Marlys A. Book

December 8, 2010

Marlys A. Book, 73, of Fertile, died on Friday, December 3, 2010, at the Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina, Minnesota.

Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., on Monday, December 6, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City. Burial was in the Madison Township Cemetery in rural Forest City.

Marlys A. Book, was born in Lake Mills on November 22, 1937, the daughter of Lester and Myrtle (Peterson) Evenson. She grew up in Lake Mills and was united in marriage to Harold Book on January 10, 1953, at the Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills. The couple farmed in rural Forest City their entire married lives, later moving to Fertile. Marlys was a wonderful wife and homemaker, devoted to caring for her loving husband and her children.

She made an awesome potato salad and her family remembers her wonderful ice cream desserts. For many years she did painting and cleaning with sisters-in-law, Em and Violet. She enjoyed playing bingo with her mother and friends and liked doing crafts and handwork - sewing, crocheting, knitting, woodworking and gardening. Marlys had a wonderful sense of humor. She always accepted people for who they were and never said a bad word about anyone. She loved to play cards and winter storms meant staying close to home enjoying days of card games. She treasured time spent with her family, especially enjoying a bowl of popcorn with her grandchildren. She loved all her nieces and nephews and had a special place in her heart for her great-granddaughter, Pyper.

Marlys is survived by her husband, Harold; her children, Allan Book, Linda Levang and Floyd (Rene) Book; grandchildren, Laura (Travis) Schleusner, Stephanie (Neil) Daugard, Kara Swingen (special friend Craig Koch), Maria Levang, Chad Koester (special friend Stacy & daughter Cora) Aric Koester, Angela Koester (fiancée Chris Lines), Kia, Phillip & Angela McFarland; and a great-granddaughter, Pyper Koch.

Marlys was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Debra Koester; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Genevieve M. Sorenson

December 8, 2010

Genevieve M. Sorenson, 88, of Forest City, formerly of Crystal Lake, died on Saturday, December 4, 2010, at the Good Samaritan Care Center in Forest City.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, December 7, at the Crystal Lake United Methodist Church in Crystal Lake, with Pastor Jerald Swanberg officiating. Burial was in the Crystal Lake Cemetery.

Genevieve Mary Sorenson, was born on January 14, 1922 at Luverne, Iowa, the first born daughter of John and Daisy (Pasley) Azerski. She attended rural schools near Scarville and Thompson and graduated from the Forest City High School in 1940 with a certificate in elementary grades (normal training). She loved working as an usher at the Forest Theater and was employed at the Forest City Telephone Company for two years before her marriage. On February 14, 1942, Genevieve eloped with Calvin Eugene Sorenson of Britt and they were married at noon that day in Algona. The couple farmed in rural Britt until 1942 when Calvin was inducted into the US Army Air Force. Following his safe return from WW II, they began farming again in 1946.

Genevieve was an active member of the Crystal Lake United Methodist Church and taught Sunday School. She served as Women's Club President, the American Legion Auxiliary President, was on the Cancer Society Board and later was active on the Crystal Lake Centennial History Book Committee.

Genevieve and her family moved to Crystal Lake in March 1974. In April 1978, Calvin declared himself a candidate for Hancock County Supervisor. Genevieve gave him her full support and he was elected in November 1978.

Genevieve enjoyed needlework, reading and traveling with her husband. They toured European countries in 1983 and the Scandinavian countries in 1984. Calvin passed away in 1991 and Genevieve continued to live in Crystal Lake several more years before moving to Forest City. In December of 2009 she made her home at Forest Plaza where she discovered a whole new "family" of friends. She passed away on December 4, 2010 at the Good Samaritan Care Center in Forest City at the age of 88 years.

Genevieve is survived by her children and their spouses, James (Dianne) Sorenson of Britt, Keith (Kathy) Sorenson of Britt and Mary (Doug) Reisetter of Forest City; a sister, Margaret Shultz of Greene, Iowa; very dear friend, Cleone Reisetter of Forest City; eight grandchildren, Gina Schlingmann, Carrie Bachman, Gentry Sorenson, Laurie Sorenson, Bonnie Boothroyd, Heather Sorenson, Nicole Sorenson and Melissa Reisetter; and eight great-grandchildren, Dillon, Chase, Caleb, Delaney, Evan, Emily, Kortni and Kaila.

Genevieve was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Calvin; grandson, Jeffrey Sorenson; and brother-in-law, George Shultz.

Mildred “Mid” Mikkelsen

December 22, 2010

Mildred “Mid” Mikkelsen, 95, of Britt, died on Tuesday, December 14, 2010, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

The family held a private interment service at the Crystal Township Cemetery in Crystal Lake, on Wednesday, December 21. A memorial service will be held at a later date to be determined.

Mildred Leona Mikkelsen, the youngest of five children of Severt and Louise (Hanson) Lonning, was born on the family farm near Kanawha on March 21, 1915. The family later moved to a farm near Crystal Lake where Mid attended school. She graduated from the Crystal Lake High School in 1931. On December 18, 1934, she was united in marriage with Joseph Mikkelsen at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. They established their home on the original Mikkelsen farm in Crystal Township. In 1943, they moved to their own farm where they lived until 1997. Joe and Mid retired from active farming in 1979. In 1997, they moved to Britt just prior to Joe’s passing.

Mid was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith and her life centered around the Upper Flat Evangelical Free Church, where she was a member most of her adult life. She served her Lord in a number of capacities, including church choir, Sunday School teacher, Ladies Aid Society, treasurer and a host of other activities. Mid was a member of the Nota Bene Club and Happy Homemakers Club. She was an avid reader, quilter and gardener.

Mid is survived by her daughter, Mona Furnberg and her husband, Carlton of Livermore, California; two sons, Philip of Clarinda, Iowa and Dan and his wife, Christine of Dover, Delaware; ten grandchildren; and twenty-two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe in 1997; son, John; her parents; two sisters, Gunda Swan and Evelyn Fern Green; and two brothers, Arthur and Lawrence Lonning.

The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Lloyd Willig

December 22, 2010

Lloyd Willig, age 86, of Forest City, died on Tuesday, December 14, 2010, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

A celebration of life was held on  December 18, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City. Burial will be in the spring in the Oakland Cemetery in Forest City.

Lloyd was born on May 19, 1924 in Hubbard, to Carl and Emma (Rutzen) Willig, the sixth of ten children. After graduating from the Eldora High School in 1942, Lloyd was drafted into the US Army when he was 18, serving as a Master Sergeant in Darby’s Rangers in Europe until he was injured in Anzio, Italy in 1944. Lloyd received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for his heroic service.

When he returned from the war, Lloyd attended the University of Iowa and graduated in 1949 with an accounting degree. He worked in accounting until moving to Forest City and opening the Winnebago Hatchery in 1958. After a successful business career, Lloyd retired as President and CEO of the Forest City Bank and Trust in 1982. He received the John K and Luise V. Hanson Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005 for his lifetime of service to Forest City.

Lloyd married Lanida Ann Meyer on August 22, 1948. They had two daughters, Dana (Mark) Wilkinson of Bettendorf, and Dawn (Paul) Harrington of Woden. Lin passed away on November 23, 1980. Lloyd married Elsie Hanson on July 25, 1981 and with her two children, Stephanie (Fred) Koch of Eau Claire, Wisconsin and Mark (Penny) Hanson of Littleton, Colorado, they created a new family which has grown to include nine grandchildren, Christina (Kyle) Dietz, Tim Koch, Eric (Bryn) Hanson, Mitchell Hanson, Lyndsey Jo (Kyle) Day, Shaun Wilkinson, Katie Harrington, Elaine Harrington, Steven Harrington and two great-grandchildren, James Edward Day and Emerson Lucille Dietz. In addition, Lloyd is survived by a loving extended family including many nieces and nephews, his brother, Dale and his sister, Ruth.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife; two sisters; five brothers; and his grandson, Jared Wilkinson.

Lloyd loved to play golf and enjoyed watching all types of sports. He was a devoted fan of all of his children and grandchildren’s activities. He was a frequent presence at Forest City High School events, and was always cheering for his beloved Hawkeyes and Cubs. Lloyd was extremely involved in the Forest City community, serving on the school board, the Immanuel Lutheran Church Council, the Forest City golf course board of directors, the Forest City economic development board of directors, The Forest City Chamber of Commerce, AFS, and as a Rotarian for 50 years. Lloyd loved his weekly coffee group and playing cards with his friends.

Lloyd was a true supporter of education and a scholarship will be arranged in his memory. Memorials can be made to the Lloyd M. Willig scholarship fund and to Muse Norris Hospice of North Iowa.

Lloyd will always be remembered for his loyalty, integrity and overwhelming kindness which his family and friends will work to exemplify in his honor. He will be sincerely missed by his family and many friends.

The Petersen Lund Funeral Home, Forest City, was in charge of the arrangements.

Terry Grothe

December 22, 2010

Terry Grothe, 48, of Leland, died on Wednesday, December 15, 2010, at his home in Leland.

A memorial service was held on Monday, December 20,  at the Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Leland. Burial will be in the spring in the Forest Home Cemetery in Leland.

Terry Lee Grothe, was born on March 31, 1962, to Dick and Sandy (Lund) Grothe at the Forest City Hospital. He graduated with honors in 1980 from the Forest City High School. He then started working with his father in the concrete business. In 1986, he married Leslie Blankenship in Las Vegas. They were blessed with three children. In the early 1990s, he went into partnership at D&D Sales and  started Custom Signs by D&D. Terry sold his share in the company years later and started  as a drafter at Leland Woodworks.

Terry very much enjoyed the outdoors, especially elk hunting. He was an accomplished hunter and also a proud member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation for many years.

Terry was greatly loved and will be missed by family and friends. He is survived by his children, Brandi (Mike) Bushman of Kiester, Minnesota, Kelsey Grothe and friend, Brandon Lamping of Leland and Nicholas Grothe of Forest City; three grandchildren, Trinity, Halo and Carter; his parents, Dick and Sandy Grothe of Leland; a sister, Christine (Tommy) Hembree of Leland; sister-in-law, Anne Grothe of Medina, Minnesota; and two nephews and a niece, Benjamin, Noah and Grace.

Terry was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents; and two brothers, Brian (Beanhead) and Gregory Grothe.

The Petersen Lund Funeral Home,  Forest City, was in charge of the arrangements.

Duane E. “Dick” Johnson

December 22, 2010

Duane E. “Dick” Johnson, age 80, of Thompson, died on Friday, December 17, 2010, at the St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

A memorial service was held on  Monday, December 20, at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Thompson, with Pastor Mark Decker officiating. Inurnment will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery in the spring.

Duane E. Johnson, was born on April 17, 1930. He graduated from the Forest City High School in 1947. On September 7, 1951, he was married to Barbara Ruth Taylor in Forest Cit,y after which they made their home in Thompson. His “temporary job” evolved into nearly 47 years of employment at Winnebago REC where he was a lineman, foreman and line superintendent.

Dick was an avid gardener who shared his bountiful produce with all. He was a great story teller with a droll sense of humor. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, especially the Sunday night popcorn/game nights. He will be remembered as a kind, generous person who was always willing to help anyone. He was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church, North Iowa Heritage Park and was a previous member of the Thompson Saddle Club, as well as a charter member of the Thompson Lions Club.

Dick is survived by Barbara, his wife of 59 years; his children, Nancy (Irvin) Nehring of Byron, Minnesota, Ellen (Michael) Holstad of Thompson and Holly Johnson and friend, Damon Followill of Des Moines; grandchildren, Mark (Karen) Nehring, Timothy Nehring, Cassondra Holstad, Mikaella Holstad, Ardianna Johnson, Cheye Johnson and Anthony Johnson; great-grandchildren, Faith, Brian and Elizabeth Nehring; and sibling, Dennis (Amelia) Olson of Clayton, California, Anne Olson of Castro Valley, California; and the cousins he grew up with, John (Nita) Carson of Brodhead, Wisconsin, Carroll (Buv) Carson, Jr. (Janelle) of Forest City, Jamie (Mary) Carson of Madison, Wisconsin; bothers-in-law, Charles (Eileen) Taylor of Ventura, Denny (Julie) Taylor of Forest City; sister-in-law, Sandra Taylor of St. Paul, Minnesota; special family friend, Jim Moon; and numerous nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Carolyn; his mother and step father, Olga and Walter Olson; grandparents, Ed and Helen Johnson; aunts, Esther (Carroll) Carson, Ann (Earl) Watney, Julia (Ray) Peterson; and his father and mother-in-law, Carroll and Helga Taylor; brother-in-law, Kenneth Taylor; and niece, Denise Olson.

The Petersen Lund Funeral Home,  Forest City, was in charge of the arrangements.

Carol D. Christenson

December 29, 2010

Carol D. Christenson, 89, of Forest City, died on Saturday, December 18, 2010, at the Lake Mills Care Center in Lake Mills.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, December 23, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in rural Thompson. Burial was in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery.

Carol Deloris (Johnson) Christenson, the daughter of Carlton and Adina (Hefte) Johnson, was born on January 29, 1921 in Belmond Township, Wright County, Iowa. She was baptized at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Belmond, on March 13, 1921 and was confirmed at the Kanawha Lutheran Church on August 27, 1935. She attended the Belmond Township #2 School through the eighth grade and worked for the Tyrell family in Belmond.

Carol was 16 when she went on her first date with a young man named Earl Christenson. They were introduced by Earl's brother, Lloyd. Carol and Earl dated for three years then were engaged for one year. On September 14, 1941, she was united in marriage to Earl Albert Christenson at the Congregational Church in Belmond. Earl started farming in 1942 in the Kanawha and Clarion areas. In 1952, they moved to a farm near Bricelyn, Minnesota, where they farmed until he retired in 1983.

Carol enjoyed raising chickens which she butchered and sold, and had a huge strawberry bed along with all the flower beds. Carol helped with the farming and during the summer she also worked in the sweet corn factory in Bricelyn.

In 1993, they moved to Forest City to enjoy their retirement years. Earl and Carol celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on September 14, 2001. Carol enjoyed spending time with her family, golfing, playing cards, bowling and dancing, whether it be square dancing or polkas and waltzes. She crocheted afghans for all of her children and grandchildren, and also embroidered a set of dish towels for each of them. She was an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, rural Thompson, where she was a member of the Altar Guild and WELCA and her circle. In 1995, she transferred her membership to the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, where she was active in circle. She was also an active member of the Kum Along Club in Forest City. Carol entered the Lake Mills Care Center on May 1, 2009.

Survivors include son, Larry (Mary) Christenson of Phoenix, Arizona and their family, Diana (Jim) Kostas, Alex, Christopher and James of Glen Ridge, New Jersey and Paul (Jessica) Christenson of Phoenix; son, Keith Christenson and his family, Kim Christenson and Bob Martin, Ty, Brock, Caleb and Austin of Klemme, Iowa, Kelly Christenson, Carrie Morin and their son, Donivan of Mason City and Kurt Christenson of Fort Riley, Kansas; daughter, Kathy (Dan) Swearingen of Thompson and their family, Tammy (Mark) Solberg of Conway, Arkansas, Kristin (Matt) DeMott of Centerton, Arkansas, Laura and son, Aiden, Brandon, Blake and Megan Solberg of Conway, Arkansas, Kevin Swearingen of Thompson and Troy (Shannon) Swearingen, Paige, Braden and Jessa of Forest City; daughter, Pat (Gordon) Sevley of Thompson and their family, Michelle (Kallin) Kurtz, Riley and Gretchen of Lakeville, Minnesota, Scott (Arin) Anderson of Thompson, Michelle (John) Blong, Tyler, Jacob and Kayla of Brainerd, Minnesota and Renee (Lamont) Andrews, Megan and Joshua of St. Ansgar; daughter, Eloise (Lyle) Wirtjes of Thompson and their family, Ryan (Jennifer) Wirtjes, Kasey, Krisanne and baby due in May of Denver, Allison (Chad) Hinders, Taylen, Elise, Kinzee, Mylie and baby due in February of Buffalo Center, Emily of Cedar Falls and Cody (Alicia) Wirtjes of Thompson; daughter, Deborah (Harlan) Nyhus of Forest City and their family, Sara (Jeff) Penning and Abigail of Clear Lake, Holden and Heidi of Ames.

Carol is survived by her sister, Wilma Friesleben of Belmond and brothers, Dudley (Janice) Johnson of Kanawha, Arland (Avis) Johnson of Hector, Minnesota and Gary (Barb) Johnson of St. John's Newfoundland, Canada; along with numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by all the special care givers at the Lake Mills Care Center and by the care team from the Hospice of North Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl on May 14, 2002; three sisters; three brothers (two in infancy); son-in-law, Gary Anderson; and great-grandson, Zackery.

The Petersen Lund Funeral Home, Forest City, was in charge of the arrangements.

Agnes O. Carlson

December 29, 2010

Agnes Carlson, 98, of Forest City, died on Sunday, December 19, 2010, at the Good Samaritan Care Center in Forest City.

Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., on Wednesday, December 22, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City, with Vicar Corey Smith of the Immanuel Lutheran Church officiating. Burial was in the Oakland Cemetery in Forest City.

Agnes O. Carlson, was born in Leland, Iowa on March 14, 1912, the daughter of Albert O. and Annie (Moen) Carlson. She graduated from the Leland High School, continued her education at Waldorf College in Forest City and graduated from the Lutheran Bible Institute in Minneapolis. Agnes taught school for many years in several Iowa communities - Leland, Lehigh and Roland. She later found employment as a bookkeeper, working for Augsburg Publishing House, the Lutheran Evangelistic Movement and the Lutheran Bible Institute. She was an avid reader and enjoyed a trip to Norway.

In the early 1980s, Agnes made her home in Forest City at the Town Square Apartments. Failing health forced her to enter the Manly Care Center in Manly, Iowa. She returned to Forest City in the early 1990s and made her home at the Good Samaritan Care Center.

Agnes is survived by her sister, Ethel Haugen of Wanamingo, Minnesota and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Odin Carlson; sister, Ruth Monson; twin brother, Art Carlson; sister, Henrietta Carlson, who died as a young child; and another sister, Henrietta Vogen.

The Petersen Lund Funeral Home, Forest City, was in charge of the arrangements.

Duane R. Nelson

December 29, 2010

Duane R. Nelson, 86,  of Forest City, died on Monday, December 20, 2010, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., on Tuesday, December 28, at the Winnebago Lutheran Church in rural Lake Mills, with Pastor Randy Baldwin officiating. Burial was in the Winnebago Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Duane Rodney Nelson, was born on the farm in Mount Valley Township, Winnebago County, Iowa on January 21, 1924, the son of Russell and Ruth (Larson) Nelson. He was baptized and confirmed at the Winnebago Lutheran Church in rural Lake Mills and was a life-long member there. Duane received his education in rural schools near his home and graduated from the Forest City High School. Duane remained on the farm to care for his parents. He farmed with his brother, Valere for several years before later farming with his father.

He loved to play fast-pitch softball and was an excellent pitcher, taking his team to State Tournaments twice. He liked animals. Duane adopted an infant raccoon and after releasing her as an adult, enjoyed feeding her and her growing family in his backyard. He raised hogs and he dearly loved his dog, Cody. He enjoyed music, liked to write and spent considerable time researching his family history.

Duane is survived by his sister, Marilyn Ostlund of Lakeville, Minnesota; his brother and sister-in-law, Valere & Elaine Nelson of Forest City; 5 nieces and 2 nephews, Mary Jo (John) Suelter of North Carolina, Ruth (Michael) Eppel of Burnsville, Minnesota, Lori (Robert) Litchy of Savage, Minnesota, Patricia Juhl of Forest City, Jeffrey (Robin) Nelson of Forest City, Sally (Gary) Prinsen of Maple Plain, Minnesota and Keith Nelson of Illinois; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Richard Nelson; niece, Linda Funkhauser; and great-niece, Atty Joy Nelson.

The Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City, was in charge of the arrangements.

Andrew L. Olson

January 12, 2011

Andrew Leroy Olson, 74, of Sidney, Ohio, died at his residence on Monday, December 20, 2010.

He was born on September 8, 1936 in Winnebago County, the son of Andrew P. and Anna Loraine (Norheim) Olson. He was married to Patricia Walls on July 2, 1960 and she survives in Sidney along with two children, Todd (Traci) Olson of Sidney and Susan (Tony) Wion of Sidney; four grandchildren, Ryan (Tabatha) McPeeks, Nicholas McPeeks, Tessa Olson and Tyoer Olson; one-step-granddaughter, Jenna Shaffer; and two great-grandchildren, Jason Shaffer and Kennedy Shaffer; one sister, Mavis Lovik of Cedar Rapids; and one brother, James (Connie) Olson of Richville, Minnesota.

He was a 1954 graduate of the Lake Mills High School in Lake Mills, attended Waldorf College for two years in Forest City and received his bachelor's degree in education from Mankato State University in Minnesota. He was a teacher in Shelby County Schools starting at Fairlawn, then teaching at Jackson Center and then Fort Loramie Schools. He later worked in the maintenance department at the Wilson Memorial Hospital in Sidney. He was a U. S. Army veteran serving in the Korean War from 1955-1957.

He enjoyed fishing. He was a past member of the St. John's Lutheran Church in Sidney.

A private memorial service was held on Monday, December 27, at the Salm-McGill and Tangeman Funeral Home in Sidney. Burial will be at a later date.

Merle Edgar Rasmuss

December 29, 2010

BRITT, Iowa-Merle Edgar Rasmussen, 90, of LeRoy, Minnesota, died on Wednesday, December 22, 2010, at the Austin Medical Center in Austin, Minnesota.

Services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, December 28, at the Ewing Funeral Chapel in Britt, with Pastor Robert Dodge officiating. Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Wesley, with military rites by the American Legion Andrews Post 428. Memorials are preferred to the LeRoy Minnesota Emergency Services, who assisted Merle in his times of need.

Merle was born on January 15, 1920 in Goldfield, Iowa, to Fred and Dora (Helmke) Rasmussen. After graduating from the Goldfield High School, he enlisted in the Navy in 1942, serving in World War II. Merle married Peggy Stark in California in 1947. The couple had four children. Merle worked as a farmer in the Wesley area. After his retirement in 1984, Merle moved to Colorado for several years and then came back to Minnesota for the last few years.

Merle loved to golf, play cards and bowl. He enjoyed music, singing, dancing and was a lifetime member of the Wesley Legion. His love of the outdoors found him hunting, fishing and hiking over the years.

Survivors include his three daughters, Linda (Marv) Nieman of Forest City, Jo Eastvold of LeRoy, Minnesota and Donna Gietl of Denver, Colorado; one brother, Forrest "Pat" (Blanch) Rasmussen of Wesley; nine grandchildren, Phil Twait, Allen Stokka, Tony Stokka, Aadne Stokka, Andrea Sanford, Jenny Main, Cassie Gietl, Prescott Rasmussen, Alexandria Rasmussen; and ten great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Peggy, the mother of his children; one son, Fredric; brother, Kenneth Rasmussen; and sister, Francis Smith.

The Ewing Funeral Chapel, Britt, was in charge of the arrangements.

Charles Henry Levad

January 5, 2011

Charles Henry Levad, 70, of Mason City, died on Saturday, December 25, 2010, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

A Funeral Mass was held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, December 31, at the Holy Family Catholic Church, Mason City, with Reverend Kenneth Gehling officiating. Burial was in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, with military graveside honors conducted by members of the Mason City Veterans Memorial Association.

The eldest of 12 children, Charles Henry Levad grew up on the family farm his grandparents had homesteaded and attended a country school until seventh grade. At 21, he joined the United States Air Force, learned Russian and was stationed in Hof/Saale Germany at the height of the Cold War, where he was a radio spy. It was from the Russian MiG pilots he listened in on that he heard President Kennedy had been shot, though the news had not yet reached his family in rural Winnebago County. After his military service, Charles finished his bachelor's degree and went on to earn his J.D., with distinction, from the Chicago-Kent College of Law, the law school of the Illinois Institute of Technology.

As chief of the Prosecution Assistance Division of the Illinois Attorney General's Office, Charles represented the State of Illinois in Moore v. Illinois, a murder case which went to the Supreme Court in 1977. The decision of the lower courts was partially upheld, Justice Harry Blackmun writing the majority opinion, Justice Thurgood Marshall the dissenting. After his work in Illinois, where he met his wife Trena, he returned to Iowa and opened a private practice, Levad Law Office.

Practicing law for the last 32 years in Mason City, Charles was generous with his time and talents. He was involved in pro bono work through the Iowa Bar Association Volunteer Lawyer Project, for which he was given an Award for Extraordinary Service by the Legal Services Corporation of Iowa in 1997. (Providing counsel for his many brothers and sisters over the years did not, unfortunately, count toward his volunteer work.) Charles also contributed to the growth of the legal profession as an instructor at the North Iowa Area Community College and Buena Vista College.

Much like his father, the late Gordon Levad, Charles was a consummate hobbyist. He enjoyed gardening, canning, winemaking, beekeeping, bird-watching and coin collecting and his innate curiosity led him to teach himself about astronomy, meteorology and computers-he was always an early adopter of new technologies. Sparked by his work in military intelligence, Charles was also an avid ham radio enthusiast.

His most consuming pastime, however, was building an 18-foot Weekender sailboat. After reading about it in Popular Science, he sent away for the plans. As Charles said himself, it was a big project, but he thought he could do it "a bite at a time, just like you eat an elephant." The boat took nearly 20 years to finish, but she sailed on Crystal Lake on April 24, 1999. (And yes, the project also required him to teach himself how to sail.)

Though he had these many interests and professional responsibilities, Charles always made time for his children and grandchildren. He loved to play chess and Scrabble, and he was a wonderful storyteller with a quick wit, especially when it came to puns and wordplay.

A lifelong Democrat (even after witnessing the riots at the 1968 convention in Chicago), he was always up for a rousing political discussion. And though he struggled with cancer for the past five years, he still gathered the family for RAGBRAI rides and the annual golf tournament that he and Trena have hosted since 1988.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Trena Levad of Mason City; his children, Daniel (Laura) Levad of Pocahontas, Illinois, Lisa Carlson, Douglas Levad and Anthony Levad, all of Mason City; 10 grandchildren, Amanda, Samantha, Kelsey, Athena, Jacob, Hailey, Alexander, Rosella, Kaitlyn, Lukas and Seth Levad; nine brothers and sisters, David (Betty Jo) Levad of Yakama, Washington, Steven (Barbara) Levad of Poplar, Montana, Joseph Levad of Mason City, Thomas Levad and special friend, Dorothy of Wilton, Iowa, James (Judy) Levad of Forest City, Mary Mosiman of Forest City, Robert (Debra) Levad of Forest City, Susan (John) Baugus of White Bear Lake, Minnesota and Sharon (Mike) Bedig of Watertown, Massachusetts; and many nieces, nephews and other extended family and many friends.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Richard and Eddy Levad.

Charles inspired everyone with his intelligence, humor, and generosity.

The Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, was in charge of the arrangements.

Dorothy Caroline Thomsen

January 5, 2011

Dorothy Caroline Thomsen, 92, of the Apple Valley Assisted Living, Clear Lake, died on Monday, December 27, 2010, at the Good Shepherd Health Center, Mason City. 

Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m., on Friday, December 31, at the Galilean Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, with Reverend Randy Nielsen and Reverend Kent Mechler officiating. Interment was in the Coulter Cemetery, Coulter, Iowa. Memorial may be directed to the Dorothy C. Thomsen Memorial Fund.

Dorothy was born on November 29, 1918 in Latimer, Iowa, daughter of Chris B. and Minnie (Riis) Johansen. She was baptized and confirmed at the Nazareth Lutheran Church in Coulter. She graduated from the Latimer High School in 1936. She helped her parents on the family farm until she married Harvey L. Thomsen of Spencer, on August 22, 1945 in Coulter. The couple farmed until 1971. The couple then moved to Clear Lake where they were the first house parents at Handicap Village. Dorothy then worked in the Village ceramics department until 1982. She then worked part-time at the Villa dress shop in Clear Lake for several years. Shortly after Harvey's death in 1988, Dorothy moved to a smaller house in Forest City, returning to an apartment in Clear Lake. She has lived the last 3 years at Apple Valley Assisted Living in Clear Lake.

She was a charter member and very active and involved at the Galilean Lutheran Church. She enjoyed her family and all their activities. She loved the outdoors, enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening and was an avid reader.

Survivors include her daughters and sons-in-law, Twylah and Mark Kragel of Clear Lake and Carla and Gary Nelson of Sheffield; grandchildren, Emily (Eric) Thomas, Eric (Ambyr) Kragel, Dana (Wyatt) Zoske, Peter (Sue) Nelson and Adam (Erin) Nelson; great-grandchildren, Aidan, Taylor and Payton Thomas, Isaac and Ryan Zoske, Logan Nelson and Ava Nelson; sister-in-law, Neva Johansen; and nieces and their families.

She was preceded in death by her husband; two brothers; one sister; and her parents.

The Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, Iowa, was in charge of the arrangements.

Patricia Gunderson

January 12, 2011

Patricia A. Gunderson, 63, of Lake Mills, died on Tuesday, December 28, 2010, at her home in Lake Mills.

Funeral services were held on Monday, January 3, at the Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Leland. Burial was in the North Prairie Lutheran Cemetery, rural Scarville. Memorials may be directed to Spanish study abroad at Luther College c/o Modern Languages Department, 700 College Drive, Decorah, Iowa, 52101.

Patricia Ann Gunderson, was born on December 22, 1947 in Leland, to parents, Arnold "Marlin" and Anna Marie (Solomonson) Gunderson. She attended and graduated from the Forest City High School. Patty went on to obtain her bachelor's degree in Spanish education from Luther College in Decorah and received her master's degree from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Patty was employed by the United States Government as a chief customs inspector, working at airports in the cities of Chicago, Miami, the Bahamas and Kansas City. At one point, she had been singled out as being one of the top seven customs inspectors in the US. Patricia received a national award for her work with the consumer products safety commission, for her efforts in stopping the importation of defective toys, flammable fabrics, fireworks and poisonous chemicals. During her years working for the government, Patty was active with the National Treasury Employees Union, holding positions of president, vice-president, and steward.

Luther College had always been dear to Patty's heart and in 1976, she established a scholarship for students wishing to study Spanish abroad. More than 125 students have benefitted from her generosity. Our Saviors Lutheran Church was also a special part of Patty's life. She remained active in any capacity she could, most recently, having been the congregation's president. Patricia enjoyed the friendships she made playing Bridge, time spent with the Red Hat Society ladies and her companion Butterball the cat.

Patricia is survived by an aunt, Alice Larsen, a resident of the Lake Mills Care Center; and many cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; and many aunts and uncles.

The Mittelstadt Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Rodney E. Kloster

January 12, 2011

Rodney E. Kloster, 84, of Burnsville, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 31, 2010, in Lakeville, Minnesota.

Preceded in death by 2 brothers; six sisters; son-in-law, Earl Winkelman; and great-grandson, Matthew Winkelman.

Survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty Lou (Overaas); daughters, Kathryn Kloster, Karen (Chuck) Halpin, Sara (Chris) Crockett and Kirsten (Karl) Fox; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-granddaughter.

Rodney was born on June 25, 1926, to Gosner and Rachel (Jorgensen) Kloster. He served in the Army Air Corp during World War II and then attended Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, South Dakota. He retired in 1985 after a 37 year career at Northern States Power.

He was a voracious reader and outdoorsman, especially enjoying history, science, fishing, and canoeing. Rodney enjoyed any activity that brought his family together. He took special pride in his grandchildren, passing on to them a sense of independence, a strong work ethic and a lifelong desire to learn.

Funeral service was held on Saturday, January 8, at 11:00 a.m., at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Private interment was in the Hanna Cemetery, Leland.