C. Rosella Daniels, 86

September 9, 2009

C. Rosella Daniels, 86 of Britt, died on Tuesday, September 1, 2009, at the Cardinal Grove Assisted Living in Garner.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Britt, with Fr. Henry Huber officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

C. Rosella Daniels, the daughter of Joseph and Ella (Buckley) Chizek, was born on November 26, 1922, on a farm near Garner. She attended rural school near Britt and graduated from the Britt High School in 1940.  On August 6, 1946, she was united in marriage to Lester Daniels in Britt. They made their home on a farm north of Duncan where they raised their family.

Rosella enjoyed her chickens, sewing, reading, flowers, gardening and bird watching. Visiting with her grandchildren, nieces and nephews brought her great joy and Rosella looked forward to her regular gatherings with her sisters. She was a member of the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Britt, was  a 25-year member of the Catholic Daughters of America, Court 284 St. Catherine of Siena and belonged to the Britt American Legion Auxiliary.

Rosella is survived by her children, Don (Denise) Daniels of Forest City, Mary (Dave) Millis of Elk Grove Village, Illinois, Jim Daniels of Britt and DiAnn (Terry) Jass of Garner; eight grandchildren, Christopher Daniels of Burlingame, California, Meghan Daniels and Patrick Daniels, both of  San Francisco, California, Eric Millis of Elk Grove Village, Illinois, Nathan Millis of Chicago, Illinois, Kim (Nick) Upmeyer of Garner and Kelli and Kami Jass of Garner; sisters, Kay (Leonard) Pistek of Britt, Irene Hiscocks of Garner, Rita Stevenson of Mason City, Veronica (Bill) Lawlor of Clear Lake and Marge (Steve) Jano of Berlin, Pennsylvania;  a sister-in-law, Dorothy Chizek of Mason City; a brother-in-law, Richard (Gladys) Daniels of Houston, Texas;  and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lester on February 23, 1988; brother, Virgil Chizek; brothers-in-law, John Stevenson, Bill Hiscocks, Clarence Daniels, Lawrence Daniels and Lawrence Spieker; sisters-in-law, Hattie Spieker and Irene Daniels; and a nephew, Michael Stevenson.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Daryl D. Lusson, 79

September 15, 2009

Daryl D. Lusson, age 79, of Forest City, died on Saturday, September 5, 2009, at the Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake, Iowa.

A Memorial Mass was held on Tuesday, September 8, at the St. James Catholic Church in Forest City, with Fr. Henry Huber officiating. Inurnment was in the St. James Catholic Cemetery in Forest City. There was no visitation.

Daryl Dean Lusson, was born in Alpha, Iowa, on February 15, 1930, the son of Philip and Mary (Nienhaus) Lusson. He received his education in Ridgeway, Iowa and graduated from the Ridgeway High School. He entered the United States Air Force and served as a Radar Technician from 1948-1952, stationed in England for part of his tour. He married Elizabeth Neubauer on January 26, 1953 at the Assumption Catholic Church in Cresco, Iowa. The couple had three children, Connie, Ron and Rhonda. The family made their home in Cresco, where Daryl worked for Larson's Furniture. He also managed a furniture store in Austin, Minnesota.

Daryl later took a position as territory manager for Bigelow Karistan Carpets. He traveled extensively through Iowa, Minnesota and Illinois, receiving numerous awards for his performance and hard work. His company kept him on the move, living in several midwestern communities until moving to Forest City in 1975 and eventually retiring there.

He was a member of the St. James Catholic Church in Forest City. Daryl enjoyed golfing, traveling and boating. He liked taking a leisurely drive with Betty, chatting with his coffee buddies at Hardees and a good game of cards with friends and family.

Daryl is survived by his children, Connie Lusson of Las Vegas, Nevada, Ron (Heidi) Lusson of Crystal Lake and Rhonda (Gary) Michels of Ventura; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a sister, Carole (Avey) Johnson of New Hampton, Iowa.

Daryl was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Betty.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

James “Jim” D. Hilton, 81

September 17, 2009

James "Jim" D. Hilton, 81, of Britt, died on Saturday, September 12, 2009, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services  will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the First Lutheran Church in Britt, with Rev. Lee Nelson officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt, with military rites by the Britt Veterans Ceremonial Unit. Visitation will be held from 4-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt and will continue one hour prior to the services at the church.

James Donald Hilton, the son of George and Evalyn (Weisenberger) Hilton, was born on June 11, 1928 in Jesup. He grew up in LaPorte City where he attended high school. Jim entered the U.S. Navy in 1944, serving in the Asiatic Pacific Theater during World War II. Following his honorable discharge in 1948, he returned to LaPorte City where he began his truck driving career. On May 10, 1959, he married Jane Tegtmeyer at the First Lutheran Church in Britt. They lived in LaPorte City before moving to California in 1963, where Jim was employed as a truck driver for the Sheldon Oil Company. 

In 1967, they returned to Iowa and made their home in Britt. Jim continued his involvement in trucking working for Stan Ziesmer in Garner. In 1970, he began trucking on his own being leased by Warren Transportation in Waterloo where he transported John Deere equipment nationwide. Jim also worked with his daughter, Deb, operating a craft business "D & J Creations" for a time in the 1990's. Due to ill health, Jim retired in 2001 after driving a few years for Winnebago Industries in Forest City and Stellar Industries in Garner. 

He enjoyed spending time with his family, golfing, fishing, playing cards at family gatherings and especially attending his grandsons' sporting events. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church where he had served as a trustee.

Jim is survived by his wife, Jane of Britt; daughters, Debra Schulz of Garner and Cindy (Robert) Denzer of St. Chares, Minnesota; three grandchildren, Trista (Adam) Rowland of Chatfield, Minnesota and their two children, McKenzi and Carson, Dustin Schulz and  his special friend, Hannah Deibler of Rockwell and her daughter, Jada and Cody Schulz of Garner; a sister, Carole (Charles) Van Horn of Traer; three sisters-in-law, Joyce Hilton, Darlene Thimmesch and Anne Hilton; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Robert Victor, George, Jr. and Harold Hilton; and sisters, Arlyne Bauer and Regina Harrell.  
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Bernice Eckels, 92, Britt

September 22, 2009

Bernice Eckels, 92, of Britt, passed away on Tuesday, September 15, 2009, at the Westview Care Center in Britt.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, September 19, at the Woden Christian Reformed Church, with Pastor Joel DeBoer officiating. Burial was in the Woden Christian Reformed Church Cemetery near Woden. Visitation was held on Friday, September 18, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Ewing Funeral Chapel in Britt and continued one hour prior to the services at the church.

Bernice DeBoer Eckels, daughter of Claus and Bendina Peters DeBoer, was born on September 25, 1916, on a farm northeast of Wesley.  She attended grade school at the Wesley Township #1 and graduated from the Wesley High School in 1934. On August 19, 1937, she was united in marriage with Forrest Eckels at the Woden Christian Reformed Church. Following their marriage, they lived on a farm in Orthel Township. They raised their three children on this farm. The farm continued to be their home until Bernice entered the Westview Care Center on December 23, 2005.

Bernice lived a full life with many interests and hobbies. She loved music and was able to use her voice by singing in small groups, in a church choir and with the Farm Bureau Women's Chorus. As an active member of the Woden Christian Reformed Church she was a Sunday School teacher, taught catechism and was a member of the Ladies Aid. Bernice was involved in the community as a 4-H Leader, member of the Historical Society and the Woden Senior Citizens. Her hobbies included sewing, quilting, gardening and not passing up a garage sale.

Bernice lived for the Lord and blessed her family with love, laughter and joy in the journey.

Survivors include her husband of 72 years, Forrest Eckels; three children, Wayne Eckels and his wife, Judy of Britt, Bonnie Kosters and her husband, Marvin of Clifton, Virginia and Bill Eckels and his wife, Marilyn of Britt; eight grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; a brother, Clarence DeBoer of Clearwater, Florida; a sister-in-law, Rosalie DeBoer of Sun City, Arizona; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Anne Waidelich and Esther Tjaden; and three brothers, Theodore in infancy, Herman and Maurice.

Memorial contribution may be made to The Britt Food Bank, The Armstrong House or The Kanawha Christian School.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Norman Leroy Mehl, 81

September 23, 2009

Norman Leroy Mehl, 81, of Britt, passed away on Saturday, September 19, 2009, at the Westview Care Center in Britt

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 23, at 2:00 p.m., at the Kanawha Christian Reformed Church, with Pastor Steve Schulz officiating. Burial will take place in the Amsterdam Township Cemetery, Kanawha. Visitation was held on Tuesday, September 22, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Ewing Funeral Chapel in Britt and will continue one hour prior to the funeral services at the church.

Norman, the son of Edward and Anna (Peterson) Mehl, was born on November 30, 1927 in Fonda, Iowa. At the age of two Norman and his family moved to the Kanawha area where he later attended country school. Norman graduated from the Corwith High School in 1945. Norman enlisted in the United States Army in October of 1946 and served with the Occupation Forces in Japan. He was honorably discharged in March of 1948. Following his discharge Norman returned to the Corwith area.

Norman was united in marriage with Audrey Abbas on June 16, 1949, at the Kanawha Christian Reformed Church. The couple was blessed with two daughters, Rhonda and Mary Ann. The family made their home and farmed in the Kanawha and Britt areas. Their last farm was near Stilson where they lived for 18 years. In 1977 they moved into Britt.

Norman was employed in the plant at Winnebago Industries and then he and Audrey began delivering motor homes. They delivered motor homes to every state except Hawaii and all of the Canadian Provinces.

Norman loved spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed traveling, gardening, woodworking, playing his accordion and music in general. Norman was always interested in people and was never a stranger to anyone for very long. He was a member of the Kanawha Christian Reformed Church.

Norman is survived by his wife, Audrey; two daughters, Rhonda (Steve) Schwarze of Manila, Philippines and Mary Ann (John) Skoglund of Stillwater, Minnesota; six grandchildren, Rachel (DJ) Langefels, Carl Schwarze, Tara (Brian) Jackson, Danny Skoglund, Megan Skoglund and Janine Skoglund; one great-grandson, Tyler Jackson; brother-in-law, Dennis (Jean) Abbas of Marshalltown; along with other extended family and friends.

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

Richard Allen Veldhouse, 59, Boise, Idaho

September 22, 2009

Richard Allen Veldhouse, 59, formerly of Danville, California, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 31, 2009, at the VA Medical Center in Boise, Idaho.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, September 26, at 9:30 a.m., at the Amsterdam Township Cemetery in Kanawha. Interment is at 10:30 a.m., with a full military honors service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be given to the Living Community Center at the Veterans Administration in Boise. Family and friends are welcome to gather at the Red Rooster in Britt following the services.

Born on December 2, 1949 in Belmond, to the late Daniel Veldhouse and Shirley (Nall) Holck, Richard was a veteran of the Navy, serving his country during the Vietnam War on active duty from 1970-1973, then reserve duty from 1973-1976. He received two Purple Hearts for combat injury.

Following his tour of duty, he attended NIACC and then the University of Iowa, graduating in 1977 with a Bachelors Degree in Business, which led to his successful careers with NCR, Paradigm and as the Chief Operating Officer at Divio. In addition to professional pursuits Richard spent years productively uncovering the Veldhouse/Nall Family Genealogy, reforming lost connections and uncovering family history.

Richard is survived by daughters, Jennifer Brougher, Kathryn Veldhouse and Natalie Veldhouse; brothers, Daniel (Deb) Veldhouse, Douglas Veldhouse, Curt (Sondra) Holck and Mark (Jodi) Holck; sister, Mona Bauer; grandchildren, Oliver and Olivia Brougher; nieces, China Gum, Marquita Veldhouse, Nicole Volk, Jaime Merriam, Macey, Chelsey and Jessica Holck and Emma Bauer; nephews, Nickolas Veldhouse and Cody Holck; and sister-in-law, Mary Veldhouse.

He was preceded in death by his father, Daniel Heiko Veldhouse; mother, Shirley (Nall) Holck; brother, Gene Heiko Veldhouse; and son, Louis Michael Veldhouse.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Barbara Brown Wilde, 76

September 23, 2009

Private burial services will be held on Friday, September 25, at 3:00 p.m., in the Oakland Cemetery, Forest City, for Barbara Brown Wilde. She passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2009 in Milan, Tennessee.

Barbara was the daughter of Helen and Donald Brown of Forest City. She was a graduate of the Forest City Class of 1951 and Waldorf College. She taught in various schools and was an impressive blood donor.

Survivors include her brother, Buster Brown of Clarion and a sister, Karen Kerr of Waterloo.

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

Janice M. Graham, 74

September 29, 2009

Janice M. Graham, 74, of Forest City, died on Wednesday, September 23, 2009, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Memorial services were held on Saturday, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Revs. Rod Hopp and Barb Spaulding officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Oakland Cemetery. Visitation was held on Friday, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City and continued one hour prior to the services at the church. Memorials may be directed to the Hospice of North Iowa.    

Janice Marilyn Graham, the daughter of Frank and Emma (Hellickson) Helvick, was born on September 16, 1935 at Forest City. She attended country school west of Forest City and the Forest City High School. On September 14, 1951, she was married to Richard Graham at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. They lived in Forest City until 1959 when they moved to Northwood. In 1967, they returned to Forest City and Janice began working with her mother-in-law at the Graham Shop, a women's dress shop. She retired from the shop in 1996.

She enjoyed reading, cooking, spending time with her family and attending her monthly class breakfasts. Janice was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church and WELCA.

She is survived by her husband, Richard of Forest City; three children, Gregory (Paula) Graham of Belton, Texas, Linda Mason (Howard Julius) of Buffalo Center and Lisa (Kevin) Lunning of Forest City; seven grandchildren, Thomas, Anthony and Jennifer Mason, Kelsey Lunning, Christine Graham, Brittney (Eric) Douglas and Ashley Graham; three sisters, Bonnie Kelly of Des Moines, Shirley (Wallace) Johnson of Aurora, Colorado and Kathryn Lansing of Louisville, Kentucky; and many nieces and nephews.

Janice was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Garmen and Donovan Helvick; and sisters, Mavis Burns, Virginia Helvick and Frances Monson. 
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Hazel Dorothea Hill, 88

October 6, 2009

Shortly after 1:00 p.m., on Friday, September 25, 2009, Hazel Dorothea Hill, 88, of Mason City, exchanged the bounds of this earth for the arms of her loving Savior.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, September 29, at the First Church of the Nazarene, Mason City, Iowa, with Rev. Curtis DeLong officiating and assisted by Rev. Clint Hill.  Interment was in the family plot in the Memorial Park Cemetery, rural Mason City, immediately following the service. Visitation was from 5-7:00 p.m., on Monday, September 28, at the First Church of the Nazarene and continued one hour prior to the funeral services at the church.

Hazel, the daughter of Richard Earl and Ruth Cylina (Greenfield) Powell, was born on March 4, 1921 in Irvington, Iowa. She joined a brother, Dorance William and was followed by a sister, Theresa Opal and a brother, LeRoy Charles. Her father was terribly burned in a farming incident and as a direct result the immediate family was divided among members of the extended family. Hazel spent a good share of her childhood in the home of her maternal aunt, William and Effie Runchey, who farmed near Algona, Iowa. Her cousin, Mary (Runchey) Smith is more like a sister than a cousin. Her residence with the Runcheys' allowed the local country school to remain open.

Hazel was united in marriage with Lester Paul Hill on March 11, 1942, in Bethany, Missouri. The couple was blessed with nine children. The family made their home in Mason City.

Hazel was well known for her embroidery and crochet projects. Not only did she share many of these items with family and friends, she looked forward each year to the North Iowa Fair where she took many first and second place ribbons. One of her greatest moments was teaching her great-granddaughter to embroidery.

Hazel's greatest disappointment was that she could not obtain a college education. Her desire was to be a teacher. Nevertheless, to the day of her death, she taught by example the dignity and rich experience of the Christian faith.

Hazel is survived by three sons, David Eugene (Diane) Hill of Chaska, Minnesota, Earl Wesley (Marlys) Hill of Britt and Richard LeRoy Hill of Mason City; two daughters, Hazel Dorothea Hill of Bloomington, Minnesota and Mary Beth Hill (special friend, David Jones, St. Paul, Minnesota) of Richfield, Minnesota; five grandchildren, Michelle M. Hill of Little Rock, Arkansas, Justin P. (Tammy) Hill of Honolulu, Hawaii, Clint M. (Naomi) Hill of Golden, Colorado, Donna (Joneal) Hill Blasig of Minneapolis, Minnesota and DeEtta (Xavier) Hill Darras of St. Paul, Minnesota; seven great-grandchildren, Angel J. Hill, Aspen P. Hill and Alex C. Hill of Honolulu, Hawaii, Oscar T. Hill and Ariana J. Hill of Golden, Colorado, Charlotte Darras of St. Paul, Minnesota and Jennavive Blasig of Minneapolis, Minnesota; along with many other extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lester P. Hill on April 25, 1983; four children, Margaret and Martha Hill, Ronald Robert Hill and Ruth Jane Hill, two brothers, Dorance Powell and LeRoy Powell; and one sister, Theresa Lillebo.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to The Gideon International.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

JoAnn A. Feltz, 77

September 29, 2009

JoAnn A. Feltz, 77, of Allison, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, September 26, 2009, at the Waverly Health Center.

Funeral services were held on Friday, at the St. James Lutheran Church in Allison. Visitation was on Thursday, at the Sietsema Vogel Funeral Home in Allison. Burial took place in the Allison Cemetery.

JoAnn worked as the chamber secretary in Forest City.

She is survived by her husband, Duane Feltz of Allison; sons, Dennis (Sharon Cook) Feltz and Douglas Feltz; three grandsons; two sisters; and a brother.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

John G. Lang, 66

October 6, 2009

John G. Lang, 66, of Britt, formerly of Kanawha, passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2009, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Memorial services were held on Thursday, October 1, at 1:30 p.m., at the First Lutheran Church in Britt, with Pastor Lee Nelson officiating. Visitation was on Wednesday, September 30, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Ewing Funeral Chapel in Britt and continued one hour before the services at the church.

John was born on November 4, 1942 in Meno, South Dakota, son of Gottlieb and Elsie (Schaeffer) Lang. John graduated from the Britt High School in 1961. In June of 1962, John married Ruth Church in Long Prairie, Minnesota. They lived most of their married life in Kanawha, where he owned and operated his own feed business for 35 years. The last 7 years he worked as an electrician for Winnebago Industries.

John enjoyed gardening, camping and spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth of Britt; two sons, John (Holly) Lang of Kanawha and Rodney (Amy) Lang of Swea City; two daughters, Hope (John) Wieland of Manly and Heather (Dan) Lau of Garner; eleven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Bernice (Blaine) Petrie of Long Prairie, Minnesota and Eleanor (Russ) Halter of Peoria, Arizona; and two brothers, Larry (Karen) Lang of Rockwell and Al (Chris) Lang of Kanawha.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gottlieb and Elsie Lang.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Allen B. Baker, 77

October 28, 2009

Allen B. Baker, 77, of Forest City, passed away on Monday, September 28, 2009, at the Mercy Medical Center in Mason City, with his devoted wife, Arlene and soul mate, at his side. They were always together through life and until the end.

Allen B. Baker, the son of Peter and Tillie Katuin Baker Peterson, was born on April 6, in rural Britt. He attended country school south of Crystal Lake and graduated from the Crystal Lake High School in 1949. Allen served his country during the Korean Conflict in the U.S. Army from 1953 through 1955 as a Corporal. He was trained as a medical aid man and helped with the transportation of wounded soldiers. On September 21, 1953, he married Arlene Wooge at the Evangelical Free Church in Britt. They had previously dated after they had met in Sunday School at the Upper Flat Church.

When he returned from the service, he went to photography school in Chicago. It was here in Chicago that his daughter, Debbie, was born on November 9. The couple later moved to Oskaloosa where their son, Don, was born on July 16. Allen worked at a photography studio there until they moved to Forest City where the couple bought Elder's Studio and changed the name to the Allen Baker Studio. Allen and Arlene ran the studio for 10 years with Arlene working by his side after she finished working her regular day job. He was next employed with the Forest City Millworks for five years and later employed by Winnebago Industries until he retired.

Allen enjoyed fishing, watching old cowboy movies, working with his hands and creating many wonderful projects from wood. He and Arlene built the house that they had lived in all these years. For a couple of years, he was the President and a member of the Forest City Jaycees, and he and Arlene would participate as a couple in square dancing. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, Scot and Stefanie, and would also attend their various sporting events just like he did for his daughter, Debbie. He loved working on the computer and he was able to trace his genealogy to the 16th Century on his mother's side. Allen also liked to restore old cars and his biggest thrill was to power up the John Deere tractor and mow the yard like it had never been done before.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Arlene; his daughter, Debbie Baker and son-in-law, Jim Newhouse of Hudson and their children, Charles Scot and Stefanie Newhouse; his son, Don Baker of Oklahoma and his children, Corwin, Rebekah, David and James Baker; and great-grandchildren; and his sister, Anne Larson of Buffalo Center.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, John Baker; and his grandson, Steven Newhouse.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Ella Jimenez, 88

October 6, 2009

Ella Jimenez, 88, of Britt, died on Wednesday, September 30, 2009, at the Westview Care Center, Britt, Iowa, where she has been a resident since 2002.

Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Thursday, October 8, on the West side of Elmwood Cemetery, Mason City. Officiating will be Pastor Stan Johnson. There will be no visitation. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Westview Care Center in Britt.

Ella was born on February 18, 1921 in Cresco, Iowa, to Oliver T. and Regina M. (Naketeace) Benson. Together there were four children born. Ella graduated from the Cresco High School and then began working as a housekeeper and babysitting. Later she was a waitress. She married Wendel White and to this marriage was born two sons. Later she was married to Ed Jimenez. She resided in several cities including Chicago, Marshalltown, Independence and Mason City before moving to Britt.

Ella led a very simple and hard life. She enjoyed listening to piano music, dancing and singing. She loved growing and arranging flowers. Sewing was one of her greatest interests and she made clothing and doll costumes. She embroidered and collected stuffed animals. While staying at the home one of her favorite activities was playing bingo and winning “her nickels”. She always kept her life plain and simple.

Ella is survived by her two sons, Ray and Dennis White; one sister, Helen Benda of Toledo, Iowa; two brothers, Elmer “Ben” Benson of Cedar Falls, Iowa and Robert “Monique” Benson of Williamsburg, Virginia; and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by the staff and residents of the Westview Care Center who will miss her greatly.

Her husbands and parents preceded Ella in death.

The Fullerton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Mason City, Iowa, is in charge of the arrangements.
© 2009 Forest City Summit

Alice Kingland, 89

October 6, 2009

Alice Kingland, age 89, of Forest City, died late Wednesday evening, September 30, 2009, at Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Monday, October 5, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Pastor Barb Spaulding officiating. Burial was in the Elim Cemetery in rural Fertile. Visitation was at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City on Sunday, October 4 and an hour prior to the services at the church.

Alice Katherine Kingland, was born on a farm in Center Township, Winnebago County, near Lake Mills, Iowa, on September 23, 1920, the daughter of George and Hilma (Thompson) Kilen. She received her education in rural schools near her home and graduated from the Lake Mills High School. Alice's mother died while Alice was in high school and she became the mother for five younger siblings and ran the household for her father.

On June 7, 1942, she was united in marriage to Kennes Kingland at her father's home. The couple lived on a farm seven miles east of Forest City in Mt. Valley Township until 1984, when they moved to an acreage near Pilot Knob. They moved to Forest City in 1997. Kennes passed away in 2001 and Alice came to live at Forest Plaza in 2006.

Faith, family, flowers and food were the important things in Alice's life. She was a long-time member of the Fertile Lutheran Church and recently joined Immanuel Lutheran in Forest City. Her many church activities included teaching Sunday School and holding various offices in the local Ladies' Aid and the District WELCA. When her children were younger, Alice was a 4-H Leader and throughout the years on the farm she was active in Farm Bureau. She liked flowers and was a member of the Fertile Garden Club for many years and the Garden Club at Forest Plaza when she moved there. Family visits were important to Alice and in later years, her favorite thing was to see her young great-grandchildren. Alice loved baking and feeding people. No one left her house with an empty stomach!

She is survived by four children and their spouses, David (Sue) Kingland of Forest City, Nancy (Chuck) Sweetman of Mason City, Ronald (Sandra) Kingland of Owatonna, Minnesota and Marvin (Mary) Kingland of Hanlontown; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; a brother, Gordon (Joyce) Kilen; and two sisters, Ruth (Andrew) Johnson and Hilma (Loren) Stover.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Kennes in 2001; and two sisters, Grace Beiser and Doris Bjorklund.

The family suggests memorials be directed to the American Diabetes Association or Elim Cemetery.
© 2009 Forest City Summit