Steven Wayne Eldridge, 39

December 8, 2009

Steven Wayne Eldridge, 39, of Bancroft, died on Saturday, December 5, 2009, at his home surrounded by his family.

A funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, at 10:30 a.m., at the St. John's Catholic Church, Bancroft, with Father Paul D. Bormann and Reverend Mr. Phil Doocy officiating.  Burial will be in the St. John's Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4-8:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, Bancroft, with a scripture prayer service beginning at 7:00 p.m.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Marvin Dean Perkins, 73

December 23, 2009

Marvin Dean Perkins, 73, of Britt, Iowa, passed away on Friday, December 11, 2009, with his wife of 52 years at his side, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City. 

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, December 16, at 10:30 a.m., at the Ewing Funeral Chapel in Britt, with Pastor William Peake and Pastor Wendy Johannesen officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt. Military graveside services were conducted by the Britt VFW and American Legion Ceremonial Unit. Visitation was held on Tuesday, December 15, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Ewing Funeral Chapel in Britt and continued one hour prior to the services at the funeral home.

Marvin, the son of Raymond and Mary Perkins, was born on February 1, 1936 in Britt.  He grew up in the Britt and Corwith areas. On July 7, 1957, he married the love of his life, Carol Jean Marth in Charles City, after tricking her into holding his hand by counting her fingers in Japanese. Marvin and Carol traveled together with their children for many years while they both served their country, Marvin in the Army and Air Force, Carol as the committed military wife. 

Marvin graduated from the Corwith High School. He started his military career in 1953 in the United States Army, where he served as a fireman in Taegu in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1956. He then served in the United States Air Force as a member of the Air Force Search and Rescue Team, stationed at George AFB and Vandenburg AFB in California; Mildenhall RAFB in England; King Salmon AB in Alaska; Southeast Asia; and Duluth IAP in Minnesota, until he retired in 1974. Marvin continued to stay active with the military as a lifetime member of the DAV, the VFW and the American Legion. 

Marvin stayed quite busy with his wife and children, but he still found time for many hobbies. He enjoyed tinkering around with cars, camping, fishing and boating. Marvin loved driving and was known for showing up at family events in his van, wearing his jeans and red bandana. Marvin was larger than life and known for his loving and kind ways. He will be missed greatly. 

Marvin is survived by his wife, Carol; six children,  Debra Rae Herweyer and her husband, Jim of Pierre, South Dakota, Daniel Dean Perkins and his wife, Esther of Forest City, Darin Anthony Perkins and his wife, Amy of Rapid City, South Dakota, Donavon Eugene Perkins and wife, Gudrun of Calcium, New York, Deanna Elizabeth Haugen and her husband, Scott of Forest City and David James Perkins of Britt; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren and had two more great-grandchildren on the way; two brothers; and seven sisters. 

He was preceded in death by his parent; four brothers; and a sister. 

The Perkins family would like to thank the physician and staff of the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City for their compassionate care.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Henry C. Tjarks, 94

December 16, 2009

Henry C. Tjarks, 94, of Britt, died on Saturday, December 12, 2009, at the Westview Care Center in Britt.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Wednesday, December 16, at the Woden Christian Reformed Church, with Rev. Joel DeBoer officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation was held from 4-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt and continued one hour prior to the services at the church.   

Henry Christian Tjarks, the son of Claus and Tena (Peters) Tjarks, was born on August 12, 1915, on a farm near Wesley. He attended the rural schools of Hancock County and farmed with his father. On June 11, 1943, he married Anna M. Alphs at the Woden Christian Reformed Church. They farmed near Wesley until retiring from active farming in 1972 and moving into Britt. Henry also worked at Winnebago Industries  in Forest City for 12 years before retiring in 1980. 

He enjoyed visiting with family and friends, reading, doing  yard work and going uptown for coffee. He was a member of the Woden Christian Reformed Church, Men's Society and Farm Bureau.

Henry is survived by his wife of sixty-six years, Anna of Britt; children, Judy (Terry) Winters of Portage, Michigan, Carol (Roger) Fennema of Los Gatos, California, Vernon (Beth) Tjarks of Forest City, Janet Tjarks of Clear Lake and Debra (Doug) Potter of Joice; ten grandchildren, Mark (Jennifer) Winters, Sarah (Daniel) Reeves, Amy (Benjamin) Shawley, Daniel Winters, Benjamin and Brandon Fennema, Katie and Erik Tjarks and Betsy and Lindsey Potter; five great-grandchildren, Jacob and Justin Winters and Calvin, Elisa and Joyanna Reeves;  and two sisters-in-law, Alice Malek of Garner and Erma Gettis of Lake Mills.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Anna (Henry) Dirksen; and two brothers, Herman (Bernice) Tjarks and Jim (Evelyn) Tjarks.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Joseph R. Hrubes, 88

December 23, 2009

Joseph R. Hrubes, 88, of Britt, passed away on Monday, December 14, 2009, at the Westview Care Center in Britt.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, December 17, at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan, with Rev. Brian Dellaert officiating.  Interment was in the Saint John's  Catholic Cemetery in Duncan. Visitation was held on Wednesday, December 16, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Ewing Funeral Chapel in Britt and continued one hour before the Mass on Thursday at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Britt Food Bank.

Joseph Hrubes, was born on August 15, 1921, to Jilji and Rose (Hejlik) Hrubes on the family farm south of Duncan. He was the ninth of 11 children and helped on the family farm while attending country school. Joe grew up in a household of music and farm chores. Joe entered the Army and served in the Philippines in World War II. After his discharge, he farmed south of Duncan. On January 28, 1948, he married Leona Pavelka at the St. Wenceslaus Church in Duncan. 

Joe started playing bass horn (tuba) with Ray's Accordion Band in the early 1950s and then played with the Jolly Fishermen-Malek's Fishermen Band until he retired after playing tuba for 42 years. Joe and Leona then began entertaining residents at area nursing homes and retirement centers with music for another nine years. Joe's life centered around his family, farming and music. Joe loved treating his family to outings and summer vacations and shared his enjoyment of farming with his children. He spent his life making improvements on the farmland he cared for. 

Joe was a member of the Catholic Workmen, American Legion, Federation of Musicians Union and served on the Board of Directors at the Britt Farmer's Coop.

Joe is survived by his wife, Leona; children, Tom of Mason City, Dennis (Brenda) of Britt, Dale of Nevada and Ron (Deb) of Britt; brother, Clarence (Joan); sister, Mary Trca; and sister-in-law, Margaret Hrubes; grandchildren, Brandon, Ryan, Andrea and Nathan; step-grandchildren, Rick, Kristine and David; spouses and children, plus many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his children, Mark, Phillip and Jeanette; as well as three brothers; five sisters; and numerous relatives.

For many years, Joe ended each day with a practice session on his piano accordion, button accordion or electronic keyboard. May those that knew him remember him for the good things he shared with all of us.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

John “Jack” O'Rourke, 78

December 23, 2009

John “Jack” O'Rourke, 78, of Morristown, Minnesota and formerly of Britt, died on Tuesday evening, December 15, 2009, at his home surrounded by his family.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 19, at 10:00 a.m., in the Peace United Methodist Church, Morristown, with the Rev. Elden Eklund officiating. Interment was in the Riverside Cemetery, Morristown, with veteran's military rites provided by the American Legion Post 149, Morristown. Visitation was at the Boldt Funeral Home, Faribault, Minnesota, on Friday, December 18, from 3-8:00 p. m. and also at the church for one hour prior to the services on Saturday.

John Thomas, the son of Cecil and Dorothy (Tech) O'Rourke, was born on March 22, 1931 in Britt, where he grew up on a farm and attended school. He served in the Army during the Korean War.  On October 6, 1952, he married Frances Brooks at the Little Brown Church, Nashua. He worked on heavy highway construction and at the GTA Elevator in Morristown. He owned and operated O'Rourke Construction for over 50 years. 

Jack was a member of the American Legion Post 149 in Morristown and served as Commander and 3rd District Membership Director. He was flagman at the Cannon River Speedway at Morristown, Austin. Minnesota and Mason City. He was mayor of Morristown for 15 years, a fireman with the Morristown Fire Department for 23 years and retired as an honorary fireman. He was on the original Dam Days Committee; they owned and operated O'Rourke Country Music Tours. He enjoyed a winter home in Branson, Missouri, country music, westerns, collecting coins, eagles and antiques and was proud of his Irish heritage.

Jack is survived by his wife, Frances of Morristown; six children, Sheri (Leon) Gregor of Morristown, Shelly (Jeffrey) Wenker of Morristown, Sandy O'Rourke of Faribault, Patrick O'Rourke (special friend, Val Pommeranz) of Morristown, Lisa (Scott) Bauer of Faribault and Michael (Adrienne) O'Rourke of Morristown; 13 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; a sister, Marge Arndorfer (special friend, Charlie Moeckley) of Britt; and the family dog, Buster.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and an infant brother, James.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Jack L. Smith, 83

December 31, 2009

Jack L. Smith, age 83, of Mason City and formerly Britt, died on Friday, December 18, 2009, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, surrounded by his family.

Memorial services were held at 1:30 p.m., on Wednesday, December 23, at the Methodist Church, Britt, with Rev. Bob Dodge and Pastor Clyde Harvey officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date in the spring. There will be no visitation. Per his wishes, he was cremated.

Jack L. Smith, was born on May 26, 1926, the youngest son of John and Rosa (Titus) Smith in Harcourt. At a young age, Jack and his older brother, Jimmie and parents moved to the family farm north of Wesley. Jack attended country schools and graduated from the Britt High School in 1942 and he also attended junior college for a short time. After graduation he farmed with is father on the family farm. He was married to Leona Smidt on August 21, 1945 in Kanawha. Together they farmed until 1958 until they moved to Britt, where Jack was part owner/manager of the Hutchins Elevator.

In 1961, Jack and Leona moved to California where Jack was employed with several different trucking companies as a manager and also worked in sales. In 1998, they moved back to Britt where they owned and operated the Britt Motel and they also refurbished several houses in town. Together they enjoyed traveling all over the country in their Motor Home until Jack's health started to fail. Jack was an all around handyman and also enjoyed golfing and spending time with family and friends. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Leona E. Smith of Mason City; sons, Gary and wife, Donna Smith of Mason City and David Smith of Moose Lake, Minnesota; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Mark in 2000 and Thomas in 2006; and a brother, Jimmie Smith in World War II.

Arrangements are with the Major Erickson Funeral Home and Crematory.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Lucille Kuhlers

January 5, 2010

FOREST CITY-Lucille Kuhlers, 89, of Forest City, died on Saturday, December 26, 2009, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, December 30, at the United Methodist Church in Forest City, with Pastor Jerald Swanberg officiating. Burial was in the Meservey Cemetery in Meservey, Iowa. Visitation was held from 5-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, December 29, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home, Forest City and will continue an hour prior to the services at the church.

Lucille Kuhlers, was born on June 30, 1920 in rural Hancock County, Iowa, the daughter of John and Louise (Jahnke) Waddingham. She received her education in rural schools near her home. She was united in marriage to Harm Dirks on January 26, 1939. To this union two sons and three daughters were born. Lucille helped her husband on the farm and cared for her family. Harm passed away on October 19, 1974. Lucille worked at Winnebago Industries in Forest City for seven and a half years.

She was a wonderful cook, enjoyed baking and treasured time spent with her family. She loved doing handwork and crocheted doilies, tablecloths and afghans for family and friends. She was a member of the United Methodist Church.

She married George Kuhlers on August 19, 1977. The couple made their home in Meservey, until George passed away on September 1, 1985. Lucille moved to Forest City in January of 1987 and for the last several years has resided at the Forest Plaza Assisted Living.

Lucille is survived by five children, Donald (Joyce) Dirks of Erie, Colorado, Lois Vanness of Massilon, Ohio, Gary (Jackie) Dirks of Onalaska, Wisconsin, Patricia Tendall of Forest City and Sandra (Mark) Haugen of Forest City; three step-children, Janice (Cleon) Prestholt of Owaffo, Oklahoma, Melva Danton of West Des Moines and Sharon (Luverne) Josten of Forest City; 11 grandchildren; eight step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; 19 step-great-grandchildren; and nine step-great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; four brothers; and two sisters.

The Petersen Lund Funeral Home, Forest City, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2010 Forest City Summit

Richard D. Graham

January 5, 2010

FOREST CITY-Richard D. Graham, age 75, of Forest City, died on Monday, December 28, 2009, due to complications of ALS, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Memorial services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, December 31, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Pastor Rod Hopp officiating. Inurnment will be held in the spring in the Oakland Cemetery in Forest City. Visitation was from 5-7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, December 30, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home, Forest City.

Richard D. Graham, was born on February 7, 1934 in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the son of Joseph and Gladys (Jennison) Graham. He received his education in Forest City and graduated from the Forest City High School. On September 14, 1951, he was married to Janice Helvick at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. The couple made their home in Forest City until 1959, when they moved to Northwood, Iowa. There Richard operated the “Palace of Sweets” and ran a gas station. In 1967, the family returned to Forest City. Richard worked at Winnebago Industries for 25 years. He also worked at the Forest Theater and for many years was an active member of the Police Reserve.

Richard was an avid “railroader” and he enjoyed anything to do with trains. He loved tinkering with and driving his odd cars. He was also a pilot and loved to go flying. He treasured time spent with his family and was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Richard is survived by his three children, Gregory (Paula) Graham of Belton, Texas, Linda Mason (Howard Julius) of Buffalo Center and Lisa (Kevin) Lunning of Forest City; seven grandchildren, Thomas, Anthony and Jennifer Mason, Kelsey Lunning, Christine Graham, Brittney (Eric) Douglas and Ashley Graham; one great-granddaughter, Kalea; and many nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Janice; his parents; a sister, Betty Teague; and a brother, Don Graham.

The Petersen Lund Funeral Home, Forest City, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2010 Forest City Summit

Charles T. McLaughlin

January 5, 2010

BRITT-Charles T. (Chuck) McLaughlin, died on Tuesday, December 29, 2009, at home.

There will be no memorial service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Des Moines, Iowa.

He was born to C. T. and Dorothy McLaughlin, on a farm near Salem, Illinois in 1918. Chuck was a progressive farmer and an ardent conservationist. After he earned a B.S. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Illinois and pursued graduate studies at Iowa State, Chuck and Helen began their own farming operation in 1945. He became involved with soil conservation in 1946 as one of the original members of the local soil conservation district. He was elected as a Soil Commissioner in 1972 and was the first farmer to serve as President of the Iowa Soil District Commissioners (1978-1980). He spoke extensively on soil conservation throughout the United States and he served on the board of the National Soil Conservation Districts. He was well known nationally for his lifelong commitment to soil and water conservation.

Chuck provided 30 years of volunteer leadership to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, starting in 1980 as an ex-officio board member when they were newly formed. He served on their board of directors from 1982 until his death (age 64 to 91) and as Chair 1990 -1992. Chuck helped develop their Resourceful Farming Program. While he helped protect and restore many wild places in Iowa, he took special joy in restorations close to home such as Meredith Marsh, Crystal Lake Marsh, Thorpe Park wildlife complex, Maynard Reece Marsh, Union Slough additions and the Clear Lake watershed. He was noted for imparting a few sentences of wisdom or perspective into board discussion just when needed. In many ways, he was the spirit and conscience of the organization. He believed it was crucial for private citizens to build awareness of our dependence upon natural resources and to protect unique natural areas of the state for future public enjoyment. He led by example. The depth of his commitment was an inspiration to many others.

Chuck also served his community and state by being on the Hancock County Zoning Board, the Board of Governors for Living History Farms, the Land Use Commission, the Iowa Conservation Education Council and the Speakers' Bureau of the Iowa Humanities Board. He delivered “Chief Seattle's speech” on environmental responsibility on many memorable occasions. He was president for several years of the North Iowa Choral Society and sang often at Choral Society and Hancock Little Theater presentations, including “The Messiah” and at weddings, funerals and in his church choir. Chuck was a Past Master of Masons and a 32nd Degree Mason.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers; 3 sisters; and his wife, Helen.

He is survived by his son, Sydney; 4 nephews and their families; and many dear friends.
© 2010 Forest City Summit

Philip M. Hansen

January 5, 2010

FOREST CITY-Philip M. Hansen, age 87, of Forest City, died on Wednesday, December 30, 2009, at the Good Samaritan Care Center in Forest City.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, January 4, 2010, at the United Methodist Church in Forest City, with Pastor Jerald Swanberg officiating. Burial was in the Oakland Cemetery in Forest City. Visitation was from 4-8:00 p.m., on Sunday, January 3, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City and continued an hour prior to the services at the church.

Philip M. Hansen, was born on October 16, 1922 in Forest City, Iowa, the son of Peter H. and Caroline Louise (Anderson) Hansen. He received his education in Forest City and graduated from the Forest City High School in 1940. He continued his education at Waldorf College in Forest City, graduating in 1942. After Waldorf College, he enlisted in the US Army Air Corps and entered Meteorology Cadet School, receiving his commission as a Lieutenant in 1943. He held the position of Army Airforce Meteorologist and was honorably discharged as a Captain.

Following his discharge he returned to college at Iowa State University in Ames and graduated with a BS in Engineering. He then worked for a season in Alaska surveying for an international airport. In 1950, he returned to Iowa to the family business and the mechanical engineering contracting business. He was a Registered Professional Engineer in Mechanical Engineering. He was married to Mary Elwood on July 17, 1954 in Mankato, Minnesota. In 1972, Phil purchased the family Business, WC Hansen & Son Hardware, a 3rd generation business with over 100 years of service.

Phil was active in his community. He served as President of the Chamber of Commerce in 1981 and was a member of the Forest City Volunteer Fire Department. Phil loved working and planned on never retiring. He enjoyed his grandchildren and loved sharing his wisdom with them.

He is survived by his wife, Mary of Forest City; four children, William Clark Hansen and wife, Marty of Forest City, Margaret Hansen and husband, Steve of Parkland, Florida, Kelly Lille and husband, Rick of Forest City and Heidi Hansen of Forest City; six grandchildren, Tia Hansen, Britt Hansen and Ali Hansen, Abby Runneberg and Tyler Runneberg and Simon Olivares; brother, Bob Hansen and wife, Shirley of Forest City; and sister, Marjorie Crum and husband, Jack of Monteray, Tennessee.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Bill; and a grandson, Nicklaus.

The Petersen Lund Funeral Home, Forest City, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2010 Forest City Summit

Helmer Osheim

January 5, 2010

KIESTER, MINNESOTA-Helmer Osheim, age 100, of Lake Mills, formerly of Kiester, Minnesota, died on Wednesday, December 30, 2009, at the Lake Mills Care Center in Lake Mills, Iowa.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, January 2, 2010, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Kiester, with the Rev. Richard Steffen officiating. Burial took place in the Our Savior's Lutheran Cemetery, Kiester. Visitation was on Friday, January 1, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home, Lake Mills and continued one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday.

Helmer Osheim, was born on December 15, 1909, to Hans and Annie (Quam) Osheim. He was the seventh of 14 children. Helmer was baptized and confirmed at the West Prairie Church, rural Thompson, Iowa. He attended school at the Dybendahl Country School south of Thompson. Helmer married Maurine Clara Hesby on June 16, 1935, at Scarville, Iowa. Rev. S.J. Fretheim performed the ceremony.

After finishing school, he worked with area farmers and did carpentry work. Answering the call of adventure, Helmer and a friend traveled west on unpaved roads, working their way through North Dakota and Montana. They worked by day and spent numerous nights in their Model T before returning to Iowa. He shared many of these stories with a granddaughter after learning that she and her husband were moving to Montana. He must have been impressed with Great Falls, Montana during his travels. Grandpa would repeatedly ask Melissa if she had visited Great Falls yet. When she told him about her train ride home from Montana, he immediately asked her if the train stopped in Why-not Minot, North Dakota. She was amazed to hear her grandfather ask that question, because Why-not Minot was a much-repeated comment heard during her train ride.

Helmer and his brother, Gunnar, farmed together for several years north of Thompson. Following his marriage, Helmer and Maurine moved to a farm south of Mansfield, locally referred to as the “hotel”. In March of 1943, they purchased their farm 2 miles east of Kiester where they lived for 55 years. He raised cattle, hogs, chickens and traditional crops. They moved to Lake Mills in September 1998.

Helmer and Melvin Larson built and operated the roller skating rink in Kiester. They operated the roller skating rink for many years offering an entertaining meeting place for many area youth. Numerous couples tell of meeting at the roller skating rink and spending many of their dates at the rink. Helmer also built small suitcases for purchase and sold men's suits to supplement his farm income. The suit fabric samples were later sewn together for a quilt, which still exists today.

When area congregations agreed to merge and form the Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Kiester, Helmer was one of many that worked tirelessly to build the church, stone by stone. He told of countless wheelbarrows of mortar wheeled up and down planks to cement the stones together. When the time came for shingling of the roof, there were many too hesitant to climb that high and work on the steep pitch of the church. Helmer and Pastor I. Z. Hyland shrugged and said, “That's not so bad” and shingled the roof.

Helmer was preceded in death by his wife, Maurine in 2005; daughter, Marcia in 2008; and 12 siblings.

He is survived by his children, Roger (Sandi) Osheim of Emmons, Minnesota, Gloria (Doug) Fallgatter of Northwood, Iowa and Phil (Tamera) Osheim of Mahtomedi, Minnesota; son-in-law, Jerry Bergeson of Radcliffe, Iowa; ten grandchildren, Todd (Susan) Bergeson of Alpharetta, Georgia, Tim (Sherry) Bergeson of Los Gatos, California, Tony Osheim of San Clemente, California, Cindy (Joe) Galli of Glyndon, Maryland, Angie (Justin) Senne of Northwood, Iowa, Melissa (Mike) Michaelis of Somers, Montana, Holly (Greg) Hankins of North Liberty, Iowa, Jenna (Josh) Cadwell of Richland, Washington, Trisha Osheim and fiancée, Travis Burnett of Eau Claire, Wisconsin and Christa (Ryan) Cadwell of Pasco, Washington; eight great-grandchildren; one brother, Vernon (Lorraine) of Thompson, Iowa; one sister-in-law, Bernice Kloster of Buffalo Center, Iowa; and numerous nieces and nephews.
© 2010 Forest City Summit

Caroline Cordes

January 5, 2010

FOREST CITY-Caroline Cordes, age 86, of Forest City, died on Thursday, December 31, 2009, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., on Monday, January 4, 2010, at the Calvary Baptist Church in Forest City, with Pastor Douglas Farrell officiating. Visitation was from 2-4:00 p.m., on Sunday, January 3, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home, Forest City and continued an hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in the spring in the Grant Township Cemetery in rural Woden, Iowa.

Carolyn Bilyeu Cordes, the daughter of John and Bertha (Baack) Buns, was born on August 13, 1923 in Woden, Iowa. She received her education in the Woden area and graduated in 1941 from the Woden High School. After graduation she moved to Chicago where she worked for the railroad. She returned to Woden after WW II, where she met and married Julius Bilyeu on March 7, 1946. After their marriage they moved to Ames, Iowa and later to Evanston, Illinois, where she continued to work while Julius finished his Masters Degree. After his graduation they made their home in Illinois where she was a homemaker and secretary.

In 1974, the couple purchased the Paullina Lumber Yard and operated it together until their retirement in 1984. They enjoyed several years of traveling to Texas in the winter months and Caroline continued to do this until 2004. In 2001, Caroline moved to Britt, Iowa, to be closer to her dearly loved family. In 2004, she was blessed to marry Albert Cordes of Forest City, Iowa, where she resided until her passing on December 31, 2009 at Hospice of North Iowa in Mason City, reaching the age of 86 years, 4 months and 18 days.

She was baptized and later confirmed in the Lutheran Church in Woden. Since 2003, she has attended the Calvary Baptist Church. She and Albert loved to study the Bible together at home and at Calvary.

Caroline leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Albert of Forest City; a son, Robert Bilyeu of Lansing, Kansas; daughter, Ginger and husband, Lynnford Dau of Wahpeton, North Dakota; two granddaughters, Leann and her husband, Nicholas Roberts of Houlton, Wisconsin and Carrie Dau of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Madilynn who filled her heart with great joy.

Caroline was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Julius; four brothers; and two sisters.

The Petersen Lund Funeral Home, Forest City, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2010 Forest City Summit

John Hugelen

January 5, 2009

FOREST CITY-John Hugelen, age 57, of Forest City, died on Thursday, December 31, 2009, at his home in Forest City.

A memorial visitation was held on Tuesday, January 5, 2010, from 4-7:00 p.m., at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City. Inurnment will be in the spring in the Crystal Lake Cemetery in Crystal Lake, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes friends to direct memorials to the Hospice of North Iowa.

John R. Hugelen, was born in Forest City, Iowa, on August 28, 1952, the son of Richard and Mabel (Haugen) Hugelen. He received his education in Forest City and graduated from the Forest City High School in 1970. John was married to Sandy Hutson Riherd on May 23, 1996. John made his home in Forest City and began his working career. Due to his failing health, John retired from the gas company, Black Hills Energy, after 30 years of service.

John enjoyed working with honeybees, his apple trees and gardening. “Iowa John” played fiddle and sang with the Cajun HotSoles Band out of Minneapolis. Through his music, John and Sandy were able to travel and develop many lasting friendships.

John is survived by his wife, Sandy of Forest City; daughter, Alyssa (Jaona) Rakoto of Forest City; step-children, John (Ali) Riherd of Parkersburg and Jodi (Travis) Washek of Minnetonka, Minnesota; grandchildren, Joshua and Arabella Rakoto, Kobe, Kale and Kendall Riherd and Tyler Sweers; two sisters, Lavaughn (David) Ane of Santa Clarita, California and Sandra Larson of St. Paul, Minnesota; brother, Eldon (Helen) Hugelen of Apple Valley, Minnesota; his in-laws, Betty and Gene Johnson of Forest City; sister-in-law, Lois Hutson of Clear Lake; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Mabel Hugelen; and brother-in-law, Roy Larson.

The Petersen Lund Funeral Home, Forest City, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2010 Forest City Summit