Betty Lou Michaelson, 79

September 11, 2007

Betty Lou Michaelson, age 79, died on Sunday, September 2, 2007. She suffered a massive stroke at her home on Saturday, September 1 and passed away at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City on Sunday evening.

Funeral Services were held on Friday, September 7, at the Branding Iron's in the Roundup Room, Thompson, with Judy Junkermeier officiating. Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Thompson, Iowa

Betty Lou Michaelson, daughter of Lee and Maye (Anderson) Wessels, was born on October 23, 1930 in rural Thompson, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and was a devout follower of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Betty attended school at King Number 9 and the Thompson High School.

In 1947, she married Milford Michaelson in ceremonies at the Lutheran Parsonage in Woden, Iowa. They lived on a farm outside of Woden before making their home in Thompson. The couple was blessed with 3 children, Lindy, Patty and Mike.

Betty worked at the Thompson Produce, as a waitress in Mason City and in Thompson, and also as a factory worker at Deluxe/Fleetguard in Lake Mills for 31 years until her retirement at age 62.

Betty is survived by her children, Lindy Rautio of Portland, Oregon, Patricia Michaelson and Merrill Michaelson, both of Thompson; 2 grandchildren, Steve and his wife, Jenny Rautio of Oregon City, Oregon and April Rautio of Portland, Oregon; 2 great-granddaughters, Jordan and Jayven; 3 brothers, Duane and his wife, Marilyn Wessels, Larry and his wife, Linda Wessels and Roger and his wife, Beverly Wessels all of Albert Lea, Minnesota; 3 sisters, Delores and her husband, Roger Hanna of Albert Lea, Minnesota, Carmen Monsen of Garner and Cheryl and her husband, Paul Beenken of Buffalo Center; sisters-in-law, Mildred Murray of Moline, Illinois, Dorothy Woodbury of Arlington, Virginia and Virgina Marshall of Canyon Lake, California; aunt, Jan Oliver of Mason City; extra special niece, Heather Beenken; and other nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Milford; sisters, Donna Fay and Rose Mary; 6 uncles; 5 aunts; 7 brothers-in-law, particularly Gene Monsen; 6 sisters-n-law; and an extra special nephew, Kevin Hanna.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Rev. Theodore S. Okland, 68

September 25, 2007

Rev. Theodore (Ted) Sylvan Okland, 68, formerly of La Grande, Oregon, died at the Hopewell Hospice House in Portland, Oregon, on Monday, September 3, 2007.

He had been living at the Fairlawn Good Samaritan Society retirement home in Gresham, Oregon, for the last seven months. He will be buried in a private service at the Grandview Cemetery in La Grande next to his parents. The Loveland Funeral Chapel was in charge of the arrangements. Two memorial services were held, one on Saturday, September 15, at the Zion Lutheran Church in La Grande and one at Fairlawn on Monday, September 17.

Ted was born on April 3, 1939 in Meiganga, French Cameroon, West Africa, of missionary parents, Andrew and Margaret Okland, pioneer missionaries in that part of Africa. He started school in Thompson, while the family was on furlough and continued grade school in Africa, at the mission station where his mother was the teacher for all the missionary children. He graduated from the Forest City High School where he had been active in drama and was senior class president. He graduated in 1959 from Waldorf College, where he was student body president his last year and continued his education at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, then went on to Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota.

After his ordination in Forest City, he served churches in Wisconsin and North Dakota. He received a Doctor of Ministry Degree from the Andover-Newton Theological School in Boston, Massachusetts in 1977. He then returned to the parish serving several churches in Oregon. He retired in 2001 after serving ten years in McCook, Nebraska. He lived in La Grande until July, 2006, choosing to spend several months traveling all over the United States temporarily settling in Rochester, Minnesota, then moving to Portland, Oregon in February of 2007.

He is survived by his sister, Korinne Madsen of La Grande; nieces, Kristi Cason of Snoqualmie, Washington and Teresa Hall of Gresham, Oregon; nephews, Mitch Madsen of Ridgefield, Washington, Jeff Madsen of La Grande and Eric Madsen of Elgin, Oregon and their children. He was close to his extended family, namely his aunt, Sylvia Holmen and his many cousins and their families.

Ted was known for his sense of humor and his deep commitment to his Lord and Master. He had a heart for missions and also for the downtrodden worldwide and he loved to sing, to debate and to ask leading questions. He was a good listener. May God bless his memory.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Dena Rollefson, 100

September 11, 2007

Dena Rollefson, age 100, of Forest City, died on Wednesday, September 5, 2007, at the Good Samaritan Care Center in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, September 8, at the Grace Lutheran Church in Hanlontown. Burial was in the Brush Point Cemetery in rural Hanlontown. Visitation was held on Friday, September 7, at the funeral home and continued one hour prior to the service at the church. The Petersen Lund Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Dena Vaage Rollefson, was born in Kenmare, North Dakota, on October 1, 1906, the daughter of Jorgen and Christine (Erickson) Vaage. She was baptized at Saviors Lutheran Church in Kenmare. She moved with her family to Iowa and settled near Fertile. Dena was confirmed in the Fertile Lutheran Church and attended rural school at the Ellington Township School.

On April 3, 1926, she married Russell Rollefson and the couple made their home in Thompson, Iowa. To this union two sons were born, Raymond and James. Russell and Dena farmed near Thompson for 14 years, then moved to a farm near Fertile. Russell and Dena later purchased a farm in Ellington Township and farmed there until they retired and moved to Hanlontown.

Russell passed away on September 15, 1992 and Dena stayed in her home in Hanlontown until she moved to the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City, Iowa. She resided there with her new-found family that she grew to love and received much love back.

Dena cannot be described in words, you experienced her. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother and friend. She made a difference in anyone's life that had the privilege of crossing her path. She became a centenarian on October 1, 2006 and celebrated with all who loved her.

She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Jackie Rollefson of Clear Lake and her family. Also surviving are grandchildren and their families, Steve and Lori Rollefson of Forest City, Barbara and Rick Bitterman of Algona, Gary Rollefson and son, Jesse of Mason City, Cherrie Parris of Clear Lake, Al and Laurie Rollefson of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, Russ and Sara Rollefson of Clear Lake and Debbie and Marvin Miller of Clear Lake.

Dena was preceded in death by her husband, Russell Rollefson; her two sons, James and Raymond Rollefson; a sister, Hannah Norem; and brothers, Helmer, Engvold, Ed, John, Andrew, George, Carl and Nick Vaage.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Ralph Carlton Juhl, 89

September 11, 2007

Ralph Carlton Juhl, age 89, of Crystal Lake, presently residing in Garner, died on Saturday, September 8, 2007, at the Concord Care Center in Garner.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, September 11, at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Crystal Lake, with Pastor Robert Snitzer officiating. Burial was in the Crystal Lake Cemetery. Visitation was held on Monday, 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.

Ralph C. Juhl, was born in Orchard, Colorado, on July 15, 1918. He moved with his family to Iowa in 1919 and the family farmed near Ventura and Miller. In 1926 they moved to Gettysberg, South Dakota and in 1934 returned to Iowa.

Ralph was married to Emma Swain on February 15, 1941, at the Synod Lutheran Church in Forest City. He entered the United States Army Air Force in 1942 and served until his honorable discharge in 1945. The couple farmed around Miller and north of Leland. In 1958, Ralph and Emma moved to Crystal Lake and together they owned and operated a grocery store there until 1969.

Ralph worked for Winnebago Industries and retired in 1984. He then delivered motor homes for several years. The couple made their home in Crystal Lake and later at Prairie View in Garner. Due to failing health, the couple moved to the Concord Care Center, also in Garner, in 2001.

Ralph was a member of the Calvary Lutheran Church in Crystal Lake, an active member of the American Legion Post 409 and the Crystal Lake Commercial Club.

Ralph is survived by his four sons, Douglas and wife, Paula, Lynn and wife, Rosalie, Charles and wife, Connie and Bryce and wife, Pamela; nine grandchildren, Nicole (Rob) Chaney, Coleen (Garry) Alexander, Peter, Kathryn, Carla (Doug) Hall, Charles Jr., Jessica (Matthew) Doden, Jonathan and Cassandra; six great-grandchildren, Mason, Riley and Nathan Chaney, EmaLee and Joseph Alexander, Alexander Hall; three sisters, Anna Mae Beers and husband, Warren of Ventura, California, Fern Branstad and husband, Hubert of St. James, Minnesota and Lorraine Quayle and husband, Robert of Forest City; and many nieces and nephews.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Emma on February 24, 2007; and brothers, Lawrence and Harold.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Adam Carter, 24

September 11, 2007

Adam Carter, age 24, died on Saturday, September 8, 2007, following a motor vehicle accident.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, September 12, at the Christian Reformed Church in Britt, with Rev. Joel DeBoer officiating. Burial will be in the Boone Township Cemetery, Britt. Visitation is from 4-8:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Christian Reformed Church in Britt. The Lampe Funeral Home in Lake City is in charge of the arrangements.

Adam Thomas Carter, was born on June 1, 1983 in Des Moines, Iowa, to parents Kitty Price and Todd Carter. He graduated from West Hancock, in Britt in 2001 and from the Power Linesman School, in Sheldon in 2003. Adam loved golf, paintball, and his dog, Lenny, and he easily made friends with everyone.

He is survived by his parents, Kitty Price of Britt and Todd Carter of Waterville, Kansas; sister, Andrea Carter of Des Moines; grandparents, Kenny Price of Britt and Pat Carter of Clear Lake; aunt, Connie Price of Des Moines; cousin, Tracy LaZella-Justice of Waterloo; and many other aunts, uncles, and cousins; and girlfriend, Tara Studer. 

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Rose Price; grandfather, Gene Carter; and uncle, Tom Price.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Larry Eisenman, 63

September 18, 2007

Larry Eisenman, 63, of Britt, passed away on Tuesday, September 11, 2007, at the Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona.

Larry Cleo Eisenman, the son of Cleo and Evelyn Foster Eisenman, was born on July 18, 1944 in Mason City. He grew up on the family farm north of Britt and graduated from the Britt High School in 1962.

Larry is survived by his children, Michelle Eisenman of Kanawha, Michael Eisenman of Moreno Valley, California and Eric Eisenman of Coon Rapids, Minnesota; six grandchildren, Jake Brager of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Josh Brager of Ventura, Jenifer Babe of Kanawha and Che Eisenman, Kaylin Eisenman and Alyssa Eisenman, all of Moreno Valley, California; two sisters, Shirley (Ed) Walicksi of Molt, Montana and Connie (Lloyd) Wooldridge of Jupiter, Florida; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Jeffrey; and infant sister, Sharon.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Merle Borkowski, 77

September 18, 2007

Merle Borkowski, 77, of Elliot, Iowa, died on Saturday, September 15, 2007, at his home northwest of Elliott.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 19, at 10:00 a.m., at the Elliott Church of Christ in Elliott. Burial with military honors will be in the Waveland Township Cemetery. Open visitation was held on Tuesday, at the Duhn Funeral Home in Griswold.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

James L. Thoreson, 71

September 18, 2007

James L. Thoreson, age 71, of Forest City, died on Saturday, September 15, 2007, at his home in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, September 18, at 10:30 a.m., at the Faith Lutheran Church in Miller, with Rose Vissor, Lay Minister officiating.

Burial was in the Lost Island Cemetery in Ruthven, Iowa. Visitation was held on Monday, September 17, 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 L. Thoreson, was born in rural Emmetsburg, Iowa, on December 30, 1935, the son of L. H. and Marmion (Hewitt) Thoreson. He received his education there and graduated from the Emmetsburg High School in 1954. He served in the US Army for two years.

Jim received his BS Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the South Dakota State University in January of 1972. On August 27, 1972, he was married to Twilla Thu at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Graettinger, Iowa.

Jim began working for Winnebago Industries in 1972 and the couple have made their home in Forest City ever since. Jim was an active member of the Lion's Club and involved with scouting, where he was Scoutmaster for several years. As a member of the Faith Lutheran Church, he served on many committees over the years.

He was a wonderful husband, proud father to his sons and a loving grandfather, who treasured time spent with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Twilla Thoreson of Forest City; two sons, Eric (Susan) Thoreson and Brian Thoreson, both of Forest City; his grandchildren, Alyssa, Kassandra and Corey; three sisters, Marilyn Ernst of Waynesville, Missouri, Idelle (Harold) Boomgarden of Gladstone, Missouri and Betty (David) Penn of Pleasant Hill, Iowa; three brothers, Norman (Jeanne) Thoreson of Urbandale, Ronald (Anne) Thoreson of Rhodes, Iowa and Roger Thorson of Graettinger, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Dick Ernest; and three nephews.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Lloyd S. Lovik, 92

September 25, 2007

Lloyd S. Lovik, 92, formerly of the Forest City area, died on Sunday, September 16, 2007, at the Austin Medical Center in Austin, Minnesota.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, September 23, at the Pilot Knob Lutheran Church, rural Forest City, with Rev. Bob Snitzer officiating. Burial took place in the Winnebago Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Lake Mills. Visitation was held on Saturday, September 22, at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home and continued one hour prior to the services at the church on Sunday.

Lloyd Stanley Lovik, was born on March 11, 1915 in rural Forest City, to parents Swen and Hilma (Strand) Lovik. At the age of 5, his family moved just north of Ventura, where he attended the Cerro Gordo County, Grant #4 School.

On January 16, 1938, Lloyd was united in marriage with Mavis Holtan at the Winnebago Lutheran Church Parsonage. The couple made their home in Winnebago County where Lloyd farmed. Mavis passed away on July 5, 1988. Lloyd was later wed to Mary Wilde on September 27, 1988, in Shelbyville, Kentucky.

Lloyd had been a resident of the Adams Health Care Center in Adams, Minnesota, at the time of his death.

Survivors include his wife, Mary of Lyle, Minnesota; a son, Lamar Lovik of Tucson, Arizona; step-son, Timothy (Kim) Wilde of Lyle, Minnesota; five grandchildren, Scott (Laura) Lovik of Clear Lake, Steven Lovik of Memphis, Tennessee, Dana (Perry) Comito of Granger, Iowa, Kristen (Steven) Winter of Granger, Iowa and Holly Lovik of Clear Lake; two step-grandchildren, Emma Wilde and David Wilde; seven great-grandchildren; a brother, Virgil (Romane) Lovik of Fertile; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mavis; a son, Marcus; three daughters, Linda Lovik and two others in infancy; five brothers, Harry, Orville, Norman, Roy and Duane Lovik; and two sisters, Edith Otis and Irene Peterson.

The Mittelstadt Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

William "Bill" C. Madsen, 89

September 25, 2007

William “Bill” Carl Madsen, 78, died on Sunday, September 16, 2007, at the Good Samaritan Society, Algona, Iowa

Funeral services were held at the Good Hope Lutheran Church, Titonka, on Thursday, September 20, with Pastor James Berka and Pastor Russell Reimers officiating. Interment was in the Burt Township Cemetery, Burt, Iowa.

William “Bill” Carl Madsen, was born on November 10, 1928 at Whittemore, Iowa, to William and Mathilda (Ostwald) Madsen. While in high school, Bill moved with his parents to Burt. He graduated from the Burt High School in 1946.

On September 9, 1948, Bill was married to Janet Sage at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Burt. The couple lived in Burt where Bill was an active member of the St. John's Lutheran Church, serving on the church council, and taught Sunday School. He also served on the Volunteer Fire Department and the school board.

Bill did over the road trucking, worked at Pioneer in Algona and also helped build the Kossuth County Court House. Bill later worked at the Burt Elevator until he became Manager of the George Elevator in 1962 where he worked for 9 years. He was an active member of the George community also. The couple moved to Titonka where he managed the Titonka Elevator for 20 years until his retirement. Bill decided to go to work at Winnebago Industries in Forest City, where he worked in the maintenance department for 10 years. He quit in 2001 due to ill health.

Bill was an active member of the Good Hope Lutheran Church, where he served on the church council, taught Sunday School and later taught Adult Bible Study. Bill was a member of the Gideon's, “Chip off the Old Block” Club and a member of “WORMS” - - wobbly old retired managers.

Bill was a Master Gardner, and enjoyed raising gladiolus and vegetables to share with family and church. Bill loved fishing and taught the art of fishing to his children and grandchildren. He was a great carpenter and spent long hours in the shop making things for his wife, children, grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren. Bill was a great inspiration to his family and a true blessing to them. Bill's love for life showed in everything he did.

Survivors include his wife, Janet of Titonka; sons, Robert Madsen and wife, Zoe of Merritt Island, Florida and William Madsen and wife, Pam of Maplewood, Minnesota; daughters, Carolyn and husband, Robert Brandt of Titonka, Barbara and husband, James Thilges of Ottosen, Mary and husband, Rodney Norland of Ionia, Jeannette and husband, Daryl Chapin of Titonka, Shirlee Alt of Algona, Sharon and husband, Brad Bengtson of Titonka, Karla and husband, John Schutter of Titonka and Debi and husband, Jeff Hovey of Titonka; 25 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are brothers and sisters, Merlyn "Red" Madsen and wife, Doris of Burt, Marcella Johnson of Eagle Grove, Evelyn and husband, Thomas Larsen of Jonesboro, Tennessee, Janice and husband, Don Reimers of Burt, Donald Madsen and wife, Pam of Burt and Rosanne and husband, Boyd Shipler of Burt.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his mother-in-law, Edna Weber; brother-in-law, Darrell Johnson; as well as one niece and one nephew.

The Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home of Titonka was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Ann Pals, 89

September 25, 2007

Ann Pals, age 89, of Belmond, passed away on Tuesday, September 18, 2007, at the Belmond Health Care Center, where she most recently resided.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, September 22, at the United Methodist Church in Belmond, with Pastor Tim Platt from the Clarion Church of Christ officiating. Burial was in the Immanuel Reformed Cemetery near Belmond. Visitation was held on Friday, at the Dugger Ewing Funeral Home in Belmond and continued one hour prior to the services at the church.

Ann Cooper, was born on May 22, 1918 in Summersville, Missouri, to George and Minnie (Spencer) Cooper. After completing her education, Ann moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where she worked as a seamstress in a dress factory. When WW II started, she went to work for McCray Norris inspecting bullets for the war. Shortly after the war ended she met and married Johan L. Pals on January 25, 1947. They moved to Belmond, where they have resided for the past 60 years. To this union three children were born, Beverly, Susan and Gary.

Ann was a wonderful homemaker and caregiver to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always placing the needs of others before her own. Many friends and extended family members remember wonderful meals and fellowship at her home. No visitor ever left her home hungry as there was always a meal and dessert for all. She lovingly planted, grew and canned everything she prepared.

Ann loved sewing and making handmade crafts. She was an accomplished seamstress and worked at Winnebago Stitchcraft for fifteen years before retiring in 1984. Ann found beauty in everyday life. Her home was never complete without a bouquet of fresh flowers she had grown. Her faith was very important to her and she enjoyed attending services and sharing fellowship at the Church of Christ in Clarion for the past 60 years.

Ann is survived by her three children, Beverly (Brian) O'Donnell of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, Susan (Ted) Long of Leawood, Kansas and Gary Pals (Darlene Hogan) of Boise, Idaho; three grandchildren, Amy (Derek) Hoffman, Brent O'Donnell and Kaitlin Long; two great-grandchildren, Allie and Devin Hoffman; sister, Pauline (Emil) Jacobs of O'Fallon, Missouri; brother, Homer (Betty) Cooper of Summersville, Missouri; along with several other family members and friends.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Johan on September 5, 2007; nine brothers and sisters, Maudie Connor, Eli Cooper, Velma Martin, Edith Pilkerton, Elmer Cooper, Henry Cooper, Goldie Healey, Bonnie Stuart and Roy Cooper.

A special thank you to Pastor Mike Druhl and the congregation of the Belmond United Methodist Church for allowing us to have the funerals for our mother and father in their facilities.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Elsie A. Fietz, 92

September 25, 2007

Elsie A. Fietz, age 92, of Forest City, died on Wednesday, September 19, 2007, at the Good Samaritan Care Center in Forest City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, September 29, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Rev. Barb Spaulding officiating. Burial will be in the Oakland Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday.

Elsie Amelia Fietz, was born on May 29, 1915, to George and Amelia (Mackus) Repp in Medical Lake, Washington. She was baptized and later confirmed at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Medical Lake. She received her education at the grade school and high school in Medical Lake and also graduated from Waldorf College in 1975. Following graduation from high school she was employed as a clerk in the local Post Office. She was organist at her church until June of 1943 when she married her pastor, Eric Fietz.

After their marriage, Eric was called to serve in the U.S. Air Force Chaplaincy and the couple lived in Harlingen, Texas, Selma, Alabama and Madison, Wisconsin. Eric enrolled at the university, earning his Master's in English and completing the hours for a Doctorate. The family moved to Moorhead, Minnesota where Eric joined the faculty of Concordia College and the family was active in the Peace Lutheran Church in Fargo, North Dakota.

In 1963, the family moved to Forest City to be involved with Waldorf College and the Immanuel Lutheran Church. Eric was head of the English Department at the college.

At Immanuel, Elsie taught Sunday School for a period, was pianist for various groups as needed and served the church women as their President for two years. She also set up the church library card catalog which is still in use. Elsie taught piano for ten years before the time of Eric's retirement from Waldorf. She entered the Good Samaritan Center in January 2001 after Eric's death.

Elsie is survived by her grateful son, David and his wife, Linda of Council Bluffs, Iowa; her grateful daughter, Pauline and her husband, David Gregory of Belgrade, Maine; four grandchildren, Eric Fietz of Council Bluffs, Christopher Fietz of Austin, Texas, Bethany Fietz of Iowa City and Andrew Fietz of Council Bluffs; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Eric; daughter-in-law, Kathleen Fietz; her parents; five sisters (two in infancy); and one brother.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Alice G. Lackore, 76

September 25, 2007

Alice G. Lackore, 76, of Forest City, died on Thursday, September 20, 2007, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, following a brief battle with cancer.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, September 22, at the United Methodist Church in Forest City, with Rev. Jerry Swanberg officiating. Burial was in the Madison Township Cemetery. Visitation was held on Friday, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home and continued one hour prior to the services at the church.

Alice Gloria Lackore, the daughter of Walter George and Christina Inga (Tollefson) Ulve, was born on August 11, 1931 at Lake Mills. She graduated from the Lake Mills High School in 1949. After graduation, she worked at restaurants in Lake Mills and Forest City.

On April 5, 1950, she was married to Duane Eugene Lackore at the Methodist Parsonage in Forest City. They lived on a farm west of Forest City where they raised their family. Alice loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Her granddaughters have many fond memories of her having tea parties with them. She enjoyed visiting with people, flowers, gardening and coffeeing with her friends on Tuesday mornings. Alice found great joy in serving others in the church and community.

She was an active member of the United Methodist Church and UMW. She belonged to the Madison Birthday Club, the Forest City American Legion Auxiliary and TOPS.

Alice is survived by her husband, Duane of Forest City; four children, Bradley Lackore of Forest City, Brian (Valerie) Lackore of Forest City, Debra (Gene) Swanson of Forest City and Kevin (June) Lackore of Forest City; ten grandchildren, Jason (Kelly) Lackore, Kristi (Gary) Smith, Kelly (Cory) Hagensick, Melissa Lackore, Justin Lackore, Wayne Chute, Desirae Swanson, Audrey Swanson, Anthony Lackore and Ashley Lackore; five great-grandchildren; a sister, Luella (Loren) Bolstad of Lake Mills; a brother, Vernon Ulve of Lake Mills; a sister-in-law, Alice Sarie of El Paso, Texas; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Royden, Ellsworth, Marvin and Wilford Ulve; and sisters, Nora Larson and Dorothy Leegaard.

The Petersen Lund Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Lawrence William Borchardt, 74

November 6, 2007

Lawrence William “Bud” Borchardt, Jr., passed away at his home on Lake Jefferson, near Cleveland, Minnesota, on Thursday, September 20, 2007, at the age of 74, after battling with cancer.

A service will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, November 10, 2007, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Cleveland, Minnesota. There will be a luncheon following the service. Funeral arrangements were made by the Le Center Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, Bud wished for donations to be made to either ISJ Mayo Clinic Hospice Program, Mankato, Minnesota or to Our Savior's Lutheran Church Building Fund, Cleveland, Minnesota.

Bud was born at home on July 12, 1933, south of Carpenter, Iowa. A graduate of the Carpenter High School in 1951, he entered the United States Army in 1953, serving with the 93rd Engineers Float Bridge Company and left as a Corporal in 1955. His time in the service was spent between Camp Polk, Louisiana and his final assignment in Germany.

Married to Doris A. Grosland on December 20, 1953, they spent their lives together in Mason City and Forest City and since 1988 in retirement at their lake home near Cleveland, Minnesota.

Upon discharge from the Army, Bud spent his life in the field of construction. He worked at the Home Lumber Company and Gjellafald Construction until he started his own business, Borchardt and Son Construction, from 1968 - 1988 all in Forest City.

Everyone knew Bud as an avid outdoorsman. His entire life, Bud enjoyed duck hunting, fishing, trapping and snowmobiling with his family and friends. He also built furniture for his home and his grandchildren. Bud and Doris enjoyed attending and participating in the busy lives of their boys' school activities sharing special times with family and friends at these events. As proud grandparents, they continued to participate in the lives and activities of their grandchildren, and made many friends in Chicago, Denver and Des Moines.

Doris, Bud's wife of 53 years, and their three sons, Craig (Minneapolis), Paul (Chicago) and Brian (Des Moines) survive him. Beloved father-in-law to Sheri, Mary and Julia.  Dear grandfather to Molly, Ryan, Tyler, Maxwell, Ida, Tiffany and Christopher. Proud great-grandfather of Keagan.  Brother of Gaylis Tenold.

Preceded in death by his mother and father, Lawrence and Rose; and his only daughter, Susan.

Bud touched the lives of many people over the years through his work, hobbies, children and grandchildren, and the outpouring of prayers, sympathy, support and kind thoughts and deeds that you all have shown us has been a blessing to the family.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Muriel L. Cooper, 88

September 25, 2007

Muriel L. Cooper, 88, of Clear Lake, died on Friday, September 21, 2007, at her home.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, September 23, 2007, at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, with Rev. Ed Bard officiating. A graveside service was in the Madison Township Cemetery, Forest City. Visitation was held one hour before the service at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel.

Muriel was born on October 16, 1918 in Kanawha, the daughter of Bert and Alma (Erickson) Larson. She graduated from the Kanawha High School in 1936. She married William Cooper on September 20, 1937 in Kanawha. They farmed in the Kanawha and Ventura areas.

She worked for the Ventura Schools until moving to Forest City in 1967, where she worked for Waldorf College and the Forest City Bakery. In 1977, Bill and Muriel retired and moved to Mountain Home, Arkansas, living there until 1986 when they moved to Clear Lake.

Muriel was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church. She enjoyed sewing quilt blocks for her church, her garden to share with family and friends, growing flowers, her cat, Cuddles and especially spending time with family.

She is survived by two children, Wayne Cooper and his wife, Jean of West Des Moines and Vicki Anderson and her husband, William of Clear Lake; six grandchildren, Gregory Cooper of Oskaloosa, Michelle Lane of Gretna, Nebraska, Kimberly Cooper of West Des Moines, Chad Willis of Des Moines, Stephanie Willis of Clear Lake and Brent Willis of Klemme; three great-grandchildren, Jamie, Katie and Emily.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William; son, Dennis; brother, Tolfred Larson; and sisters, Irene Benson and Bernice Williams.

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

Dorothy A. Goodmanson, 77

September 25, 2007

Dorothy Ann Goodmanson, 77, of Austin, Minnesota, died on Saturday, September 22, at the Sacred Heart Care Center in Austin.

Funeral services will be held  at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, September 26, at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Austin, Minnesota. Interment will be in the Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Clasen-Jordan Mortuary, on Tuesday, from 5-8:00 p.m. and at the church for one hour before the service on Wednesday.

Dorothy was born on January 3, 1930 at Fertile, Iowa, the daughter of Henry and Cora (Revland) Halvorson. She graduated from high school in 1947 and attended the North Iowa Teachers College in Cedar Falls. She was married to Lloyd Goodmanson on December 12, 1950 at Fertile.

The mother of three, Dorothy worked for many years in clothing sales at Fantles and Leutholds in Austin, where she could use her eye for design and her love of color and fine fabrics. A member of the St. Olaf Lutheran Church, she participated in circle and worked with the quilters, she also served as Chairman of the “Helping Hands” for several years, coordinating funeral receptions.

Dorothy was an accomplished musician in her early years and won a national award in clarinet performance. She loved to travel and among her many hobbies she enjoyed sewing, cooking, baking, gardening and entertaining.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lloyd; and a sister who died at birth.

Survived by her children, Brian and Marcia Goodmanson of Rochester, Minnesota, Lynn and Nels Peterson of Park Rapids, Minnesota and Gary Goodmanson of Austin, Minnesota; grandchildren, Paul and Erik Goodmanson, Christopher and Jon Peterson and Evan Goodmanson; sisters and brother-in-law, Arlene Ingebritson of Lake Mills, Laurie and Gene Smit of Sheffield, Iowa; and also nieces and nephews.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Roger D. Kamp, 67

September 25, 2007

Roger D. Kamp, 67, of Forest City, died on Saturday, September 22, 2007, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Thursday, September 27, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City, with Rev. John Planz officiating. Burial will be in the Madison Township Cemetery. Military rites will be provided by the Forest City Veterans Ceremonial Unit.

Visitation will be held from 4-7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the funeral home and will continue one hour prior to the services on Thursday.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Rob Michael Bednarz, 39

September 25, 2007

Rob Michael Bednarz, 39, of Wauconda, Illinois, passed away suddenly late Sunday, September 23, 2007, at the Good Shepherd Hospital, Barrington, Illinois.

Rob, the son of Joe Bednarz of Zucca Valley, California and Leanne Castillo of Britt, Iowa, was born on August 22, 1968 at Buffalo Center, Iowa.

He attended St. John Schools in Bancroft and the Britt High School, graduating in 1987. He received a Bachelor's Degree form UNI, Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Rob married Dr. Kelly Paulsen in St. Charles, Illinois on September 24, 2000.

He is survived by his wife, Kelly and daughter, Iris; father, Joe Bednarz and mother, Leanne Castillo; two brothers, John Bednarz of West Des Moines and Tom Bednarz of Waukee, Iowa; nine sisters, Barb Goecke of Algona, Katherine Ritchie of Waukee, Jan Christensen of Palm Desert, California, Angie Curell of Tucson, Arizona, Theresa Gerdis of Florissant, Colorado, Dr. Mary Jo Palmer of Oakton, Virginia, Peggy Shellenberg of Algona, Dr. Sandra Bednarz and Sharon Stromer, both of Britt; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends.

Funeral services are pending in Wauconda, Illinois.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

C. Dean Hetland, 70

October 23, 2007

C. Dean Hetland, 70, of Ellsworth, died on Sunday, September 23, 2007, in his tractor on the family farm.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, September 27, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Ellsworth. Burial was in the Homewood Cemetery, Ellsworth. The American Legion Post #4 of Hubbard conducted the military rites. The Boeke Funeral Home in Radcliffe was in charge of the arrangements.

Carroll Dean Hetland, was born on the family farm east of Ellsworth on September 25, 1936, the son of Orville and Elsie Larson Hetland. He was a member of the Boy Scouts as a child and was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Ellsworth. He attended school in Ellsworth and graduated from the Radcliffe High School in 1955. He graduated from Waldorf College in 1957. He and Janice Thompson were married on May 28, 1958.

In March of 1958, Dean joined the Army Airborne and for two years was stationed in Fort Carson, Colorado, Fort Ord, California, Anchorage, Alaska, West Point in New York and at Fort Bragg Army Base in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where he was a paratrooper.

Dean was actively involved in farming. He enjoyed playing baseball, woodworking, coffee hour with his friends and spending time with family, especially his grandchildren.

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his wife, Janice; children, Lori Crouse of Ellsworth, Dan Hetland and wife, Alana of Ankeny and Troy Hetland and wife, Jessica of Polk City; five grandchildren, Adam, Cheri and Brandon Crouse, Ariana and Lauren Hetland; along with many other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Ada (Colby) Youngerman, 95

October 2, 2007

Ada Youngerman, age 95, of Osage, died on Tuesday, September 25, 2007, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

Funeral services were held on Monday, October 1 , 2007, at the United Church of Christ in Osage, with Rev. Robert Melhorn officiating. Burial was in the Osage Cemetery. Visitation was on Sunday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage and continued one hour before the services at the church.

Ada was born on April 1, 1912 at Lake Mills, the daughter of George and Nettie (Ingebretson) Colby. Ada graduated as valedictorian from the Leland High School in 1930, and then with a degree from Waldorf College in 1932. She worked for Standard Oil in Mason City where she met her husband, Bernard. They were married May 14, 1939 in Leland.

They then moved to Eldora, Iowa and helped run Youngerman Hardware store for two years. They then lived in Hammond, Indiana, and Kenosha, Wisconsin, with Bernard working for Standard Oil in both of these locations. While in Kenosha, Ada worked for the Jockey Corporation, the Kenosha National Bank and the Brown National Bank. Upon Bernard's retirement in 1972, they moved to Osage.

Ada enjoyed gardening. She was a member of the Sweet Adelines and Sons of Norway.

Ada is survived by two daughters, Phyllis Youngerman of Lexington, Kentucky and Suzanne (Michael) Loberger of Blaine, Minnesota; one granddaughter, Barbara (David) Hathaway of Kenosha, Wisconsin; two great-granddaughters, Valerie and Jorie.

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

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Arlene Friest, 82

October 2, 2007

Arlene Friest, 82, died on Wednesday, September 26, 2007, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Monday, October 1, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Buffalo Center, with Perry Aalgaard officiating. Interment was in the Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City. The Winter Funeral Home and Cremation Service was in charge of the services.

Arlene was born on June 22, 1925 in rural Leland, to Clarence and Inez (Mathews) Norstrud. She was baptized and confirmed at the West Prairie Lutheran Church. She graduated from the Forest City High School in 1944.

On June 9, 1946, she was united in marriage to Adolph M. Friest Jr. at the West Prairie Lutheran Church. Jr. and Arlene started farming in the Leland area. In 1950 they rented a farm in Eden Township. In 1951 they purchased their farm in Lincoln Township and farmed there until Jr. changed professions and became an independent insurance agent and real estate broker. They built their office in Rake in 1964, but remained on the farm until 1970 when they moved into Rake.

When Jr. retired from the business in 1980, they moved to Hackensack, Minnesota, where they enjoyed 8 years of fishing and entertaining friends and family at their home on Woman Lake. They enjoyed wintering in Arizona and Texas during that time. By 1980 they decided to return to Winnebago County and purchased a acreage in rural Buffalo Center. Following Jr.'s death in 1994, Arlene moved to her home in Buffalo Center.

Arlene was a very active member in her communities and churches where she lived. Her deep Christian faith was evident in all aspects of her daily life.

She is survived by her children, Darryl (Sandi) Friest of Wadena, Minnesota, Kathy (Charles) Bonifas of Sartell, Minnesota, Pat (Richard) Shaw of Madelia, Minnesota and Ed Friest of Charles City; aunt, Ovila Metzger of Forest City; sister, Vivian Wigen of Hutchinson, Minnesota; 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, with twins due in November; and numerous relatives and friends.

Arlene was preceded in death by her husband, Jr.; her parents; infant brother, Raymond; brother, Elwood Norstrud; grandson, Marcus Bonifas; and great-great-grandson, Kaden Bachman.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Irene M. Hinders, 92

October 2, 2007

Irene M. Hinders, 92, of Woden, died on Wednesday, September 26, 2007, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services were held on Monday, October 1, 2007, at the Woden Christian Reformed Church, with Rev. Joel DeBoer officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Hospice of North Iowa or to the donor's choice. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Irene Mae Hinders, the daughter of Fred and Mamie (Gilster) Reitter, was born on May 9, 1915, on a farm northwest of Britt. She attended the rural schools near her home. On January 27, 1937 she was married to Theodore “Ted” Hinders at her parents' farm home. They lived in Woden where they raised their family.

Ted and Irene owned and operated Hinders' Feed and Supply Store in Woden until their retirement. After Ted passed away in 1994, Irene continued to live in her home in Woden. For 29 years she wintered in McAllen, Texas.

Irene enjoyed playing games with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, flowers and baking apple pie.

She was a member of the Woden Christian Reformed Church Ladies Aid and the Woden Senior Citizens.

Irene is survived by four children and their families, Marlyn (Marilynn) Hinders of Mexico and their three children, Doreen (Rob) Rominger, Michael (Chris) Hinders and Duane and his two children, Julia and Thomas; son, Ron (Grace) Hinders of Torrance, California and their daughter, Dr. Joyce (Corey) Leon and their two sons, Hazen and Zylus; daughter, Jeanette Giddings of Omaha, Nebraska and her three daughters, Brenda (Steve) Eckels and their three children, Erin, Seth and Ashley, Michelle (Scott) Hawkes and their four children, Morgan, Matthew, Scott, Jr. and Mitchell, Jeanne (Bill) Beshlian and their two daughters, Isabella and Aubrie; son, Terry Hinders and friend, Sharon of Omaha, Nebraska and his daughter, Tammi Hinders and her fiancée, Jeremy Hunter; as well as many relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ted on October 29, 1994; parents; a son-in-law, Merle Giddings; a daughter-in-law, Sharilyn Hinders; an infant sister, Evelyn; and a sister, Ruth (George) Eilts.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Martha E. Cooper, 94

October 2, 2007

Martha E. (VanderPloeg) Cooper, 94, of Garner, died on Wednesday, September 26, 2007, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, October 1, at the Garner Evangelical Free Church, with Rev. Terry Baxter officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.   

Martha Elizabeth (VanderPloeg) Cooper, the daughter of Ralph and Gertrude (Howlett) Whitney, was born on November 6, 1912 at Britt. At the age of 16, she accepted the Lord as her personal Savior at a special meeting at the Evangelical Free Church. She graduated from the Britt High School in 1931 and continued her education at the Britt Junior College. Martha then taught country school at Erin No.1 for four years. 

On June 3, 1936, she was married to Sam VanderPloeg at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. They made their home in rural Britt where they raised their four children. Sam passed away on October 26, 1970. On May 7, 1977 she was married to Albert Cooper at the Evangelical Free Church in Britt. They lived in Britt for a year before moving to Kanawha. 

After Albert passed away in 1997, she moved back to Britt and later to the Prairie View Apartments in Garner. In 2003, she moved to Cardinal Grove and in 2005 to the Concord Care Center in Garner. 

Martha enjoyed gardening, needlework, quilting and loved to bake and cook. She was well known for her caramel rolls.

She was a member of the Garner Evangelical Free Church. In her younger years she was active in WMS, White Cross, church choir, Child Evangelism Club and was a leader in the Friendship Bible Coffees. She also belonged to the Happy Homemakers Birthday Club.

Martha is survived by her four children, Roger (Marilyn) VanderPloeg of Mason City, Robert (Kathryn) VanderPloeg of Lindsay, Oklahoma, Vance (Gail) VanderPloeg of Greybull, Wyoming and Mary Beth (Wayne) Fleis of  Greendale, Wisconsin; step-children, Anita (Dave) Brink of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Larry (Jan) Cooper of Kanawha, Bonita (Jim) Geerdes of Wellsburg and Terry (Lynn) Cooper of Thatcher, Arizona; grandchildren, Marlys (Curt) Schwaderer, Judith (Charles) Rush, Linda VanderPloeg, Todd (Kathreen) VanderPloeg, Mark (Karrie Jo) VanderPloeg, Brian (Heather) VanderPloeg, Shawn VanderPloeg,  Daniel (Julie) VanderPloeg, Steve (Misty) VanderPloeg, TJ VanderPloeg and Mariam (Chris) Cass; twenty great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Sam and Albert; her parents; and brothers, Orville, Charles and Wayne Whitney.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Slo Freight Ben Sankey, 96

October 2, 2007

Benita J. “Slo Freight Ben” Sankey, 96, of the Buchanan County Healthcare Center in Independence, formerly of Jesup, died on Friday, September 28, 2007, at her daughter's home in Raymond, of natural causes.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, October 2, at the First United Methodist Church in Jesup, with cremation following. Visitation was held from 4-9:00 p.m., on Monday, at the Kearns, Huisman-Schumacher Chapel on Kimball in Waterloo and one hour prior to the services at the church.

She was born on March 22, 1911 in Lamont, daughter of Ray F. and Susie M. Miner Blackburn. She married Donald Sankey on December 25, 1931, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. He preceded her in death on October 15, 1956.

Mrs. Sankey was an LPN, employed as a private duty nurse for 15 years, retiring in 1976. She was in the first graduating class of LPN's at the Hawkeye Institute of Technology in 1957. Benita was dubbed Slo Freight Ben Grand Duchess of the Hobos in 1981, and was elected Queen of the Hobo's at the National Hobo Convention in Britt in 1984, 1989 and 1999. She was proclaimed "Iowa Hobo Queen for Life" and in 2007 was proclaimed "Keeper of the Unknown Hobo Grave".

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Jesup, the Izaak Walton League, and the National Hobo Association.

Survivors include one son, George (Charlene) Sankey of Indianola; one daughter, Carole (Lester) Van Brocklin of Raymond; one sister, Verniece King of Allison; 23 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one son, Leslie Sankey; twin granddaughters; and two brothers, Richard and Hubert Blackburn.
© 2007 Forest City Summit