Rev. Charles N. Curtis, 96

July 7, 2009

Rev. Charles N. Curtis, age 96, of Waupaca, Wisconsin, passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2009, at the Bethany Home in Waupaca.

Funeral services were held at the First Baptist Church in Waupaca, at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, July 6, with Reverend Larry G. Gross officiating.  Interment was in the Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster, Wisconsin. Visitation was on Monday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the services at the church.

He was born in Roscoe, South Dakota on November 9, 1912, a son of the late Charles and Myrtle (Niles) Curtis. He married Esther Graham on September 14, 1933. She preceded him in death on May 10, 1999.  He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Waupaca.

Survivors include his four sons, Charles (Maye) Curtis of Hastings, Minnesota, David (Sharon) Curtis of Nekoosa, Wisconsin, Frederick (Sandra) Curtis of DeKalb, Texas and Richard Curtis of Richmond, Texas; son-in-law, Pastor Leon Leeds of Waupaca, Wisconsin; brother-cousins, Howard (Marjorie) Niles of Sauk City, Wisconsin and Harold Niles of La Crosse, Wisconsin; 12 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Esther Curtis; daughter, Dorothy Leeds; granddaughter, LuDawn; two brothers, Tom and Walter; and a sister, Dorothy.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Norman O. Brue, 83

July 14, 2009

Norman Brue, age 83, of Forest City, died on Wednesday, July 8, 2009, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, July 11, at the Fertile Lutheran Church in Fertile, Iowa, with Lay Pastor David Halverson officiating. Burial will be in the Brush Point Cemetery in rural Fertile, Iowa. Visitation was held on Friday, July 10, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City and an hour prior to the services at the church. Memorials may be directed to the Fertile Lutheran Church.

Norman O. Brue, son of Oscar and Nettie (Sheimo) was born on May 31, 1926 in Fertile, Iowa. He graduated from the Fertile High School and entered the U.S. Navy serving in the Pacific on the USS Nicollet stationed in Guam. Upon his return, he began college at Waldorf and continued his education at Drake University in Des Moines, graduating with a degree in business. On June 25, 1945, Norman married Marilyn (Marty) Wilson, then a science teacher at the Fertile High School. They relocated to Des Moines where Norman began his business career and family.

Norman's work as an oil industry executive with Sinclair Refining Company and British Petroleum Oil Company took them to many places they called “home” - from cities throughout the Midwest to across the Atlantic to southwest England. During their three years there, they traveled extensively throughout Great Britain and Europe, learning and appreciating the various lands and cultures. In 1969, they returned to the U.S., establishing their home in upstate New York, New Jersey and Ohio.

Retirement in 1983, took Norman and Marty to a home on Lake Winnebago in Wisconsin. There, they treasured the love of their 4 grandchildren and enjoyed the nature of their surroundings. After ten years, in the summer of 1997, they returned to Iowa to make Forest City their final home.

Norman was an avid sports fan, playing high school and college basketball and baseball. He especially enjoyed watching the Chicago Cubs! Also, he took pleasure in the gifts of nature ranging from bird watching and fishing to gardening. Particularly proud of his Fertile heritage and Norwegian Lutheran descent, Norman emulated his ancestors' honest and hard-working traits. His unwavering respect and compassion for those around him were inspirational, his lasting legacy. Besides, he was a really fun guy.

He died shortly after his arrival at the Muse Norris Hospice in Mason City and is survived by two children, Nancy (Ross) Deye of Traverse City, Michigan and Randal (Gayle) Brue of Orlando, Florida; four grandchildren, Stephanie, Mitchel, Brandon and Marisa Brue; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and siblings, Stanley Brue, Marcella Purcell and Phyllis Jones. 
© 2009 Forest City Summit

John C. Pieplow, 69

July 16, 2009

Jon C. Pieplow, 69, of Britt, died on Saturday, July 11, 2009, at his brother's home west of Britt.

Funeral services were held at 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt, with Rev. Ronald McKee officiating.  Burial will be on Thursday, in the Arlington Park Cemetery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Visitation was held from 5:00 p.m. until the service time on Tuesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Jon's name to the Britt Zion Church of the Nazarene or the United Cerebral Palsy Association.

Jon Charles Pieplow, the son of Charles and Doris (Ingebretson) Pieplow was born on June 27, 1940 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was born severely handicapped but taught himself to accomplish tasks to allow himself to live independently for many years. Even though his disabilities may have limited him somewhat he truly cared about people and volunteered his time to help others. Jon was named Volunteer of the Year in 1989 by the YMCA of Milwaukee. He had hoped to one day become a volunteer at the hospital in Britt. Jon was an accomplished person and performed tasks such as knitting, word search books, crossword puzzles and building model cars and planes with the use of only one arm. Jon loved his TV, trains and Play Station. God's promise of Jon one day having two good legs and a good left arm have now been fulfilled. Praise God.

He is survived by his brother, Paul (Cindy) Pieplow of Britt; nephews, Jeff Gillan of Las Vegas, Nevada, Clayton (Stef) Douglas of Alameda, California and Ryan Pieplow of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; a niece, Karen (Eric) Glad and their daughter, Elizabeth of Appleton, Wisconsin; an uncle, Otto Von Bargen of Greenfield, Wisconsin; and many cousins and friends.

Jon was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Karen Gillan.

Many thanks to his sister-in-law and best friend, Cindy Pieplow, who was always there to comfort him at his bedside in Jon's final days and minutes. Also thank you to all of the staff at Hospice of North Iowa and his friends and family who provided support and prayers.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Ezekiel Ball

July 22, 2009

Ezekiel Verlin Ball, was born on July 13, 2009, at 1:12 a.m. He was only with us for two short days, but in those few precious moments, we will never forget him and how much he touched our lives. He passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2009, at 1:45 p.m.

Funeral services were held on Saturday afternoon, July 18, at 1:30 p.m., at the Stark-Welin Chapel in Boone, with Rev. Gary Reedy officiating. Interment was in the Lawn Cemetery in Boxholm, Iowa.

He is survived by his parents, Andrew J. Ball and Lydia M. (Lundberg); his grandparents, Tim and Corinne Ball of Britt, Dave and Patty Lundberg of Pilot Mound; along with the great-grandparents, Verlin and Marge Ball of Britt, Wanda Michelson of Manchester, Florence Lundberg of Pilot Mound and Delores Wockenfuss of Aberdeen, South Dakota; and many other loving family members.

The Stark-Welin Funeral Directors in Boone were in charge of the arrangements.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Mark S. Hanna, 43

July 21, 2009

Mark S. Hanna, 43, of Crystal Lake, passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2009, at his home in Crystal Lake.

Memorial services were held on Monday, July 20, at the Ewing Funeral Chapel in Britt, with Pastor Robert Dodge officiating. Visitation was held on Sunday, July 19, at the Ewing Funeral Chapel in Britt and continued one hour prior to the services at the Ewing Funeral Chapel.

Mark is survived by his son, Adderly Hanna of The United States Army; parents, Steve and Betty Hanna of Crystal Lake; brothers, Tim Hanna of Colorado, Tracy Hanna of Woden and Luke Hanna of Crystal Lake; along with numerous aunts, uncles and friends.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Virginia Mae Kristensen, 80

July 29, 2009

Virginia Mae Kristensen, 80, whose street name was Grandma K, of San Jose, California, passed on peacefully in the morning of Friday, July 17, 2009, at the Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose, after battling cancer multiple times.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 1, at the St. Timothy's Lutheran Church in San Jose. The service will start at 2:00 p.m., with a reception following. The Kristensen Family has set up a fund to take donations in lieu of flowers. The fund will be used to sponsor the granddaughters in a multi-day walk for breast cancer research in the summer of 2010.

Daughter of Maynard and Mable Thompson, Virginia was born on the farm of her grandparents just east of Forest City on August 20, 1928. Virginia was baptized and confirmed at the Winnebago Lutheran Church near Leland. In 1946, Virginia graduated from the Forest City High School and then exchanged nuptials with Victor Kristensen on October 19, 1947 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City. They soon moved to Chicago, then to New York, Indiana and finally stopped in San Jose where Virginia spent the last 47 years.

While working at the federal bankruptcy courts and in retirement, Virginia enjoyed researching genealogy, traveling across the world to find new information and meet distant relatives in Norway and other parts of Europe.

Virginia also remained in close contact with high school friends, gathering with them whenever she returned to Iowa. She also traveled around the United States, following her sons and their families to watch softball games, soccer games, promotions, confirmations and graduations, until the whole group would come back together each year to celebrate Christmas at her home in San Jose.

She is survived by sons, Dane (Elaine) Kristensen of Oregon, Jay (Diane) Kristensen of Montana and Van (Susan) Kristensen of California; grandchildren, Vanessa, Erika, Ellie, Hanna and Samuel; brothers, Clair (Lavonne) Thompson, Stanley (Carolyn) Thompson, Gary Thompson and Lynn (Linda) Thompson of Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Helen J. Malek, 94

July 30, 2009

Helen J. Malek, 94, of Garner, died on Sunday, July 26, 2009, at the Concord Care Center in Garner.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan, with Fr. Brian Dellaert officiating.  Burial will be in the St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Duncan. Visitation will be held from 5-8:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel in Garner, with a combined Rosary Society and Catholic Workman Rosary at 5:00 p.m. and a Scriptural Wake Service at 8:00 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the services at the church.  

Helen Josephine Malek, the daughter of Jilji and Rose (Hejlik) Hrubes, was born on March 25, 1915 on the family farm south of Duncan. She was baptized and confirmed at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. Helen attended the rural schools of Liberty Township and the Britt High School. On September 21, 1937, she was married to Sylvester Malek at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. They settled on the Malek farm northwest of Garner where she kept busy helping with the farming and raising their three children. Helen spent many years as a waitress and cook in area restaurants along with selling Stanley Home products for 38 years. She also was employed at the Britt News-Tribune selling subscriptions and worked part-time for four years at Opportunity Village in Clear Lake. In 1974, Helen and Syl retired from farming and moved into Garner. In 2004, she moved to the Concord Care Center. 

She enjoyed her family and supporting her husband in his band over the years. Her hobbies included bowling in women's league, gardening, playing cards, playing the button accordion and bingo. She especially enjoyed her trip to Alaska and Hawaii with Syl celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. She was a member of the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, where she sang in the choir, belonged to the Catholic Workman FCSLA w52 and the Rosary Society.

Helen is survived by her children, Shirley Rasche of Garner, Bob Malek (fiancée, Peg) of Garner and Donna (Don) Jacobsen of Garner; grandchildren,  Shane Rasche, Ryan (Tracey) Lester, Brent (Amy) Lester, Heidi (Mike) Seaberg, Eric (Kimberly) Malek and Crystal Malek; great-grandchildren, Morgan and Payton Lester, Braydon, Jakob and Tatum Lester and Nolan and Gabby Seaberg; a sister, Mary Trca of Britt; brothers, Joe (Leona) Hrubes of Britt and Clarence (Joan) Hrubes of Garner; sisters-in-law, Margaret Hrubes of Garner and Eileen Malek of Wisconsin; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Syl in September of 1994; son-in-law, Karl Heinz Rasche; brothers, Frank, John and Ray Hrubes; sisters, Agnes Nedved, Emily Trca, Rose Johanns and Elsie Vavrik; and brother-in-law, Ed Malek.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Helen L. Wiederanders, 78

August 4, 2009

Helen Louise Wiederanders, 78, of Cedar Falls, died on Sunday, July 26, 2009.

A Celebration of Life Service was held in her honor on Saturday, August 1, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls. A light lunch was served following the service. Memorials may be directed to the Cedar Valley Hospice or to The Alzheimer's Association in her name.

Helen was born on June 30, 1931 in Forest City, the daughter of Tony and Sophia Bartleson. She was a graduate of the Forest City High School and the Fairview Hospital School of Nursing in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She married Don Wiederanders on July 11, 1953 in Forest City. Helen spent many years as a dedicated caring RN at hospitals in Mankato, Minnesota, Cedar Falls and Waterloo.

Helen loved spending time with her family, which included several cats and dogs over the years. The grandchildren and great-grandchildren had a very special place in her heart. Helen was an active and longtime member of the St. John Lutheran Church, gladly volunteering her time and talents when needed.

Helen enjoyed long drives exploring the countryside as well as several trips abroad. She also enjoyed her frequent visits to Tama and was a duplicate bridge enthusiast for over 40 years. Helen enjoyed the game but loved the friendly people.

Helen is survived by her husband; five daughters, Ann (Dave) Redmon of Manhattan, Kansas, Lynn (Randy) Kroemer of Denver, Iowa, Janet Dean of Denver, Colorado, Jill Wiederanders and Peggy (Tod) Nicol of Cedar Falls; 11 grandchildren, Shawn, Casey, Missie, Amy, Alex, Olivia, Timothy, James, Stacy, Jaden and Peyton; and great-grandchildren, Jacob, Lincoln and Brookly; two brothers; four sisters; and numerous other loving relatives.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers; and an adopted daughter, Kristi.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Fred Sahr, 92

August 4, 2009

Fred Sahr, 92, of Ocala, Florida, died on Sunday, July 26, 2009, following a brief illness. Family services were held in his Ocala home.

He was born in Wells, Minnesota, on April 28, 1917 and married Lylah Randall of Lake Mills, on July 15, 1940. He was the owner of the Sahr Produce Co.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Lylah; daughters, Ellender and Mary Lylah; sisters, Fern Sahr of Minneapolis., Minnesota and Bernadine Hall of Edina, Minnesota.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Thomas L. Miller, 71

August 6, 2009

Thomas L. Miller died on Tuesday, July 28, 2009, at his home in Algona.  He was 61.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Monday, August 3, at 10:30 a.m., at the St. Cecelia Catholic Church, with Father Thomas Flanagan officiating.  Burial was in the East Lawn Cemetery.

Thomas Leo Miller, was born on November 4, 1947 in Algona, Iowa, the son of Howard and Beatrice (Kollasch) Miller. He grew up in Algona where he played on a local hockey team and enjoyed his high school years playing football. Tom graduated from the Bishop Garrigan High School in 1965. After his schooling Tom moved to Denver where he worked for Continental Airlines before moving back to Britt and working road construction with Everd's Brothers. On September 10, 1983, Tom was united in marriage to Darla Rutledge at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wesley. After their marriage they lived in Algona and Tom worked as a retail clerk for Big Bear and later Hy-Vee before having to retire due to health reasons.

Tom enjoyed spending time with his family especially following his nieces and nephews in their school and sporting events. He also enjoyed woodworking, camping, fishing, doing cross stitch and going to coffee with friends. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Algona Council #952 and the St. Cecelia Parish, where he was an active member of the Church and Funeral Choirs.

He is survived by his wife, Darla of Algona; parents, Howard and Bea Miller of Algona; brothers and sisters, Jacky and Curtis Hanson of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, Jim and Kathy Miller of Phoenix, Arizona, Dale and Patricia Miller of Scottsdale, Arizona, Donna and Dale Johnson of Olathe, Kansas and Barb Miller of Maple Grove, Minnesota; and many brothers and sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Fred and Gertrude Kollasch and Leo J. and Sarah Miller.

Funeral arrangements were handled by the Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Keith Hanson, 75

August 6, 2009

Keith Hanson, 75, of Britt, died on Wednesday, July 29, 2009, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, at the Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt, with Rev. Lee Nelson officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery.  

Keith Don Hanson, the son of Don and Ethel (McCurry) Hanson, was born on June 2, 1934 at Eagle Grove. He attended school at Britt and graduated from the Eagle Grove High School. Following high school, Keith moved to Britt and operated a trucking business for a time. On April 1, 1983, he married Dianne Fabre Swingen at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. They lived in Britt where Keith worked for Hancock County in the road maintenance department until becoming the transportation director for the Britt Community School district. 

After his retirement in 1999, he started his own sharpening shop and lock/key service. Keith enjoyed automobiles and anything mechanical. He also liked to watch car racing and, at one time, worked on a race car with friends. Keith always looked forward to his early morning coffee with his friends at Mary Jo's Hobo House. He was a past member of the Britt Fire Department and the Britt Lions Club.

Keith is survived by his wife, Dianne of Britt; two children, Kris Givens and her son, Mark of Glencoe, Minnesota and Kent (Peg) Hanson and their children, Casey and Shelby of Osage; five step-children; three step-grandchildren; one step-great-granddaughter; his brother, Duane (Brenda) Hanson of Britt; and two nieces, Leslie (Larry) Monson and Lynne Seive. Keith will be missed by his dog, Oscar, who was his pal and nap partner. 

He was preceded in death by his parents.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Ruth F. Anderson, 86

August 4, 2009

Ruth F. Anderson, age 86 of Forest City, died on Thursday, July 30, 2009, at the Good Samaritan Care Center in Forest City.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, August 4, 2009, at the Calvary Baptist Church in Forest City, with Pastor Douglas Farrell officiating. Burial was in the Oakland Cemetery in Forest City. Visitation was held an hour prior to the services at the church.

Ruth, the daughter of Sam and Florence (Schlichting) Jefson, was born on the family farm in Hancock County on December 2, 1922. She attended the Ellington Township School through the eighth grade and graduated from the Forest City High School in 1940. She met her future husband, Carroll S. Anderson, while working at the Candy Kitchen in Forest City. They were married on May 27, 1942. Ruth and Carroll spent the early years of their marriage farming in the Forest City area.

Ruth was a wonderful help mate to her husband, managing the household, raising four children and extending a hospitable welcome to all who came by. Visitors to her table could always count on a delicious meal. Ruth worked for 25 years in the Forest City Schools as a cook and baker.

Ruth trusted Christ as her personal savior at age 22 and was an active member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Forest City. She served on numerous ladies committees, often supervising the preparation and serving of meals for special functions. She was also a faithful Sunday School teacher and dedicated AWANA worker. She had a special love for the boys and girls who were a part of her class.

Survivors include her daughters, Sonna Lea Hunsley and her husband, John of Phoenix, Arizona, Marcele Kolwinska and her husband, Jerry of Watertown, Wisconsin and Lorene Posegate and her husband, Darrel of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; son, Dennis Anderson and his wife, Karen of Ankeny; her grandchildren, Stephen and Kay Hunsley, David Hunsley, Jeremy and Joan Kolwinska, Levi and Shelly Kolwinska, Jonathan and Jessica (Kolwinska) Shevy, Mike and Kami Sims, Bill and Anna Sims, Adam and Lisa Posegate, Tyler Posegate, Michael and Jennifer Posegate, Joshua and Stephanie Anderson and Jillian Anderson; and her great-grandchildren, Luke and Mark Hunsley, Owen and Erin Kolwinska, Johnathan and Jackson Sims, Matthew and Kerstyn Sims, Harmon and Oliver Posegate and Kaleb Anderson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a grandson, Mark Carroll Hunsley; and two brothers, Lyle and Merle Jefson.

The family encourages memorials be directed to the Good Samaritan Center or to the Calvary Baptist Church, both in Forest City.
© 2009 Forest City Summit