Ruth Horton Lorenz, 78

February 13, 2007

Ruth Horton Lorenz, age 78, passed away on Thursday, February 1, 2007, at the Cashmere Convalescent Center in Cashmere, Washington, after a long battle with emphysema.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, February 7, 2007, at 11:00 a.m., at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church in Leavenworth, Washington, with Father Felipe Pulido as the Celebrant. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date.

Ruth was born to Dr. Vincent J. and Genevieve (Ryan) Horton in Calmar, Iowa on September 30, 1928. She graduated from the Calmar High School and attended Iowa State University for two years before transferring to Iowa State Teachers College. She graduated with a B.A. and a teaching certificate. Ruth then taught Home Economics and English in Ossian, Fort Dodge and Britt.

Jeanette R. Heesch, 84

February 20, 2007

Jeanette R. Heesch, 84, of Forest City, died on Tuesday, February 6, 2007, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Friday, February 9, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Pastor Barb Spaulding officiating. Burial was in the Good Hope Lutheran Cemetery in Titonka. Visitation was on Thursday, at the funeral home and an hour prior to the services at the church.

Blanche V. Hoiser, 96

February 13, 2007

Blanche V. Hosier, age 96, of Baudette, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2007, at the Lakewood Care Center in Baudette.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 10, at the Helgeson Funeral Chapel in Baudette. Visitation was held one hour prior to the funeral in the chapel. Burial was on Monday, February 12, in the Madsen Township Cemetery in Forest City.

Blanche was born and raised in Iowa and moved to Baudette in 1994, where she lived with her daughter, Delores and Lyle Bagne and family, until she entered the Lakewood Care Center in 2000.

She was very active and enjoyed living at the care center until her death. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Forest City.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harvey; four brothers; and four sisters.

Survivors include her daughters, Delores Bagne of Baudette and Pat Showalter of Paullina; nine grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren; and her sister, Irene Madsen of Cherokee.

Funeral arrangements were by the Helgeson Funeral Chapel of Baudette.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Zelma M. Petersen, 76

April 10, 2007

Zelma Mary Petersen, 76, of Meservey, died on Friday, February 9, 2007, at Weslaco, Texas. 

A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 14, 2007, at 11:00 a.m., at the United Methodist Church, Clear Lake, with Rev. Rose Calderson-Khan officiating and Rev. Dennis Ganz as guest speaker. Visitation with family will be on Friday from 5-8:00 p.m., at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake. Inurnment will be in the Meservey Cemetery, Meservey. Memorials may be given to the Hospice of North Iowa.

Zelma was born on April 17, 1930, to Oliver Henry and Eva Belle (Goodrich) Schnebly south of Kanawha. She moved with her family in 1941 to Hayfield, where she graduated from high school. She attended and graduated from Waldorf College. 

Zelma married Darreld Floyd Petersen Sr. in Algona, on September 12, 1949. They moved near Fort Knox, Kentucky until Darreld was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army. They returned back to Forest City, in 1952 and in 1957 located to Clear Lake. 

Zelma worked for the Farm Bureau Insurance Co. in Algona, Lake Realty and Wood-N-Things in Clear Lake and Bergo's Store for 12 years in Mason City. They are an “Eagle” member of the Hour of Power, Dr. Schuller's air Crystal Cathedral Church and members of the United Methodist Church for the time that they lived in Clear Lake. Now, they are a member of the Salem United Methodist Church located in Meservey, where they resided in the summer and snow birds to Texas in the winter. She was a member of the UMW.

Zelma is survived by her husband, Darreld Floyd Petersen Sr. and their four children, Darreld Petersen Jr. (Buzz)  and wife, Beverly of Clear Lake, Clifford Henry Petersen and wife, Mary of Fertile, William Boyd Petersen (Surf) and Margaret Dickens of Clear Lake and Zelene Marie (Petersen) and husband, Mark Schilling of Meservey; two sisters, Winona Schultz and Wanita Priebe; three brothers, Orvin Schnebly, Russell Schnebly and Roger Schnebly; 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

“God loves you and so do I”

Zelma was preceded in death by her parents in 1993; one grandson, Joey C. Petersen of Fertile in 1981; and one daughter-in-law, Diane Petersen of Clear Lake in 2002.

“God Bless”
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Robert F. Formanek, 72

February 13, 2007

Robert F. Formanek, age 72, of rural Britt, died on Saturday, February 10, 2007, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, February 14, at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan, with Rev. Henry Huber officiating. Burial will be in the St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Duncan, with military rites by the Garner Veterans Ceremonial Unit.

Visitation will be held from 4-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel in Garner, with a Catholic Workman Rosary at 5:00 p.m. and a Scriptural Wake Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church.   

Robert Frank Formanek, the son of George and Elsie (Schoun) Formanek, was born on November 20, 1934 at Mason City. He attended the rural schools of Garfield Township and graduated from the Garner High School in 1953. Bob served his country in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1958, achieving the rank of Sergeant. 

On June 23, 1959, he was married to Alvera Nowak at the St. Casmir Catholic Church in Wells, Minnesota. They lived on the home farm south of Duncan where they raised their family and farmed. In 1964, Bob began his auctioneering business, Formanek Auction Service. He also owned and operated Bob's Country Market in Duncan from 1968 to 1972. In 1996, he retired from farming but continued to be active in the auctioneering business with his two sons. In 2003, Bob and Alvera moved into Duncan. 

He enjoyed visiting with family and friends, gardening, listening to old time music, polka dances and taking trips to casinos.

Bob was a member of the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Catholic Workman FCSLA Branch W51, Knights of Columbus and served as the Garfield Township Clerk.

He is survived by his wife, Alvera of Britt; his mother, Elsie Formanek of Garner; four children, Linda (Dean) Brooks of Britt, Carol (Dirk) Bruns of Mason City, Tom (Brenda) Formanek of Britt and Robert, Jr. (Saundra) Formanek of Ankeny; eleven grandchildren, Kathleen, Megan and Brittany Brooks, Adam, Leah and Andrew Bruns, Sara, Laura and Brett Formanek and Trevor and Jourdon Formanek; three sisters, Blanche Chizek of Britt, Marge (Tom) Ryerson of St. Paul, Minnesota and Marlene (Craig) Leerar of Britt; two aunts, Maxine (Les) Panosch of Mason City and Vivian Formanek of Britt; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, George in 1960; an infant brother, Arnold; and several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Frieda W. Johnson, 97

February 27, 2007

Frieda W. Johnson, age 97, of Forest City, died on Sunday, February 11, 2007, at the Lake Mills Care Center in Lake Mills, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, February 14, at the United Methodist Church in Forest City, with Pastor John Braland officiating. Burial was in the Alden Cemetery in Alden, Minnesota. Visitation was at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home, Forest City, on Tuesday, February 13.

Frieda W. Fahs, was born on September 14, 1909 in Freeborn County, Minnesota, the daughter of John and Martha (Helmer) Fahs. She attended country school and graduated from the 8th grade. She was confirmed in 1923 at the Mansfield Lutheran Church in Mansfield, Minnesota.

Frieda worked at the Mansfield Grocery Store and then the Sweets Café in Alden, Minnesota. On November 16, 1935, she was united in marriage to E. Leigh Stanley. The couple made their home in Forest City where Frieda did the baking for the Palace of Sweets. She also worked at the Jacobs Store and at the Summit Printing Company. Her son, Dennis was born on April 20, 1945. Many Forest City residents may remember Frieda as the receptionist for Dr. Earl Schaeffer, retiring in 1975.

Her son, Dennis was killed in an auto accident in 1967, when he was 22 years old. In 1977, her husband Leigh passed away.

On May 29, 1982, Frieda married Marion D. Johnson. The couple enjoyed two and a half years together before his death in 1984.

Frieda was a member of the United Methodist Church since 1951. She enjoyed her time serving on a number of committees there. She was also a member of the Rebekah Lodge and the American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed needlework and gardening.

She is survived by her sister, Viola Greenfield; sister-in-law, Beth Braland; and a niece and four nephews, Lois (Les) Anderson, Larry (Hilda) Katzung, Ross (Charlotte) Braland, Paul (Pam) Braland and Marvin Greenfield; great-nieces and great-nephews include, Douglas Anderson, Nancy (Larry) Lahs, Jerry (Bonnie) Katzung, Michelle (Tom) Baerenwald, Dean (Deanna) Katzung, John (Kathy) Braland, Carrie (Craig) Weber and Kimberly (Brian) Jacobson; great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews include, Tara Madson, Alex & Eric Katzung, Samantha, Logan & Parker Baerenwald, Joshua, Sarah & Katie Braland and Andrew & Abigail Jacobson.

Also surviving are 5 step-daughters, Judy (Earl) Trenhaile, Jane (David) Abels, Joan (Bill) Stewart, Janice (Joe) Stock and Jill (Vern) Thompson: 15 step-grandchildren; 36 step-great-grandchildren; and 3 step-great-great-grandchildren.

Frieda was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, E. Leigh Stanley and Marion D. Johnson; son, Dennis Stanley; sister, Maleta Katzung; and great-nephew, Bradley Anderson.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Lucille R. Leibrand, 91

February 20, 2007

Lucille Regina Leibrand went to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 11, 2007. She died in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, February 14, 2007, at the First Reformed Church in Buffalo Center, with Rev. Bill Peake officiating. Interment was in the Graceland Cemetery, Buffalo Center.

Lucille Regina Leibrand, was born on February 14, 1915 in Buffalo Center, to Lee and Grace (Asmus) Leibrand. At an early age she moved to Mountain Lake, Minnesota where her parents farmed. Her childhood was spent there and in 1930 the family returned to Buffalo Center. Lucille worked for 10 years at the Beste Rexall Drug Store in Buffalo Center.

Lucille was married to Ben Burma of Buffalo Center on October 11, 1932 at Yankton, South Dakota. They resided in Buffalo Center their entire married life. They were members of the First Reformed Church in Buffalo Center. In July of 1977, Ben and Lucille moved to the country on an acreage one half mile north on the Rake blacktop. They enjoyed the outdoors from morning til dawn and turned their acreage into a lovely scenery by taking down old buildings, remodeling other buildings, taking out the old windbreak and replanting the area with hundreds of trees, bushes, and a large vegetable garden. Lucille had many flowerbeds she took care of with tender love. You never found a weed in her garden.

In 2001 Lucille moved to Forest City to be closer to family. In March 2002 she entered the Titonka Care Center.

Lucille is survived by her brother, Lawrence Leibrand of Buffalo Center; a sister-in-law, Ruth Leibrand of Forest City; a nephew, Les (Belinda) Leibrand of Crystal Lake; nieces, Nancy (Tom) Bugler of Maryland, Lorrie (Mike) Tritch of Indianola and Patti Jo Leibrand of Fort Dodge; great-nieces, Heather (Price) Gundelfinger of Kansas, Harmonica (Brian) Shipler of Britt, Emma (Tom Eastvold) Leibrand of Buffalo Center, Nicole Trimble and Shelby Trimble of Fort Dodge; great-nephews, Phillip (Kristi) Trimble of Fort Dodge, Austin Tritch of Indianola and Andy Leibrand of Colorado; great-great nieces and nephews, Kelli Jo Hill, Kylee Hartl, Tyler Gundelfinger, Bennett Pals, Aiden Trimble, Brayden Gay; and step-great nephews and niece, Joe (Emily and Mason) Lester, Josh Lester, Jessie Hoff and Jamie Hoff.

Lucille was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ben Burma; and brother, Harold Leibrand.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Janice A. Wilson, 75

February 20, 2007

Janice Ann (Nielsen) Wilson, was born on December 11, 1931, on the Nielsen farm in what was called the Head Grove area, 6 miles southeast of Eagle Grove.  She was the only daughter of Morse F. and Beatrice (Tveit) Nielsen. She attended public schools in Eagle Grove and is a 1949 graduate of the Eagle Grove High School. In 1953, she graduated from Iowa State University with a major in Home Economics.

Janice taught in the Gilbert and Goldfield public schools for 3 years before marrying Glen S. Wilson, Jr., also of Eagle Grove, on June 17, 1956. To this union were born 3 boys, Monte, Mark and Mitchel. Upon the arrival of the first son, Janice left teaching to become a full time mother.

The couple farmed for 10 years south of Clarion before moving to Jefferson, Iowa, where Glen began a career in banking. After a year there, they moved to Vinton, followed by Forest City, and finally last year down to Ankeny.      

Janice was a pleasant, easy-going person who made friends easily, and kept them for life. She loved playing golf, either with the family or in the weekly golf league and was also an avid traveler, having been to Europe 3 times and Asia once. In her final years, after being slowed down by a neural disease, her favorite hobby became playing the slot machines, be it in Las Vegas or closer to home at Prairie Meadows. 

Janice was preceded in death by both her parents. 

She is survived by her husband, Glen; sons, Monte of Seattle, Washington, Mark and Kristi Wilson of Dallas, Texas and Mitch and Lynn Wilson of Ankeny; a brother, Arliss Nielsen of Eagle Grove; 4 step-granddaughters; and one step-great-grandson.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 17, 2007, at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Eagle Grove. Visitation was on Friday, at the Foust Funeral Home in Eagle Grove.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Benjamin F. Segerstrom, 89

February 20, 2007

Benjamin Franklin Segerstrom, 89, of Red Wing, died on Thursday, February 15, 2007, at the Cedarview Nursing Home in Owatonna.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 20, at the First Covenant Church, with Reverend Tim Anderson officiating. Burial will be in the Oakwood Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Byron Glem, Victor Richardson, Steven and David Lindeman, Lowell Segerstrom and Dick Ruble. Visitation was on Monday, at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel and for one hour prior to the services at the church.

He was born on May 8, 1917 in Forest City, to Albert and Hilma (Johnson) Segerstrom. He graduated from the Forest City High School in 1934 and then attended Waldorf College.

On August 17, 1940, he married Sylvia Hall in Lisbon. He farmed with his brother until 1949 and then moved to Red Wing, where he lived and farmed in the country for 39 years and was a part-time mail carrier. In 1980 they moved off the farm and he became a mail carrier full-time. 

Sylvia died in 1991. He married Muriel Lindeman in December of 1991 in Owatonna, Minnesota.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Red Wing and later a member of the First Covenant Church. For the past 24 years, he has wintered in Texas and he enjoyed golfing and music.

He is survived by his wife, Muriel Lindeman-Segerstrom of Owatonna; son, Bruce (Juli) of Hager City and Joan (David) Sharp of Brooklyn Park; 5 step-children, Barbara (Michael) McGaughan of Normal, Illinois, Dean Lindeman of St. Paul, David Lindeman of Minneapolis, Steven Lindeman of LaCrosse, Wisconsin and Clarice (Victor) Richardson of Owatonna; 5 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Sylvia; daughter, Beverly Ruble; 3 brothers, Milton, Robert and Charles; and 1 sister, Mildred Peterson.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Marjorie A. Becker, 73

February 20, 2007

Marjorie A. “Marge” Becker, 73, of Clear Lake, died on Friday, February 16, 2007, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

Memorial services were held on Monday February 19, 2007, at the Galilean Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, with Rev. Jeff Ungs officiating. Inurnment will be in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City. Visitation was one hour before the service on Monday. Family suggests memorials to the Galilean Lutheran Church or the Hospice of North Iowa.

She was born on April 20, 1933 in Bode, Iowa, the daughter of Clarence L. and Margaret M. (Madsen) Wiuff. She graduated from the Bode High School in 1951. She then attended Dana College, Blair, Nebraska.

Marge then moved to Mason City and worked at Bankers Life, Mason City. She married Richard E. Becker on November 26, 1955, at the Lutheran Church, Rutland, Iowa. They farmed N.W. of Forest City for twenty-five years. In 1979 they moved to Clear Lake and she worked for Northern Trails A.E.A. in the business office until she retired in 1995.

She was a very active member of prayer sessions, women's Bible study and church council at Galilean. She enjoyed golfing, boating, traveling, getting together with friends and playing cards. The greatest joy of her life was spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren. She was a member of the Galilean Lutheran Church, Clear Lake and the Progress Club.

Marge will be sadly missed by her husband, Richard E. Becker of Clear Lake; two children, Debra Ann Wieland of Solon and Thomas Lee Becker and his wife, Kimberly and their two children, Clair and Grace Becker of Excelsior, Minnesota; her brother, Wilfred Wiuff and his wife, Nancy of Bode; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Virginia Billings.

The Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Donald "Red" Cottington, 96

February 22, 2007

Donald “Red” Cottington, 96, of Britt and formerly of Crystal Lake, passed away on Monday, February 19, 2007, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2007, at 1:30 p.m., at the Ewing Dugger Funeral Chapel in Britt, with Pastor Jerry Swanberg officiating. Burial will be in the Crystal Lake Cemetery in Crystal Lake. A lunch will be served following the burial at the United Methodist Church in Crystal Lake.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 23, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Ewing Dugger Funeral Chapel, in Britt and one hour prior to the services at the funeral chapel.

Red Cottington, the son of Levi and Etheldra Perry Cottington, was born on August 16, 1910 in Stratford, Iowa. The family moved to a farm near Crystal Lake in 1916. Red attended country school through the eighth grade and then graduated from the Crystal Lake High School. 

On October 14, 1932, Red was united in marriage with Henrietta Slattenow in Emmetsburg. The couple made their home in Crystal Lake where Red drove truck for the creamery for nine years. In 1941, Red purchased the Standard Oil tank wagon, which he ran until his retirement in 1971. Henrietta and Red had been married 62 years when she passed away on April 5, 1995. Red continued to live in Crystal Lake until 2002 when he moved to the Summit House in Britt.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, golfing and visiting with his customers on his gas route.

Red was a member of the Crystal Lake United Methodist Church where he served on various committees. He also served on various committees in the Crystal Lake community including, the City Council from 1941 until 1965, Woden-Crystal Lake School Board, Crystal Lake Cemetery Sexton, Township Clerk for many years and helped organize the Crystal Lake Commercial Club.

Red is survived by his two children, Donna Gabby (Harold) of Peachtree City, Georgia and Douglas Cottington (Sue) of Emmetsburg; six grandchildren, Kristie White (Jim) of Peachtree City, Georgia, Darsi Wellik (Tom) of Garner, Brent Gabby (Ana) of Arlington, Massachusetts, Dan Huinker (Shawn) of Garner, Lynn Runchey (Dave) of Ankeny and Erin Cottington of Des Moines; fifteen great-grandchildren, James, Matthew and Katie White, Justin, Jordan, Jenna and Hannah Wellik, Sofia and Nicolas Gabby, Kelli, Kristin, Katlyn and Karah Huinker and Taylor and Isaac Runchey. 

He is also survived by three sisters, Gwen Rolland, MariLee McAlpine and Barbara Penquite; three brothers, Rex Cottington, Bruce Cottington and Levi Cottington.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Henrietta; daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Joe Huinker; two sisters; and four brothers.  

The family suggests memorials be made to the Hospice of North Iowa or to the United Methodist Church in Crystal Lake, Iowa.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Robert M. Rawlings, 80

March 13, 2007

Robert (Bob) Maurice Rawlings, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, formerly of Woden, died unexpectedly of heart failure on Tuesday, February 20, 2007, just shy of his 81st birthday.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 24, at the Church of St. Gerard in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. Funeral arrangements were handled by the Evans-Nordby Funeral Home.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Jean M. Orthel, 80

March 13, 2007

Jean M. Orthel, age 80, of Forest City, died on Tuesday, February 20, 2007, at the Mercy Medical Center North Iowa in Mason City.

As per her wishes, her body was cremated and no formal funeral services will be held. Inurnment will be in the spring in the Bingham Township Cemetery near Woden, Iowa.

Jean Marie Orthel, was born on a farm near Woden, on January 30, 1927, the daughter of William and Ethel (Anderson) Orthel. She received her education in rural schools near her home and graduated from the Thompson High School in Thompson, Iowa.

Jean continued her education by attending the Hamilton Business College in Mason City. She worked as a bookkeeper in offices in Cedar Falls, Mason City, and most recently Winnebago Industries in Forest City, from which she retired.

After living for a brief time in Minneapolis, Jean returned to the Forest City area. She enjoyed spending the winters in Donna, Texas and during the summers, made her home with her niece, Kathy Harringa.

Jean loved to travel. She enjoyed going camping and was a member of several camping clubs. Her Kitty was a much beloved companion and was a great comfort to her.

Jean is survived by a sister, Joan Rasmussen and husband, Marlyn of Leland; sister-in-law, Ardis Orthel of Mixa, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Merle.

Emma M. Juhl, 91

February 27, 2007

Emma M. Juhl, age 91, of Crystal Lake, died on Saturday, February 24, 2007, at the Concord Care Center in Garner, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, February 28, at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Crystal Lake, with Pastor Robert Snitzer officiating. Burial was in the Crystal Lake Cemetery. Visitation was at the funeral home from 4-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, February 27.

Emma Margaret Juhl, was born on January 30, 1916 in Thompson, Iowa, the daughter of Bert and Dena (Kjendle) Sveen. Emma was one of 11 children. She received her education in Forest City and graduated from the Forest City High School in 1936.

She married Ralph Juhl on February 15, 1941, at the Synod Lutheran Church in Forest City. The couple farmed and made ends meet while Ralph spent 3 years in the Army. They continued farming for a time after he returned and then owned and operated a grocery store in Crystal Lake for 10 years.

Emma was a member of the Calvary Lutheran Church in Crystal Lake for 49 years, teaching Sunday School for many years. She had a very green thumb when gardening and loved to hand stitch quilts. She worked for the high school as a cook and at the nursing home as a volunteer nurses' aid and nursing home cook.

She was an avid member of the Crystal Lake Senior Citizens and for 49 years an active member of the Crystal Lake American Legion Post 409 Auxiliary.

Years ago she helped start the Crystal Lake Flea market and she loved to play bingo ... anytime!

Emma is survived by her husband of 66 years, Ralph Juhl of Garner; her four sons, Douglas and wife, Paula, Lynn and close friend, Rosalie, Charles and wife, Connie and Bryce and wife, Pamela; nine grandchildren, Nicole, Colleen, Peter, Katherine, Carla, Charles Jr., Jessica, Jonathan and Cassandra; six great-grandchildren, Mason, Riley, Nathan, EmaLee, Joey and Alexander; many nieces and nephews; a sister, Beatrice; and a brother, Ervin.

Emma was preceded in death by her parents; four sisters, Mable Sveen, Neila Draper, Marie Sveen and Mildred Nolte; and four brothers, Arnold, Philip, Elling and Martin Sveen.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Vira R. Holst, 97

March 6, 2007

Viva R. Holst, 97, of Leland, died on Saturday, February 24, 2007, at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Friday, March 2, 2007, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Leland, with Pastor Clarence Baalson officiating. Burial will take place in the Oakland Cemetery in Forest City.

Visitation was held on Thursday, March 1, 2007, at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in Lake Mills, and continued one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Russell T. Williams, 63

March 6, 2007

Russell T. Williams, age 63, of Forest City, died on Sunday, February 25, 2007, at his home in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 3, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Pastor Barb Spaulding officiating. Burial was in the Oakland Cemetery in Forest City, with the Forest City American Legion Post #121, providing military rites.

Visitation was on Friday, March 2, 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.

Russell T. Williams Sr., was born in Superior, Wisconsin on November 20, 1943, the son of Walter and Margaret (Nelson) Williams. He received his education in Superior and then served in the United State Air Force during the Vietnam War, where he was an airplane mechanic. After returning from the service, Russell worked as an auto mechanic. In 1960 he was married to Bonnie Starddard. The marriage later ended in divorce.

On August 29, 1986, he was united in marriage to Jackie Lattimore. Russell retired from working in 1990 but continued to enjoy tinkering with cars. In his younger years he enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He is survived by his wife, Jackie of Forest City; his children, Ryan, Angela, Angel, Russell Jr., Randy, Robin, Regina, Rita, Ray, Ronda and Roshell. Also surviving are 56 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; sisters, Diane, Donna, Patty, Kay, Peggy and Lori; and brothers, Gary, Donnie, Roger, Wally and Larry.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; aunts; uncles; and a brother, Richard.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Edythe J. Bredeson, 91

February 27, 2007

Edythe J. Bredeson, 91, of Lake Mills, died on Sunday, February 25, 2007, at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Friday, March 2, 2007, at the Lake Mills Evangelical Synod Lutheran Church, with Rev. Karl Hermanson officiating. Interment will be in the Synod Cemetery in Lake Mills. Visitation will be from 4-6:00 p.m., on Thursday, March 1, 2007, at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in Lake Mills and one hour prior to the services at the church.

Edythe Juliet Bredeson, daughter of Lewis and Selma (Haugen) Fjelstad, was born on June 13, 1915 on a farm south of Lake Mills. She was baptized and confirmed at Winnebago Lutheran and completed her education at a country school south of Lake Mills.

Edythe married Olaf Bredeson on September 9, 1935, and to this union two sons were born, Ronald and Terry. They lived in the Rake area for several years where she was employed at the Rake Produce and Olaf was a carpenter. They later moved to Lake Mills and Edythe worked at Larson Mfg. and the Lake Mills Graphic. She has been a member of the legion auxiliary for over 50 years and was a volunteer at the Lake Mills Care Center for many years.

One of her favorite pastimes was to knit afghans and other hand-made items for the church bazaar. She was also well known for her homemade donuts and lefse.

Edythe is survived by her sons, Ronald Bredeson and his wife, Audrey of Cottage Grove, Minnesota and Terry Bredeson and his wife, Ardyth of Forest City; one brother, Roger Fjelstad (Dorothy) of Lake Mills; a sister-in-law, Nancy Bredeson of Savannah, Georgia; five grandchildren, Gary Bredeson and Amy Fossum of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, Renae Weber of Hastings, Minnesota, Scot Bredeson of Fayetteville, Arizona and Randy Bredeson of Fertile, Iowa: ten great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and one sister.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Paul A. Hylland, 78

March 6, 2007

Paul A. Hylland, 78, of Scarville, died on Monday, February 26, 2007, at his home in rural Scarville.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 3, 2007, at the Center Evangelical Lutheran Church, rural Lake Mills, with Rev. Thomas Rank officiating. Burial was in the Center Lutheran Cemetery.

Visitation was held on Friday, March 2, 2007, at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in Lake Mills, and continued one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Carlyle L. Olson, 74

March 6, 2007

Carlyle Lauren Olson, 74, died on Monday, February 26, 2007, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Friday, March 2, 2007, at the Trinity Lutheran Church, rural Thompson, with Pastor Chris Fiske officiating. Interment was in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in rural Thompson, Iowa. The Winter Funeral Home & Cremation Service was in charge of the arrangements.

Carlyle Lauren Olson, was born on April 9, 1932 in Eden Township, Iowa, to Oscar and Ida Olson.

Carlyle served in the United States Army during the Korean War. On February 21, 1976, he married Carol Redig Olson. Carlyle farmed for many years north of Thompson. He later worked at Winnebago Industries as a metal press operator.

Carlyle enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling, and being outdoors. He liked woodworking, restoring old furniture, and collecting race car memorabilia, toy tractors, and airplanes. Carlyle was also an active member of the VFW in Leland.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Carol; son, Mark Bakken of Kiester, Minnesota and daughter, Vickie Skartland and husband, Gary of Kiester, Minnesota; his brother, David Olson and his wife, Cheryl of Owatonna, Minnesota; and 3 sisters, Mona Hasche and husband, Harold of Rock Rapids, Carolyn Ullestad of Story City and Ruth Forrey of Mankato, Minnesota.

Carlyle is preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Raymond Olson.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Julie A. Winberg, 54

March 20, 2007

Julie A. (Ellwood) Winberg, 54, died on Wednesday, February 28, 2007, at the Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, Minnesota.

A gathering for the family and friends was held on Wednesday, March 7, at the Washburn-McReavy Coon Rapids Chapel.

Julie Ardis Ellwood, was born on December 29, 1952 at Marshalltown, Iowa, to Ardis (Mostrom) and Stanley Ellwood. She spent her childhood in Forest City, where she graduated from high school in 1971. She then attended and graduated from the Abbott-Northwestern School of Nursing in Minneapolis. For 32 years Julie was a registered nurse in the emergency room at Abbott-Northwestern. She was very capable and reliable in the charge and triage nurse positions.

On May 22, 1976, Julie was married to Robert (Bob) Winberg and they made their home first in Coon Rapids, then in Andover. They had two sons, Rob and Paul. Julie was a wonderful and dedicated wife and mother. She had a talent for sewing and “can do” will for almost any task. Julie enjoyed her bowling league for many years.

She will be deeply missed by her loving husband, Bob; sons, Robert (Rob) and his wife, Brooke of St. Paul and Paul of Andover; mother, Ardis Ellwood of Forest City; sisters, Jane (Jerry) Askeland of Mason City, Janet (Patrick) Cannon of Eden Prairie and Joan (Dave) Hickman of Mason City; as well as many other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Stanley Ellwood.
© 2007 Forest City Summit