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Phyllis Peck, 80
November 6, 2007
Phyllis F. Peck, 80, recently of the Heritage Care Center,
died on Thursday, November 1, 2007, at the Muse Norris
Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.
Funeral services were held
at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, November 5, 2007, at the Wesley
United Methodist Church, with Rev. Steve Hansen officiating.
Interment was in the Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation was
from 3:30-5:30 p.m., on Sunday, November 4, at the Major
Erickson Funeral Home and was also one hour prior to the
service at the church.
Phyllis was born on May
15, 1927 in Britt, Iowa, the daughter of John and Emma (Hauptly)
Steenlage. She attended and graduated from the Britt High
School in 1945 and also attended Teachers College and
received her teaching certificate. She taught in a one room
school house in Kanawha, before her marriage.
She was married to William A. Peck on June 10, 1946 in Great
Falls, Montana. Her husband worked for the railroad and they
lived numerous places before making Mason City their
permanent home in 1959. Phyllis had many childhood farm
memories. Her teaching career and the education of her four
children were the highlights of Phyllis's life. Her home
life, husband and family were very important to her. She
enjoyed dancing and country music.
Phyllis is survived by her
children, Sandra L. Ellis-Kinney and Doug of Standsbury
Park, Utah, William D. Peck of Brookings Harbor, Oregon,
Patricia A. “Pat” Davison and husband, Scott of Mason City
and Jolene P. McClung and husband, Kurt of Inver Grove
Heights, Minnesota; grandchildren, Jason Ellis, Jennifer
Ellis, Laura (Ellis) Smith, Matthew Ellis, Hilary Davison,
Mason McClung, Dillon McClung, and Yulia McClung; 5
great-grandchildren; sister, Viola Hawk of Britt; special
friend, George Wendell; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death
by her parents; husband, William in 1990; brother, John Jr.;
and sister, Imogene Zrostlik.
© 2007 Forest City Summit
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Myrna Hunsley, 87
November 6, 2007
Myrna Hunsley, 87, of Britt, passed away peacefully on
Friday, November 2, 2007, after a difficult year of
declining health.
She left us as she was in
life, with dignity and class. Myrna will be remembered for
her many friends and her love and generosity. Her family
will miss her deeply.
Memorial services were
held on Monday, November 5, at 11:00 a.m., at the Ewing
Dugger Funeral Chapel in Britt, with Pastor Larry Day
officiating. Burial will be at a later date in the East Lawn
Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Algona. Visitation was one hour
prior to the services at the Ewing Dugger Funeral Chapel,
Britt. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the
Hancock County Memorial Hospital Foundation.
Myrna May (Simpson)
Hunsley, was born on May 19, 1920, to Ina (Yeakel) and Fred
Zeigler. Her family included three sisters and one brother,
Alice, Mabel Willard and Merriam (Aunt Bun). She received
her education in the Algona Schools with graduation in 1939.
She married Robert H.
Simpson on September 20, 1942 and moved to Britt after Bob's
discharge from the Army. The family included Creg “Rick” and
Rob. Bob was killed in an auto accident on December 2, 1960.
She remarried Elwin E. Hunsley on August 10, 1964. Elwin
passed away on September 25, 1973.
Myrna was employed at the
Hancock County Memorial Hospital as a medical
transcriptionist for 25 years, retiring in 1988. At that
time she moved to Boise, Idaho, then returned to Britt in
July 2002. She recently resided in Britt at both the Summit
House and Westview Care Center.
Her hobbies included knitting, crocheting, crosswords,
reading, cross-stitching, Hawkeye Sports, watching QVC, her
family and friends.
Her surviving family
includes her sons, Creg “Rick” Simpson of Iowa City and Rob
D. (Amy) Simpson of Mason City; four grandchildren, Kelly
(Mike) Murphy and Marcy Simpson, both of Iowa City, Amber
(Reed) Brumm of Rockford and Sean (Mary) Simpson of Mankato,
Minnesota; sister, Merriam Dobarganes “Bun” of Houston,
Texas; and special niece, Loretta (Ken) Kirkbride of Boise,
Idaho; and 5 great-grandchildren, Parker Brumm, Emma Andrus,
Mackenzie Murphy, Henry Simpson and Charles Simpson.
She was preceded in death
by her parents; two sisters; one brother; both husbands; and
one step-son.
© 2007 Forest City Summit
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Vesta Mae Hunsley, 99
November 14, 2007
Vesta Mae Hunsley, 99, had her home going to be with her Lord on
November 2, 2007, in Phoenix, Arizona.
Burial will be in the Crystal
Lake Cemetery in Crystal Lake, her home town and where six
generations of Larson's are buried. She will be laid to rest
next to her beloved Orville.
Vesta was born on April 12, 1908, at home in rural
Britt, the daughter of Laurice and Cora Ozmun Larson. At the
age of two, Vesta was a victim of the great Polio epidemic
of 1910. Physical limitations never became an obstacle to
her accomplishments, as her motivation and perseverance
prevailed.
She married Orville M.
Hunsley on May 13, 1934, in the same home where she was born. To
this union a son was born, John Laurice Hunsley. Vesta
graduated from the Crystal Lake High School in 1926 and
graduated from Bible Institute Academy in Minneapolis.
She and her husband owned
a Jack Sprat Grocery Store and Produce from 1937 to 1952 in
Crystal Lake. They closed the store when Orville passed away
in 1952. Vesta and her son, John moved to Phoenix, Arizona, in
1962.
Vesta was the honored guest at the Cancer Relay for
Life Rally in 2002, being the oldest and a 47 year cancer
survivor. Both mother and son celebrated being cancer
survivors.
Vesta
is survived by her grateful and loving son, John Hunsley and
daughter-in-law, Sonna Lea Hunsley; grandsons, Stephen John Hunsley and wife, Kay Hunsley
of Overland Park, Kansas and
David Orville Hunsley of Phoenix; great-grandsons, Luke
Stephen Hunsley and Mark Andrew Hunsley, both of Overland
Park; and her sister, Naomi Larson of Missouri.
She was preceded in death
by her loving husband, Orville Hunsley in June 1952; parents, Laurice and Cora Larson; two sisters and a brother; and her
infant grandson, Mark Carrol Hunsley. They are all reunited
together with their Lord.
© 2007 Forest City Summit |
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Agnes Rayhons, 94
November 6, 2007
Agnes A. Rayhons, 94, of Garner, died on Saturday, November
3, 2007, at the Westview Care Center in Britt.
Funeral services will be
held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, November 7, at the St.
Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan, with Fr. Brian
Dellaert as celebrant and Fr. Henry Huber, Fr. Jerry Kopacek
and Fr. Randy Schon as concelebrants. Burial will be in the
St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Duncan.
Visitation will be held
from 4-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic
Church in Duncan, with a combined Rosary Society, CD of A
and Catholic Workman Rosary at 4:00 p.m. and a Scriptural
Wake Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour
prior to the services at the church. The Cataldo Funeral
Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Agnes Anastacia Rayhons,
the daughter of Frank and Elizabeth (Kudej) Kopacek, was
born on February 28, 1913 on a farm east of Britt. She
attended the rural schools of Liberty Township until the
eighth grade. On September 6, 1932, she was married to Henry
J. Rayhons at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. They lived
on the family farm northwest of Garner where they raised
their family and farmed. In 1972, they retired from farming
and moved to their new home in Garner.
Agnes loved to bake bread and made delicious kolaches,
rolickes and other Czech breads. She was a wonderful caring
wife and mother. Agnes took great pride in her family and
home. She loved her flowers and had a vase of fresh flowers
on her table in the summer. Agnes enjoyed her grandchildren,
great-grandchildren, quilting with her sisters and friends
and handiwork. She also made patchwork quilts for all her
great-grandchildren.
Agnes was a member of the
St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan and the St.
Boniface Catholic Church in Garner. She also was a member of
the Rosary Society, CD of A and Catholic Workman FCSLA
Branch W51.
She is survived by her
nine children, Francis (Lois) Rayhons of Garner, Henry V.
Rayhons (fiancée, Donna Young) of Garner, Teresa (LeRoy)
Preuschl of Garner, Evelyn (Paul) Grandgenett of Wesley,
Agnes (Jerald) Zeihan of Marshalltown, Laurence (Carole)
Rayhons of Lenox, George (Mary) Rayhons of Corpus Christi,
Texas, Mark (Kathy) Rayhons of Garner and Mary (Gene)
Rasmussen of Ames; thirty-five grandchildren; three
step-grandchildren; sixty-one great-grandchildren; four
great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Vincent Kopacek of
Britt; two sisters, Vivian Formanek of Britt and Marie Brcka
of Britt; and many nieces and nephews.
Agnes was preceded in
death by her husband of 49 years, Henry in 1981; her
parents; a daughter-in-law, Marvalyn Rayhons; three
grandchildren; one great-grandchild; sisters, Mildred
Wellik, Lillian Chizek, Blanche Paca, Helen Kopacek and
Evelyn Kopacek; and brothers, Raymond, Arnold and Francis
Kopacek.
In passing Agnes
contributed to mankind by donating her brain tissue to the
Washington State University School of Medicine in St. Louis,
Missouri for Alzheimer's research.
© 2007 Forest City Summit
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Jacob Eastvold, 88
November 14, 2007
Jacob “Jake” Eastvold, 88, of Blue Earth, Minnesota, died on
Thursday, November 8, 2007, at the Parker Oaks in
Winnebago.
Funeral services were held
on Tuesday, November 13, at the Faith Lutheran Brethren
Church in Blue Earth, with Pastor Brent Walker
officiating. Interment will be in the United Lutheran Church
Cemetery in Frost, Minnesota. Visitation was held on Monday,
November 12, at the Winter Funeral Home in Blue Earth.
Jacob “Jake” Justin
Eastvold, was born in Montrose, South Dakota, on May 3,
1919, to Andrew and Serina (Soma) Eastvold. He moved with
his family to a farm by Frost, Minnesota at age 17. He was
drafted into the Army in 1941 and served in the islands in
the South Pacific. He was discharged in 1945.
Jake married Lillian on
March 13, 1954. This union was blessed with three children,
Ronald, Sharon, and Sandra. They farmed southeast of Buffalo
Center from 1945 until 1986. They then retired and moved to
Blue Earth. Jake was admitted into St. Luke's in November of
2004. He moved to Parker Oaks in July 2007.
He is survived by his
wife, Lillian; two daughters, Shari Van Gerpen of Blue
Earth, Minnesota and Sandra and husband, Kieran Kane of San
Mateo, California; 8 grandchildren, Tom Eastvold of Buffalo
Center, Kendra Eastvold of Scarville, Scott Van Gerpen of
Blue Earth, Minnesota, Adam Van Gerpen and wife, Brooke of
Swea City, Jeremiah Van Gerpen of Rake, Jennifer Van Gerpen
of Frost, Minnesota, Katlin Kane of San Mateo, California
and Bryan Kane of San Mateo, California; 10
great-grandchildren; sister, Ordella Furland of Emmons,
Minnesota; and sisters-in-law, Bessie Eastvold, Marion
Eastvold and Elaine Eastvold.
He was preceded in death
by his parents; brothers, Julius, Arnold and Barney;
sisters, Corrine and Bertha; his son, Ronald in 1991; and
his grandson, Justin Van Gerpen on December 22, 2002.
© 2007 Forest City Summit |
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Ethel Viola
Gudmonson, 83
November 14, 2007
Ethel Viola Gudmonson, age 83, of Forest City, died on
Saturday, November 10, 2007, at the Muse Norris Hospice
Inpatient Unit in Mason City.
Funeral services will be
held on Saturday, November 17, 2007, at 2:00 p.m., at the
Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Pastor Barb
Spaulding officiating. Burial will be in the Forest Home
Cemetery in Leland. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m., on
Friday, November 16, at the funeral home and an hour prior
to the service at the church. The Petersen-Lund Funeral Home
is in charge of the arrangements.
"If you've ever been lucky
enough to have a perfect piece of banana creme pie, a cup of
vegetable beef soup at Denny's Cafe, or been at a picnic
with awesome potato salad, then you probably know my
grandma.
While she's probably best
known for her gift of cooking, most important to her was her
family. Ethel Viola Brown was born on February 20, 1924, on
the family farm in Mount Valley Township. She grew up in a
boisterous home of seven kids and all of the adventure of a
farm.
One of the happiest days
of my grandma's life happened on a cold January day in 1942.
In a simple ceremony surrounded by family, grandma became
Mrs. Marlyn Gudmonson.
Grandpa and Grandma worked
hard on their farm near Leland. Grandpa was so proud when he
bought the first John Deere No. 45 Self-Propelled
Picker-Sheller Combine of the area in 1958. They welcomed
Marvin Gary and Ellen Marie to make their family complete.
When Grandpa died
unexpectedly at the young age of 49, leaving my grandma with
two young children to raise, she faced it like she did every
challenge in life, with courage. It was her faith, her
family and friends, and her strong determination to live
life the best that she could that saw her through.
That same strong spirit
led Grandma across the country on dozens of bus tours. She
even went all the way to Alaska to see grizzly bears, wild
elk, and Mt. McKinley with her own eyes. She excitedly told
us about flying in a jet, riding on a train, and sailing on
an ocean liner all in the same trip.
Now that Grandma has gone
to heaven, we will cherish the memories of her fluffy mashed
potatoes, her green outfits for which my brother nicknamed
her "Green Grandma", and especially her joy of watching my
cousin, Makenzie Jo grow, play and twirl in her dresses.
Grandma will be remembered
by her four siblings, Ruby Thompson of Baldwin, Wisconsin,
Lola Hockenson of Woodville, Wisconsin, Eva Mae Anderson of
Altoona, Iowa and Allen Brown and wife, Clarice of Leland,
Iowa; her son, Marvin and his wife, Tammy of Leland and
their daughter, Makenzie Jo; her daughter, Ellen and her
husband, Wayne Helland of Scarville and their children, Ben
and me, Rebecca of Pella, Iowa.
She was welcomed to Heaven
by her beloved husband, Marlyn; siblings, Vera Hanna and
Gene Brown; and her parents, Emery and Hannah (Anderson)
Brown."
© 2007 Forest City Summit |
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Joseph A. "Lars"
Jermeland, 82
November 21, 2007
Joseph A. "Lars" Jermeland, 82, of Mason City, died on
Monday, November 12, 2007, at the Muse Norris Hospice
Inpatient Unit in Mason City.
Funeral services were held
on Thursday, November 16, at the Faith Lutheran Church in
Miller, with Rose Visser, lay minister officiating. Burial
was in the Ellington Township Cemetery near Miller. The
Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Joseph Arland Jermeland,
the son of Theodore and Lena (Knutson) Jermeland, was born
on April 10, 1925 at Ossian. He was one of fifteen
siblings. Lars was baptized and confirmed at the Stavanger
Lutheran Church in Ossian. At the age of 14, he went to
visit his sister, Lillian Torkelson and her husband, Joe, at
Forest City and ended up staying with them. After Joe passed
away in August of 1953, Lars took over the farming
operation. He continued farming in the Forest City area for
many years. In 1995, he moved to the Meadows Apartments in
Clear Lake and in 2003 to Willow Pointe Assisted Living in
Mason City.
Lars is survived by a
brother, Ted (Elaine) Jermeland of West Union; a sister,
LaVonne (Kendall) Benzing of Monona; sisters-in-law, Vi
Jermeland of Mason City, Louise Jermeland of Mason City,
Arlene Jermeland of Mason City and Margie Jermeland of West
Union; a brother-in-law, Don Austin of Manly; twenty nieces;
and eighteen nephews.
He was preceded in death
by his parents; six sisters, Lillian Torkelson, Selma
Johnson, Merna Walvatne, Leone Mathers, Arthel Jermeland and
Arlette Austin; and six brothers, Walter, Arthur, Norman,
Jerome, Willard and John Jermeland.
© 2007 Forest City Summit |
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Jonathan Lehto, 30
November 21, 2007
Jonathan Lehto, 30, of Denver, Colorado, formerly of Rogers,
Minnesota, died on Monday, November 12, 2007.
Funeral services were held on Monday, November 19, at the
Grace Church in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, with interment in
the Lakewood Cemetery, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Ellen;
and his grandparents, Lyle and Velma Jefson of Forest City.
He is survived by a brother, Daniel and his wife, Dara; and
aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family.
© 2007 Forest City Summit
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Mabel Schaumberg,
83
November 21, 2007
Mabel Schaumberg, 83, of Garner, died on Tuesday, November
13, 2007, at the St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester,
Minnesota.
Funeral services were held
on Friday, November 16, at the United Methodist Church in
Garner, with Rev. David Wagner officiating. Burial was in
the Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City. The Cataldo
Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Mabel Schaumberg, the
daughter of Arthur and Agnes (Smith) Knight was born on May
19, 1924 at Vegerville, (Alberta) Canada. The family moved
to Rathdrum, Idaho and then to Rowan, Iowa where she
graduated from high school. On July 11, 1940, she was
married to Marion Earnest Lunning at Rowan. To this union
three children were born, DeWayne, Norman and Sue.
They farmed in the North Iowa area until Marion's death,
February 1, 1973. Mabel had been employed at the Hancock
County Memorial Hospital for 4 years, Concord Care Center
for 8 years and Dr. L.R. Fuller's office for 20 years. On
September 12, 1987, she was married to Walter (Bud)
Schaumberg in Garner where they continued to make their
home. Mabel enjoyed spending time with her family,
grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was a member of the
United Methodist Church, U.M.W. and the Garner VFW
Auxiliary.
Mabel is survived by her
children, Norman (Joyce) Lunning of Garner, Sue (Randy)
Folkerts of Forest City, JoAnn (Harold) Curley of Garner,
Doreen Olson of Garner, Donna Karsjens of Garner and Jim
(Deb) Schaumberg of Forest City; a daughter-in-law, Nancy
Lunning and friend, Dave of Coulter; twenty-two
grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and a
sister-in-law, Ruby Knight of Rathdrum, Idaho.
She was preceded in death
by her husbands, Marion Lunning and Bud Schaumberg; her
parents; son, DeWayne; grandson, Matthew Folkerts;
son-in-law, Philip Olson; and two brothers, Jack and Pete
Knight.
© 2007 Forest City Summit |
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James J. Otis, 89
November 21, 2007
James J. Otis, age 89, of Forest City, died on Tuesday,
November 13, 2007, at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest
City.
A Funeral Mass was held on
Saturday, November 17, at the St. James Catholic Church in
Forest City, with Fr. Henry Huber officiating. Burial was in
the St. James Catholic Cemetery in Forest City. Visitation
was held on Friday, November 16, 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.
James Jefferson Otis, was
born on a farm near Forest City, Iowa, on January 12, 1918,
the son of Jesse and Margaret (Donahue) Otis. He began his
education at the Otis Country School and graduated from the
Forest City High School, continuing on to become a Waldorf
College graduate.
On June 27, 1944, he was
united in marriage to Agnes Helin. The couple made their
home on the farm west of Forest City their entire married
lives. Jim was a member of the St. James Catholic Church
where he served on the board of trustees, sang in the church
choir and was an usher for many years.
Jim was a dedicated
supporter of Forest City High School athletics, was a big
"Cubs" fan and never missed cheering on his beloved Iowa
Hawkeyes. He loved farming and never really retired but
continued helping his son until failing health limited his
time on the tractor. He enjoyed gardening and raising
flowers.
Jim is survived by his
wife, Agnes of Forest City; and five children, Larry Otis of
Forest City, Jeff Otis of Forest City, Karen Nelson (Daryl)
of Algona, Jane Harswick (Marty) of Urbandale and Steve Otis
of Midvale, Utah; seven grandchildren, Heather Harswick,
Chad Harswick, Tamara Harswick, Jason Otis, Larissa Otis,
Lisa Nelson and Anthony Otis; and one great-granddaughter,
Alexandra Harswick; two sisters, Vivian Sampson of Forest
City and Gloria Eymann of Olathe, Kansas; and many nieces
and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death
by his parents; brothers, Merle, Roy and Mervin; and sister,
Laura Wolf. He will be greatly missed by his family.
© 2007 Forest City Summit |
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Truman E. Knudtson,
77
November 28, 2007
Truman Edgar Knudtson, 77,
of Northwood, died on Friday, November 16, 2007, at the
Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.
Funeral services were held
on Monday, November 19, at the Bethany Lutheran Church in
Kensett, with Reverend Tom Martin and Reverend Dennis Ganz
officiating. Burial was in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in
Northwood. Visitation was held from 3-6:00 p.m., on Sunday,
at the Conner Colonial Chapel in Northwood. Visitation was
also held one hour prior to the service time on Monday at
the church. The Conner Colonial Chapel was in charge of the
arrangements.
The family of Truman
Knudtson has requested that memorial contributions be made
to the charity of ones choice in his memory.
Truman Edgar Knudtson, was
born on December 22, 1929 in Lake Mills, the son of Arthur
and Rosecelia (Branstad) Knudtson. He was baptized and
reaffirmed his baptism through confirmation at the Winnebago
Lutheran Church, rural Lake Mills. He attended rural country
school in Winnebago County, and one year at Lake Mills
before graduating from the Fertile High School.
Truman worked for Harley and Bob Ouverson, farming for
several years south west of Fertile. He was united in
marriage to Phyllis Ouverson on June 6, 1949 at the Church
of Christ in Fertile, and also reaffirmed his baptism.
Truman moved to Northwood and began working for a number of
years for Donald Martin Construction. Truman owned and
operated the North Iowa Builders Construction Company in
Northwood, Tom's Lumber Company in Manly, and also the
Northwood Lumber Company, until his retirement in 1993.
He was united in marriage
to Phyllis Erickson on October 10, 1998, at the Bethany
Lutheran Church in Kensett.
He was a member of the
Fertile Church of Christ, and former member of the J.C.'s,
Lions Club, and the Northwood-Kensett Booster Club.
Truman loved and enjoyed
his occupation and was very proud of his many construction
projects, and he also enjoyed gardening.
Left to cherish his memory
is his wife, Phyllis Knudtson of Northwood; his children,
Dan (Lois) Knudtson of Roland, Mark (Connie) Knudtson of
Osage, LuAnn (Bill) Alexander of Winthrop, Minnesota and
Tammy (Jeff Overgaard) Knudtson of St. Peter, Minnesota;
step-children, LuAnne (Robert) Nelson of Wenatchee,
Washington and JoAnne (Marty) Martin of Northwood;
grandchildren, Brian (Tamara) Knudtson, John (Jill)
Knudtson, Anne (Aaron) Street, Joseph (Katie) Knudtson, Tom
Knudtson, Matthew (Lindsay) Alexander, Jim (Chrissy)
Alexander, Rachael (Mike) Newman, Jenna Alexander, Kasey
Overgaard, Megan Overgaard and Halle Overgaard;
step-grandchildren, Eric Nelson, Katie Nelson, Jon (Kelly)
Geerlings, Doug Millard, Trent Millard and Trisha Millard;
great-grandchildren, Kaelan Knudtson, Meredith Street, Quinn
Street, William Knudtson and Oren Alexander; and one
step-great-grandson, Avery Geerlings; three sisters, Dorothy
Christianson of Lake Mills, Mavis (Roger) Bolstad of Lake
Mills and Jean (Gordon) Hagen of Lake Mills; as well as
numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and many
friends.
He was preceded in death
by his parents; his first wife, Phyllis who died on
September 5, 1995; his grandson, Karl Knudtson who died on
February 15, 2003; his sister, Arlene Hill; and a
brother-in-law, Kelly Christianson.
© 2007 Forest City Summit |
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Fern Paulson, 94
November 21, 2007
Fern D. Paulson, age 94, of Britt, formerly of Wesley, died
on Saturday, November 17, 2007, at the Westview Care Center
in Britt.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, November 20, at 2:00
p.m., at the United Methodist Church in Wesley, with
Reverend Denise Group officiating. Burial was in the
Evergreen Cemetery in Britt. Arrangements were handled by
the Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home of Wesley.
Fern was born on October
20, 1913 near Kanawha, the daughter of Clarence and Lorena
(Wagner) Smith. She graduated from the Britt High School in
1930 and Britt Junior College. Fern was a teacher in the
rural schools in Hancock County. She was united in marriage
to John Floyd Paulson on June 4, 1935. They were married for
55 years and spent their entire married life farming in the
Britt and Wesley areas before retiring in 1973.
Fern was a lifelong member
of the United Methodist Church in Wesley and served as the
pianist and organist for 50 years. Music was an integral
part of her life and in addition to being the church
organist, she enjoyed participating in musical and social
events.
Fern was a 75 year member
of the Order of the Eastern Star and also a member of the
Charity Rebekah Lodge of Britt. She was active in many
church, community and neighborhood organizations over the
years, including Farm Bureau Women and 4-H. She greatly
enjoyed her immediate family, relatives and friends.
Fern is survived by two
daughters, Janice and David Tegtmeyer of Mesa, Arizona and
Joyce and Robert Dohse of Madison, Wisconsin; two
grandchildren, Shari and Ed McKnew of Traverse City,
Michigan and Dan and Natalie Tegtmeyer of Chandler, Arizona;
four great-grandchildren, Tanner, Taylor and Riley Tegtmeyer
and Anthony Rinehart; and many close cousins.
Fern was preceded in death
by her husband, John in 1990; her parents; and a brother,
Calvin.
The family would like to
thank the management and staff at the Westview Care Center
for their devoted, compassionate and loving care for our
Mother over the last nine years. We are truly grateful.
© 2007 Forest City Summit |
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Velma M. Gerdes, 76
November 28, 2007
Velma M. Gerdes, 76, of Woden, died on Wednesday, November
21, 2007, at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest
City. Though her body became weak, her faith and spirit
remained strong.
Funeral services were held
on Monday, November 26, at the St. John's Lutheran Church in
Woden, with Rev. David Bergstrom officiating. Burial was in
the Bingham Township Cemetery south of Woden. The Cataldo
Funeral Home in Woden was in charge of the arrangements.
Velma Mildred Gerdes, the
daughter of Matthew and Grace (Harringa) Gerdes, was born on
November 23, 1930, on a farm near Buffalo Center. She was
baptized and confirmed at the Ramsey Reformed Church, rural
Titonka. She attended the rural schools of northern Iowa
until the eighth grade.
On September 10, 1949, she was married to William L. Gerdes
at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Woden. They made their
home in Woden where they raised their five sons. Throughout
the years, Velma worked in various businesses around Woden.
She also baby sat in her home for many years and developed a
special bond with all the children she cared for. Throughout
her life, she always saw the best in people and had a kind
word to say about everyone. Velma loved to cook for family
gatherings and enjoyed having company at her home at any
time. In June of 2007, she moved to the Good Samaritan
Center in Forest City where she developed friendships with
those who cared for her.
She was a member of the
St. John's Lutheran Church, WELCA and the Woden American
Legion Auxiliary.
Velma is survived by her
sons, Gary (Ann) Gerdes of Forest City, Tim (Lori) Gerdes of
Lake Mills, Dale (Kristin) Gerdes of Forest City, Steve
(special friend, Sharla Krein) Gerdes of Crystal Lake and
Bruce (Christine) Gerdes of Buffalo Center; twelve
grandchildren, Jodie Steen, Matthew Gerdes, Andrew Gerdes,
Lucas Gerdes, Jamie Gerdes, Christopher (Crystal) Gerdes,
Joshua Gerdes, Caleb Gerdes, Justin (Miho) Gerdes, Heather
May, Jonathon Gerdes and Zachary Gerdes; three
great-grandchildren, Nicole Steen, Dillon Gerdes and Taylor
May; a brother, Dwayne Gerdes of Rake; and many nieces and
nephews.
She was preceded in death
by her husband, Bill on January 24, 2007; her parents; and a
sister, Gladys Woodwick.
© 2007 Forest City Summit |
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Alan Perkins, 63
November 28, 2007
Alan D. Perkins, 63, of Britt, went to be with the Lord on
Friday, November 23, 2007, at the Muse Norris Hospice Unit
after a short battle with cancer.
Funeral services were held
on Tuesday, November 27, at 10:30 a.m., at the Britt
Evangelical Free Church, with the Rev. Stan Johnson
officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt.
Visitation was held from
5-7:00 p.m., on Monday, November 26, at the Ewing Dugger
Funeral Chapel in Britt and continued one hour prior to the
services at the church.
Alan Dwayne Perkins, was
born on May 12, 1944 in Madison, Wisconsin, the son of
Calvin and Loella (Rotschafer) Perkins. He attended the
Britt schools. On July 10, 1964, Alan was united in marriage
to Marlys Sillman at the Britt Methodist Church.
Upon graduating from the
Britt High School he continued to work for his father at
Perkins Garage in Britt. He enjoyed collecting antiques and
was active in his church. He was on the Britt Centennial
Committee, active in the Britt Historical Society, past
church board member, church youth leader and Sunday School
Teacher. He was involved in the startup of the West Hancock
EMS group and served for 5 years as a volunteer.
Left to cherish his memory
is his wife, Marlys; son, Brian and wife, Amber of Iowa
Falls; daughter, Brenda Biddle and husband, Steve of
Indianola; mother, Loella Perkins of Britt; three brothers,
Glen (Margaret) Perkins of Fort Collins, Colorado, Dennis
Perkins (friend Sharon) of Novato, California and Mike (Jan)
Perkins of Leawood, Kansas. Alan's memory is also cherished
by his five grandchildren, Joshua and Caleb Perkins, and
Natalie, Matthew and Grant Biddle.
He was preceded in death
by his father, Calvin Perkins; and an infant brother.
© 2007 Forest City Summit |
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Jared Paul Nesset,
84
December 4, 2007
Jared Paul Nesset, passed away on Saturday, November 24,
2007, in Alamogordo, New Mexico.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, December 1, at the
St. John's Episcopal Church in Alamogordo, with Father Frank
Wilson officiating. His cremains will be dispersed at a
later date. Memorials may be sent to St. John's Episcopal
Church in Alamogordo. Cremation has taken place at PCS under
the direction of the Alamogordo Funeral Home.
He was born in Forest City to Jared and Hazel (Harris)
Nesset. On November 28, 1942, he and Margaret Arthur were
married in Forest City. He served in the U.S. Navy during
World War II, attended Waldorf Junior College and Upper Iowa
University and graduated from the University of
California-Berkeley (B.S.) and Northern Illinois College of
Optometry (O.D.).
Jared practiced optometry in Forest City and Marshalltown,
Iowa, from 1949 to 1969 and was a cattle rancher in Lander,
Wyoming, from 1969 to 1990. His volunteer interests covered
the spectrum from working with the mentally handicapped, to
auctioneering, to senior pro rodeoing, to writing and
presenting cowboy poetry, to writing a weekly humor column
for the Alamogordo Daily News.
Jared was preceded in
death by his parents; two sisters; and a son.
He is survived by Margy,
his wife of 65 years; one daughter; one granddaughter; and
two great-granddaughters.
© 2007 Forest City Summit |
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Carrie R. Bartleson,
95
December 4, 2007
Carrie R. Bartleson, age 95, of Forest City, died on Sunday,
November 25, 2007, at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest
City.
Funeral services were held
on Thursday, November 29, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in
Forest City, with Pastor Barbara Spaulding officiating.
Burial was in the Oakland Cemetery in Forest City.
Visitation was held on Wednesday, November 28, 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.
Carrie Rebecca Bartleson,
the daughter of Alfred and Ida (Halverson) Amundson, was
born on July 22, 1912 near Kiester, Minnesota. The family
moved to a farm near New Richland, Minnesota, where she
graduated from high school in 1930. Following graduation she
attended the Abbott School of Nursing in Minneapolis and
graduated in 1933. For three years Carrie assisted in night
surgeries at Abbott Hospital and worked as a private duty
nurse for Pillsbury's until 1939, then she moved to Forest
City and was asked to work at the Irish Hospital.
On June 18, 1941, Carrie
was united in marriage to Conrad Bartleson at the Lutheran
Parsonage in New Richland, Minnesota. The couple lived their
entire married lives in Forest City. They spent winters at
South Padre, Texas for 16 years.
She was the nurse at
Waldorf College during 1955 & 56, then went to work for Dr.
Tom Irish until his death in 1965. After serving for half a
year as public school nurse, she went to Grohaven (now Good
Samaritan Center) as Director of Nurses until her retirement
in 1977. After her retirement she worked part time for Dr.
Tom Mangan.
The couple loved to travel
and went all over the United States, to Mexico, Canada,
Norway and Sweden. Family was always very important, and for
many years the couple hosted the Bartleson family reunion.
Carrie's calling in life seemed to be always taking care of
and helping people who needed her, whether it be children,
grandchildren, extended family members or anyone else who
asked. Carrie was known for her warm smile, and welcoming
demeanor.
Survivors include her
children and their spouses, Karen (Carroll) Gustafson of
Forest City, Jim (Judy) Bartleson of Yukon, Oklahoma and
Elaine (Joel) Kingland of Forest City; seven grandchildren,
Kristen (Brian) Rafferty of Darien, Illinois, Eric Gustafson
of Rochester, Minnesota, Kyle (Cindy) Bartleson of Redondo
Beach, California, Kim (Scott) Walker of Selma, Texas, Wendy
Kingland of West Des Moines, Laurie (Greg) Heidebrink of
Charles City and Lindsay (Joe) Langfald of Forest City; 12
great-grandchildren, Jason, Luke, Matthew and Grace
Rafferty, Brendan Edwards, Nickolas Courrier, Haley
Bartleson, Blake Walker, Emma, Joey and Quinn Heidebrink and
Karly Jo Langfald; brother-in-law, Ray Routh; sister-in-law,
Florence Qwast; and many nieces and nephews.
Carrie was preceded in
death by her parents; her husband, Conrad; brothers, Harold
and Irving; and a sister, Dorothy Routh.
© 2007 Forest City Summit |
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Elaine E. Hill, 89
December 4, 2007
Elaine E. Hill, age 89, of Thompson, died on Monday,
November 26, 2007, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in
Mason City.
Funeral services were held
on Friday, November 30, at the Bethany Lutheran Church in
Thompson, with Pastor Mark Decker officiating. Burial was in
the Rose Hill Cemetery in Thompson. Visitation was held on
Thursday, November 29, at the funeral home and an hour prior
to the services at the church. The Petersen Lund Funeral
Home was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2007 Forest City Summit |
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Stanley D. Hallett,
88
December 4, 2007
Stanley D. Hallett, age 88, of Crystal Lake, died on
Tuesday, November 27, 2007, at the Mercy Medical
Center-North Iowa in Mason City.
Funeral services were held
on Saturday, December 1, 2007, at the Faith Lutheran Church
in Miller, with Lay Pastor Rose Visser officiating. Burial
was in the Madison Township Cemetery in Forest City.
Visitation was held on Friday, November 30, at the funeral
home and an hour prior to services at the church. The
Petersen Lund Funeral Home was in charge of the
arrangements.
Stanley D. Hallett, was
born on a farm south of Forest City, on June 19, 1919, the
son of Allen and Mae (Juhl) Hallett. He was baptized and
confirmed at the Faith Lutheran Church in Miller and
received his education in rural school near his home. As a
young boy he lived with his family in Gettysburg, South
Dakota for a time.
During World War II, Stan
worked in an air defense plant in Baltimore, Maryland and
was later transferred to Omaha, Nebraska. On April 15, 1943,
he married Frances Haugland in Omaha.
The couple returned from
Omaha in 1944 to set up farming in the Miller area and in
1968 continued farming south of Forest City. Stan also
worked at Kayot Forester, was a talented welder and did some
painting with Jerry Knapper. He was a gifted mechanic, who
never met a machine he couldn't take apart and put back
together. For 15 years he and Frances enjoyed wintering in
Texas. In 1996 the couple moved off the farm and made their
home in Crystal Lake.
Stan was a life-long
member of the Faith Lutheran Church in Miller. For several
years Stan owned an airplane called "The Blue Eagle" with
Vernon Nonnweiler. Stan and Frances enjoyed two trips to
Norway to visit family. He was a devoted husband, father,
grandfather and great-grandfather who treasured time spent
with his family.
Stanley is survived by his
wife, Frances of Crystal Lake; his children, Carolyn (Clet)
Nedved of Fertile, Harvey Hallett of Crystal Lake and Wray (Thresea)
Hallett of Forest City; six grandchildren, Greg Nedved,
Heather Hallett, Kendra Hallett, Curtis (Jessica) Hallett,
Casey Hallett and David (Elizabeth) Hallett; six
great-grandchildren; two sisters, Nadine Price of Clear Lake
and Cleone Knudtson of Lake Mills; and many nieces and
nephews.
He was preceded in death
by his parents; a sister, Loretta Etzen; and a brother, Leo
Hallett.
© 2007 Forest City Summit |
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Wilbur L. Olson, 90
December 4, 2007
Wilbur L. Olson, age 90, of Forest City, died on Tuesday,
November 27, 2007, at the Mercy Medical Center West Campus
in Mason City.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 1, 2007, at
the Pilot Knob Lutheran Church in rural Forest City, with
Pastor Robert Snitzer officiating. Burial was in the Pilot
Knob Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation was held on Friday,
November 30, at the funeral home and an hour prior to the
services at the church. The Petersen Lund Funeral Home was
in charge of the arrangements.
Wilbur L. Olson, was born
in rural Forest City on January 8, 1917, the son of Lewis
and Clara (Larson) Olson. He was baptized and confirmed at
the Pilot Knob Lutheran Church and received his education in
a rural school near his home. In 1935, he graduated from the
Ventura High School.
He was married to Gladys
L. Hope in Trenton, Missouri in 1937. Wilbur farmed on the
family homestead most of his life and worked part-time as an
electrician for many years. He and Gladys lived in Benson,
Arizona, every winter for 27 years. In 1992, they left their
family farm and moved into Forest City. Since August 2006,
the couple has resided at the Forest Plaza Assisted Living.
Wilbur enjoyed traveling
and loved to tell that he had been to all 50 states
including a trip he won to Hawaii that he enjoyed with
Gladys. Other travels included several trips to Norway as
well as Germany and Israel. Another retirement pastime
included delivering motor homes for Winnebago Industries,
often taking his grandchildren along in the early days,
sharing his love of travel. He also loved to fish and went
on many trips “north” with friends. He enjoyed showing off
the pictures of the big fish he caught on an Alaskan trip.
Wilbur looked forward to
coffee every morning with his friends at Otto Anderson's as
long as he was still able to drive and often “caught” a ride
out to Otto's even after he wasn't able to get there
himself.
A lifelong member of the
Pilot Knob Lutheran Church, he served the church in various
capacities over the years. He also served as an Ellington
Township Trustee and was on the Hancock County Extension
Board.
Wilbur is survived by his
wife, Gladys; daughters, Pat (Dennis) Hagen of Forest City
and Phyllis Olson of Urbandale, Iowa and son, Robert A.
Olson of Forest City; brother, Leslie (Irmalee) Olson of
Forest City and sister, Ionia Oman of Glen Burnie, Maryland;
six grandchildren and their spouses, Pamela (William J.)
Madsen of Maplewood, Minnesota, Deborah (Greg) Geddes of
Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Denise (Brad) Yeager of Forest
City, Joleen (Tim) Baumgartner of Pearl City, Illinois, Sam
(Kylie) Pfile of New Bedford, Massachusetts and Sara Olson
of Forest City; five great-grandchildren, Quinten, Christian
and Alexandra Geddes and Austin and Elsa Yeager.
He was preceded in death
by his parents; and brother-in-law, Lyman Oman.
© 2007 Forest City Summit |
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Mabel Sturgeon, 88
December 11, 2007
Mabel Sturgeon, 88, of Clarion, passed away on Tuesday,
November 27, 2007, at the Westview Care Center in Britt.
Funeral services were held
on Friday, November 30, at 10:30 a.m., at the United Church
of Rowan, with Pastor Nancy Hofmeister officiating. Burial
was at 1:00 p.m. in the Fairview Cemetery in Dows.
Visitation was held on Thursday, from 4-7:00 p.m., at the
Ewing Dugger Funeral Home in Clarion, and continued one hour
prior to the services at the church.
Mabel Rose Swanson
Sturgeon, was born on September 25, 1919 in Wright County,
Iowa, northwest of Dows, the daughter of George and Edith
(Jones) Swanson. She attended the Blaine No. 2 Country
School through the 8th grade and the Rowan Consolidated High
School, graduating in 1936.
Mabel married Eugene
Sturgeon on January 1, 1941. Gene and Mabel started farming
that spring 14 miles northeast of Mason City. The following
year, they moved back to the Galt area, where they farmed
until 1980, when they moved to Dows. After Gene's passing on
May 13, 1993, Mabel moved to the Meadows in Clarion.
Mabel was active in the
United Methodist Church in Rowan, serving many years as an
officer. She also served as an officer on the District
Methodist Women Board in Mason City. Mabel was a member of
the Rowan Review Club, Jolly Mothers, Vernon Friendly, and
Liberty Clubs of Dows.
Mabel and Gene enjoyed
many travels. For twenty years, they traveled to Red Lake,
Canada, to fish. Visiting the Holy Land in January of 1980
was the highlight of their travels. Taking a cruise on the
Sea of Galilee, they both felt was a wonderful experience.
Those left to cherish
Mabel's memory are three daughters, Marilyn (Gary) Hansen of
Fletcher, North Carolina, Gloria (Dennis) Johanson of Britt
and Sandra (Larry) Van Gerpen of Emerado, North Dakota; one
son, Ron (Sandy) Sturgeon of Rowan; seven grandchildren,
Michelle Callahan, Greg Hansen, Grant Johanson, Gail Lemmon,
Janelle Magalong, Eric Sturgeon and Shannon Sturgeon;
sixteen great-grandchildren; a brother, Raymond (Betty)
Swanson of Clarion; and one sister-in-law, Mary Louise
Swanson of Eagle Grove.
Preceding Mabel in death
were her husband of 52 years; her parents; one infant
brother; one brother, Clifford Swanson; one daughter, Donna
Sturgeon (11) in 1953; two grandsons, Chris Sturgeon (3) in
1979 and Brian Van Gerpen (17) in 1992.
© 2007 Forest City Summit |
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Michael Kumsher, 92
December 11, 2007
Michael Kumsher, 92, of Britt, passed away on Tuesday,
November 27, 2007, at the Westview Care Center in Britt.
Funeral services were held
on Saturday, December 1, 2007, at 10:30 a.m., at the St.
Patrick's Catholic Church in Britt, with Rev. Henry P. Huber
and Rev. Brian Dellaert officiating. Burial was in the St.
Patrick's Catholic Cemetery. Visitation was held on Friday,
from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Ewing Dugger Funeral Chapel in
Britt and one hour prior to the services at the church.
Rosary was said at 7:00 p.m.
Michael, the son of
Michael and Stella Cipera Kumsher, was born on October 3,
1915 in rural Hancock County, southeast of Britt. He
attended country school and then helped on his family farm.
Michael was united in marriage with Agnes Ptacek on November
22, 1938 at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan.
The couple farmed the family farm east of Britt until 1997
when they moved into Britt.
He enjoyed spending time
with his family. He also enjoyed fishing, bowling and
playing cards.
Michael was a lifelong
member of the St. Patrick's Catholic Church, where he was an
usher.
Knowing he is at peace
with the Lord and mourning his loss are one son, Ronald
Kumsher and his wife, Carolyn of Garner; six daughters,
Charlene Aukes and her husband, Denny of Mason City,
Jeraldine Peterson and her husband, Larry of Corwith,
Carolyn DeKruif and her husband, Don of Britt, Darlene
Francis and Tim Lyman of Faribault, Minnesota, Judy Thompson
and her husband, Jerry of Crystal Lake and Marilyn Kumsher
of Opportunity Village in Clear Lake; fifteen grandchildren;
fifteen great-grandchildren; one sister, Adeline “Tress”
Anderson of Mason City; and many nieces, nephews, other
family members and friends.
He was preceded in death
by his parents; wife, Agnes in 2005; two sisters, Clara Loy
and Anna Kumsher; and one brother, Ed.
© 2007 Forest City Summit |
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Norma Jean Kohls,
78
December 4, 2007
Norma Jean Kohls, age 78, of Waterloo, Iowa, died on
Wednesday, November 28, 2007, at the Covenant Medical Center
in Waterloo, following a brief illness.
She is survived by a
sister, Althea (Kenneth) Brager of Forest City.
A Mass of the Christian
Burial was held on Monday, December 3, 2007, at the Sacred
Heart Catholic Church in Waterloo, by Rev. Louis
Jaeger. Graveside services and burial was on Monday at the
Elgin Cemetery, Elgin, Iowa.
© 2007 Forest City Summit |
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