clarence was born on May 4, 1916, the son of Henry and Mary (Trustum) Ouverson. He graduated from the Fertile High School in 1933. Clarence married Ruth E. Nissen on March 2, 1940 in Fertile.

He farmed all of his life until he retired in his 70s. He also was a mechanic at Fertile Implement, Whitis in Forest City and Winnebago Industries in Forest City.

He was an elder of The Church of Christ, Fertile, member of the Cerro Gordo Farm Bureau and was a board member of the Fertile Consolidated School.

He is survived by his son, Gary Ouverson and his wife, Pat of Crossville, Tennessee; granddaughter, Shana Moody and her husband, J.T.; two great-grandchildren, Reilly and Raegan Moody of Nashville, Tennessee; brother, Virgil Ouverson and his wife, Ruth of Fertile; brothers-in-law, Bill Nissen of Clear Lake and Vern Mathison of Buffalo Center; sister-in-law, Lenora Ouverson of Fertile; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ruth on February 11, 1996; brothers, Emory, Harley, Edwin, Melvin and Lawrence; and a sister, Mary.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Florence G. Berger, 97

September 4, 2007

Florence G. Berger, age 97, of Forest City, died on Friday, August 31, 2007, at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City.

A Mass of the Resurrection was held on Tuesday, September 4, at the St. James Catholic Church in Forest City, with Father Henry Huber officiating. Burial was in the St. James Catholic Cemetery. Visitation was held on Monday, September 3, from 4-6:00 p.m., at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City,

Florence G. Berger, was born on May 4, 1910 in Mason City, the daughter of Bernard and Katie (Hying) Bernemann. She graduated from the St. Joseph High School in Mason City.

Florence married Sylvester Berger on July 29, 1931, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mason City. The couple made their home in Forest City for their entire married lives. She was an active member of the St. James Guild and Catholic Daughters.

Florence was employed at several retail stores in Forest City. She enjoyed playing cards, cooking and baking for her family and friends. Florence was a sports enthusiast, an avid Twins fan and enjoyed watching the Iowa Hawkeyes and Minnesota Vikings. She always looked forward to spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Pannkuk and her husband, Herbert of Buffalo Center; six grandchildren and their families, Michael and Mary Pannkuk of Bemidji, Minnesota and their children, Sarah of Eagen, Minnesota and David of Bemidji, Minnesota; Duane and Dorothy Lemke of Bettendorf; Bob and Patty Pannkuk and their daughter, Kirstin of Woodbury, Minnesota; Mark and Mary Christensen and their daughter, Anne Marie of Quincy, Illinois; Mark and Lisa Pannkuk and their children, Conrad Berger and Ella of Cedar Rapids; Randy and Karen Luken of Lee's Summit, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; granddaughter, Paula Pannkuk; four brothers; and three sisters.
© 2007 Forest City Summit