Florence Schrandt, 92

March 10, 2009

Florence Edna Schrandt, 92, of Ossian, died on Sunday, March 1, 2009, at the Winneshiek Medical Center.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, March 5, at the St. Francis de Sales Church, with burial in the church cemetery, both in Ossian, Iowa. Officiating Clergy was Msgr. Cletus J. Hawes. The Schmitz Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

She was the daughter of Alfred and Minnie (Schweinefus) Torkelson. She was born on October 30, 1916 in rural Ossian, Iowa. Florence was baptized and confirmed at the Stavanger Lutheran Church, rural Ossian. She received her education at the Dover Township No. 7 Country School in Fayette County. On May 4, 1940, she was united in marriage to Herbert J. Schrandt. They farmed near Castalia and raised their four children. Herbert was killed in an auto crash on July 11, 1964 and Florence stayed on the farm until 1967, when she moved to Ossian.

Survivors include two sons, Jerry (Beverly) Schrandt of Ossian and Donald (Sherri) Schrandt of Britt; two daughters, Joan (Jerry) Ameling of Ossian and Joyce (Ray) Piorkowski of Elkader; five grandchildren, Nicole (Steve) Buchheit, Julie Hoefler, Michelle (Dan) Clements, Rodney Linderbaum and Kimberly (Jonathan) Shea; three step-grandchildren, Gina (Kevin) Blake, Carla (Dan) Llewellyn and Kate (Steve) Rogers; eight great-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; one sister, Irene (Robert) Klisart of Ossian; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Herbert Schrandt; three sisters, Marjorie Lenth in 1993, Evelyn Staska in 1999 and Inez Chensvold in 2002; and two brothers, Walter Torkelson in 1991 and Art Torkelson in 1982; a granddaughter, Mindy Schrandt in 1979; a son-in-law, Richard Linderbaum in 1976; and a step-grandson, J. T. Riherd in 2004.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Jennie M. Piersol, 92

March 10, 2009

Jennie M. Piersol, 92, of Lake Mills, died on Monday, March 2, 2009, at the Lake Mills Care Center in Lake Mills.

Funeral services were held on Friday, March 6, at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Thompson, with Pastor Mark Decker officiating. Visitation was on Thursday evening, at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in Lake Mills and again at the church one hour prior to the services. Burial took place at the Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Monday, March, 9, 2009.

Jennie Margaret Piersol, was born on November 5, 1916 in Thompson, Iowa, the daughter of Theodore and Hannah (Opsal) Hovda. Jennie attended rural schools in the Thompson area. The family moved to Rake in 1928. Following graduation from the Rake High School she attended Waldorf College and was employed at several stores in Forest City. Jennie was united in marriage to Colonel M. Piersol on August 12, 1943 in Medford, Oregon. Following Colonel's discharge from the army in 1945, they moved to Los Angeles, California, where Colonel was employed as a machinist. They returned to Thompson in 1948 and resided there until June, 2002, when they moved to Lake Mills.

Jennie was an active member of the Bethany Lutheran Church. She loved plants and flowers and seemed to be able to make anything grow. She enjoyed quilting with the ladies of the church as well as on her own. Jennie was a proud Norwegian and was fluent in the language. She enjoyed sharing Norwegian delicacies with family and friends. But the most important thing to Jennie was her family. Her greatest joy was in being a wife, mom, grandma and great-grandma “Jenna”.

Jennie is survived by her son, Bruce (Ann) of Red Lake Falls, Minnesota; daughter, Linda of Minnetonka, Minnesota; grandson, Brett (Mindy) of Red Lake Falls, Minnesota; granddaughter, Heather (Patrick) Thibert of East Grand Forks, Minnesota; great-grandchildren, Nicholas and Courtney Piersol and Vanessa and Livia Thibert; sister, Esther Shivers of St. Paul, Minnesota; sister-in-law, Helen Marie Hovda of Mesa, Arizona; brother-in-law, Andrew Larsen of Sun City, Arizona; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Harold, Sidney and Ernest; sisters, Helen Hovda and Gladys Larsen; and great-granddaughter, Rebecca Ann Thibert.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Wilma Luppen, 71

March 10, 2009

Wilma Phyllis (Beenken) Luppen, left her earthly home to be with her lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, March 4, 2009. She passed away in the Hospice Room at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt, surrounded by her family after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 7, at 1:00 p.m., at the Kanawha Christian Reformed Church, with Pastor Steve Schulz officiating. Burial was in the Amsterdam Township Cemetery in Kanawha. Visitation was held on Friday, March 6, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Ewing Funeral Chapel in Britt and continued one hour prior to the services at the church.

Wilma was the second child of Henry and Vergie (Kardoes) Beenken. She was born on August 4, 1937, on her parent's farm near Woden, Iowa. She has four siblings who are Merlin (Marlis) Beenken, Wayne (Luming) Beenken, Sharon (Dennis) Heinen and Daryl (Nancy) Beenken. She attended the Ramsey Reformed and Woden Christian Reformed Churches when growing up. She was both a baptized and confirmed member of the Christian Faith. When she was a young girl, Wilma stayed with her Grandpa and Grandma Kardoes on a farm near Buffalo Center, Iowa quite often, where she helped take care of them and do household chores. She attended and graduated from the Woden Community Schools, where she participated in basketball and speech. She was also active in 4-H.

On February 10, 1956, Wilma married the love of her life, Philip D. Luppen of Kanawha. They were married at the Woden Christian Reformed Church by the Reverend Julius VandenHoek. They made their home together with their children three miles north of Kanawha. She and Phil are members of the Kanawha Christian Reformed Church. Here they were blessed with seven children, Donna (Leroy) Senne, LuAnn (Nick) Studer, Brenda (Chuck) Schmidt, Paul (Cheryl) Luppen, Charlotte (Mike) Hrubes, Julene (Randy) Weiland and Allan (Linda) Luppen. Their children in turn blessed them with 21 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren who are, Matthew Senne, Jason Senne, Andrew Senne, Adam Senne, Shawn (Tiffany) Studer and their children, Madison, Tate and Emrie; Gregory (Theresa) Studer and their children, Dawson and Savanah; Troy Studer, Jacki Studer, Kacie Schmidt, Jamie Schmidt, Cody Schmidt, MaKayla Luppen, Tierra Luppen, Lacey (Tony) Kelley and their children, Amara and Coewhan; Joshua Hrubes, Brandi Hrubes, Cole Weiland, Seth Weiland, Ethan Luppen, Eric Luppen, and her angel, Alyssa Luppen.

Wilma was a wonderful wife, mother and homemaker.  Her grandchildren were very important to her. She enjoyed spending time with her family, gardening, cooking, baking and spending time outdoors. She worked at the Kanawha Community Nursing Home and Team Sports in Kanawha, Interstate Traveller in Belmond and helped her husband of 53 years farm and raise their children.

Wilma is also survived by her sister-in-law, Birdene (Howard) Jutting; step-siblings, Sharon (Dewey) Valentine, Clinton (Cherann) Eden and Ardith (Gary) Thorson; and many nieces and nephews.

Wilma was preceded in death by her grandparents; her parents, Henry and Virgie Beenken; her parents-in-law, Peter and Edith Luppen; and her step-mother, Ella Beenken.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Thelma Eekhoff, 75

March 17, 2009

Thelma Eekhoff, age 75, of Kanawha, Iowa, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, March 14, 2009, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital, Britt.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 17, at 1:30 p.m., at the Kanawha Christian Reformed Church, Kanawha, with Pastor Steve Schultz and Rev. Marvin Van Donselaar officiating. Burial was in the Amsterdam Township Cemetery, Kanawha. Visitation was held on Monday, March 16, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Ewing Funeral Home in Kanawha and continued one hour prior to the funeral services at the church.

Thelma Joanne Eekhoff, the oldest child of Cornelius and Cornelia (Post) Verhoef, was born on July 5, 1933 in Ocheyedan, Iowa. She was raised on farms, first near Ocheyedan and then near Sanborn, Iowa. Thelma attended the Sanborn Christian Grade School, Western Christian High School in Hull, Iowa and Westmar College in LeMars, Iowa. She became a professing member of the Sanborn Christian Reformed Church in 1951. Thelma was an elementary teacher at the Ocheyedan Christian School, Oskaloosa Christian School and the Kanawha Christian School. In 1958 she met John and they were married on June 9, 1961.

John and Thelma made their home on a farm near Kanawha where she enjoyed raising her family, gardening, keeping the books and helping with the busy planting and harvest seasons. Later she enjoyed selling produce at farmer's markets. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.

She was a faithful member of the Kanawha Christian Reformed Church and took an active role in its activities. The Kanawha Christian School had a special place in her heart. There she taught, substituted, sent her children and volunteered. She became known as the “Cookie Lady” to the students because she rewarded them with homemade monster cookies.

Thelma will be lovingly remembered by her husband, John, of more than 47 years and four children, Cathy Dattoli and her husband, Mark of Elmhurst, Illinois, Alan and his wife, Lori of Kanawha, Byron and his wife, Cindy of Pella, Iowa and David and his wife, Melinda of Hull, Iowa; eleven grandchildren, Kimberly and Joy Dattoli, Andrew, Jeremy, Jonathan, Michael Eekhoff, Mariah, Mitchell, Dylan Eekhoff, Lauren and Alexia Eekhoff; three brothers, Clarence Verhoef and his wife, Thelma of Sanborn, Iowa, Vernon and his wife, Nan of Newark, New Jersey and Jerry and his wife, Deb of Hull, Iowa; two sisters, Leanna Van De Stouwe and her husband, LeRoy of Rapid City, South Dakota and Esther Miller and her husband, Danny of Omaha, Nebraska; a sister-in-law, Rosalee Verhoef of Artesia, California; a brother-in-law, Harris Hubers of Minneapolis, Minnesota: and many nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Herman Verhoef; and her sister, Jean Hubers.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Ruth Ann Unseth Burton, 69

March 24, 2009

Ruth Ann Unseth Burton, of Tierra Linda Ranch, Kerrville, Texas and Crystal Lake, Cable, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, March 17, 2009, after a brave three-year fight against cancer.

A small private celebration of Ruth's life will be held at the Burton home on Tierra Linda Ranch. A second celebration of her life will be held in Drummond this summer at a date yet to be determined. The family requests that donations, in lieu of flowers, be made to The Salvation Army, Alexandria, Virginia.

Ruth was born on June 7, 1939 in Ashland, Wisconsin. She received her primary and secondary educations in the Drummond Schools. After her marriage in 1957 to her first husband, Frank Kovach, a teacher and school administrator, she lived in various places including Mundelin, Illinois; Iowa City, Iowa; La Crosse, Wisconsin; Lake Forest, Illinois; Forest City, Iowa and Rockport, Texas.  Ruth's considerable energy in those years was devoted to caring for her family while at the same time earning a Bachelor's Degree from Lake Forest College and Master of Arts and Master of Fine Arts Degrees from the Northern Illinois University.

A talented artist and caring teacher, Ruth served as Professor of Art and Head of the Art Department at Waldorf College, Forest City, Iowa for fifteen years. After she retired from her post at Waldorf in 1994, she pursued her own interests as a photographer and painter. Ruth is known for her large richly colored textural paintings, many of them impressionistic oils of southwestern and northern forest scenes done with palette knife as well as with brush and for her smaller, sensitive nudes and landscapes. She exhibited in many one-woman shows and received two National Endowment for the Arts grants for special exhibitions of her work, including one that presented fifteen of her large canvases at several museums throughout the Midwest. Her work has been displayed in numerous galleries in the southwest and midwest. She and her second husband Jim, a retired Navy pilot and sculptor, maintained studios in Kerrville for most of the year and in northern Wisconsin during the summer.

Ruth was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Kerrville.

She is survived by her husband, James L. Burton; two sons, Mark Kovach and his wife, Terri of Itaska, Illinois and their children, Mark, Jr., Stephanie, Christina, Kevin and Steven; Peter Kovach and his wife, Monica and their daughter, Shannon of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; a sister, Dorothy Unseth Behling of Belleair, Florida and Lake Owen, Drummond, Wisconsin; and two step-children, Scott Burton of Rockport, Texas and Patti Kremensek of Sheridan, Wyoming.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Arthur James Unseth and Ella Berg Unseth; and her brother, James Arthur Unseth, all of Drummond, Wisconsin.

Funeral arrangements by the Meadowlawn Crematory and American Mortuary, San Antonio, Texas.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Wynnette Faye Foss, 60

March 24, 2009

Wynnette Faye Foss, 60, of Leland, died on Saturday, March 21, 2009, at the Muse Norris Hospice Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, March 25, at the Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Leland.

Visitation was held from 4-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in Lake Mills and again one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial took place in the Forest Home Cemetery in Leland.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Juanita Faust, 66

March 31, 2009

Juanita Faust, 66, of Britt, passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2009, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt, following a nine-year battle with cancer.

Funeral services were held at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Britt, on Saturday, March 28, at 10:30 a.m., with Father Henry Huber officiating. Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt. Visitation was held from 5-7:00 p.m., on Friday, March 27, at the Ewing Funeral Chapel in Britt.

Juanita, the daughter of Joe and Vernie Wirth, was born on June 17, 1942 in Story City, Iowa. When she was two, her family moved to a farm outside of Thompson. After graduating from high school, Juanita attended beauty school and worked as a beautician in Colorado. She married Don Faust on September 16, 1967, in Britt, where they resided and farmed southwest of town. Jaunita worked at home raising their four children. She also tended to lavish gardens each year and was known for her canning and baking. In 1987, Juanita began working as a home health aide for Hancock County, where she worked up until her retirement in 2006.

Jaunita was the fifth of ten children. She will always be remembered for the knack for cooking, her skill at gardening, her peacock decoration, her passion for collecting Beanie Babies and her loved of being a grandma. The grace and style Juanita exhibited throughout her battle with cancer showed her strength, strong will and character. Her memory will live on in our hearts forever.

Survivors include her daughter, Donita Faust and husband, Rob Hollingworth and their son, Ian of Des Moines; daughter, Shawn Miller and husband, Luke and their children, Raina and Tommy of Buffalo Center; son, Troy Faust and wife, Jennifer and their children, Mahayla and Gunnar of Britt; son, Justin Faust and Alexa Aleman and their daughter, Emma of Britt; brothers, Gerald Wirth and wife, Phyllis of Colorado, Leroy Wirth of Chariton, Cecil Wirth and wife, Joanne of Forest City, Keith Wirth and wife, Barb of Thompson and Dennis Wirth and wife, Linda of Bentonville, Arkansas; sisters, Mary Jo Guilick of Dubuque, Faye Krueger and husband, Don of Blairstown and Judy Peterson and husband, Travis of Jewell; and many nieces and nephews.

Jaunita was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Vernie Wirth; husband, Don Faust; parents-in-law, Bill and Cleo Faust; brother, John Wirth; brother-in-law, Bill Guilick; and sister-in-law, Ellen Wirth.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

William "Bill" Tegtmeyer, 90

March 31, 2009

William "Bill" Tegtmeyer, 90, of Britt, died on Sunday, March 22, 2009, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, March 25, at the First Lutheran Church in Britt, with Rev. Lee Nelson officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, with military rites by the Britt Veterans Ceremonial Unit. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

William "Bill" Otto Tegtmeyer, the son of Wilhelm and Clara (Schoening) Tegtmeyer, was born on January 14, 1919, on the family farm in Orthel Township in Hancock County. He attended the Orthel  No. 5 Rural School, graduated from the Britt High School in 1937 and continued his education at the Britt Junior College. Bill proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during WW II  in North Africa, Italy and France. Following his honorable discharge in November of 1945, he  was awarded four bronze stars. On February 20, 1946, he married Ruth Boldt at the United Methodist Church in Britt. They lived northwest of Britt where they farmed and raised their family. After Ruth passed away in September of 1992, Bill remained on the farm and helped his son, Alan, farm. He enjoyed spending his winters in Weslaco, Texas.

He was a member of the First Lutheran Church serving on the church council and was a trustee for Britt Township for many years. He also was an active member of the Britt American Legion and VFW, serving as past commander.

Bill is survived by three children and their families; daughter, Karen (Kenny) Terhark of Britt and their two children, Monica (Tony) Smidt and their son, Dylan of Britt and Craig (Karie) Terhark and their two children, Terese and Kevin of Britt; son, Dean (Janet) Tegtmeyer of Clear Lake and their three children, Dean, Jr. (Heather) Tegtmeyer and their two children, Maegan and Devin of Clear Lake, Tami Meyering and her two children, Brooke and Cody of Clear Lake and Kari (Jerry) Flaherty of Mason City; son, Alan Tegtmeyer of Britt; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; his parents; three sisters, Laura Tegtmeyer, Alma Wermerson and Alice Schaefer; and two brothers, Clarence and Arthur Tegtmeyer.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Lynn A. Vold, 54

April 7, 2009

Lynn A. Vold, age 54, of Forest City, died at his home in Forest City, on Sunday, March 22, 2009.

A Memorial Visitation was held on Wednesday, March 25, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City. Inurnment will be a private family service at the Oakland Cemetery at a later date. No formal funeral services will be held.

Lynn A. Vold, was born in Albert Lea, Minnesota, on February 18, 1955, the son of Donald O. and Juanita Mae (Straley) Vold. Lynn received his elementary education in Lake Mills and graduated from the Forest City High School in 1973. He attended NIACC for a brief time before beginning to work at Winnebago Industries in Forest City, where he continued working for over 30 years.

Lynn enjoyed spending time with his family. He loved hunting and fishing and was a member of Ducks Unlimited.

Lynn is survived by his mother, Nita Vold; sister, Sheila McGuire and her husband, Patrick; niece and nephew, Hallie and Shaun McGuire; an uncle, Vernon (Betty) Vold; an aunt, Audra Kae (Lyle) Hansen; and many cousins, friends and co-workers.

Lynn was preceded in death by his father, Donald Vold in 1991; and his grandparents.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Beulah B. Green, 95

March 31, 2009

Beulah B. Green, 95, of Britt, died on Monday, March 23, 2009, at the Nightingale Suites Assisted Living in Arvada, Colorado.

Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Saturday, April 4, at the United Methodist Church in Britt, with Rev. Robert Dodge officiating. Inurnment will be in the Corwith Cemetery.

Beulah Bell Green, the seventh of eight children of Daniel and Anna (Kanitz) Green, was born on August 9, 1913, on the family farm near Corwith. She attended the rural schools of Hancock County. She lived in Britt where she was employed as a nurse for Dr. Camp for many years. She later moved to Arvada, Colorado to be near her son, Dr. James "Gary" Green. 

Beulah enjoyed spending time with her family and quilting. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Britt, UMW, the Rebekah Lodge and the Hancock County Historical Society.

Beulah is survived by her son, Dr. James "Gary" (Roberta) Green of Golden, Colorado; two grandchildren, Dan (Juli) Green of Lakewood, Colorado and Tracy (Ron) Drake of Golden, Colorado; four great-grandchildren, Ryan and Alyssa Drake and Connor and Dylan Green; a sister-in-law, Laura Green of Hastings, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Bertha Davis and Ethel Halligan; and five brothers, Edward, Carl, Albert, Harold and William Green.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Ronald E. Krutsinger, 68

April 1, 2009

Ronald E. Krutsinger, 68, of Mason City, died on Tuesday, March 24, 2009, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit.

Funeral services were held on Friday, March, 27, at the First Assembly of God Church, with Pastor Clyde Harvey officiating. Visitation was on Thursday, March 26, at the Major Erickson Funeral Home. Interment was in the Oakwood Cemetery in Floyd, Iowa.

Ron was born on August 10, 1940 in Iowa City, Iowa, the son of Charles Howard and Evelyn (Larsen) Krutsinger. He attended and graduated from the Mason City High School in 1958. He was married to Shirley Mills on December 9, 1960 in Floyd, Iowa. After marriage, they moved to Lima, New York, where Ron attended the Elim Bible Institute for four years. After finishing school, they moved to Starville, Michigan, where he served as an assistant pastor for three years. They moved to Forest City in 1971 and started working for Winnebago Industries where he worked until his retirement in 1998. He also worked for Harvey Johnson on the farm on a part-time basis.

After retirement, Shirley and Ron moved to Stewartville, Minnesota, where they lived and worked at the Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch for two-and-a-half years, until moving to Mason City. Ron drove school bus for the Clear Lake School District for the last eight years, which he thoroughly enjoyed; he also delivered parts for Advanced Auto in Mason City. Ron and Shirley also owned and operated the New Beginnings Consignment Shoppe in Mason City.

Ron was a very active member of the First Assembly of God Church, where he played bass guitar on the worship team, served on the church board and also was a part of the Men's Ministries. He enjoyed music, especially singing. Family was very important to him and he enjoyed the time he spent with them.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Shirley of Mason City; children, David Krutsinger of Bullhead City, Arizona, Diane Wyant and husband, Curtis of Forest City, James Krutsinger and wife, Lori of Forest City and Joel Krutsinger and wife, Darla of Stewartville, Minnesota; ten grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one step-grandchild; sister, Alberta Loveless of Mason City; brothers, Richard Krutsinger and wife, Harriet of Clear Lake, Gail Krutsinger of Mason City and Don Krutsinger of St. Paul, Minnesota; mother, Evelyn Rensink of Mason City; step-sister, Julie Goodling and husband, Al of Mason City; and many nieces and nephews.

Ron was preceded in death by his father, Charles Howard; step-father, Roy Rensink; and step-sister, Mary Rensink.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Lynn K. Hanna, 61

April 7, 2009

Retired Cmdr. Lynn K. Hanna, 61, of Madison, Alabama, died on Wednesday, March 25, 2009.

Lynn was buried in Huntsville, Alabama on Monday, March 30, 2009.

He spent his last earthly day enjoying the company, laughter and love of his immediate family. Lynn was born in Forest City. He retired from the U.S. Navy after 28 years of honorable service and continued his career as a defense contractor in Madison, Alabama.

Lynn's father, Raymond, preceded him into Eternal life.

Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Peggy; his mother, Pearl;  his brother, Lyle; sister, LaRae; his daughters, Lisa and husband, Sean and Lori and husband, Scott; his son, Jeff and wife, Michelle; and seven grandchildren. 
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Ovila M. Metzger, 93

April 7, 2009

Ovila M. Metzger, age 93, of Forest City, died on Saturday, March 28, 2009, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Monday, April 6, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City, with Hospice Chaplin James Allard officiating. Visitation was held on Monday, April 6, before the time of the service. Burial was in the Sunnyside Cemetery in Lake Mills, Iowa. Memorials may be given to the Hospice of North Iowa.

Ovila Mathews, was born on November 12, 1915 near Leland, the daughter of Martin and Helena (Holland) Mathews. She worked in Forest City, for a time before moving to California where she worked in a Defense Plant during the war. On June 2, 1946, she was united in marriage to Sam Metzger in Las Vegas, Nevada. Sam passed away on July 22, 1971. Ovila stayed in California for several years working as a chauffeur for a lady there and enjoyed this very much - she still talked about that the last years. Later she moved back Forest City where she made her home and has lived the last three and a half years at the Good Samaritan Care Center.

Ovila is survived by many nieces and nephews and their families and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two sisters, Inez Norstrud and Lenora Hanson; and three brothers, Martel, Myron and Vernon Mathews.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Lloyd De Jong, age 84

April 7, 2009

Lloyd De Jong, age 84, of Orange City, passed away on Tuesday, March 31, 2009, at his residence.

Funeral services were held on Monday, April 6, at 3:00 p.m., at the First Reformed Church in Orange City. The Rev. Paul Colenbrander, the Rev. Dr. Perry De Groot and the Rev. Edward Suffern officiated. Interment followed in the West Lawn Cemetery in Orange City. Visitation with the family present, was on Sunday, from 2-4:00 p.m., at the church. The funeral arrangements were with the Oolman Funeral Home in Orange City.

Lloyd Kenneth was born on July 3, 1924 in Alton, the son of William P. and Tillie (Menning) De Jong. He was raised at Newkirk, where he received most of his education, but graduated from the Alton High School. He then served in the United States Navy as a radioman second class, stationed in the South Pacific Theatre. On September 26, 1946, he married Elizabeth Lois Giesen in Orange City. They made their home in Orange City, where he was first a painter at Silent Sioux. He then became a partner in two Orange City grocery stores, the Corner Market and I.G.A. Later, he sold cars at Punt Chevrolet-Pontiac-Cadillac for 29 years and in retirement, he was a part-time custodian at the Sioux County Public Health building, both in Orange City.

Lloyd was a member of the First Reformed Church, where he served as an Elder and Sunday School Superintendent and sang in the choir. He also belonged to the American Legion. He liked all sports, especially baseball and his Yankees and he played on the church softball team. He enjoyed singing, gardening and yard work, fishing and vacationing at their lake with family.

Survivors include his wife of more than 62 years, Betty; a daughter and her husband, Myra and John Bowman of Britt; a son and his wife, Wayne De Jong and Lisa Erdos of San Francisco, California; two grandchildren, Ryan and Jill Bowman; his twin brother and his wife, Kenneth and Eleanor De Jong and a sister-in-law, Frances (Ray) De Jong, all of Orange City; and nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by to his parents; and five brothers and a sister, Peter W. De Jong, Anna Nieuwendorp, Ralph De Jong, William E. De Jong, Howard De Jong and Raymond De Jong.

Memorials may be directed to the organ fund of the First Reformed Church in Orange City.
© 2009 Forest City Summit