Jack D. Helgren, 77

May 6, 2009

Jack D. Helgren, 77, of Mason City, died on Friday, May 1, 2009, at his home.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, May 5, at the Trinity Lutheran Church, with Rev. James Grabitske of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church officiating. Visitation was held on Monday, May 4, at the Major Erickson Funeral Home. Interment was in the Memorial Park Cemetery.

Jack was born on August 30, 1931 in Thompson, Iowa, the son of Leonard and Geneva (Olson) Helgren. He graduated from the Thompson High School in 1948. Jack went into the U.S. Air Force in 1951 and was honorably discharged in 1955. He married Elizabeth Jensen on September 20, 1951 in Mason City. After the Air Force, Jack worked for Goodyear for 5 years and Sears for 5 years. In 1965, he started the North Iowa Tire Company and House of Sports, where he was in business for 44 years until his illness. During those 44 years, his son, John worked along side of him for 34 years. Jack was never interested in retiring and felt his customers were his friends.

He had many hobbies, including snowmobiling, Sea Doos and his Harley Davidson Trike that he loved to take his grandson, Joel on. Jack also enjoyed riding his bike to Sturgis every year and going out to Yellowstone snowmobiling. Jack was a pilot and flew a 172 Cessna when he was younger. Two years ago, he flew a AT-6 WW II War Bird Fighter Plane. Jack had a cabin up north on Pelican Lake that he and Liz enjoyed for 26 years. He was happiest when he got to spend time with his two sons, especially together out west or up north. His last project was restoring a Farmall tractor and was hoping to ride in the July Tractor Ride. Jack was a member of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church and other numerous clubs. He will be greatly missed.

Jack is survived by his wife of 57 years, Liz Helgren of Mason City; his two sons, Michael Helgren of Seattle, Washington and John Helgren and fiancée, Joyce Diedrich of Mason City; 3 grandchildren, Joel Helgren of Mason City, Taylor and Andrew Helgren of Seattle; daughters-in-law, Kathleen Helgren of Mason City and Patricia Helgren of Seattle; one sister, Beverly Mittlestadt of Wichita, Kansas; nieces, Cynthia Maskarina and husband, John of Mason City, Cheryl Cassels and husband, Delbert of Garner and Heidi Morgan and husband, Mike of Junction City, Kansas; nephew, Tom Mittlestadt of Wichita, Kansas; his best friends, Forest “Bud” Cerney (also his brother-in-law) of Mason City and Rufus Glassel of Mason City. He is also survived by several cousins.

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

Benjamin Klinge, 79

May 12, 2009

Benjamin Albert Klinge, the son of Otto and Hattie (Kahlstorf) Klinge, was born on October 5, 1929 on the family farm located four and one-half miles south of Duncan. Ben died at the Belmond Medical Center after a brief illness with cancer on Wednesday, May 6, 2009.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 9, at 2:00 p.m., at the Peace Reformed Church in rural Garner, with Pastor Harvey Opp officiating. Burial was in the Peace Reformed Church Cemetery, with full military services being provided by the Britt Ceremonial Unit. Visitation was held on Friday, May 8, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Ewing Funeral Chapel in Britt and continued one hour prior to the services at the church.

Ben grew up on the family farm and graduated from the Garner High School. He was a talented football player and is remembered by his teammates and competitors as a "tough" player. You wanted Ben on your side when it came to football. After a partial year of college, Ben entered the United States Marine Corps on February 13, 1952. Ben was a Corporal at the 9th MCRRD, Chicago, Illinois as an aircraft mechanic. He received Airman Class "P" training in Jacksonville, Florida and Avn Structure Mechanic "A" training in Memphis, Tennessee. He received the National Defense Service Medal. He separated from the service in Santa Anna, California in 1954.

Ben returned to the family farm to assist his father and continued to work the family farm when Otto retired in 1966.

Ben enjoyed his nieces and nephew as they grew up. He taught them fishing - his favorite, bowling, roller-skating and even how to milk the cows. They loved coming to the farm and spending time with him. Ben lived farming. He loved the hard work. His United States Marine Corps mechanic background served him well on the farm. He enjoyed repairing any and all kinds of farm equipment.

Ben was baptized, confirmed and was a lifetime member of the Peace Reformed Church of rural Garner.

Ben is survived by two sisters, Mabel, Mrs. Ben Barkema of Clarion, Iowa and Dorothy, Mrs. Richard Legge of Newton, Kansas; four nieces, great-nieces and nephews; and great-great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hattie in 1968 and Otto in 1979; and three brothers, Elmer Klinge in 1920, Paul Klinge in 1935 and John Klinge in 1941.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Norma M. Rockow, 94

May 19, 2009

Norma M. Rockow, 94, of Garner, died on Monday, May 11, 2009, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services were held on Friday, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garner, with Rev. Dale Glawatz officiating. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery. Visitation was held on Thursday, at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel in Garner and continued one hour prior to the services at the church.  

Norma Marie Rockow, the daughter of Cornelius and Marie (Thiemann) Wille, was born on October 4, 1914, on a farm northwest of Klemme. She attended Ell Township No. 8 and graduated from the Klemme High School in 1933. Norma received her normal training teaching certificate at Iowa State Teacher's College in Cedar Falls and then taught at a country school for a year. On February 10, 1937, she was married to Harold W. Rockow at her parent's home east of Klemme. They lived on the Rockow family farm northwest of Garner all of their married life. After Harold passed away in 1979, Norma continued to live on the farm. She later moved into Garner and in November of 2000 became a resident of Concord Care Center. 

She enjoyed her family, quilting, embroidery, crafts and playing cards. She was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church, LWML, Madison Progressive Club, Madison Birthday Club and Farm Bureau Women.

Norma is survived by her children, Ilene (James) Johnson of Spring, Texas, Merlin (Judy) Rockow of Prior Lake, Minnesota, Daryl (Mary Jane) Rockow of Mankato, Minnesota and Elwyn (Barbara) Rockow of Forest City; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three sisters, Ruby Blanchet of Garner, Ada Rockow of McMinnville, Oregon and Adala Bailey of Britt; three brothers, Raymond (Alice) Wille of Hampton, Glenn (Anna Lou) Wille of Garner and Darwin (Opal) Wille of Golden, Colorado; three sisters-in-law, Mary Wille of Corpus Christi, Texas, Mildred Kreitlow of Kanawha and Fannie Rockow of Belmond; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; son, Ardell; an infant brother; and brother, Aaron Wille.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Russell Baldwin, 85

May 19, 2009

Russel Baldwin, age 85, of Forest City, died on Thursday, May 14, 2009, at the Mercy Medical Center in Mason City, Iowa.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, May 20, at 2:00 p.m., at the United Methodist Church in Forest City, with Pastor Jerald Swanberg officiating. Inurnment will be in the Oakland Cemetery in Forest City. Visitation was from 5-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, May 19, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City and will continue an hour prior to the services at the church.

Russel V. Baldwin, was born on January 22, 1924 in Cherokee, the son of Ray and May (Beazley) Baldwin. He grew up on a farm near Washta, Iowa and received his education there. On September 18, 1940, he was united in marriage to Betty Conley in Sioux City. The couple farmed for several years before moving to Paullina, where Russ drove a milk truck for the Sanborn Co-op Creamery and worked for the Paullina Co-op Elevator. Russ was active in the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts.

In 1959, the family moved to Nashua, Iowa, where Russ managed the Nashua Equity Co-op. In 1961, they moved to Forest City when he began managing the Forest City Co-op. In 1966, he was named “Boss of the Year” by the FC Junior Chamber of Commerce. He continued there until becoming the district manager for a grain dryer company in the early 1970s. Russ retired in 1989.

He enjoyed golfing with his buddies, hunting and took many fishing trips to Canada with family and friends. Russ and Betty traveled extensively and since retirement have enjoyed spending the winters in Mesa, Arizona. Russ was a member of the United Methodist Church. He was very proud of his family and loved spending time with them.

He is survived by his wife, Betty of Forest City; five sons, Richard and wife, Suzanne of Nashua, Daniel of Houston, Texas, Steven and wife, Diana 0f Fayetteville, Texas, David and wife, Donna of Las Cruces, New Mexico and Randy of Texas City, Texas; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Russ was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Deane Baldwin.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Irene A. Paige, 87

May 26, 2009

Irene A. Paige, 87, of Fort Dodge, died on Thursday, May 14, 2009, at the Tompkins Memorial Health Center.

Memorial services were held at 2:00 p.m., on Monday, May 18, at the Celebration Center, Friendship Haven in Fort Dodge, with the Revs. Anita Johnson and Wally Paige officiating. Burial was in the North Lawn Cemetery. Visitation was from 10-11:00 a.m., on Monday, at the Celebration Center, Friendship Haven. The Gunderson Funeral Home and Cremation Services are in charge of local arrangements.

Irene Arrasmith, was born on December 11, 1921. She graduated from the Cherokee High School and also from the University of Iowa. On June 10, 1944, Irene joyfully married Warren S. Paige in Iowa City, Iowa. After their marriage the couple made their home in Evanston, Illinois, where Warren was in Garrett Seminary. After seminary the couple moved to Stratford, Wall Lake, Fort Dodge, Britt, Oelwein, Spirit Lake and then moved to Friendship Haven in Fort Dodge where they retired.

Warren passed away on January 13, 2004. Irene was a tender soul who loved people, nature, music and her Lord and Savior. The center of her life was her family. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Women and P.E.O.

Irene is survived by her three daughters, Carolyn (Gregory) Smith of Alden, Minnesota, Virginia (David) Destival of Jefferson and Janet (Arthur) Kuller of Kirkland, Washington; six grandchildren, Holly (Justin) Janni of New Ulm, Minnesota, Kyle Smith of Burnsville, Minnesota, Micah (Kelly) Destival of Hudson, Iowa, Miriam (Tommy) Augustin of Memphis, Tennessee, Leah Destival of Jefferson, Iowa and Aaron Kuller of Olympia, Washington; two great-grandchildren, Bennett and Evan Janni; sister-in-laws, Helen Paige of Sebring, Florida and Ruth Paige of Grundy Center, Iowa; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Warren S. Paige; her parents, Charles and Della (Safely) Arrasmith; twin great-granddaughters, Addison and Emma Destival; two sisters, Ruthie Stewart and Helen Maxwell; and a brother-in-law, Max Paige.

Memorials may be left to the Friendship Haven Care Trust Fund.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Dorothy J. Twito, 85

May 19, 2009

Dorothy Jane Twito, 85, of Lake Mills, died on Friday, May 15, 2009, at the Mercy Medical Center in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Monday, May 18, at the Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills, with Pastor David E. Jordon officiating. Visitation was on Sunday 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 Lutheran Cemetery in Lake Mills.

Dorothy Jane Twito, was born on July 5, 1923 in Forest City, to Mabel (Johnson) and O.B. Anderson. She graduated from the Forest City High School then continued her education at Waldorf College. After receiving her wartime teaching certificate she taught in Kenyon, Minnesota for two years. While at Waldorf, she met her future husband, David and also lifetime best friends, Duke and Clarine Moe. She and David were married in Forest City on July 14, 1946.

While their four children, Robyn, Nancy, Dan and Becky, were growing up, Dorothy was active in the Tuesday School program, Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts. She never missed a concert, a play or a ballgame. As grandchildren arrived, she again enjoyed being active in the cheerleading section. Dorothy always enjoyed playing cards, golfing, reading and watching sports on TV. And, oh yes, she liked to shop. She was active in many areas of the community, including Salem Lutheran, cancer fundraising and the library board. She and David enjoyed many wonderful winters in Harlingen, Texas.

She is survived by children, Robyn Twito of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Nancy Morris and her sons, Peter and John, of Chester, New Jersey and Becky Helgeson and her husband, Jon and sons, Chris and Dan, of Lake Mills; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, David; her parents, Mabel (Johnson) and O.B. Anderson; infant daughter, Cynthia; son Daniel; son-in-law, Rob Morris; and brothers, Julian, Jerry and Donald.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Clarine D. Ambroson, 78

June 2, 2009

Clarine D. Ambroson, 78, a lifelong resident of Leland, peacefully went to be with her Heavenly Father, on May 17, 2009, a beautiful Sunday morning. Clarine lived her life for her Lord, her family and her friends.

A visitation service was held at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in Lake Mills on Wednesday, May 20 in the evening and the funeral was held at the West Prairie Lutheran Church in rural Leland, on Thursday in the morning. Clarine will be buried at West Prairie, close to her home and so many of those she loved. We will all miss her greatly and we celebrate her life, both here on Earth and eternally.

She was born on June 7, 1930 in rural Leland, the daughter of Hiram O. and Annie R. (Norstrud) Peterson and attended rural school through sixth grade, then junior high in the Leland school and graduated from high school at Forest City. She attended college in Cedar Falls to get her teaching certificate and then taught school at the Fisher School in rural Leland and then at the Leland School. She taught school for a total of six years.

Clarine was a blushing bride of 23 when she was swept off her feet by a dashing young Marine. On June 14, 1953, she married her Marine sweetheart in the only double wedding ceremony in the history of the West Prairie Church and became Mrs. Wayne Ambroson. Her sister, Marlas married Gordon Reimann at that same ceremony. Since Clarine was the older of the two girls, she got to say her vows first.

Clarine left teaching to work at her husband's side in farming and his plumbing and heating business. She became the secretary and business manager for T-W Plumbing & Heating and opened the T-W Gift Shop in Lake Mills as an additional business, where they both enjoyed doing business with the Lake Mills and surrounding communities. People always enjoyed browsing in her gift shop and chatting with Clarine, as she always worked to make people feel welcomed and comfortable.

Wayne and Clarine started their family and ended up with four loving children, Louaine, DeAnn, Terry and Larry. Clarine enjoyed her role as Mom and brought up her kids with lots of love and the Lord's help. Louaine is married to Bill Karkow, has 10 children and two “kids-in-law” and resides in Manchester, Iowa. DeAnn lives in Jesup, Iowa and enjoys her cats. Terry is married to Susan. They have four children and reside in Urbandale, Iowa. Larry is married to Dianna. They have four children and reside in Newton, Iowa. All have stayed in close contact and have shared a wonderful family relationship over the years.

Clarine loved music and shared her talents with the people of the West Prairie Church, where she was an active and lifelong member. She was the church organist for 60 years, starting when she was 13 years old and retiring at 73. West Prairie was known for its music and the congregation always enjoyed singing when Clarine played. She also accompanied the Ladies Choir, the Sunbeam Choir and a multitude of soloists, including her husband, Wayne. She enjoyed practicing at home and working on hymns and songs until they were perfect. One of her favorite songs, Victory in Jesus, was always played at a quick pace, because Clarine said that “I just can't play that song slowly, it just gives me goosebumps!”

Flowers were always a joy to Clarine and she enjoyed planting, watering and tending flowers on the farm in rural Leland. For many years, her favorite Mother's Day gifts from her kids were to have them go with her to pick out and purchase flowers and then to plant them in her yard for her.

Clarine was always a woman of great inner strength and grace, and a deep love for her Savior. Over the years, Clarine kept up her positive and loving attitude and continued to spread her kindness to others, in spite of battling progressive and frightening health issues. She handled each day with grace and love and with a deep faith in her Lord, Who she knew would guide her and keep her each and every day. Even in her last words, this love and grace is reflected. Those last words were “I love you.”

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hiram and Annie Peterson; and two older brothers, Calmar and Herman.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Wayne Ambroson; her four children, Louaine, DeAnn, Terry and Larry; her sisters, Betty (Allen Haugen, both of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) and Marlas Reimann of Leland; and her brother, Allen Peterson (Jean Peterson, both of Leland); and many grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Melvin LeRoy Hempe, 74

June 4, 2009

Melvin LeRoy Hempe, 74, of Clear Lake, died on Sunday, May 24, 2009, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, after a long battle with prostate cancer.

A Memorial service was held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, May 28, at the Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, with Reverend John Tilp officiating. Inurnment was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt, with full military honors conducted by the Britt Honor Guard. Visitation was held one hour prior to the services at the Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel.

Melvin was born on February 19, 1935, the son of Andrew and Marilla (Clark) Hampe in Britt, Iowa. He graduated from the Britt High School in 1953 and then enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in 1954 and was honorably discharged in 1960. Melvin married Doris Kopacek on June 26, 1958 and to this union 6 children were born. In 1976, Melvin married Dorothy Salamanowicz. Melvin was a carpenter for the majority of his life. He also owned a resort near the town of Sioux Lookout in Canada for six years. Melvin spent time in Denver, Colorado and Las Vegas, finally retiring back in Clear Lake in 2000. 

He enjoyed fishing, especially his fishing trips to Canada with his sons and grandson, morning coffee with his friends and painting. He also loved to play Texas Hold ‘em Poker and even played in tournaments.  

He is survived by his children, Cynthia Hempe of St. Paul, Minnesota, Melanie (Phil) Harrington of Grinnell, Greg Hempe of Belmond, RaNae (Tim) Kelly of Plover, Wisconsin and Jay (Kathy) Hempe of Maple Grove, Minnesota; his stepchildren, Alvin Kaskie, Betty Kruger and Craig Kaskie; 11 grandchildren; and his sister, Mary Ann May of Tuscon, Arizona.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Liz Ann Hempe; and his brother, Arthur E. Hampe. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff of the Hospice of North Iowa.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Norman S. Skogen, 79

June 2, 2009

Norman S. Skogen, 79, of Thompson, died on Wednesday, May 27, 2009, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 30, at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Thompson, with Rev. Boyd Longshore officiating. Burial took place in the Zion/West Prairie Lutheran Cemetery, rural Thompson. Visitation was held on Friday, May 29, at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in Lake Mills and continued one hour prior to the services at the church.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

David T. Murphy, 65

June 2, 2009

David T. Murphy, age 65, of Forest City, died on Thursday, May 28, 2009, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City, Iowa, from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.

Memorial services were held on Monday, June 1, at the St. James Catholic Church in Forest City, with Fr. Brian Dellaert officiating. Visitation was on Sunday, May 31, at the funeral home and continued an hour prior to the services at the church. Inurnment was in the Madison Township Cemetery in Forest City.

David was born on November 16, 1943 in Waterloo, Iowa, to Thomas and Martha Murphy. He graduated from the North Central High School in Manly and the Mason City Junior College. He served in the Iowa National Guard for six years. David married Suzanne Brewer at the St. Philomena Catholic Church in Dubuque, Iowa, on June 10, 1967. He was the director of concepts and styling at Winnebago Industries in Forest City when he retired in 2004. David held various positions with the company over his 35-year career.

David was an avid rail fan spending time photographing and modeling the Rock Island Railroad and other railroads throughout his lifetime. He enjoyed time with his friends during weekly model railroad meetings in northern Iowa and southern Minnesota. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle locally and across the country with family and friends.

David is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Suzanne who he was married to for 42 years. He is also survived by two children, Julie (Alex) Tischuk of Tipton and Joseph (Melissa) Murphy of Van Meter; four grandchildren, Rachael, Jacob, Parker and Brenna; his father and mother, Thomas and Martha Murphy of Manly; siblings, Nancy (Donald) Walker of Atlanta, Georgia and Jim (Kay) Murphy of Forest City; and many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews who he also adored.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Ruth Kloster Krafka

June 9, 2009

Ruth Kloster Krafka, age 93, of Belle Plaine, Minnesota and formerly of Omaha, Nebraska, passed away on Thursday, May 28, 2009.

Graveside memorial services will be held at a later date in the Hanna Cemetery, rural Leland, Iowa.

Ruth was born on January 9, 1916, to Gosner and Rachel (Jorgenson) Kloster in Winnebago County, Iowa. She attended Waldorf Junior College and received her B.S. Degree in Education from the University of Minnesota and received her Master's Degree from Drake University. Ruth taught in rural Iowa schools in Crystal Lake, Adair, Clinton and Des Moines. She was supervisor of primary education in the Omaha Public Schools from 1961 to 1981.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Fred; 2 brothers; and 5 sisters.

She is survived by her brother, Rodney (Betty) Kloster; and many nieces and nephews.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Inez N. Tweed, 86

June 2, 2009

Inez N. Tweed, 86, of Joice, died on Friday, May 29, at the Lake Mills Care Center in Lake Mills.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, June 2, at the Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church in rural Joice, with Pastor Kevin Olson officiating. Visitation was on Monday evening, at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in Lake Mills and again one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial was in the Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church Cemetery in rural Joice.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Alvin H. Halverson, 86

June 2, 2009

Alvin H. Halverson, 86, of Mason City, died on Friday, May 29, 2009, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday, June 2, at the Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, Mason City, with Pastor Ed Bard officiating. Burial was in the Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery in Mason City, with military honors conducted by members of the Mason City Veterans Memorial Association. Visitation was held from 4-6:30 p.m., on Monday and one hour prior to the service time on Tuesday at the chapel. 

Alvin H. Halverson, was born on April 12, 1923 in rural Miller, Iowa, the son of Clinton A. and Mabel “Minnie” (Osnes) Halverson. He attended elementary school in Miller and graduated from the Garner High School in 1941, where he participated in football, drama, FFA and served as student council president his senior year. After high school he attended Waldorf College in Forest City. Alvin was inducted into the U.S. Navy on April 3, 1944 and served his country during World War II until his honorable discharge on June 6, 1946. After his military service he returned to the family farm in Miller. In 1949, at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Alvin was introduced to the girl who would later become his bride. He was united in marriage to Betty Mensch on October 14, 1950, at her home in Mason City and to this union four daughters were born. The couple made their home at the Halverson family farm at Miller until moving to rural Mason City, where Alvin farmed and milked dairy cattle until 1971. He later worked for Winnebago Ind. until his retirement in 1986. 

Alvin and Betty enjoyed getting together with friends, but the biggest joy of his life was time spent with family. He especially looked forward to yearly gatherings of his Osnes cousins. He was an avid Minnesota Twins and Vikings fan, he also enjoyed a good game of poker with his buddies. Alvin's favorite food was Birdsall's hot fudge sundaes and anything else chocolate. 

Alvin took great pleasure in his grandchildren, who have special memories of “Grandpa” playing outside with them, sledding and playing ball and setting up the “Hot Wheels” car set on the living room floor.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Halverson of Mason City; three daughters, Sara (Robin) Bohl of Mason City, Jane (David) Fedeler of Manly and Becky (Pat) Hentges of Mankato, Minnesota; seven grandchildren, Kerry Bohl and her fiancée, Jake Stricker of Tampa, Florida, Amanda (Tim) Arthur of Sumner, Robert Fedeler of Manly, Ashley Johnson of Mankato, Minnesota, Michael Bohl and his fiancée, Ashley Virgin of Mason City, Alex Johnson of Mankato, Minnesota and Cody Fedeler of Manly; great-grandchildren, Chase and Jonathan Redfern and Grace Elizabeth Arthur of Sumner; as well as other extended family members and friends.

Alvin was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Janice; and a brother, Curtis.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Dennis Hoeft, 73

June 9, 2009

Dennis Hoeft, age 73, of Forest City, died on Sunday, May 31, 2009, at his home in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, June 3, at the United Methodist Church in Forest City, with Pastor Ed Bard officiating. Visitation was on Tuesday, June 2, at Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City and continued an hour prior to the services at the church. Burial was in the Madison Township Cemetery in Forest City.

Dennis H. Hoeft, was born in Forest City, Iowa on November 25, 1935, the son of Harold and Izora (Schultz) Hoeft. He received his education in the Forest City Schools. On February 23, 1954, he was united in marriage to Bonnie Weaver in Garner, Iowa. The couple made their home in Forest City for most of their married lives. Dennis worked for Harms Construction for 27 years. He worked another 20 years for the Hancock County Secondary Roads before retiring.

Dennis loved the outdoors and spent many hours hunting, fishing and trapping. In later years he enjoyed watching NASCAR racing on television.

Dennis is survived by Bonnie, his wife of 55 years; three sons, Steven, Michael and Kevin; 12 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two sisters, Beverly Mayland of Britt and Delores Cook of Mason City; two brothers, Randy and Mark Hoeft, both of Forest City; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, James; and a grandson, Brandon Brock.
© 2009 Forest City Summit