Evangeline Kelly, 92

January 15, 2008

Evangeline Kelly, 92, of Britt, passed away on Thursday, January 3, 2008, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, January 8, at 10:30 a.m., at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Britt, with Rev. Henry Huber officiating. Burial was in the St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery. Visitation was held on Monday, January 7, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Ewing Dugger Funeral Chapel in Britt and one hour prior to the services at the church. The Catholic Daughters lead the Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

Evangeline Agnes (Cruise) Kelly, was born in Wesley, Iowa to Eva (Aldrich) Cruise and John T. Cruise on September 10, 1915. She was educated at the St. Joseph's Academy and the Wesley Public High School. She also attended Iowa State Teacher's College for 2.5 terms.

Evangeline taught in the Country School System for Kossuth, Humboldt and Hancock Counties for eight years. Later in her career, she was a special reading instructor for six years and also did substitute teaching in Indianapolis, Indiana. She later was the Librarian for the Springfield, Ohio library system for two years and served as a Librarian in St. Paul, Minnesota for eight years. In addition, she served in many volunteer functions such as the Care Center in St. Paul and the Food Program for the homeless in the St. Paul area.

Evangeline was a member of the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Britt, where she was very active in Catholic Daughters. She was also involved with the Retired Teachers' Association, K.C. Auxiliary, Rosary Guild, Hancock County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Minnesota Historical Society, Iowa Historical Society, Hancock County Historical Society and the Friends of the Public Library. 

On January 3, 1946, Evangeline married Ensign Robert T. Kelly at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Britt and this union was blessed with two children, Elizabeth Eleanor Kelly Gigax and Paula Marie Kelly. Upon Robert's retirement she returned to Britt after having lived in Wesley, Britt, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Minnesota. When Evangeline retired the couple enjoyed traveling in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Evangeline is survived by her two daughters, Elizabeth (Ken) Gigax and Paula Kelly; along with several other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert on January 15, 2007; two brothers, Vincent Cruise and James Cruise; five sisters, Kathryn Ewing, Phyllis Mullin, Donna Dwyer, Patricia Myhr and Jean May.
© 2008 Forest City Summit

Helen Erickson, 92

January 8, 2008

Helen Erickson, 92 of Lake Mills, Iowa, died on Saturday, January 5, 2008, in Lake Mills.

A memorial ceremony for Helen will be held at a later date.
© 2008 Forest City Summit

Rose Francis, 79

January 15, 2008

Rose M. Francis, 79, of Britt, died on Saturday, January 5, 2008, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt, following a short battle with cancer.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, January 8, at the United Methodist Church in Britt, with Rev. Robert Dodge and Rev. Jim Allard, Hospice Chaplain, officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the Hospice of North Iowa or the West Hancock Ambulance Service.

Rose Marie Francis, the daughter of Vincent H. and Ella Murre (Earles) Fillenwarth was born on November 23, 1928 at Britt. She graduated from the Britt High School in 1945. On September 8, 1946, she was united in marriage to Duane Francis at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. To this union, four children were born, Connie, Bonnie, Larry and Jerry. Rose and Duane lived in Britt their entire 61 years of married life. 

She enjoyed visiting with friends, crocheting, camping, bowling and, especially, spending time with her family. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Britt and the Britt American Legion Auxiliary.

Rose is survived by her husband, Duane of Britt; four children and their families, daughter, Connie (Dorance) Hefte of Cassville, Wisconsin and their three children, Kim (Scott) McKnight and their son, Nikolas of North Liberty, Meghan (Chad) Howell and their two sons, Tyler and Alexander of Davenport and Andrew (Laura) Hefte of Olathe, Kansas; son, Larry Francis of Britt and his two daughters, Nicole Francis of Marion and Jennifer Francis (Casey Swanson) and their three children, Madison, Dylan and Averie of Marion; daughter, Bonnie (Arlen) Olson of Alexander and their son, Travis Olson of Grimes; son, Jerry (Ronda) Francis of Britt and their three sons, Joshua (RaeLynn) Francis of Britt, Michael (Heather) Francis and their daughter, Brooklyn, of Britt and Daniel Francis of Britt; three sisters, June Hauser, Judy Brunsvold and Fern (August) Schmidt; a brother-in-law, Darrell Francis of Britt; and a sister-in-law, Donna Bunday of Mason City.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Vernon and Paul Fillenwarth; an infant grandson, Zackary Olson; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Ralph Hauser, Robert Brunsvold, Frank (Emma) Francis, Irene Francis, Ralph Bunday, Eithel (Henry) Hanson, Geraldine (Russell) Crapser and Betty Jones.
© 2008 Forest City Summit

Anna M. Snyder, 81

January 15, 2008

Anna M. Snyder, age 81, of Forest City, died on Tuesday, January 8, 2008, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Friday, January 11, at the Calvary Baptist Church in Forest City, with Pastor Douglas Farrell officiating. Burial was in the Madison Township Cemetery in rural Forest City. Visitation was held an hour prior to the service at the church. The Petersen Lund Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Anna Mae Snyder, was born on a farm in Winnebago County, on January 13, 1926, the daughter of Andrew and Mary (Peterson) Smith. She attended rural school near her home and graduated from the Forest City High School. She furthered her education at Northwestern College in Minneapolis. Following her graduation, she returned to Forest City and worked at the Olson Furniture Store.

She later moved to Ottumwa, Iowa where she met her future husband, Albert Snyder. They were married on May 21, 1954 at the Calvary Baptist Church in Forest City. To this union two children were born, Faith Ann and John.

Albert and Anna Mae served churches in Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois and Kansas before retiring in 1990 and moved to Forest City. Anna was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church where she loved helping with the AWANA program.

Anna Mae had a life-long love of music and it permeated every part of her life. She loved playing the piano and giving music lessons. In her later years, much of her life was dedicated to prayer, for her family and friends as well as a variety of other causes.

Anna Mae is survived by her children, Faith Snyder of Evansville, Indiana and John (Elaine) Snyder of Watertown, Minnesota; two grandchildren, Zachary and Micah Snyder; four sisters, Melba Stumbo of Perham, Minnesota, Frances Cole of Ames, Gladys Stumbo of Boone and Doris Johnson of Forest City; and many nieces and nephews.

Anna Mae was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Pastor Albert Snyder who died on July 24, 2007; brothers, Harold, Lloyd, Glen and Merle Smith; and a sister, Lucille Myre.
© 2008 Forest City Summit

Irene M. Barkema, 89

January 15, 2008

Irene M. Barkema, 89, of Forest City, died on Thursday, January 10, 2008, at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Monday, January 14, at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel in Garner, with Rev. Bruce Barber, Irene's son-in-law officiating. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery in Garner. Visitation was held on Sunday, January 13, at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel in Garner. Memorials may be directed to the Hospice of North Iowa.

Irene Marjorie Barkema, the daughter of Rollie and Thea (Thompson) Romp, was born on June 15, 1918 at Ames. She spent her early life in Jewell and then moved to Garner where she graduated from the Garner High School in 1936. Irene married Harvey Barkema on December 8, 1945 at the United Methodist Church in Garner, after Harvey returned from service in WW II. They were engaged for four years while Harvey served his country in the US Army in the Pacific Theater.

Harvey and Irene made their first home in Klemme where Harvey was employed by the Klemme Creamery for seven years. In 1953, Harvey and Irene moved to a farm east of Klemme where they began farming. In 1957, they moved to a farm west of Forest City where they farmed until 1981. After they left the farm, Irene enjoyed traveling with Harvey delivering motor homes for Winnebago Industries. Irene was a mother to six children, Ronnie Roy born in 1946, who lived only one day, Lon Harvey born in 1948, Ned Hauko, born in 1954, Tom Ray, born in 1959, and Lisa Ann and Lori Ann, born in 1961.

Irene loved her family and worked hard to care for them. She was a born teacher. She spent many hours playing school and reading with her children. Irene and Harvey believed in education and were proud of the accomplishments of their children and grandchildren. Irene found great pleasure in playing the piano and singing hymns. She had a beautiful singing voice and a charming laugh. Irene also enjoyed many different craft activities, especially crocheting.

Irene attended the Calvary Baptist Church in Forest City, where she made many good friends.

Irene is survived by her husband, Harvey of Forest City; five children, Lon (Jacque) Barkema of Mason City, Ned (Deb) Barkema of Franklin, Ohio, Tom Barkema of Forest City, Lisa (Bruce) Barber of Bedford, Texas and Lori Barkema of Cedar Rapids; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a brother, Bill (Lila) Romp; and a sister-in law, Barb Romp.

She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant son, Ronnie Roy; a sister, Fern Pruyn; and three brothers, Marlin, Lee Roy and Tom Romp.
© 2008 Forest City Summit

Mahila Young, 81

January 15, 2008

Mahila Young, age 81, of Forest City, died on Thursday, January 10, 2008, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, January 13, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City, with Pastor Gary Johnson and Lay Pastor Rose Visser officiating. Burial was in the Madison Township Cemetery in Forest City. Visitation was held on Sunday, January 13 and continued until time of service at the funeral home.

Mahaila L. Young, was born on February 24, 1926, the daughter of Edward and Alvina Grunzke. She received her education in rural schools near her home. She was united in marriage to Edwin H. Putz and the couple settled on a farm near Miller. They were members of the Faith Lutheran Church in Miller.

In 1969 the couple moved to Arizona for a year. They returned to Forest City and made their home on an acreage north of town.

For many years, Mae worked as a cashier for the local grocery stores. She loved to dance and was an avid reader. Since 1996 she has lived at the Town Square Apartments. The highlight of her day was enjoying coffee with friends at Hardees. She liked to travel and went to Arizona often to see her son.

Mahaila is survived by her son, Mike Putz of Dewey, Arizona; her daughter, Bonnie (Paul) Schott of Backus, Minnesota; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren (with another one joining the family very soon); a sister, Gladys Swehla of Wells, Minnesota; a brother, Dr. Marvin (Eunice) Grunzke of Montgomery, Alabama; sister-in-law, Helen Grunzke of Wells, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews.

Mahaila was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her son, Curtiss Putz; and brothers, Donald and Clarence Grunzke.
© 2008 Forest City Summit

Gerald R. Hanna, 63

January 15, 2008

Gerald “Jerry” R. Hanna, 63, Tulsa, Oklahoma, formerly of Forest City,  passed away on Thursday, January 10,  2008, at the St. John's Medical Center, Tulsa.

A celebration of Jerry's life will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, January 16, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Reverend Wayne Hagen officiating. Visitation will be held from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake. Visitation will also be held one hour before the service at the church on Wednesday. The Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel was in charge of the arrangements.

Jerry was born on August 22, 1944 in Forest City, Iowa, to Harold and Vivian (Dahlby) Hanna. He attended school in Buffalo Center and served in the United States Navy. He owned and operated Hanna Construction in Forest City until moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1997. In Tulsa, he was employed as a Housing Inspector for the Creek Indian Nation. 

He enjoyed celebrations with family and friends, time near the lake, country music, horses, home projects, bird watching, and fishing. His family wrote Jerry's incredible work ethic, playful disposition, and generosity were an inspiration to his family. He lived his life with sincerity and bravery.

Jerry was married to Judith Berkland, the mother of Jennifer, Jeffery, Jason and Joni. She passed away in 1977. He was married to Margo Osborn (Heywood) on March 3, 1978 in Ventura. He became a step-father to C.J., Julie, and Jill. 

Jerry is survived by his wife, Margo (Heywood) Hanna; children, Joni Miller and husband, Richard of Forest City, Jeff Hanna and friend, Brenda Katz of Clear Lake, Jill Kramer and husband, Mike of Garner, Julie Bradshaw and husband, Jason of Clear Lake and C.J. Osborn and wife, Pam of Newton, Iowa; and thirteen grandchildren; one sister, Janeane Flugum of Orange, Texas; three brothers, Steve Hanna and wife, Betty of Crystal Lake, Vance Hanna of Harrison, Arkansas and Keith Hanna and wife, Kendra of Northfield, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by a son and daughter, Jason and Jennifer; first wife, Judith; parents, Harold and Vivian; and step-father, Art Cepeda; and grand-daughter, Savannah Bradshaw.
© 2008 Forest City Summit

Evelyn Tjarks, 82

January 15, 2008

Evelyn L. Tjarks, 82, of Britt, passed away on Friday, January 11, 2008, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 16, at 1:30 p.m., at the Woden Christian Reformed Church near Woden, with Pastor Joel DeBoer officiating. Burial will be in the Woden Christian Reformed Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 15, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Ewing Dugger Funeral Chapel in Britt and continue one hour prior to the services at the church on Wednesday.

Evelyn Lucille Tjarks, the daughter of Edd and Christena (Nieman) Luppen, was born on July 3, 1925 near Kanawha, Iowa. She attended country school near her home and graduated from the Kanawha High School in 1943. After graduation, Evelyn attended the Iowa State Teacher's College for one year. She then moved back to Kanawha and began working at the Drug Store until she was married.

Evelyn was united in marriage with James T. Tjarks on June 29, 1948 at the Kanawha Christian Reformed Church. After they were married the couple farmed on the family farm until 1993 when they moved into Britt.

Evelyn was a member of the Woden Christian Reformed Church where she was very active in the Ladies Aid, helped as a Sunday School Teacher and with the Calvinettes. She was also a 4-H Leader and helped with Music Boosters when her children were in school.

Evelyn was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved spending time with family and friends especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Evelyn enjoyed quilting and sewing and had three main priorities in lifeŠfaith, family and farming.

Evelyn is survived by her children, Wayne (Jean) Tjarks of Holland, Michigan, LaDonna (Wally) Mulder of Edmonton, Alberta, Joyce Tjarks of Wesley and Marlin (Deanne) Tjarks of Wesley; grandchildren, Joel Tjarks, Karina (Brian) Schebor, Kenton (Nicole) Tjarks, Krista (Rob) Severn, Justin (Cheryl) Mulder, Ryan Mulder, Heidi Tjarks and Eva Tjarks; 5 great-grandchildren; brother, Edward (Billie) Luppen of Kanawha; sister, Marlene Brooks of Britt; brother-in-law, Henry (Anna) Tjarks of Britt; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jim on July 25, 2006; sister, Ardell (John) Kruger; and an infant sister.
© 2008 Forest City Summit

Donald Reisetter, 83

January 15, 2008

Donald Reisetter, age 83, of Forest City, died on Friday, January 11, 2008, at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, January 15, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Pastor Barb Spaulding officiating. Burial was in the Madison Township Cemetery in rural Forest City, with graveside military rites conducted by the Forest City American Legion and the Leland VFW. Visitation was held on Monday, January 14, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City and an hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City.

Don was born on December 16, 1924 in Radcliffe, Iowa, the son of Archie and Percy (Bergeson) Reisetter. Don graduated from the Radcliffe High School in 1942, attended Waldorf College and graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in advertising, and served two terms in the United States Navy. On February 28, 1953, he was united in marriage to Cleone Peterson. Don's entire professional life was the advertising manager at the Forest City Summit for nearly 40 years.

Don served within many organizations including the Forest City Jaycees, Forest City Parent Teacher Association, Winnebago County March of Dimes, a member of the Forest City Veterans of Foreign Wars, Forest City Chamber of Commerce, Forest City Frontier Days Committee, Waldorf College Alumni Association, Forest City Parks & Recreation, the Forest City Men's Bowling Association, was a member of the Forest City Barbershop Chorus, and a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Don was an avid golfer and bowler, had two holes in one, and was inducted in the Forest City Bowling Hall of Fame in 2004, loved to play cards, shoot pool and loved to sing, especially hymns. Don also loved baseball and was a lifetime fan of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Don will be remembered for his sense of humor, his competitive nature and was admired by many for his sheer determination and upbeat attitude. Don's Christian faith was evident in his battle with Parkinson's disease for over twenty years. Don enjoyed his years at the Good Samaritan Center and the Manly Care Center, and while a resident in Manly, wrote his autobiography.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Cleone of Forest City; a daughter, Barbara Andrews of Sacramento, California; a son, Douglas and his wife, Mary of Forest City; three grandchildren, Marika and Jeremy Andrews of Sacramento, California and Melissa Reisetter of Forest City; three brothers, Eugene (Lois) Reisetter of Grinnell, Carrol (Thora) Reisetter of Ellsworth and Howard (Naomi) Reisetter of Story City; two sisters, Phyllis Oakland of Story City and Joyce Hughes of Des Moines; a sister-in-law, Elaine Thompson of West Union; and many nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers-in-law, Henry Oakland, John V. Thompson and Duane Peterson; and a sister-in-law, Verna Peterson.
© 2008 Forest City Summit

Keith Muchow, 73

January 15, 2008

Keith Sander Muchow, 73, of Clear Lake, died on Sunday, January 13, 2008, at the Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa, Mason City. 

A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 18, at 10:30 a.m., at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake. Family will greet friends beginning at 9:30 a.m. Inurnment will be in the Postville Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be given to the Children's Shrine Hospital in Minneapolis. 

Keith was born on May 20, 1934 in Postville, Iowa, the son of Walter R. and Caroline (Sander) Muchow. He graduated from the Postville High School. He married Marietta VanWey on August 12, 1951 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa.   

Keith loved flying. He was a pilot for 52 years, achieving many ratings to become a corporate pilot, retiring in December 2004 from Winnebago Industries as their pilot. After retirement, he had continued to fly for many corporations throughout the country. He had flown as recently as two weeks prior to his death. He was a member of the El Kahir Flying Fez and Quiet Birdmen and other flying organizations. 

Keith is survived by his wife, Marietta Muchow of Clear Lake; five children, Connie Muchow and her husband, Mike Wilson of Waterloo, Carolyn Muchow of Peoria, Arizona, James Muchow and his wife, Reva of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Lisa King and her husband, Dana of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and Scott Muchow of Forest City; four grandchildren, Tyler Wilson, Aubin Wilson, Austin King and Hannah King; two great-grandchildren, Jayden and Jayce Reed; two brothers, Dale Muchow of Brandford, Florida and Lee Muchow and his wife, Beverly of Bellflower, California; and sister-in-law, Bonnie Muchow of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 

Keith was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bob Muchow; and sister-in-law, Chene Muchow.
© 2008 Forest City Summit

Myrtle B. Hanson, 87

January 22, 2008

Myrtle B. Nelson Hanson, age 87, of Forest City, died on Sunday, January 13, 2008, at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, January 17, 2008, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Pastor Barbara Spaulding officiating. Visitation was held on Wednesday, January 16, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home and an hour prior to the services at the church. Inurnment will be in the spring in the Madison Township Cemetery in rural Forest City. The family requests memorials be directed to the Good Samaritan Center.

Myrtle Beatrice Nelson Hanson, the daughter of Baleis A. and Clarissa (Gambell) Simmons, was born on June 18, 1920 in Forest City. She attended the Madison Country School through the 8th grade. She married LeRoy M. Nelson at Bethany, Missouri on October 17, 1942. To this union three children were born, Janice, Jerel and Joyce.

Myrtle and LeRoy farmed in the Joice, Lake Mills and Britt areas. They moved to Forest City in 1959 to a house where the nursing home is now located. Myrtle was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, the Rebekah Lodge and the Red Hat Society at the Good Samaritan Center.

LeRoy died in 1988. On June 18, 1990, Myrtle was married to Everett Hanson at the Immanuel Lutheran Church. He passed away on July 28, 2001.

Over the years, Myrtle worked at the Bungalow Cafe, Johnsons Drug, Bills Red Owl and Bills Greenhouse. She also volunteered at the Good Samaritan Center.

Myrtle resided at the Town Square Apartments in Forest City from 1997 through 2001. She then moved to the Summit House in Britt, where she lived from 2001 to 2006. In February 2006, she entered the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City where she resided until her death.

Myrtle is survived by her three children, Janice (James) Kirschbaum of Crystal Lake, Jerel (Miriam) Nelson of Omaha, Nebraska and Joyce Gradoville of Omaha, Nebraska; nine grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; and a great-granddaughter, Bailey Schneckenberger.
© 2008 Forest City Summit

Gordon E. Hall, 88

January 29, 2008

Gordon E. Hall, age 88, of Forest City, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, January 23, 2008.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, January 26, at the Calvary Baptist Church in Forest City, with Pastor Douglas Farrell officiating. Burial was in the Madison Township Cemetery, in rural Forest City. Visitation was held at the Calvary Baptist Church on Saturday prior to the service. The family requests memorials be directed to the Calvary Baptist Church Missionary Fund or the Hospice of North Iowa. The Petersen Lund Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Gordon Elvon Hall, was born in Jewell, Iowa on February 26, 1919, the fourth of Ben and Julia Hall's six children. He attended kindergarten in a country school and elementary school at the Hanlontown Public School. He graduated from the Forest City High School, sixth in a class of over sixty. He then drove a cream route in Mt. Valley and Ellington Townships for five years before buying a farm ten miles west of Forest City.

On December 24, 1942, he married Marjorie Hobbs at the Calvary Baptist Church. Gordon served his community in various capacities, as Director of the Linden #9 School Board, on the Forest City Creamery Board, Winnebago Soil Conservation Board, Farm Bureau and the Ambulance Service.

He loved the outdoors and enjoyed travel, especially on his trips to new places delivering motor homes. After retiring from the farm in 1984, at age 68, he took EMT-D classes and served as an EMT volunteer. This prepared him for thirteen years driving ambulance. He and his wife were caretakers of the Madison Township Cemetery from 1997-2006. He has faithfully served his Lord through the Calvary Baptist Church, including many years as Chairman of the Deacon Board, head usher, and Sunday School teacher for the youth and adult classes. Gordon's goal in life was to faithfully love and serve his Lord and Savior and be obedient to His Word.

He was preceded in death by one infant brother, Gaylen; his parents, Ben and Julia Hall; four brothers, Elmer, Melvin, Bueford and Ben Hall; and one great-grandchild, Elijah Hall.

Surviving are his loving wife of 65 years, Marjorie Hall; three appreciative children, Kathleen K. Bragg and husband, Dennis of Newport News, Virginia, Gregory G. Hall and wife, Janet of Garner and Brett M. Hall and wife, Jamie of Indianapolis, Indiana; seven grandchildren, Kim (Jeff) Lunsford, Tyler (Debra) Bragg, Shane (Chellie) and Ryan (Cristen) Hall and Blake, Tasha and Landon Hall; nine great-grandchildren, Campbell Lunsford, Gabrielle, Isabelle, Joelle and Zachary Bragg, Madison and Isaac Hall, Tyler Doss and Cody Hall; sisters, Doris (LeRoy) Thompson of Leland and Sylvia (Paul) Kuns of Clear Lake.
© 2008 Forest City Summit

Lorraine Branstad, 89

February 6, 2008

Lorraine Branstad, age 89, of Forest City, died on Sunday, January 27, 2008, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, January 30, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City, with Pastor Mark Decker of the Bethany Lutheran Church in Thompson officiating. Visitation was held an hour prior to the service. Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Thompson.

Phyllis Lorraine Branstad, was born on a farm north of Leland, on December 7, 1918, the daughter of Philip and Lydia (Seikmeier) Branstad. She was baptized in the Lutheran faith and confirmed at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Thompson. Lorraine received her education in rural school near her home, attending the King #1 County School. She graduated from the Thompson High School.

In 1945, she and her sister, Julia went to California to work in Civil Service. After a year and a half, she returned to the midwest and made her home in Waukegan, Illinois, where she worked in the Military Pay Department at the Great Lakes Naval Base there. She retired in 1973 after 28 years of service. She also ran a boarding house in Waukegan.

Lorraine loved music. She enjoyed dancing and singing in church choirs. She sang several times with the Billy Graham Choir. She enjoyed caring for her houseplants and gardening. She loved the outdoors and over the years treasured the company of several cats and dogs.

Lorraine moved to Forest City in 1995. Failing health forced her to enter the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City in May of 2007.

Lorraine is survived by her siblings, Paul Branstad of Buffalo Center, Julia (Francis) Burnham of Forest City, Clifford (Grace) Branstad of Thompson, Donald (Verneil) Branstad of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Glenn Branstad of Bensonville, Illinois; and eleven nieces and nephews.

Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Doris Lehman.
© 2008 Forest City Summit

Gayle Patricia Staats

February 12, 2008

Gayle Patricia Thompson Staats, passed away on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 and joined her loving husband, Richard H.D. Staats who preceded her on October 3, 2005.

A Celebration of Life was held on Sunday, February 3, at the University United Methodist Church Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the University United Methodist Church.

Born and raised in Iowa, she had lived in Wichita Falls since 1950. Gayle headed the sheet music department of the Max Kreutz House of Music for about thirty years. She then worked part-time at the Times and Record News.

She was a long time faithful member of the University United Methodist Church, where she and "Rick" were avid members of the Sanctuary Choir and Bell Choir and attended Adult Sunday School class. Previously they had been members of the Floral Heights Methodist Church and then the St. Mark's United Methodist Church.

Gayle was a strong, loving, supportive wife and mother, and friend to many during her long life. She created a welcoming environment that immediately put people at ease. She loved entertaining, was an excellent bridge player, and enjoyed all kinds of board games and she adored a good joke. She was a spelling bee champion, both as a youth and an adult. She volunteered at the Interfaith Ministries for many years. She and Rick delighted in hosting Hotter 'n Hell Hundred cyclists and SAFB airmen during holidays.

Gayle Staats is survived by a sister and two brothers and her three children, Charles Staats of Wichita Falls, Texas, Cheryl Staats of Cincinnati, Ohio and Cathy Staats of Culemborg, Holland; and by ten grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.

She leaves behind a legacy of strong family ties, kindness and love.
© 2008 Forest City Summit

Mae M. Twedt, 87

February 6, 2008

Mae M. Twedt, age 87, of Woden, died on Thursday, January 31, 2008, in Logan, Utah.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 7, at 10:30 a.m., at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Woden, with Rev. David Bergstrom officiating. Burial will be in the Bingham Township Cemetery near Woden. Visitation will be held from 4-6:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel in Woden and will continue one hour prior to the services at the church on Thursday. The Cataldo Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Mae Margaret Twedt, the daughter of George Th. and Theresa Gerdes, was born on January 21, 1921, on a farm south of Woden.  She graduated from the Woden High School in 1938. Following high school, she worked at the Woden grocery store and on October 21, 1939, she was married to Mark L. Twedt at Britt.

Shortly after their wedding they moved to southern California and worked in the aviation industry before returning to Woden, where Mark intended to take over the Gerdes family farm. However, Mark soon received his draft notice and instead worked on the Ben Aukes farm near Woden until he left for duty with the U.S. Army in the Philippine Islands in 1945.  

Mae worked in the Woden School lunch program for many years until she retired. She also was active in many community organizations, such as the St. John's Lutheran Church and the local American Legion Auxiliary. 

She lived a long and fulfilling life in Woden, enjoying embroidery, gardening, and helping others. She especially loved her grandchildren and enjoyed participating in their activities. In December of 2004, she moved to Logan, Utah to be closer to her immediate family. 

She is survived by one son, Thomas Mark Twedt and his wife, Carla of Logan, Utah; five grandchildren, Amber (Chad) Sampson of Tempe, Arizona, Nathan Twedt of Denver, Colorado, Corey (Becky) Twedt, Devin (Jessica) Twedt and Brady Twedt all of Logan, Utah; seven great-grandchildren, with another on the way; and a sister, Dixie (James) Buns of Woden.

Mae was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Mark; and sister, Marion Buns.
© 2008 Forest City Summit