Clara B. Pederson

March 9, 2011

Clara B. Pederson, 87, of Forest City, died on Wednesday, March 2, 2011, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, March 7, at the Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church near Joice, with Pastor Kevin Olson officiating. Burial was in the Union Cemetery in Humboldt. The Petersen Lund Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Clara Bertina Pederson, the daughter of Bernard and Anna Marie (Torkelson) Pederson, was born on February 11, 1924 at Ringsted. She attended country school near Bode and helped her family on the farm. She later moved with her mother to Forest City and lived with her sister, Pauline Kleveland and her husband, Leonard. Clara was employed at a bowling pin manufacturer in Forest City and in the housekeeping department of the Forest City Hospital. After retiring from the hospital she continued to live in Forest City. In 2009, due to ill health, she became a resident of the Good Samaritan Society.

Clara enjoyed baking cookies and banana bread. She attended the Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church near Joice.

Clara is survived by her brother, Art (Esther) Pederson of Kiester, Minnesota; a niece, seven nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant brother; a brother, Johnny; a sister, Pauline Kleveland; an infant nephew and an infant great-nephew.

Larry D. Nerdig

March 16, 2011

Larry D. Nerdig, 72, of Forest City, died on Sunday, March 6, 2011, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, March 9, at the United Methodist Church in Forest City, with Pastor Jerald Swanberg officiating. Burial was in the Oakland Cemetery in Forest City.

Larry Nerdig, was born on March 19, 1938, to August and Fern Nerdig on a farm near Buffalo Center. He attended the Rake High School. Larry was united in marriage to Sharon Adams on May 8, 1959. Larry worked at Winnebago Industries as a Supervisor in Shipout. He retired in 2000, after 32 years of dedicated service. He was a sergeant of the Forest City Police Reserves for 10 years. Larry was ranked in the top 5 of the North Iowa modified stock car race circuit, driving car #44 in the early 1960's.

Larry was most proud of his children and grandchildren. They were his favorite topic of conversation. He was an avid gardener and golfer. He took great pleasure in growing cucumbers and tomatoes in his garden. Golfing with his friends and visiting his children and grandchildren were among his favorite activities.

Larry is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sharon; his two children, Cristi Olson and her husband, David of Hummelstown, Pennsylvania and Michael Nerdig and his wife, Amy of Shelbyville, Kentucky; three grandchildren, Michael Olson, Matthew Nerdig and Sarah Nerdig; two brothers, Dale Nerdig and his wife, Elaine of Forest City and Harvey Nerdig and his wife, Rosie of Buffalo Center; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Richard; and a sister, Katherine.

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

Dorothy V. Frein

March 16, 2011

Dorothy V. Frein, 88, of Forest City, died on Tuesday, March 8, 2011,  at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, at the St. James Catholic Church in Forest City, with Fr. Donald Hertges and Msgr. John W. Hemann serving as concelebrants. Burial was in the St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery in Garner. Memorials may be directed to the Hospice of North Iowa or to the donor's choice.

Dorothy Veronica Frein, the daughter of Frank and Vera (Engstler) Rayhons, was born on March 27, 1922, on a farm northwest of Garner. She graduated from the Hayfield Consolidated School in 1940. After graduation, she was employed in Garner at the Iowa Electric Light and Power Company. On July 25, 1944, she was married to Donald Frein at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner. They started farming on the family farm northwest of Garner and later moved to a farm south of Forest City. After Don passed away on October 16, 1963, she continued to farm with the help of her children and relatives. In 1969, she started working as a cook at the Forest City Community Schools and later as a secretary. In 1975, she moved to a home in Forest City. After retiring in 1989, she did volunteer work for her church and for the Hospice of North Iowa.

Dorothy was an avid gardener and loved making quilts. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and many friends. She was a member of the St. James Catholic Church and served on the first parish council. Dorothy was very strong in faith and prayed the rosary every day.

Dorothy is survived by her four children, Kathy (Jim) Matson of Clear Lake, Tom (Charlene) Frein of Plainsboro, New Jersey, Jim (Donna) Frein of Clive and Don Frein of Farmington, Minnesota; grandchildren, Sheila (Brad) Baldwin and their two daughters, Sasha and Kira, Amy (Adam) Butterfield and their son, Michael, Kristina (Chris) Nolte and their son, Hunter, Kimberly (Jeremy) Anzevino and their three children, Cristiano, Santino and Maria, Jamie (Jeff) Granowski, Gregory (Nicole) Frein, Christopher Frein (fiancée, Casey Ingram), Amanda (Matt) Fowles and their two children, Grady and Braylin, Andrea Frein, Brenton Frein, Donella (Dustin) Olson and Amanda (Brandon) Tweitbakk; two sisters, Arlene Frein of Garner and Veronica Horecka of Spokane, Washington; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; her parents; son, Gary in 2000; granddaughter, Lynda Frein in 2000; and a brother, Frank Rayhons, Jr.

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

Melva Tollagson

March 16, 2011

Melva Tollagson, age 94, of Thompson, passed away at Sanford Health in Fargo, North Dakota, on Tuesday, March 8, 2011.

Her funeral ceremony was held at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Thompson, on Saturday, March 12, 2011, with Rev. Mark Decker officiating. Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Thompson.

Melva Leone Tollagson, was born on January 27, 1917, to Buell and Clara (Charlson) Lunning near Timber Lake, South Dakota. She was united in marriage to Elmer Tollagson on December 5, 1935. They were married by Rev. J.J. Sharpness in Thompson, Iowa. Melva and Elmer were blessed with their son, David. They moved to a farm near Bertha, Minnesota, in 1950 and farmed there until 1968. They then moved into Bertha. She worked in several cafes in Bertha between 1950 and 1960. Additionally, she worked in a grocery store for four years in Hewitt, Minnesota. She also worked as a dietitian at the Bertha Hospital and retired in August of 1978.

They moved back to Thompson, Iowa in 1978. She joined the Bethany Lutheran Church in 1979. She belonged to B.L.C.W., Circle, the senior citizen center, the birthday club on Harrison St. and the Golden Age. They moved into Leisure Manor Apt. in 1998. Following Elmer’s death in 2002, she lived at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City and Senior Living for Women in Moorhead, Minnesota.

Melva enjoyed quilting, crocheting, knitting and sewing.

She is survived by her son, David Tollagson of Thompson and special friend, Ila Frey; three grandsons, Gene of Dilworth, Minnesota, Kevin and wife, Jessy of Dilworth, Minnesota and Alan and wife, Tracy of Glendon, Minnesota; three great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law, Lucille Lunning of Albert Lea, Minnesota, Pearl Smith of Titonka and Carla Lunning of Albert Lea, Minnesota; many nieces, nephews and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer; her parents; three brothers, Burton, Wallace and Darryl; sister, Clarice Marjorie Hauan; six brothers-in-law, Harlan, Melvin, Clifford, Leonard, Mervin and Elmer; and three sisters-in-law, Agnes Tollagson, Ruby Lunning and Edna Lunning.

The Winter Funeral Home of Thompson, was in charge of the arrangements.

Emma Vogt

March 30, 2011

Emma Vogt, 87, of Forest City, died on Friday, March 18, 2011, at the Good Samaritan Care Center in Forest City.

As per her wishes, her body has been cremated and no formal church services will be held. A memorial visitation was held from 4-7:00 p.m., on Friday, March 25, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City. Inurnment will be at a later date in Hillcrest Abbey in St. Louis, Missouri. The family suggests memorials be directed to the Good Samaritan Society or your local Iowa Public Television Station.

Emma Ethel Vogt, the daughter of Michael and Julia (Harangozo) Vogt, was born on September 15, 1923 in St. Louis. She graduated from the St. Louis Public Schools, worked at local businesses and was married to Anthony Messina during World War II. She lived in St. Louis until, through a second marriage, she moved to Forest City in the late 1970's. In Forest City, she worked in the hospitality field where she made many friends.

Emma was known as a fiercely independent spirit with an open mind, an outstanding memory, great empathy, humor and down-to-earth wisdom. She considered all of her Forest City friends and neighbors to be an extended family and she dearly appreciated their care and concern over the years. She loved: music, the arts, public television, movies, books, cats, good food and drink, pro-football, the Mizzou Tigers and meeting people of all types.

Emma is survived by a daughter, Toni Messina and her husband, Rich Tiemeyer of Columbia, Missouri; a sister-in-law, Lillian Vogt; niece, Shelly Quint; a grand-niece and grand-nephew in Springfield, Virginia; and by niece, Carol Cloer; and a grand-niece and two grand-nephews in North Carolina.

Emma was preceded in death by her former husband, Anthony; her parents; and a brother, Michael.

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

Dean Honsey

March 30, 2011

Dean Honsey, 64, of Emmons, Minnesota, died on Sunday, March 20, 2011, at his home after a courageous fight with cancer.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, March 26, at the Emmons Lutheran Church, with Pastor Julie Fiske and Pastor Dave Hernes officiating. Interment will be in the Mansfield Township Cemetery.

Burdette "Burt" Kinseth

March 30, 2011

Burdette A. "Burt" Kinseth, 78, of Joice, passed away early Tuesday morning, March 22, 2011, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident several days earlier.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m., on Saturday, April 2, at the Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel in Mason City, with the Rev. Dennis Ganz officiating. Military honors will be provided by members of the Mason City Veterans Memorial Association. Burial will take place at a later date in the Bode Cemetery, Bode. Visitation will be held on Saturday afternoon from 2:30 p.m. until the time of the service. Should friends desire, memorials may be directed to the Burdette Kinseth Memorial Fund in care of Dean Kinseth.

Burdette Arvin Kinseth, was born on January 9, 1933 on Livermore, to Andy and Nellie (Hauck) Kinseth. He grew up in Bode and in later years lived in the communities of Renwick, Longmount, Colorado and Joice. As a young man, Burt served in the United States Army. Burt was a hard worker all of his life, he mainly worked in farming, dairy and elevators.

He was an avid horseman and raised a menagerie of animals over the years. Burt was a "horse trader" of sorts, always buying, selling and searching for the latest bargain. His hobbies included gardening, rock hounding and collecting anything and everything that caught his eye.

Those grateful in sharing in Burt's life are his sister, Irene Irving, formerly of Algona; children, Burdette Arvin (Donna) Kinseth, Jr. of Lincoln, Nebraska, Ronda (Paul) Elbert of Marne, Iowa, Ramona Kinseth of Joice, Dean (Kathy) Kinseth of Joice, Dale Kinseth of Roy, Utah and Barbara Kinseth of Lake Mills; grandchildren, Matthew, Danny, Jacqueline and her significant other, Cole Oldfather, Avery, Brad, Michael, Everett, Katelyn, and Tressa; ten great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, JoAnn; parents; two sisters, Lela Jacobson and Elou Rich; and an infant son, Gary Kinseth.

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

Gladys Kirschbaum

March 30, 2011

Gladys Kirschbaum, 83, of Crystal Lake, passed away on Friday, March 25, 2011, at the Westview Care Center in Britt. According to her wishes, Gladys has been cremated.

Memorial services were held on Monday, March 28, at the United Methodist Church in Crystal Lake, with Rev. Jerald Swanberg officiating. Burial will be at a later date in the St. James Catholic Cemetery in Forest City. A gathering of family and friends was from 10-11:00 a.m., on Monday, at the United Methodist Church in Crystal Lake.

Gladys Frieda (Henken) Kirschbaum, the daughter of Fred Sr. and Della (Spear) Henken, was born on October 25, 1927 in Titonka. She was raised in the Titonka area, attended school and graduated from the Titonka High School. Gladys began working as a waitress at the Bungalow in Forest City after graduation and worked there for a number of years. On February 14, 1955, Gladys was united in marriage to Vincent John Kirschbaum at the St. James Catholic Church in Forest City. The couple made their home on a farm East of Crystal Lake and they were blessed with two children, Paula and Perry. Gladys helped on the farm and continued to waitress at the Bungalow. Vincent passed away in 1978, but Gladys stayed on the farm and began working at Winnebago Industries. In 1988 Gladys moved into Crystal Lake. She continued working at Winnebago for a total of 19 years before retiring in 1991.

Gladys was a member of the United Methodist Church in Crystal Lake. She enjoyed gambling, eating out, playing cards with friends, shopping, going to coffee and loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Gladys is survived by her two children, Paula (Kent) Kluver of Manchester and Perry Kirschbaum of Forest City; two grandchildren, Brad Kluver of Mt. Vernon and Kellie Kluver of Cedar Rapids; sister, Katie Helland of Sioux City; sister-in-law, Janice Henken of Crystal Lake; along with nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Vincent in 1978; infant daughter, Nancy; two brothers, Gerd and Fred Jr.; and sister, Ruth Wheeler.

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

Carlton J. "Pete" Rauk

April 6, 2011

Carlton J. "Pete" Rauk, 93, of Forest City, died on Monday, March 28, 2011, at the Muse Norris Hospice in Mason City.

Memorial services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, April 1, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with the Rev. Rod Hopp officiating. Visitation was held from 5-7:00 p.m., on Thursday, March 31, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City. Inurnment was at a private family ceremony held in the Madison Township Cemetery in rural Forest City.

Carlton James Rauk, was born on a farm northeast of Forest City on January 18, 1918, the son of Carl and Julia (Rollefson) Rauk. He was baptized and confirmed at the Synod Lutheran Church in Forest City. He attended a rural school in Mt. Valley Township. Carlton "Pete" was a farmer all his life until he retired and moved to Forest City. He had special memories of farming with his son, Brian. He will always be a farmer. Carlton was united in marriage to Ruby Lund at the Immanuel Lutheran Church on August 10, 1945.

He was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran and served on several church boards. In addition to his involvement in the church. Carlton was also on several boards in the community. He loved playing softball and was manager of many city teams. He was instrumental in getting the Senior Center built where he enjoyed countless hours of playing pool and cards with his friends.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 66 years, Ruby; and their children, Diane Rovang (husband Bob) of Prior Lake Minnesota, Pat Formanek (husband Doug) of Forest City, Pam Hertel of Janesville, Wisconsin; and daughter-in-law, Jan Rauk (Brian) of Forest City. Carlton enjoyed his eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Carlton was preceded in death by his son, Brian who passed away on July 11, 2005; parents, Carl and Julia; brother, Allen; and sister, Avis.

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

Dean Sunde

April 6, 2011

Dean Sunde, 78, of Buffalo Center, died on Monday, March 28, 2011, at the Timely Mission Nursing Home in Buffalo Center.

His memorial ceremony was held at 1:30 p.m., on Saturday April 2, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Buffalo Center, with the Rev. Perry Aalgaard officiating.

Dean Lowell Sunde, was born on October 28, 1932 in Buffalo Center, to Jonas and Isalene (McCrady) Sunde, the youngest of four sons. He grew up and lived all of his life on the family farm. He graduated from the Buffalo Center High School in 1950 and served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955. He started farming in partnership with his father after the Army and continued farming grain and livestock until his retirement. Dean married Joan Brue on June 2, 1956, at the Linden Lutheran Church in rural Thompson and the couple raised two children, Alison and Doug.

Dean was a continuous member of The American Legion for 53 years, including terms as commander and adjutant. He was a 47-year member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, where he served as a member of the church council. Dean was active in politics serving as co-chair of the Winnebago County Democratic Party. Highlights of his political passions included two invitations to the White House, one as a guest of President Jimmy Carter for the 1978 State of the Union address and also as a member of the agriculture advisory committee in 1980.

He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed fishing at Tuttle Lake, area Iowa and Minnesota lakes as well as prize fishing in Canada. Dean loved fun, games and coffee. He won many cribbage championships both at home and in Arizona where they spent the winters for many years. He was always open for a new joke and was known as an infamous tease. The armistice in Korea was signed a month before he was to be deployed "because they heard he was coming," he often touted. He reminded the grandchildren he was the first Buffalo Center Homecoming King in 1949. And everyone in the family knew chicken pox couldn't clear up until an egg was laid. He believed life is short so laugh as much as you can.

Dean died March 28 from complications following a car accident on January 17.

With his past health issues, he and his family learned that every day is a gift; make every word and hug count as though it could be the last. According to his wishes, Dean's body has been donated to the Mayo Clinic.

Dean is survived by Joan, his wife of 54 years; daughter, Alison and Garland Hofland, Eric and Amber of Oceanside, California; son, Doug and special friend, Laura Bezdicek, Evan, Alex and Chance of Buffalo Center. Extended family includes Ann Sunde, Beverly and Larry Sunde, Tom Sunde and family, Mavis Johnson, Elaine Hetland and Laverne and Judy Brue.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jonas and Isalene; and brothers, Donald, Eldon and Duane Sunde.

The Winter Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Buffalo Center, was in charge of the arrangements.

Anna G. Bacon

April 13, 2011

Anna Grace Bacon, 92, of Clear Lake, died on Thursday March 31, 2011, at the Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake.

Funeral services were held at 10:30a.m., on Wednesday, April 6, at the Ventura United Methodist Church, Ventura, with Rev. Rhoda Preston officiating. Cremation took place following the service. Graveside services were at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, in the Clear Lake Cemetery. Family suggests memorials to the Ventura United Methodist Church or the Hospice of North Iowa.

Anna was born on October 12, 1918 in Kingsport, Tennessee, the daughter of Herman and Hobart (Hite) Blakley. In 1929, the family moved to a farm east of Titonka. She went to grade school in Titonka and graduated from the Titonka High School in 1937. After graduation she worked in Bonackers food store for two years. In 1939, she married Vern Bacon at the family home. They farmed with Vern's dad for two years. In 1942, they moved to a farm north of Ventura and started farming for themselves. They lived the rest of their lives in the Clear Lake and Ventura vicinity.

Anna belonged to the Ventura United Methodist Church, Naomi Church Circle and North Side Jolly Club.

Anna is survived by her daughter, Diane Lovick of Forest City; daughter-in-law, Bonnie Bacon of Ventura; six grandchildren, Steve (Karla) Bacon, Doug (Angie) Bacon, Kristi (Jay) Waddingham, Darren (Janet) Lovick, Shaun (Julie) Lovick and Kelli (Mason) Harms; sixteen great-grandchildren, Tanner, Chase Bacon, Mitchel Storby, Caleb and Logan Bacon, Zachary, Tyler, Matthew Waddingham, Benjamin, Audrey, Joshua Lovick, Nicholas, Maxwell and Kate Lovick, Laura and Jack Harms; sister, Donna Blakley of Woden; sister-in-law, Shirley Neel of Clear Lake and brother-in-law, Merle Isebrand of Ft. Meyers, Florida.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Larry in 1993; husband, Vern in 2003; two brothers, Jim and Kenneth Blakley; and son-in-law, Larry Lovick.

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