Cornelia “Connie” DeVries Randol, 82

October 6, 2009

Cornelia “Connie” Rietema De Vries Randol, 82, of Kanawha, passed away on Thursday, October 1, 2009, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services were held on Monday, October 5, at the Kanawha Christian Reformed Church in Kanawha, at 10:00 a.m., with Pastor Sheldon Starkenburg officiating. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery in Pella at 3:30 p.m. Visitation was held on Sunday, October 4, from 3:30 until 5:30 p.m., at the Ewing Funeral Home in Kanawha and continued one hour prior to the services at the church on Monday.

Connie, the daughter of Fred and Cora (Vanden Bosch) Rietema, was born on February 2, 1927 at Kanawha, Iowa. On August 27, 1946, Connie was united in marriage with James De Vries at the Wright Christian Reformed Church near Kanawha. They lived most of their married life farming the Rietema family farm and later moved to Clarion, Iowa. Connie worked as an insurance agent for Bankers Life and Casualty. Jim and Connie also opened the “Our Place” Restaurant in their home at Clarion. In March 1992, Jim and Connie moved to Pella, Iowa, during their retirement years and managed the Heritage Village Retirement Apartments. Jim passed away in March 1999.

Later in life Connie married Dale Randol of Pella. Connie was soon after diagnosed with the debilitating disease, Dementia Lewy Bodies Disease that ravaged her life. In October 2005, Connie became a resident of the Westview Care Center at Britt, Iowa.

Connie will be remembered for her love of life, the great outdoors, fishing and gardening.  She also enjoyed music and sang in a community chorus.

Left to cherish her memory is one daughter, Suzanne (Paul) Olson of Urbandale; four sons, James (Judy) De Vries of Pacific, Missouri, Joel (Rita) De Vries of Britt, Jay (Charlotte) De Vries of Upland, California and Jon (Danny) De Vries of Clarion; ten grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Art (Henrietta) Rietema of Kanawha; one sister, Winifred Pommer of Pella; and one sister-in-law, Grada Rietema of Holland, Michigan.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, James in 1999; two sisters, Tena Van Otterloo and Minnie Christians; four brothers, John and Clarence Rietema along with two infant brothers.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Opal Almelien, 91

October 6, 2009

Opal Almelien, age 91, of Fertile, died on Saturday, October 3, 2009, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., on Tuesday, October 6, at the Fertile Lutheran Church in Fertile. Burial was in the Elim Cemetery in rural Fertile. Visitation was on Monday, October 5, at the funeral home only.

Opal Hougham Almelien, was born on March 6, 1918 in Adel, Iowa, the daughter of Zerry J. and Florence (Morse) Hougham. She attended a variety of schools as the family moved from one pastorate to another. Opal graduated from the Ogden High School in 1936. During high school, she completed Normal Training for teachers and soon after began a teaching career that spanned more than thirty years. Opal taught at several Cerro Gordo country schools. On March 2, 1945, she was united in marriage to Edward T. Almelien. The next several years were spent raising her children and helping on the farm.

Opal returned to teaching in 1964 in the Forest City School System, retiring in 1982. Following her teaching career, Opal spent time traveling in the US and Europe. Her greatest joy, however, was her family. "Grandma A" was always present at her grandchildren's events, cheering their accomplishments.

Opal was a woman of faith and spent countless hours teaching Sunday School and leading Bible studies. She was inducted into the Forest City Education Hall of Fame in 2000.

She is survived by her children, Jim (Kathleen) of Washington, Iowa; daughters, Becky (Dave) Butz of Clear Lake and Rosemary Almelien of Lake Mills; nine grandchildren, Andrew (Shannon) Almelien, Erin Almelien, John (Laurie) Butz, Sara (Shawn) Puttman, Joel Butz, Isaac (Karen) Almelien, Abbey Almelien, Evan (Carolyn) Almelien and Anna Almelien; and eight great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Ben, Avery, Jacob, Jordyn, Owen, Alex and Ezra.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Edward in 1975; her son, Ron in 2000; two brothers, Raymond and Russell; and a sister, Ruby Taylor.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Daniel W. Stites, 36

October 21, 2009

Daniel W. Stites, 36, of Britt, passed away on Saturday, October 3, 2009.

Memorial services were held at 1:30 p.m., on Wednesday, October 7, at the Ewing Funeral Chapel, Britt, with Pastor Lee Nelson officiating. Visitation was held on Tuesday, October 6, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Ewing Funeral Chapel in Britt and continued one hour prior to the memorial services.

Daniel Wayne Stites, the son of Mary (Gurzick) Forton and Ronald Stites, was born on August 23, 1973 in Britt. He was raised in Britt attending school and graduating from the West Hancock High School in 1991. In high school, Daniel was involved with football and wrestling.

After graduation, Daniel lived in southern Minnesota and northern Iowa working in different factories. He then moved to Owatonna for five years and worked for the Truth Manufacturing. While there, he was involved in dart tournaments, which he moved to Las Vegas to pursue further. Daniel worked as a security guard in Las Vegas and surrounding towns. He then moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he worked in factories for two years. Finally, Daniel moved back to Britt in November 2008 working for the Pioneer Seed Company.

Daniel loved spending time with his children. He enjoyed several outdoor activities including baseball, softball and frisbee golf. Daniel also played video games and darts. 

Daniel is survived by his mother, Mary Forton of Mount Clemens, Michigan; father, Ron Stites of Britt; four children, Brett Stites, Lani Schulz, Tanner Stites and Alicen Stites; two brothers, Russell Harriman of Pontiac, Michigan and Henry Harriman of Mount Clemens, Michigan; one sister, Mary Wilker of Owatonna, Minnesota; special friend, Jen Long of Wesley; along with several other family members and friends.

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

Raymond O. Barnes, 82

October 21, 2009

Raymond O. Barnes, 82, of Britt, passed away on Wednesday, October 14, 2009, at the Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, October 17, at the First Lutheran Church in Britt, with Pastor Lee Nelson officiating. Burial took place in the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt. Visitation was held on Friday, October 16, from 4-6:00 p.m., at the Ewing Funeral Chapel in Britt and continued one hour prior to the funeral services.

Raymond Orlin Barnes, the son of Ole and Bertha (Agrimson) Barnes, was born on January 17, 1927, on the family farm near Woden. He attended country school and high school in Buffalo Center. Raymond continued to farm near Woden and in 1968 moved to Britt where he started Barnes Equipment, selling new and used farm machinery.

Raymond enjoyed camping in his fifth-wheel camper and spending time at his cabin in Minnesota. Raymond also enjoyed his family, especially his grandchildren. He looked forward to Sunday family dinners and attending his grandchildren's events.

Raymond spent the last couple years of his life at Apple Valley Assisted Living and Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake, so he could be closer to family.

Raymond is survived by three children, Sandye Armstrong of Klemme, Dennis (Linda) Barnes of Britt and Twyla (Mark) Tindall of Clear Lake; twelve grandchildren, Dawn (Terry) Barnes-Eenhuis, Rick (Deb) Dirksen, Chadd Dirksen, Jason (Mary Beth) Barnes, Jeremy (Robyn) Barnes, Jody Moen, Jill (Nick) Wilson, Casey Nevill, Emily Tindall, Ethan Tindall, Elaina Tindall and Ellie Rose Tindall; six great-grandchildren, Cody Barnes, Kaytlyn Anzivino, Mandy Anzivino, Cayson Barnes, Rylan Barnes and Daelyn Genzler; two great-great-grandchildren, Lilly Barnes, and Addison Barnes; and four step-children, Jo (Ken) Jensen, Jan (Erv) Nelson, Paul (Connie) Swanson and Judy (Larry) Myer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ole and Bertha Barnes; wives, Delores Schmitt, Gertrude Barnes and Elizabeth Barnes; one daughter, Diane Nevill; one brother, Luther Barnes; one sister, Mavis Sorenson; and one step-son, Lorry Swanson. 
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Dean Pilgrim, 79

October 20, 2009

Dean Pilgrim, 79, of Buffalo Center, died on Wednesday, October 14, 2009, at the Timely Mission Nursing Home in Buffalo Center.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Buffalo Center, with Pastor Perry Aalgaard officiating. Burial was in the Graceland Cemetery, Buffalo Center. Visitation was on Friday, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church and one hour before the services on Saturday.

Family who will treasure his memory are his wife, Navonne and their sons and families, Douglas and Jan Loft Pilgrim of Marshall, Minnesota, Thomas and Sheila Pilgrim of Forest City, Steven Pilgrim of Lakeville, Minnesota and Jonathan and Kimmerle Pilgrim of League City, Texas; grandchildren, Kelly Robert (Kari) Loft of Marshall, Minnesota, Jacob and Rebecca Pilgrim of Forest City, Rachael and Michael Pilgrim of Lakeville, Minnesota, Benjamin and Jesse Pilgrim of League City, Texas; great-grandchildren, Dillion and Regan Loft of Marshall, Minnesota; brothers, George (GlennaRae) Pilgrim of Kingsville, Texas and Robert (Vivian) Pilgrim of Manchester; brother-in-law, Ted Frame of Coalinga, California; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Joyce Landheer of Buffalo Center, Darlene and Nyle Huston, Janice and Jerry Sonich and Allan and Nancy Thompson, all of Blue Earth, Minnesota, Richard Zuehlke of Lafayette, Minnesota and Rosemary (Thompson) and Pat Hardy of Rock Island, Illinois; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents; parents-in-law; sister, Lois Frame; sisters-in-law, Carol Pilgrim and Donna Pilgrim; brothers-in-law, Robert Thompson and Alvin Landheer; and sister-in-law, Janet Zuehlke.

The Winter Funeral Home & Cremation Service was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Lylah M. Sahr, 91

October 28, 2009

Lylah M. Sahr, 91, died at her home in Ocala, Florida, on Friday, October 16, 2009, following a brief illness.

Born on October 14, 1918 in Opheim, Montana, she was the daughter of Glady E. Cady and Victor H. Randall. Lylah was married on July 15, 1940, to Fred M. Sahr at her home in Lake Mills. During her years in Forest City, Lylah was active in the United Methodist Church, the Forest City Centennial Committee and upon its founding, was Forest City's representative to the United Nations.

Lylah is survived by daughters, Ellender and Mary Lylah; a sister, Kathryn R. Davis of Santa Rosa, California; a brother, Wayne C. Randall of Wimberly, Texas; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband on July 26, 2009; her parents; brothers, Roy R. Randall of Albert Lea, Minnesota, Eugene M. Randall of St. Paul, Minnesota and Curtis C. Randall of Albert Lea, Minnesota; and sister, Lorraine J. Parry of Albert Lea, Minnesota.

Funeral arrangements were handled by the Florida Cremation Society, Ocala, Florida and the Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home, Wells, Minnesota. Internment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Wells, Minnesota.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Ruby Irene Thompson, 93

October 20, 2009

Ruby Irene Thompson, age 93, of Baldwin, died on Saturday, October 17, 2009, at the Baldwin Care Center.

Ruby was born on August 20, 1916 in Forest City, to Emery & Hannah (Anderson) Brown. She grew up on the family farm in Forest City and attended country school in the area. During her teen years, Ruby went out on a blind date with a young man named Kenneth Thompson. The two made a connection and started a relationship. On February 20, 1935, Ruby and Kenneth were married in Forest City and began a life together. Ruby took on the role of farm wife and loving mother to their children, Virgil, Earl & Vivian. In 1946, the family moved to Wisconsin where they farmed in the St. Croix County area.

In 1971, the family moved again to Amery where as a form of pseudo-retirement they purchased a small hobby farm. While there, Ruby worked as a cook at a truck stop. Sadly, in 1980, Kenneth passed away. Ruby made the decision to be closer to her children and made Baldwin her permanent home. 

Ruby was a dedicated farm wife and mother. On the farm she was responsible for the chickens and she helped with morning chores. She was considered a “rock” in the family. She was always there to help and support anyone who needed it. She enjoyed gardening of all types, embroidery, watching NASCAR and loved spending time with her family, especially her grandkids. In her earlier days she would often take the kids fishing and somehow had the talent of catching snapping turtles (whether she wanted to or not). Even as she got older, Ruby maintained a sharp mind. If you had a question about a birth date, event, or some family history, Ruby was always the one to go to. Ruby's favorite way to relax was with a good book. She also loved going on car rides. When on the farm, she loved going on errands with her husband, whether to check a field or to run to town and in her later years still enjoyed when the kids took her on drives to see the changing of the season and see the flowers in bloom.

Ruby has left behind a great legacy of friends and family. This includes her children, Virgil (Barb) Thompson of Hudson, Earl (Alvina) Thompson of Baldwin and Vivian (Leon) Sabelko of Durand; grandchildren, Laura (Scott) Gatlin, Eugene (Donna) Thompson, Tim Thompson, Scott Eklund, Tammy (Brad) Stenger and Cindy (Darren) Siddoway; step-grandchildren, Terry (Vanessa) Sabelko, Barb (Jeremy) Beedle, Susan Sabelko and Tony (Kim) Sabelko; siblings, Lola Hawkinson and Allen (Clarice) Brown; 9 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth; daughter, Elaine Eklund; parents, Emery and Hannah Brown; grandchild, David Thompson; brother, Gene; and sisters, Vera, Eva Mae and Ethel.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 24, at 2:00 p.m., at the Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Baldwin. Pastor Paul Lovestrand will be officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services. Burial will be held privately at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of the O'Connell Family Funeral Home and Countryside Crematory in Baldwin, Wisconsin.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Dorothy Barnett, 88

October 28, 2009

Dorothy Barnett, age 88, of New Hampton and formerly of Britt, Iowa, died on Sunday, October 18, 2009, at the Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton.

Memorial services were held at 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, October 21, at the Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home in New Hampton, with Pastor Todd Holman of the First United Methodist Church, New Hampton officiating. Visitation was held from 4-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home, New Hampton. Visitation continued one hour prior to the services on Wednesday at the funeral home.

In life, Dorothy Helen Dubbert was born on November 2, 1920 in Cedar Falls, the daughter of Rudolph and Helen (Hall) Dubbert. She graduated from the Janesville High School in 1938 and continued her education at Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls. Dorothy taught school in Alburnett, Marble Rock and Independence before marrying. She received her BA Degree from the University of Northern Iowa in 1977, while teaching in the Corwith-Wesley Community School District.

On June 15, 1947, she was united in marriage to Max Barnett at the Methodist Church in Cedar Falls. To this union two daughters were born. The family lived in Greene, Nora Springs and Britt. Dorothy moved to New Hampton in 2002.

Dorothy was actively involved in community and church activities throughout her life. She served as a Sunday School teacher, VBS teacher and UMYF leader for many years. She was a Girl Scout Leader, receiving the Adult Appreciation Pin from the North Iowa Girls Scout Council in 1996.

Dorothy is survived by two daughters, Jo (Don) Maupin of Waukesha, Wisconsin and Jean (Paul) Swenson of New Hampton; two grandchildren, Ann Swenson (Jason Masters) of Norwalk and Scott (Bethany) Maupin of Bolingbrook, Illinois.

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

Sharon Lee Helming Bowen, 70

November 3, 2009

Sharon Lee Helming Bowen, 70, of Irvine, California and formerly of Forest City and Cresco, died on Wednesday, October 21, 2009, of pneumonia and kidney failure, after a long and courageous fight with metastatic breast cancer.

She was born on October 23, 1938 in Cresco, Iowa, the daughter of Dr. R. B. Helming and Winifred Mitchell Helming. She married Jerry Bowen on June 28, 1959 in Cresco, Iowa. She graduated from the Cresco High School in 1956 and Iowa State Teachers College in 1958. She taught school in Forest City where she met her husband. In 1965, they moved to California.

She enjoyed traveling, collecting jewelry and for many years she was an active board member of the Orange County Alzheimer's Association.

Sharon is survived by her husband, Jerry; one son, Douglas of Huntington Beach, California; one daughter, Ann of Encinitas, California; brother, Bob (Carol) Helming of Tucson, Arizona; one sister, Connie (Pat) Taylor of Cresco, Iowa; nieces, Lori Taylor Puffett and Heather Helming Budner; nephews, Bruce and Brian Helming and Eric Taylor; two great-nieces and three great-nephews.

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

Leland Lavern Tonn, 54

October 28, 2009

Leland Lavern Tonn, 54, of Britt, passed away on Friday, October 23, 2009, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, October 26, at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church, in Britt, with Rev. Brian M. Dellaert officiating. Burial took place in the St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery in Britt. Visitation was held on Sunday, October 25, from 2-4:00 p.m., at the Ewing Funeral Chapel in Britt and continued one hour prior to the services. A  Scriptural Wake Service was held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Leland, the son of Marvin and Gloria (Shimek) Tonn, was born on June 25, 1955 in Cresco, Iowa. He grew up in Elma, Iowa and graduated from the Creswood High School in 1974. On April 16, 1977, Leland was united in marriage with Kathy Walker of Riceville. To this union three children were born, Angela, Jesse and Christina Marie.

Leland enjoyed family holidays and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was a devoted and fun loving husband, Dad and Pappa. Leland enjoyed fishing, ice fishing, hunting, racing, garage sales and his new favorite, attending auctions. He collected pewter and eagle statues and figurines. Leland loved to tinker and do woodworking.

Leland is survived by his wife and best friend of 32 years, Kathy; his daughter, Angela (Chris) Robinson of Janesville, Iowa; his son, Jesse Tonn of Britt; two grandchildren, Tyler and Gayle of Janesville; his mother, Gloria Tonn of Elma; brothers and sisters, Sandy (Dennis) Stevensen of Elma, JoAnn (David) Marshall of Hayfield, Minnesota, Marvin (Sarah) Tonn of Oakdale, Minnesota, Peggy (Khris) Huhe of Stewartville, Minnesota and Michael (Michele) Tonn of Stewartville, Minnesota; and several nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Marvin; daughter, Christina Marie; and sister, Lorilee Tonn.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Orven V. Charlson, 89

November 3, 2009

Orven V. Charlson, 89, of Lake Mills, died on Monday, October 26, 2009, at the Lake Mills Care Center in Lake Mills.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, October 29, at the Winnebago Lutheran Church in rural Lake Mills, with Pastor Bill Peters officiating. Visitation was held on Wednesday 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 Winnebago Lutheran Cemetery in rural Lake Mills.

Orven Vern Charlson, was born on December 30, 1919, to Andrew and Gena (Lovik) Charlson on the farm southwest of Lake Mills. He was baptized at home and confirmed at the Winnebago Lutheran Church. He attended the Jenson Rural School in Center Township, in rural Lake Mills and then farmed with his dad on the family farm. He married LaVerna Vogel on February 12, 1944, at the Mansfield Church in Mansfield, Minnesota.

He was a lifelong member of the Winnebago Lutheran Church. He was a deacon and trustee of the church. He participated in Brotherhood and was on the Parochial Board. He served as a board member of the Midland Coop.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, LaVerna; a daughter, Donna Holtan and husband, Jerry of Ames; a son, Curt Charlson and special friend, Patti Grabinski of Clear Lake; a grandson, Jason and wife, Jennifer of Ames; and three great-grandsons, Zachary, Tyler and Isaac Holtan, all of Ames.

He is survived by his brother, Ray and wife, Violet of Red Wing, Minnesota; sister-in-law, Alice Charlson of Joice; and many nieces and nephews.

Orven was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Agnes Mathews and Marie Haugo; and three brothers, Herbert, Sherman and Glen.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Mark Joseph Schachtner, 46

November 3, 2009

Mark Joseph Schachtner, 46, of Forest City, lovingly surrounded by his family, died on Tuesday, October 27, 2009, at the University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City, from complications during his recent, vigilant fight against cancer after some 22 years of remission.

A Mass of the Resurrection was held on Saturday, October 31, 2009, at the St. James Catholic Church in Forest City, with Fr. Henry Huber officiating. Visitation was held on Friday, October 30, at the funeral home with a Scripture Service. Burial will be at a later date.

Mark was born on December 23, 1962 in Lake City, to Gerald A. and Helen J. (Hartwig) Schachtner. He was a 1981 graduate of the Humboldt High School. In 1984, while working and attending Iowa State University in Ames, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease. Over the next 3 years, he fought through radiation and chemotherapy but would ultimately need a bone marrow transplant in 1987 to win that battle. Through strong determination and will, he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Education & Technology from Iowa State University in 1990. In August of that year, Mark excitingly moved to the Forest City area and began his career at Winnebago Industries, where he has lived his dream for 19 years and proudly held the title of “Product Design Engineer” at the end.

On July 31, 1993, after many years of friendship and romance together, Mark married his bride, Pauline L. Rivard of Somerset, Wisconsin, the daughter of Richard and Elizabeth (Raboin) Rivard. Desiring a family they became foster parents and eventually adopted Allison in 2001 at the age of 11 and Zakary in 2003 at the age of 3. Throughout the years, Mark amazingly continued to endure and overcome health issues: i.e. deteriorated liver functions, heart disease and valve damage, fifth's disease. In 2003, with kidney failure & dialysis imminent, Mark's sister, Grace Scholl donated her kidney for an organ transplant, which gave Mark another 6 years with us.

Strongly involved in his community and church, he was a 4th degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus. He currently was a vice chair on the St. James Church Council. Mark also actively participated in the Winnebago Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Pack #98 with his son, Zakary. He filled his time with family and friends enjoying activities such as car racing/mechanic, hunting, fishing, camping, boating, listening to music and watching movies, playing 500 cards.

Mark is survived by his wife, Pauline; children, Allison and Zakary; his parents, Gerald and Helen Schachtner of Humboldt; brothers, Mike (DeDe Merris) Schachtner and Allan (Tonya) Schachtner, both of Humboldt; sisters, Brenda (PJay) Rivard of Somerset, Wisconsin and Grace (Dan) Scholl of Humboldt; parents-in-law, Richard and Elizabeth Rivard of Somerset, Wisconsin; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Pete (Terri) Rivard, Patty (Joe) Schachtner, Joe Rivard, Pam (Joe) Ince and Price (Tiffany) Rivard; and many dear nieces, nephews, godchildren, family and friends.

Mark was preceded in death by his sister, Mary; his grandparents, Alois and Margaret Schachtner and William and Meta Hartwig; and other special family members and friends.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Patricia L. Sampson, 74

November 3, 2009

Patricia L. Sampson, age 74, of Mason City, died on Tuesday, October 27, 2009, at the Muse Norris Hospice in Mason City.

Visitation was on Thursday, October 29, immediately followed by the funeral services at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City. Inurnment will be at a later date in the St. James Catholic Cemetery in Forest City. Memorials may be directed to the Hospice of North Iowa.

Patricia Louise Sampson, was born on September 12, 1935 in New Virginia, Iowa. She received her education at schools in several small Iowa communities before graduating from the Forest City High School in 1953. As a young woman, she enjoyed music and loved to dance. She was united in marriage to Archie J. Sampson at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Mason City in 1954. The couple made their home in Forest City their entire married lives.

Pat was a busy mom and homemaker, cooking and baking and caring for her family. She often took the kids camping and fishing. She served as a Cub Scout Den Mother for several years, enjoyed playing cards with her bridge club, was an avid reader and liked to crochet.

Pat loved cats and was never without one for a companion. She treasured time spent visiting over coffee with her friends and she adored her grandchildren.

Pat is survived by five children and their spouses, Scott (Julie) Sampson of Midwest City, Oklahoma, Kim (Dan) Langfald of Forest City, Stephanie (Deb) Coates of Forest City, Gail (Chuck) Seebeck of Clear Lake and Jostin (Daryl) Heimer of Garner; 13 grandchildren, Jessica (Charles) Peters and Melissa Sampson, Joshua Langfald and Joseph (Lindsay) Langfald, Matt (Amanda) Hanna and Cody Hanna and special friend, Melissa Ewing, Danielle (Aaron) Sauerbrei, Lucas Seebeck, Samantha Peterson, Michael Peterson, Sarah (Curt) Koebrick, Alicia (Lance) Hejlik and Lance Heimer.

Pat's surviving great-grandchildren include Charlotte Peters, Jaymison Langfald, Karli Jo Langfald and Gracelyn Langfald, Gage Hanna and Tayla, Aliyah and Madison Hanna, Brady, Drew and Logan Sauerbrei and Emma Clabaugh, Leah Koebrick and Landen and Krista Hejlik; and her mother-in-law, Vivian Sampson of Forest City.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents and a grandson.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Synnova A. Hoffman, 91

November 3, 2009

Synnova Arlene Hoffman, 91, of Lake Mills, formerly of Fertile, died at her home in Lake Mills, on Saturday, October 31, 2009.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, November 5, at the Fertile Lutheran Church in Fertile, with Pastor Clarence Baalson officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m., on Wednesday evening, at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home, Lake Mills and again one hour prior to the services at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to the Fertile Lutheran Church or the Beaver Creek Cemetery Society.

Synnova was born on March 3, 1918, to Oscar and Ida Amanda (Tweed) Amundson, on a farm near Joice. She attended the Valley Country School through eighth grade, attended the Joice High School one year and then transferred to the Fertile Consolidated High School, where she graduated. She was baptized and confirmed at the Beaver Creek Lutheran Church, rural Joice. On March 17, 1938, she was united in marriage to Harold E. Hoffman at the Beaver Creek Church. Synnova was employed as a nurse's aide at Mercy Hospital and Park Hospital, both in Mason City and as a cook and waitress at the Holiday Grill in Lake Mills, Emmons Café, Fertile Creamery and Fertile Senior Citizens Center. She also devoted her time caring for family and friends that were ill or elderly.

She was an active member of the Beaver Creek Lutheran Church until its closing in 2000, serving on the Ladies Aid, Beaver Creek Mission Circle, church council secretary/treasurer and as a Sunday School teacher. Following the closing of Beaver Creek, she became a member of the Fertile Lutheran Church and was a member of their mission circle. She also served as a 4-H Leader for many years.

Her hobbies included baking, gardening, flowers, embroidery and playing cards and games. She and her husband also enjoyed camping and fishing. Family was very important to Synnova and she loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Synnova is survived by her children, Loren (Shari) Hoffman of Fertile, Sharon (Tom) Hewett of Flower Mound, Texas and Jerry (Marilyn) Hoffman of Lake Mills; grandchildren, Justine (Matt) Moore of Fort Dodge, Scott Reineke of Galena, Illinois, Lornea (Kyle) Baumann of Savannah, Texas, Dustin Hoffman of Waterloo, Keegan (Melinda) Hoffman of Mason City, Todd (Jackie) Hewett of Flower Mound, Texas, Sheila (Brian) Theune of Southern Pines, North Carolina, Michele (Jeff) Kelso of Clear Lake, Kristen (Juan) Sierra of Traer and Travis Hoffman of Lake Mills; twenty great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Lucille Amundson of Fort Dodge; and three nieces and two nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold in 1988; infant daughter, Darlene; infant grandson, Timothy; her parents; two brothers, Orvis and Leon Amundson; sister, Faye Albers; and a brother-in-law, Merle Albers.
© 2009 Forest City Summit