Charlotte Fredrickson

January 12, 2011

Charlotte Fredrickson, 70, of Forest City, died on Monday, January 3, 2011, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, following a recent diagnosis of cancer.

Funeral services were held on Friday, January 7, at the First Baptist Church in Forest City, with burial in the church cemetery.

Charlotte Ann Nelson, born on January 5, 1940, was the daughter of David and Stella (Anderson) Nelson of Albert City. She graduated from the Albert City High School, attended two years at Iowa State Teachers College, Cedar Falls and one year at the University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota. She was married to David Fredrickson on January 30, 1960. Their family honored them with a 50th anniversary celebration this past September.

In addition to being wife and mother, Charlotte also worked in the family business Greatwestern Products of Forest City, manufacturer of lamps and lampshades. After the business closed, Charlotte became the administrative assistant for the Waldorf College Music Department for 19 years. Among many important aspects of her job, Charlotte was in charge of scheduling concerts, travel and housing for the choirs and bands throughout the United States and Europe. She and David accompanied the students on these trips. Charlotte was the 2004 recipient of the Holmen Professional Excellence Award given annually by Waldorf College.

After completion of the confirmation class in the Lutheran Church in Albert City, the Swedish pastor asked Charlotte if she truly believed that Christ was her Savior. Answering yes and confessing her faith in Jesus, she felt a release from sin and new life in Christ. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church, Forest City. Charlotte shared her talent as an accomplished pianist not only at the church but also by accompanying middle school, high school and college students in performances and contests.

Charlotte was a member of the Forest City Chapter of PEO, one of the organizers of the Community Concert Series in Forest City and later, the Waldorf College Artist Series events. She especially enjoyed reading, music and playing bridge with her many friends. Each of Charlotte's grandchildren held a special place in her heart and in her prayers. She was delighted that all of her children and grandchildren traveled to Mesa, Arizona to celebrate Christmas, 2010.

Her family includes her husband, David; son, Tim and his wife, Karen and their daughters, Lynnea and Danika and Swedish exchange student, Karin Sproge of Forest City; her daughter, Carol and her husband, Doug Tweeten and their sons, Ryan of Brighton, Colorado, Drew and Luke of Forest City; her daughter, Sue and husband, Jeff Port and sons, Josh and Zack of Coon Rapids, Minnesota; her sister and husband, Myrna and Marlowe Feldman of Albert City; and sister-in-law and husband, Liz and Peter Boman of Forest City; and five nephews and nieces.

Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents.

The Boman Funeral Home of Webster City, (bomanfh.com) is honored to be in charge of funeral arrangements.

Donna Mae Hines

January 19, 2011

Donna Mae L. Hines, 76, of Mason City, died on Tuesday, January 4, 2011, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit.

Funeral services were held on Friday, January 7, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church (Chapel), with Rev. Mark Lavrenz officiating. Interment was in the Elmwood St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation was one hour prior to the church service. Memorials may be directed to the Donna Mae Hines Memorial Fund in care of the family.

Donna was born on October 24, 1934 in Iowa City, the daughter of George and Sena (Ostermann) Boyken. She graduated from High School in Buffalo Center and also Hamilton Business College. Donna married Donald V. Hines on July 25, 1954 in Hancock County. Over the years, Donna worked for the Forest City Newspaper, Des Moines Telephone Company, Winnebago Court House and the Forest City Social Welfare Office. She moved to Mason City in 1960.

Donna was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Donna had a strong faith and the church and Bible Study were very important to her. She enjoyed reading and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Donna is survived by two daughters, Lori Beth Arends and husband, Russell of Clear Lake and Lynne Hines of Mason City; 4 grandchildren, Jason Baumann and wife, Abbie of Boston, Rachel Baumann-Bendickson of Clear Lake, Leah Arends of Clear Lake and Caitlin Arends of Ames; 1 great-grandson, Gage Bendickson; 2 sisters, Elaine Mommsen and husband, Larry of Goose Lake and Mary Corlis of Ettrick, Wisconsin; 2 brothers, Keith Coffman and wife, Jean of South English and Jim Taplin of Sabala.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her biological mother, Margaret Taplin; husband, Donald Hines; and a daughter, Debra in infancy.

The Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory, Mason City, Iowa, was in charge of the arrangements.

Allen J. Eastvold

January 26, 2011

Allen J. Eastvold, 68, of Forest City, died on Sunday, January 16, 2011, at his home in rural Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, January 19, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City. Burial was in the Madison Township Cemetery in rural Forest City.

Allen John Eastvold, was born on July 27, 1942 in rural Wells, Minnesota, near Rice Lake, the son of Julius and Bessie (Durby) Eastvold. He graduated from the Rake High School in 1960. Unbeknownst to his parents, Allen began taking flying lessons at the age of 15. He attended Waldorf College in Forest City and went on to graduate from Mankato State University in Mankato, Minnesota, with a degree in business. He worked for a short time as an insurance agent.

On June 4, 1966, he was united in marriage to Patricia Ruth Russ at the Zion Lutheran Church in Rake. The couple made their home in Minneapolis where Allen was a flight instructor. In 1968, Allen began working for Eastern Airlines, a career that would span 22 years and over 20,000 hours of flight time. The family lived in many different communities through these years, finally settled in Forest City in 1977. Allen continued working for Eastern Airlines until his retirement in 1990. Allen then worked for the Winnebago County Sheriff's Department as a dispatcher and as a jailer. He later drove truck and did a little flying for Norseman Trucking in Lake Mills.

Allen was a huge sprint car racing fan. He attended the races in Knoxville for almost 50 years. He enjoyed making the trip to see the Indianapolis 500, sharing the time with family and friends. He was a long-time country music fan but had recently developed a taste for bluegrass music and had attended several festivals. An important part of Allen's social calendar was attending the lutefisk dinners offered by area churches. Besides enjoying the food, it was a chance for him to renew acquaintances and visit with friends.

Allen passed away suddenly at his home in Forest City on Sunday, January 16, 2011 at the age of 68 years.

He is survived by his mother, Bessie Eastvold of Rake; three children, Tim Eastvold of Forest City and his children, Julia & Michael and their mother, Melissa; Darla and Brad Evenson of Lake Mills and their children, Scott, Drake, Amelia & Hannah; and Matt Eastvold of Forest City. Also surviving are three brothers, James Eastvold of Grimes, Paul (Karilyn) Eastvold of Springfield, Illinois and Darrell (Ginny) Eastvold of Mankato, Minnesota; sisters-in-law, Lou Ann (Pete) Van Gerpen of Garner and Irene Russ of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Allen was preceded in death by his father; his wife, Patricia in 2006; a brother, Merlin who died in infancy in 1944; and brother-in-law, Ronald Russ.

Evelyn Keel

January 26, 2011

Evelyn Lila Hazel Keel, 92, of Forest City, died on Monday, January 17, 2011, at the Good Samaritan Care Center in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Friday, January 21, at the United Methodist Church in Forest City. Burial was in the Madison Township Cemetery in rural Forest City.

Evelyn Lila Hazel Keel, was born on Sunday, January 5, 1919 in Murdock, Minnesota, the second daughter of Lawrence and Maria (Hanson) Youngquist. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. She was raised on a farm and her mother died when she was 12 years old. After graduating from the Murdock High School in 1936, the family moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, where she worked for a few years. Evelyn was united in marriage to Robert Keel on March 8, 1945, at the Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. After World War II, they farmed the five generation Keel farm near Forest City.

Evelyn became a member of the United Methodist Church in Forest City and was very active in the church and several community organizations. Evie always grew a huge garden and worked long hours as a farmer's wife. She enjoyed her coffee groups and loved to read. She was very talented at her beloved handiwork; embroidering, crocheting, and most of all, making beautiful quilts. However, most precious to her were her six grandchildren.

Evie will always be remembered and loved by her husband of 65 years, Bob; her three children, Tom (Bev) of Reedsburg, Wisconsin, Linda (Jim) Westensee of Lakefield, Minnesota and Bill (Sarah) of near Forest City; her grandchildren, April Jones, Jennifer (Mike) Cole, Nicky (Mark) Nel, Matt Keel, Kelli Keel and Tanner Keel; her great-grandchildren, Brandon, Ally and Shane; her sister-in-law, Eva Olson; and her two nieces and three nephews.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Pauline (Irvin) Hanson; and her parents.

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

Shirley Sheimo

January 26, 2011

Shirley Sheimo, 82, of Garner, formerly of Fertile, died on Tuesday, January 18, 2011, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, January 22, at the Fertile Lutheran Church in Fertile, with Lay Pastor David Halverson officiating. Burial will be in the spring in the Brush Point Cemetery in rural Hanlontown.

Shirley Jean Sheimo, was born on a farm in Tenold Township, in Worth County near Hanlontown, the daughter of Amos and Edna (Tvedt) Gilbertson. She attended rural school near her home and graduated from the Hanlontown High School in 1945. She furthered her education at Waldorf College in Forest City, graduating in 1947. She worked at the Hanlontown Elevator until her marriage to Franklin Sheimo on March 25, 1950. She became a full-time farm wife and mother of three. In 1966, she began working in the Purchasing Department at Winnebago Industries. She retired in 1990 after nearly 24 years with the company.

Shirley was a long-time member of the Fertile Lutheran Church. For many years she led the church women's group as they made beautiful quilts and blankets for families in need. She was a wonderful cook and baker and each of her grandchildren has a favorite treat they remember her making. She loved to decorate her home and as a passionate collector, she had more than enough to make her house special, including a collection of over 800 snowmen. She was an avid sports fan and loved cheering on the Hawkeyes and the Twins. She loved spending time with her family and treasured her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Shirley is survived by her children, Debra (David) Haugen of Cloquet, Minnesota and Kevin (Jill) Sheimo of Forest City; son-in-law, Michael Hall of Omaha, Nebraska; seven grandchildren, Ben (Connie) Haugen, Andrew (Megan) Haugen, Jodi (Arthur) Alt, Jackie (Scott) Keenan, Tony, Sally and Bailey Sheimo; seven great-grandchildren, Cale and Sam Haugen, Jack and Mia Haugen, Amelia and Arthur Alt, Zachary Keenan and baby Keenan to join the family very soon. Also surviving are two sisters, Lorraine Bakke of Forest City and Darlene Ziesmer of Garner; a brother, James (Judy) Gilbertson of Ackley; sister-in-law, Ardis Sheimo of Fertile; and many nieces and nephews.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 2000; and her daughter, Bonnie Hall.

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

Kathryn Winter Kruse

February 9, 2011

Kathryn Winter (Johnson) Kruse, 71, of Mason City, answered the call of her Lord and Savior to come home on Friday, January 28, 2011, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

A celebration of her life was held on Saturday, February 5, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Mason City, with the Reverend Mark Lavrenz officiating. Following the service, cremation took place with inurnment to be held at a later date in the Hanover Cemetery in Hanover, Kansas. The family would like to suggest that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Bethlehem Lutheran Christian School fund in C/O Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 419 North Delaware, Mason City, Iowa 50401.

Kathryn Winter (Johnson) Kruse, was born on October 5, 1939, in Lincoln, Nebraska, the daughter of Robert W. and Miriam (Winter) Johnson. Kathryn was baptized on November 5, 1939, at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lincoln and reaffirmed the faith of her baptism through confirmation on March 29, 1953, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Clinton. Kathryn grew up in many communities and graduated from Concordia H. S. in Seward, Nebraska. She then graduated from Concordia Teachers College (University) in Seward, earning a B.S. in Education and Lutheran teacher diploma and later earned her M.S. in Special Education from Kansas State University. Kathryn was united in marriage to Donald Kruse on June 12, 1960 in Seward. Kathryn taught in public and parochial schools for 29 years.

In 1999, Kathryn had two cochlear implants to help her hear again. After the operation, she enjoyed going back to work. Kathryn enjoyed reading, singing and listening to music. Kathryn also enjoyed the piano, teaching piano lessons and she often played the organ in church, but her greatest love and enjoyment was her family, especially her grandchildren.

Kathryn was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church and Lutheran Women's Missionary League, in Mason City, Battle Creek Betterment Council in Battle Creek, Nebraska and the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society at Kansas State University.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Steven Kruse (DeeAnn Dwyer) of Mason City, Rebecca (Trond) Gjendem of Forest City, Michael Kruse of Osage and Mark (Miranda) Kruse of Mason City; five grandchildren, Madeline and Margaret Kruse and Anders, Elisabeth and Katrina Gjendem; two sisters, Muriel Wallace of Mason City and Ann Freeman of Longmont, Colorado; as well as many other extended family members and friends.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Donald Kruse who died on August 26, 1984; and a brother, Robert W. Johnson.

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

Judith P. Peterson

February 16, 2011

Judith P. Peterson, 98, of Britt, formerly of Forest City, died on Saturday, January 29, 2011, at the Westview Care Center in Britt.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, February 2, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City. Burial was in the Madison Township Cemetery in Forest City.

Judith Pauline Peterson, was born on December 5, 1912 in Wallingford, the daughter of Peter and Josie (Berdahl) Peterson. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and received her education in rural school in Emmet County. The family moved to a farm north of Hayfield in 1930 and later to a farm southwest of Forest City. She moved into Forest City in 1980. Judith was an active member of her farm family. She helped her mother raise chickens and clean eggs to sell. During harvest she would auger crops into the bin and help her sister with the cows, doing the milking and getting the milk and cream into the coolers. She liked to keep a big garden and worked in the potato fields, topped onions, cut cabbage and pulled carrots and she was always ready to lend a helping hand. She helped care for her nephews and nieces, loved to bake delicious treats, enjoyed embroidering pillow cases and dishtowels and always took good care of the cats on the farm.

Judith was a wonderful listener and always had time to share your problems. She was an active member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City and her personal faith was very important to her. She moved to the Summit House in Britt in 2005 and just recently had moved to the Westview Care Center in Britt.

Judith is survived by her sister, Margaret Peterson; three nephews, Allan, Gaylon and Marvin; two nieces, Marylou and Marlys; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; six brothers, Elmer, Maurice, Eddie, Raymond, Earl and Curtis; five sisters-in-law, Letha, Rose, Irene, Geneva and Mary; nephew, Romaine and his wife, Wanda; and a niece, Marlene.

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