Donna Hanson, 67

November 4, 2008

Donna (Teigen) Hanson, age 67, of Forest City, died on Saturday, November 1, 2008, at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, November 4, at the Faith Lutheran Church in Miller, with Lay Pastor Rose Visser officiating. Burial was in the Madison Township Cemetery in rural Forest City. Visitation was held on Monday, November 3, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City and one hour prior to the services at the church.

Donna (Teigen) Hanson, was born in Lake Mills, Iowa on January 29, 1940, the daughter of Selmer and Carmen (Fjone) Teigen. She was baptized and confirmed at the Winnebago Lutheran Church. She received her education in Lake Mills and graduated from the Lake Mills High School in 1958. On May 12, 1962, she married Ronald Hanson at the Faith Lutheran Church in Miller. The couple made their home for a brief time in Mason City before moving to Clarion, Iowa where Donna worked at the hospital.

The family moved to Garner for a time and in 1972 moved to Forest City. Donna began working as an aide at the Good Samaritan Center. She eventually became the Activities Director at the nursing home and retired after 18 years of service there.

Donna was an active member of the Faith Lutheran Church. She was a wonderful homemaker, wife and mother who treasured time spent with her family.

Donna is survived by her husband, Ronald Hanson of Forest City; two daughters, Paula Hanson of Forest City and Tammy Hanson and her significant other, Ron Shafer of Forest City; four grandchildren, Steven, Hannah and Randy Vaughan and Dylan Shafer; three sisters, Cheryl (Bill) Sorbo of Clear Lake, Darlene (Allen) Miller of Hayfield and LaVonne (Lewis) Aase of Austin, Minnesota; three brothers-in-law, Arlo (Marilyn) Hanson of Mason City, Carroll (Katherine) Hanson of Albert Lea, Minnesota and Joel (Brenda) Hanson of Garner; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents; brother-in-law, Gene Hanson; and nephew, Todd Hanson.
© 2008 Forest City Summit

Hattie M. Spieker, 88

November 13, 2008

Hattie M. Spieker, 88, of Britt, died on Saturday, November 1, 2008, at her home.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, at the United Methodist Church in Britt, with Rev. Robert Dodge officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Hattie Marie Spieker, the daughter of Herman and Henrietta (Janssen) Daniels, was born on April 23, 1920 at Iowa City, Iowa. She attended country school near Crystal Lake. On November 19, 1939, she was married to Leon Schreiber. They farmed near Hayfield for a time before moving to Humboldt. Leon passed away on August 31, 1947. On September 15, 1948, she was married to Lawrence Spieker. They farmed near Hayfield until retiring in 1973 and moving into Britt. 

Hattie cleaned homes in the Britt area and also took care of children in her home for many years. She enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren, quilting and collecting dolls. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Britt.

Hattie is survived by her four children, Dennis (Jodi) Spieker of Hayfield, Ronald (Susan) Spieker of Forest City, Jean (Jim) Purvis of Britt and Larry (Connie) Spieker of Forest City; fourteen grandchildren and their families, Jilane (Chad) Mitchell and children, Jacob, Chadwick and Tehya, Jason (Shannon) Spieker and children, Sara and Buck Weaver, Stacy (Troy) Wirtz and children, Mason, Alexis, Lauren and Reagan, Rebecca (David) Schmelzer and children, Josh and Leo, Derrick (Katie) Spieker and children, Dalton and Mackenzie Pigman and Landon Spieker, Kari (Karl) Wooldridge and children, Kyle and Jada, Hollie Richey (fiancée, Don Dallman) and children, Patrick and Brock, Brandi (Ryan) Hiscocks and children, Riley, Parker and Brinley, Rachael (Jacob) Zuehl and children, Kane and Kale, Bobbi (Andy) Bruggeman and children, Maddie and Charlie, Jeremy Purvis (fiancée, Cody Kraft), Jill Purvis, Nicholas Spieker and Ashley Steffen; a brother, Richard (Gladys) Daniels of Houston, Texas; sisters-in-law, Rosella Daniels of Britt and Mae Schreiber; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Leon Schreiber on August 31, 1947 and Lawrence Spieker on October 11, 1975; two great-grandchildren, Piper and Kevin Schmelzer; and brothers, Lawrence, Clarence and Lester Daniels.
© 2008 Forest City Summit

Scott T. Etzen, 50

December 3, 2008

Scott T. Etzen, 50, of Sioux City, died on Saturday, November 1, 2008, at his home surrounded by his family and friends, following a 10 year illness with Huntington's Disease.

Pallbearers were Brian Henley, Joe Lagasse, Paul Juntunen, Robin Lagasse, Jerry Marcoe and Kevin Engling. Burial was in the Calvary Cemetery in Sioux City.

Scott was born on June 25, 1958 in Forest City, Iowa, the son of Peter and Eunice (Wilson) Etzen. He graduated from the Forest City Community High School in 1976. He attended Iowa State University in Ames and graduated from the Hamilton Business College in 1978 with a degree in Administration. During his lifetime he managed several restaurants including the Bunaglow in Forest City, Long John Silver's in Sioux City and Jack in the Box in Phoenix, Arizona.

Survivors include a sister and her husband, Linda and Joe Lagasse of Garner; two nieces and their husbands, Wendy and Paul Juntunen and Dawn and Brian Henley; three nephews, Robin Lagasse, Brad Saathoff and Bryan Saathoff; and his beloved friends and caretakers, Jim and Jeannie Calhoon, Cathie Dennis and Susie Holmes.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Sandra Saathoff.
© 2008 Forest City Summit

Helen A. Peters, 93

November 11, 2008

Helen A. Peters, age 93, of Forest City, died on Thursday, November 6, 2008, at the Good Samaritan Care Center in Forest City.

Graveside services were held on Sunday, November 9, in the Madison Township Cemetery in rural Forest City, with Pastor Jim Allard of Hospice officiating. Visitation was held on Saturday, November 8, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home.

Helen Agnes Peters, was born in Chicago, Illinois on June 12, 1915, the daughter of Nicholas and Josephine (Podrasa) Griger. She received her education in Chicago and graduated from high school there. She met Wilfred Peters during World War II when he was in Chicago and after his discharge in 1946 they married and moved to Forest City, Iowa.

Wilfred and Helen farmed in Winnebago County just outside of Forest City on Highway 9. They raised hogs, chickens, cattle and grew corn and soybeans.

Helen was a member of the Forest City Women's Art Club, First Congregational Church, and later joined the Immanuel Lutheran Church. She loved to bowl with her friends on a bowling league, reading novels and crocheting afghans.

Helen has one daughter, Judy Reed who resides in Tyler, Texas with her husband, Jim Reed. Helen has one grandson, Jimmy Gene Reed who graduated from the University of Texas at Tyler and is working in the electrical field. He also lives in Tyler, Texas with his wife, Ashley.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and a sister, Mae Matthews.
© 2008 Forest City Summit

Bob Gilbert, 91

November 11, 2008

Bob Gilbert, age 91, of Lake Mills, died on Friday, November 7, 2008, at the Lake Mills Care Center.

Funeral services were held at 2:30 p.m., on Tuesday, November 11, at the Salem Lutheran Church, Lake Mills, with Pastor W. Paul Weeg officiating. Visitation was held on Monday evening at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in Lake Mills and again one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial took place in the Salem Memorial Cemetery, Lake Mills, with Military Rites performed by the Lake Mills Otto/Chose Post #235. Family requests that memorials be made to the Salem Lutheran Church.

Bob Gilbert, was born on July 15, 1917, the oldest child of David and Ollie (Sloter) Gilbert. After completing the eighth grade he began his life-long dedication to farming. On July 29, 1941, Bob was married to Bernice Fjone of Lake Mills. Later in 1941, Bob was called to serve his country and was inducted into the Army. He was assigned to the 9th Armored Division Engineers where he became a heavy equipment operator. During World War II he saw action in the European Theater, from landing at Omaha Beach on D-Day to the victory in Europe in 1945. He was particularly proud of his service at Bastogne, Belgium, during the Battle of the Bulge and the action he and his unit took to preserve the critical bridge over the Rhine River at Remagen, Germany. 

Son, Gary was born in 1944 while Bob was in Europe. After the war Bob returned to Iowa and farming near Lake Mills. Son, Danny was born in 1946. The family lived on their farm until Bob and Bernice retired and moved to their home on South Winnebago Street. 

Bob and Bernice were married 51 years until Bernice died in 1997. They spent many evenings greeting passers-by on the “Rice Lake Road” from their porch at 706 Winnebago. 

He is survived by two sons, Gary Gilbert and his wife, Jayne of Houston, Texas and Danny Gilbert and his wife, Mary of Edmond, Oklahoma; three grandchildren, Deanna Gilbert Cone of Houston, Nic Gilbert and Mandy Gilbert of Oklahoma City; two great-grandchildren, Brooke and Parker Cone of Houston; brother, Albert Gilbert of Klemme; sister, Lucille Proctor of Cresco; and several nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, David and Ollie Gilbert of Thornton; his wife, Bernice; his sister, Bernice Asbe of Kanawha; and brother, Harry Gilbert of Ottumwa.
© 2008 Forest City Summit

Doris A. Olson, 89

November 11, 2008

Doris A. Olson, age 89, of Forest City, died on Saturday, November 8, 2008, at the Good Shepherd Care Center in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 12, at 11:00 a.m., at the Forest Evangelical Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Pastor Boyd Longshore officiating. Burial will be in the Oakland Cemetery in Forest City. Visitation was from 5-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, November 11, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City and one hour prior to the services at the church.

Doris A. Olson, was born in Thompson, Iowa on March 24, 1919, the daughter of Percy and Anna (Nolton) Hagenson. She was baptized and confirmed in Thompson and graduated from high school there. On April 7, 1946, she was united in marriage to Elmer Olson in Thompson. The couple lived in rural Leland for several years and in 1951 began farming east of Forest City. In 1994, they moved to town. For many years Doris worked as Insurance Secretary for Winnebago Industries.

Doris was a member of the Forest Evangelical Lutheran Church and active in Ladies Aid. She enjoyed china painting, crocheting, doing cross-word puzzles and a good game of "500".

Doris is survived by her son, David Olson and his wife, Wendy of Mason City; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Elmer; a brother, Marion Hagenson; and a sister Addie Borg.
© 2008 Forest City Summit

James M. Larson, 81

November 18, 2008

James M. Larson, age 81, of Thompson, died on Sunday, November 9, 2008, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, November 13, at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Thompson, with Pastor Mark Decker officiating. Visitation was held on Wednesday, November 12, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City. Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Thompson, with the Thompson VFW Post providing military rites.

Jim was born on September 9, 1927, to Arthur and Elsie (Johnson) Larson. He was confirmed at the Bethany Lutheran Church. He graduated from the Thompson Community School in 1945. He enlisted in the Army Air Corp in the fall of his senior year. He was sent to New Jersey for fixed wire communication school, then to Biloxi, Mississippi, where he served as an instructor. He played the French horn in the base military band at Scott Air Field in St. Louis, Missouri. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Corporal in November of 1946 and returned to Thompson, where he joined his father as the third generation in the family owned hardware store. He and Barb operated the hardware store for 32 years.

Jim married Barbara Fraizer on August 21, 1949, at the Bethany Lutheran Church and was married for 59 years. He was an avid sportsman and shared his love of the outdoors with his family. Many memories were made at the family cabin at Green Lake in Minnesota. Jim and Barb enjoyed motorcycling around town and across the country. He was a school bus driver for over 30 years and was a security guard at Winnebago Ind. for over 12 years. He was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church, the American Legion and the Thompson Businessmen's Club.

He is survived by his wife, Barb and his children, Mark (Diane) Larson of Forest City, Gary (Laurie) Larson of Thompson, Kristi Farland of West Des Moines, Kari (Dan Jorgensen) Porter of Thompson and Tom (Katrina) Larson of Baxter; grandchildren, Mike Larson, Brad (Kandice) Heitland, Nichole Enright, Luke (Tamara) Larson, Kyle and Cory Farland, Travis, Andy, and Jason Porter, Carter and Piper Larson; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Hailee and Tyler Enright, Mikaela and McKenna Larson and Matthew Beckman; one great-great-grandchild, Lily Beckman; his sister, Mary Howe of Mont Vernon, New Hampshire; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Betty Ronning; and infant son, Leo Arthur.
© 2008 Forest City Summit

Harriet Madson, 81

November 18, 2008

Harriet Madson, age 81, of Mesa, Arizona and formerly of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2008, at the Arbor Hospice House in Mesa, Arizona.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, November 21, 2008, at the Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel, Hutchinson, Minnesota. Interment will be in the Oakland Cemetery in Hutchinson. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel. Memorials preferred to the Birchwood Hospice House in Hutchinson, Minnesota.

Harriet (Rye) Madson, was born on December 21, 1926 in Mason City, Iowa. She was the daughter of Melvin T. and Nellie (Gesme) Rye. Harriet grew up and received her education in the small towns of Hanlontown, and Forest City, and was a graduate of the Forest City High School Class of 1944. She furthered her education at St. Olaf College in St. Peter, Minnesota and then returned to Forest City to attend Waldorf College.

Harriet met her husband, Richard C. Madson, when they both attended Waldorf College. Richard had come from the big city of Chicago to attend Waldorf. After Harriet and Richard's marriage, they lived in Mason City, and then Storm Lake, Iowa. In 1956 they moved to Hutchinson, Minnesota and raised their family there. Hutchinson became the place they called “home” for the rest of their lives.

This marriage was blessed with 3 children, Jacqueline (Jackie) Madson Lee Ranby, David C. Madson, and Jon Thomas Madson. Their lives were saddened when their son, Jon, died in 1976, and son, David, died in 2000. They eventually moved back to Mason City, when Richard became the President of Iowa Kemper Insurance Company. When he retired they moved to Leisure World in Mesa, Arizona, where they enjoyed many happy and active years of retirement. How they loved living in Leisure World! Harriet and Richard shared 61 years of marriage.

Harriet enjoyed crafts of all kinds, especially sewing, knitting, and quilting. She was an avid golfer, and won trophies for various events, including a “hole-in-one.” After moving to Mesa, Harriet and Richard shared a passion for discovering the family history of their Norwegian immigrant ancestors. They traveled many times to various places in Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Norway, researching records at county courthouses, museums, and historical societies. Harriet was proud of her Norwegian heritage and wrote and published three books about her Rye, Sanderson, Gesme, Ouverson, and Halvorson Norwegian ancestors, with over 500 copies now in the hands of family and libraries. She leaves a legacy of knowledge of her Norwegian ancestry for her many relatives and for future generations. She also wrote a book about her own life, called “Times of My Life: For the Children's Sake”. While writing her books, she became an accomplished computer user, owning 13 different computers. Harriet belonged to the Computer Club in Leisure World and became proficient in photo editing, making cards for friends, and producing her own Christmas cards.

Harriet is survived by her husband, Richard C. Madson of Mesa, Arizona; daughter, Jackie Ranby and her husband, Jack of Phoenix, Arizona; 3 grandsons, Eric Lee of Phoenix, Arizona, Andrew Lee of Cheyenne, Wyoming and Ryan Madson of San Diego, California; 3 nephews, Stephen Rye of Mesa, Arizona, James Rye of Merrimack, New Hampshire and Howard Rye of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Harriet was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Nellie Rye; sons, Jon Madson and David Madson; and brother, M. Harold Rye.
© 2008 Forest City Summit

Edward G. Etzen, 86

November 25, 2008

Edward G. Etzen, age 86, of Forest City, died on Wednesday, November 19, 2008, at the Good Shepherd Care Center in Mason City, Iowa.

A Private Family Graveside Service with Military Rites will be held in the spring. The Petersen Lund Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Ed was born on July 12, 1922, to Peter and Mary Etzen. He attended country school in Madison Township. He enlisted in the military with the 34th Red Bull Division. He fought in WW II and spent three years overseas in Africa, Italy, England and Ireland. He was awarded 2 bronze stars and three purple hearts and many other awards during his military service from 1939 to 1945.

He was married on March 27, 1951, to Dorothy Benson and was married 57 years. He belonged to Ducks Unlimited and was an avid hunter and enjoyed walking and training his black labs. He was a big sports fan and loved watching his four grandchildren play sports and never missed their games.

He enjoyed playing cards with the guys at the Legion Hall. He started a taxi business in Forest City and was a salesmen for Watkins and the Winona Monument Company for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy of Forest City; one son, Charles Etzen and his wife, Barb of Chandler, Arizona; four grandchildren, Heidi (Peter) Thell of Trempealeau, Wisconsin, Andrea (Michael) Wirth of Chandler, Arizona, Drew Etzen of Gilbert, Arizona and Devon Etzen of Gilbert, Arizona; four great-grandchildren, Sydney, Samuel, and Mitchell Thell and Creighton Wirth.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Mary Etzen; his three brothers, Pete Etzen, Enno Etzen and John Etzen; and five sisters, Grace Larson, Rose Peterson, Irene Cook, Berndetta Brackey and Louise Hanson.
© 2008 Forest City Summit

Mark S. Turbett, 55

November 25, 2008

Mark S. Turbett, of Clarks Grove, Minnesota, died on Friday, November 21, 2008, at his home in Clarks Grove. He was 55 years of age.

Memorial services were held on Monday, November 24, at the Bonnerup Funeral Service Chapel in Albert Lea, Minnesota. The Reverend Richard Spande officiated. Friends greeted the family one hour prior to the services at the Chapel.

Mark was born on April 16, 1953 in Albert Lea, Minnesota, the son of Dale and Helen (Thompson) Turbett. He was a graduate of the Albert Lea High School in 1971. On July 3, 1971, he was united in marriage to Judy Ritter in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Mark was employed for over 31 years by the Wilson Co. (Farmstead) and then for six years at Winnebago Industries in Forest City.

Mark had been a member of the Odd fellows, bowling league, enjoyed playing cards, gardening, football and puttering around the house. His pet dogs, Cookie and Hunter and his cat, Frisky were a joy to him.

Mark is survived by his wife, Judy of Clarks Grove, Minnesota; children, Melissa Stundahl of Clarks Grove and Gary and his wife, Janelle Turbett of Albert Lea, Minnesota; grandchildren, Christopher, Nicholas and Jessica Stundahl, Brandon and Andrew Steele and Emma Turbett; two brothers, Donald (Karen) Turbett of East Bethel, Minnesota and Ronald (Barb) Turbett of Glendale, Arizona; and nieces and nephews.

Mark was preceded in death by is parents; and grandparents.
© 2008 Forest City Summit

John Osnes, 55

December 3, 2008

John Osnes, 55, died on Sunday, November 23, 2008.

A memorial service will be held at the Immanuel Luther Church in Forest City at 2:00 p.m., on Friday. Other services in New York, Los Angeles, and Minneapolis are in the planning stages.

John was born on April 10, 1953, in Forest City and grew up in Fairmont and Madelia, Minnesota. He attended Luther College and the University of Minnesota. Throughout his life, John held down all manner of "day jobs" while pursuing his passion for music.

He began his career as a pianist and vocalist in the Twin Cities, performing at such venues as Sweeny's, the Champagne Bar, and the University Club. In 1987, he migrated to his beloved Manhattan where he performed standards from the Great American Songbook along with Broadway and contemporary favorites first at the venerable Sign of the Dove, and later at the Omni Berkshire Place Hotel, Ada Maison de L'Inde Restaurant, Joanna's, and the St. Regis Hotel.

Following his move west in 2005, John developed a new following as a regular performer at The Piano Bar in Hollywood and as a frequent guest at The Other Side in Silverlake.

John was an avid reader. His artistry, wit and gentle Midwestern generosity will be missed by many.

He is survived by his father, John Osnes and his wife, Bonnie; sisters, Kris Osnes and her partner, Darcy Bushnell and Mary Beth Anderson and her husband, Marc; former partner and best friend, James Crowley and his daughter, Kiersten; and other extended family members and many friends from coast to coast.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Carl and Cherrie Havnen, John and Barbara Osnes; and his mother, Betty Havnen Osnes.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Los Angeles L & G Counseling Center, Los Angeles, California or to The Greyhound Sanctuary, Santa Fe, New Mexico.

The rest is silence.
© 2008 Forest City Summit

Marie Olson Frasher, 70

December 3, 2008

Marie Olson Frasher, 70, of Leesville, Louisiana, died on Sunday, November 23, 2008.

Funeral services were held on Friday, November 28, at the Polk Memorial Episcopal Church in Leesville. The Rev Aaron Evans officiated with the burial following in the Leesville Cemetery. Friends visited on Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28, in the funeral home.

Marie was born on May 18, 1938, the daughter of Sylvan and Evangeline Olson of rural Forest City. She attended a one room country school through the 8th grade and graduated from the Forest City High School. She received an Associate Degree from the Mason City Junior College and also studied at St. Louis University, the University of Iowa, Omaha University and Northwestern State University.

She was married to George Frasher at the Our Shepherds Lutheran Church in Mason City on June 3, 1961. She retired June 1, 2008, from the Vernon Parish School District after 22 years as a Head Start teacher in the Vernon Parish School District. Her teaching career extended over a 50 year period, minus the years she was at home as mother of two daughters. Her first teaching position was in 1958 in Hampton, Iowa.

During their married years Marie and George resided in Muscatine, Iowa; LaPorte, Indiana; Council Bluffs, Iowa; Fairfield, Iowa; Bloomington, Indiana; Clarion, Pennsylvania and the last 23 years in Leesville. She was a member of the Polk Memorial Episcopal Church, where she was the Secretary of the Church Council and President of the Alter Society.

Marie is survived by her husband of 47 years, George Frasher of Leesville; daughter, Mary Kathleen (Robert) Breitkreutz of DeRidder; daughter, Elizabeth Ann (Phillip) VanNatta of Manhattan, Kansas; four grandchildren, Andrew Robert and Kathleen Marie Breitkreutz of DeRidder and Emily Katherine and Sean Frasher VanNatta of Manhattan, Kansas; one brother, LeRoy (Colleen) Olson of Mason City; one sister, Betty (Bryon) Held of Longview, Washington; and a number of nephews, nieces and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

The funeral services were under the direction of the Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville. Memorials may be made to the Polk Memorial Episcopal Church in Leesville.
© 2008 Forest City Summit

Blanche Gelner, 92

December 1, 2008

Blanche I. Gelner, 92, of Britt, passed away on Wednesday, November 26, 2008, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, November 29, at 10:30 a.m., at the First Lutheran Church in Britt, with Rev. Lee Nelson officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt. Visitation was held from 5-7:00 p.m., on Friday, November 28, at the Ewing Funeral Chapel, Britt and continued one hour prior to the services at the church.

Blanche Ione (Murley) Gelner, was born in Kanawha, Iowa, to parents Samuel and Theresa (Olson) Murley on November 2, 1916. In 1917, they moved to Erin Township where she received her rural school education and graduated from the Britt High School in 1934. She then attended the Britt Junior College after which she taught in the Hancock County rural schools. 

On December 1, 1939, Blanche was united in marriage to Donald Gelner of Forest City at the Kanawha Lutheran Church. The couple farmed with his parents at Forest City for three years moving southeast of Britt in 1943. They farmed in Erin Township until moving into Britt in 1970. While her husband was County Supervisor, Blanche spent time in retail at the Krietenger Hardware and Kraus Department Stores, retiring after her husband became ill.

Blanche was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Britt, ALCW Women, quilting, Senior Citizens, Hospital Auxiliary, Historical Society and the Neighborhood Homemakers Club. In 2002, she moved to the Summit House.

Blanche was not only a rural teacher, she taught Sunday School, was Kanawha Lutheran Church Women President a period of time and active in many teaching organizations.

Blanche is survived by her son, Gary (Janice) of Britt; daughter, Laurie (Paul) McCollom of Windsor Heights; granddaughter, Holly Gelner and special friend, Mike Rossi of Montgomery, Illinois; grandson, Jon (Jamie) Gelner of Truro; great-granddaughter, Lola Mae; great-grandson, Henry Jon; sister, Betty (Stanley) Hope of Lake Mills; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Theresa Murley; and her husband, Donald in 1982.
© 2008 Forest City Summit

Martha U. Hamre, 90

December 3, 2008

Martha Ullestad Hamre, age 90, of Erskine, Minnesota, formerly Gary, died on Thursday, November 27, 2008, in the Pioneer Memorial Care Center, Erskine.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 4, at 2:00 p.m., in the Faaberg Lutheran Church, rural Fertile, Minnesota. Visitation will be one hour before the services on Thursday. Funeral arrangements were made by the Anderson Funeral Home in Twin Valley.
© 2008 Forest City Summit

Tex O. Borg, 76

December 3, 2008

Tex O. Borg, age 76, of Forest City, died on Saturday, November 29, 2008, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 3, at 1:30 p.m., at the First Baptist Church in Forest City, with Pastor Doug Snyder officiating. Burial will be in the First Baptist Cemetery in Forest City, with graveside military rites provided by the Forest City American Legion Post 121. Visitation was held from 4-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, December 2, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home, Forest City and one hour prior to the services at the church.

Tex O. Borg, was born in Forest City, on December 7, 1931, the son of Lennea and Pearl (Lunstrom) Borg. He was baptized and was a member of the First Baptist Church. He and his brothers, Eble and Kermit sang many trios at church with their mom accompanying them. Tex attended country school in Ellington Township and graduated from the Forest City High School in 1949.

He served for two years in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. Following his honorable discharge, he returned home and farmed with his brother, Eble until he passed away. On November 2, 1957, he was united in marriage to Iletha Kamp. To this union were born two children, Dale Borg and Teresa Borg.

Tex worked at Winnebago Industries for 15 years. At the present, he was farming with his son east of Forest City. He enjoyed his grandchildren, working on the farm, cutting trees and eating out with family. He loved going to tractor sales and recently spent a couple days at Heritage Park with his son, enjoying the “old technology” that he grew up with as a boy.

He is survived by his son, Dale Borg and his wife, Tanya of Forest City and daughter, Teresa Borg of Forest City; three grandchildren, Anthony Otis, Andrew Frazee and Mellisa Borg; and cousins, aunts and his former wife, Iletha.

Tex was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Kermit and Eble Borg.
© 2008 Forest City Summit