Elsie Willig

November 14, 2012

Elsie Willig, 85, of Forest City, died on Monday, November 5, 2012, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, surrounded by her family.

Memorial services were held at 1:30 p.m., on Friday, November 9, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Pastor Rod Hopp officiating. Burial was in the Oakland Cemetery in Forest City.

Elsie was born to Oscar "Popo" and Laura Jorstad  of Kenyon, Minnesota in 1927. She graduated from St. Olaf College in 1949. While at St. Olaf she met Harley Hanson of Forest City. The couple married in 1949 and lived in Decorah, before moving to Forest City in 1950. Elsie and Harley were married until Harley's death in 1980. In 1981, she married Lloyd Willig of Forest City. They were married until Lloyd's death in 2010.

Elsie's passion was relationships and connections with people. She was a volunteer extraordinaire and all of Forest City benefited over the decades. At Immanuel Lutheran Church, Elsie served many years  as superintendent of Vacation Bible School and as a catechist for confirmation classes. She loved to work with Forest City's young people. At Immanuel, she also was an instructor in the Bethel Bible Study  program as well as member of several pastoral call committees. Elsie belonged to the local P. E. O.  She loved to read, liked a good glass of wine and let loose a spirited "Uff da" now and again.

Elsie traveled widely and loved to explore out-of-the way places. She and Lloyd enjoyed many rounds of golf as well as the Iowa Hawkeye's football games. Family and friends, however, were her passion. Time spent in Hayward, Wisconsin, with her blended family was especially enjoyable.

Elsie is survived by brother, Erling Jorstad; children, Stephanie (Fred) Koch, Mark Hanson, Dana (Mark) Wilkinson; Dawn's husband, Paul; grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Elsie was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Curtis and Oscar Jorstad; husband, Harley Hanson; husband, Lloyd Willig; and daughter, Dawn Harrington.

Elsie would appreciate donations to the Immanuel Lutheran Church of Forest City in lieu of flowers.

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

Clair "Bud" Haral Haraldson

November 14, 2012

Clair "Bud" Haral Haraldson, 70, of Salina, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, November 6, 2012, after a long illness.

Visitation was held from 1-8:00 p.m., on Friday, November 9, at the Ryan Mortuary, Salina, Kansas, where the family received friends from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Funeral services were at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, November 10, at the Ryan Mortuary. Burial followed in the Roselawn Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Hospice of Salina or the American Legion in care of Ryan Mortuary. 

He was born on January 29, 1942 in Traer, Iowa.  He was the son of Melvin and Cornelia (Lura) Haraldson. Bud graduated from the Traer High School. He served in the U.S. Navy for four years. He returned to Salina and worked as a union electrician for 35 years. He was a member of Local 661 of Hutchinson and a life member of the American Legion. In 2004, Bud retired and spent his time traveling to see family and friends, golfing and bowling.

Bud is preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Tylor Toyne; and great-niece, Joslyn Kejr.

Bud was a loving father to sons, Gail and Duane Toyne of Salina and daughter, Carie (Allen) Perez of Larned, Kansas. He is also survived by his former wife, Charlotte Haraldson of Larned, Kansas. Bud will be missed by his sister, Shirley (Don) Holcomb of Salina; nephews, Terry and Donnie Holcomb of Salina and Cary (Debi) Holcomb of Manhattan, Kansas; nieces, Carolyn (Ken) Kejr of Lindsborg, Kansas and Laura Holcomb of Minneapolis, Kansas; grandchildren, Brittany Haney, Janice Pace, Jeffrey Toyne, Ryan Lemuz, Maci and Mason Perez; great-grandchildren, Alivia and Averi Haney; a great-nephew, Andrew Kejr; great-nieces, Tasha Holcomb, Jessica Kejr, Sara Holcomb, Graci Kejr and Anna Mae Fiegle; and great-great-nephews, Tyler Machor, Brandon Stroud, Joseph and Jacob Kejr.

Eldora Hanna

November 14, 2012

Eldora Josephine Christianson Hanna, 91, of Decorah, previously of Woden, died on Tuesday, November 6, 2012, in the Aase Haugen Nursing Home in Decorah.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, November 10, at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Woden, with Rev. Robert Wolfert officiating. Burial was in the Grant Township Cemetery in rural Woden. Visitation was from 4-5:30 p.m., on Friday, November 9, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home, Forest City and continued one hour prior to the services at the church. Memorial services were held at Vennehjem, 1102 Nordic Drive, Decorah on Sunday, November 11, at 1:00 p.m.

Eldora Josephine Christianson Hanna, loving wife of Donald and adored by her two daughters, Ruth (Lynn) Paulson of Madison, Wisconsin and Rebecca Hanna of Decorah,  died on November 6 in Decorah. Described as a "sweet, gentle woman" and a "courageous individual", she lived up to that reputation until the very end when she succumbed to congestive heart failure. She died with the utmost of class, dignity, and courage.

Born on June 17, 1921, to Joseph and Elma Grunhovd Christianson in Scarville,  she graduated at only 16 years old from Scarville High in 1938 and received a teaching certificate from Waldorf College in 1940 when only 18 years old.  She taught at rural schools Linden #9 and Grant #7 in Winnebago County, Moorland and Garner. She married Donald Hanna on February 18, 1949. Following time off to raise her daughter, she returned to teaching in Woden. Eldora received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Mankato in 1971. She retired from Woden-Crystal Lake in 1984 after teaching for a total of 33 years.

Eldora received the Outstanding Elementary Teacher Award in 1975.  She was quoted saying at her retirement, "Teaching has never seemed like a job to me - it has always been something I have enjoyed. It is so rewarding to see children grow in learning." Eldora co-founded a neighborhood group called KYN (Know Your Neighbor). She was an active member of the Grant Lutheran Church in rural Woden, serving in roles such as Church Council Treasurer, WELCA President, Deacon, Secretary/Treasurer of her circle and Sunday School Teacher. In addition, she was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Woden and a member of the Iowa Retired School Personnel Association. She and Donald were active in Nordic 502 Sons of Norway, The Kum Along Club and Forest City Senior Citizens. In 2003, she received a Golden Membership Pin from the Sons of Norway for her 30 years in that organization. Donald and Eldora loved to travel in their motor home and spent several winters with Donald's siblings in Arizona. They also traveled several times to Norway to visit family and friends.

After a number of years on the farm after Donald's passing, she moved to Decorah, to be closer to her two daughters. She resided at Vennehjem and become active in RSVP serving the Decorah Library, Decorah Genealogical Library and was a life member of Vesterheim. She was a member of the Glenwood Lutheran Church, where she was active in circle. In June of 2012, she moved to Aase Haugen Assisted Living and recently into its nursing home.

Eldora was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Elma Christianson; her husband, Donald; brother, Richard; and nephew, David. May they all be together once again!

Contributions in memory of Eldora may be made to any of her many causes: World Hunger, Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, Decorah Genealogical Association, or to the Aase Haugen Fund in Memory of Eldora Hanna for items that would make a significant difference in resident's lives.

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

Iletha Gahan

November 14, 2012

Iletha Gahan, 74, of Forest City, died on Thursday, November 8, 2012, at the Muse Norris Hospice House in Mason City. 

Funeral services were held on Monday, November 12, at 11:00 a.m., at the First Baptist Church. Visitation was on Sunday, from 3–5:00 p.m., at the Church. The Boman Funeral Home of Webster City, was in charge of the arrangements, (Bomanfh.com).

Iletha was born on November 19, 1937 in Winneshiek County, to Lloyd and Clara (Schnuelle) Kamp. After her parents passed away, she went to live with her foster parents, Kalmer and Helen Johnson. She attended the Forest City High School, graduating in 1957. She married Tex O. Borg on November 2, 1957. They had two children together and later divorced. Years later she married Donald Gahan. Iletha worked at the Johnson Feed Store, Forest City Hospital as a Nurses Aid and the First Baptist Church as a Janitor. She cleaned homes and businesses, as well as being a farm wife. 

She was a member of the First Baptist Church, where she helped in areas including decorating, teaching Sunday School, Girls Missionary Guild, and food committee. Iletha enjoyed being a servant (she was always busy helping others). She loved to cook and bake, her special was lemon meringue pie for which she won three different contests. She loved her flowers and her collection of birds, one of her favorite things was being with her children, grandchildren and great-granddaughter.

Her family includes, son, Dale and his wife, Tanya, Borg and daughter, Teresa Borg, all of Forest City; three grandchildren, Anthony Otis of Garner, Andrew Frazee and Melissa Borg, both of Forest City; great-granddaughter, Misha Otis of Garner; sister-in-law, Ruth Kamp of Decorah; and many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Clara Kamp; step-dad, Albert Shultz; foster parents, Kalmer and Helen Johnson; brothers, Leonard Kamp, Charles Kamp and Kenneth Kamp; and sister, Lorraine Vandersitt.

Elmer M. Stohr

November 21, 2012

Elmer M. Stohr, age 97, passed away quietly on Thursday, November 8, 2012, at the Timely Mission Nursing Home in Buffalo Center.

A private committal service will be held in the spring. He will be missed by all who knew him. Memorials can be sent to the Methodist Church, Thompson, Iowa.

Elmer was born on August 20, 1915 in Grant Township, Winnebago County, Iowa, to John and Grace Stohr. He was baptized on February 27, 1916 at the Immanuel Church in Woden. In 1943, Elmer left to serve in the 533rd Engineers Regiment based in Fort Warren, Wyoming. After a short term of service, he returned to farm in the Lakota area. Before leaving for the Army, Elmer married Lillian Rose Winkleman in March 1942 in Elmore, Minnesota. Together they raised two sons, Larry and Dale. After farming in the Lakota area for a number of years, they moved to a farm outside of Thompson in 1955, where they farmed, raised their family and attended the Methodist Church.

When his boys were young, Elmer enjoyed farming with them. On the farm, they had many dogs over the years, but one of Elmer’s favorites was Ted. He would tell many stories of the devotion of Ted to his sons. Elmer always enjoyed joking around and liked to make people laugh. In the evenings on the farm, he could always be counted on to toss the Frisbee around. In his later years, he particularly enjoyed sitting and talking with everyone at the grocery store in Thompson. He enjoyed a good checker game and playing catch with a Nerf softball with his great-grandchildren.

After the death of his wife in 2001, Elmer remained on the farm in Thompson until the spring of 2007, when he moved to the assisted living facility in Forest City. In the spring of 2011, he then moved to the Timely Mission Nursing Home in Buffalo Center.

Elmer leaves behind his son, Larry (Charlotte) of Thompson; seven grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lillian; son, Dale; and five brothers and sisters, Edward, Ann, Lois, Harry and Vernon.

Marlin D. Olson

November 14, 2012

Marlin D. Olson, 81, of rural Leland, died on Saturday, November 10, 2012, at the Muse Norris Hospice Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Wednesday, November 14, at the Center Evangelical Lutheran Church, rural Leland, with Pastor Thomas Rank officiating. Burial will take place in the Center Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation was on Tuesday, November 13, from 4-6:00 p.m., at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in Lake Mills and continued one hour prior to the services at the church on Wednesday.

The Mittelstadt Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Dr. Alfonso F. Magat, Jr.

November 21, 2012

Dr. Alfonso F. Magat, Jr., 77, of Sisseton, South Dakota, died on Saturday, November 10, 2012.

Memorial services were held on Saturday, November 17, at 10:30 a.m., at the St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Sisseton, with Rev. Fr. Tony Dummer, OMI Celebrant. Organist was Cindy Marohl and song leader was Georgia Streier. Pallbearers were Bernard DelValle, Ross Bloomquist, Scott Williams, Dr. David Staub and Dr. Robert Haakenson. Visitation was held one hour prior to the funeral services at the church on Saturday.

Dr. Magat was born on July 16, 1935 in Pampanga, Philippines, to Alfonso and Guadalupe Magat. He was a committed and well-respected general surgeon, practicing medicine for nearly 30 years. Dr. Magat graduated from the Manila Central University in the Philippines, followed by an internship at Mercy Hospital and residency in General Surgery at the VA Medical Center, both in Des Moines. In 1974, he moved with his family to Forest City, practicing privately until 1995. He went on to work as Assistant Medical Director at the Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison until 1999, followed by the Indian Health Services in Sisseton until 2001. He ended his long career in medicine at the Fort Totten Reservation in North Dakota before retiring in 2003.

Although his career centered around science, Dr. Magat enjoyed a variety of more artistic pursuits in his spare time, including drawing, photography, cooking his native homeland cruisine, building model trains and cars, and listening to all kinds of music, particularly Broadway musical scores.

He is survived by his wife, Welsonia of Sisseton; his sister, Francia and husband, Ben Castaneda of Pampanga, Philippines; his daughters, Lea and husband, Ross Bloomquist of Stillwater, Minnesota, Michelle Magat and husband, Scott Williams of San Francesco, California and Giselle Magat of Chicago, Illinois; and his grandchildren, Olivia, Aidan and Zoe.

His death was preceded by his daughter, Althea; and his parents.

The Cahill Funeral Chapel of Sisseton, South Dakota, was in charge of the arrangements.

Mildred J. Haukoos

November 21, 2012

Mildred J. Haukoos, 83, of Forest City, died on Friday, November 16, 2012, at her home in Forest City.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, November 20, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Pastor Rod Hopp officiating. Burial was in the Forest Home Cemetery in Leland. Visitation was held from 4:30-7:00 p.m., on Monday, November 19, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City and continued an hour prior to the services at the church.

Mildred Jean Haukoos, was born in Mt. Valley Township, near Forest City, Iowa, on May 29, 1929, the daughter of Carl and Ella (Monson) Harris. She was baptized and confirmed at the Winnebago Lutheran Church in rural Lake Mills. She attended country school near her home through the 8th grade. She attended the Forest City High School, graduating in 1946. Immediately after graduation, she began working at the local telephone company. In 1950, she married Marvin Haukoos. She continued working at the telephone company until November of 1951 shortly before their first son was born. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years until they purchased the Renwick Times in Renwick, Iowa in 1964. Due to her husband's health they moved to Forest City in 1971, when she began working at Winnebago Industries, retiring in 1979. Later that year they moved to Clear Lake, Iowa.

Marvin passed away in 1981. In 1983, Mildred moved back to Forest City and began babysitting for her grandchildren. She was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City.

She is survived by her sons, Rande (Barbara) Haukoos of Forest City and Monte (Kim) Haukoos of Renwick; a sister, Delores Steinfeldt of Forest City; nine grandchildren, Jason (Briane) Haukoos, Jennifer (Troy) Kirchhoff, Erin (Jon) Murray, Jeremy (Nikki) Haukoos, Megan Haukoos, Matt Haukoos, Mike (Sara) Murphy and Lindsey Murphy; great-grandchildren, Tanner and Cade Kirchhoff, Johnny and Adam Murphy, Kenzie Oblander and Jaxon Haukoos.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and a brother, Harvey Harris.

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

Helen Melinda Coughlin

November 28, 2012

Helen Melinda Coughlin, age 64, of North Mankato, Minnesota, died peacefully at her home on Friday, November 16, 2012.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, December 1, at the New Creation World Outreach Church, North Mankato. Visitation will be held from 4-7:00 p.m., on Friday, November 30, at the Northview–North Mankato Mortuary, North Mankato. Visitation will continue one hour before the service at the church on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent in Helen’s name to the New Creation Outreach Church.

Helen was born on April 26, 1948, to Ralph N. and Sarah M. (Haugland) Ryerson in Forest City, Iowa. She graduated from the Thompson Community High School, Thompson, in 1966. She attended Buena Vista College for two years and graduated from the Mankato State University in 1971, with her degree in Education. She was united in marriage to James B. “JB” Coughlin on September 19, 1985, at the Little Brown Church in the Vale, Nashua. Helen taught 2nd, 3rd and 6th grade students at the St. Clair Elementary School from 1988 to 2011.

She was an active member of the New Creation World Outreach Church and was passionate about mission work. Helen’s life was her family and there was nothing she enjoyed more than spending time with her five grandchildren.

Helen is survived by her husband, JB Coughlin of North Mankato; three children, Tristen (Jennifer) Larson of Bloomington, Malinda Twigg of Apple Valley and Alyssa Coughlin of Mendoza, Argentina; five grandchildren, Elise and Harper Larson, Ashley Gag, Caroline and JJ Twigg; and nieces, nephews and many extended family.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph in 1987 and Sarah in 2012; sister, Sharon Dillon in 1988; and other extended family members.

The Mankato Mortuary, Mankato, Minnesota, was in charge of the arrangements.

Gary Nicholson

November 28, 2012

Gary Nicholson, passed away on Tuesday, October 30, 2012, with his family by his side after a long fight with kidney/liver disease.

Funeral services were held at 3:00 p.m., on Tuesday, November 27, at the Arrowhead Memorial Gardens at Joy, Glendale, Arizona.

Gary was born on June 14, 1945 in Denver, Colorado. Gary grew up in Forest City, Iowa, lived in California, North Dakota, South Dakota and retired in Phoenix, Arizona. He will be remembered as a caring husband, amazing father, giving grandpa and a man who made you laugh.

He is survived by his daughters, Tammy (Mark) Snyder and Kim Swain, along with his three grandchildren, Andrea (Aaron), Casey and Audrey; his two sisters, Gail Wallace, Gloria Miner and his brother, Greg Nicholson and their families.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Lonnie; and his parents.

Stephen C. “Wally” Larson

December 5, 2012

Stephen C. “Wally” Larson, 59 of DeKalb, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, November 20, 2012, at the Kishwaukee Community Hospital in DeKalb.

There will be a family graveside service on Saturday, December 8, followed by a celebration of his life at noon at the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Woden. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Stephen C. “Wally” Larson Memorial Fund, sent in care of Anderson Funeral Home, DeKalb, Illinois. 

Wally was born on September 22, 1953 in Britt, the son of Wallace and Beverly (Potter) Larson. He graduated from Lake Mills in 1971. He was employed by 3M as a supervisor and recently retired after 31 years. On April 12, 1980, he was united in marriage to Kristi Buns until her passing in May of 1993. They were blessed with three children. On August 1, 2008, he married Opal Franklin in Las Vegas, Nevada.

He will always be remembered for his great laugh, his smile, humor and his love of golfing. He was a member of the Sycamore Elks Club, DeKalb Moose Club and the Moose Golf League and the River Heights Golf League.

He is survived by his wife, Opal; his three children, Dylan Larson, Nicklys Larson and Anna Larson, all of DeKalb; three stepchildren, Marty Franklin of Wisconsin, Shawn Franklin and Heather Franklin of DeKalb; his grandchildren, Daymon Wallace Halerewicz, Delilah, Nicole, Dylan, and Liberty Franklin, Zachary, Philip and Christopher LeRoy; his mother, Beverly Larson of Forest City; a sister, Barb (Mark) Wilson of Battlefield, Missouri; and several niece and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Kristi Larson; his father, Wallace Larson; and his sister, Kay Lee.

The Anderson Funeral Home, Ltd. of DeKalb, was in charge of the arrangements.

Josine Louise (Benson) Korsa

December 5, 2012

Josine Louise (Benson) Korsa, 74, of Crystal Lake, passed away on Wednesday, November 21, 2012, at her home.  

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, November 27, at 10:30 a.m., at the Britt Evangelical Free Church in Britt, with Pastor Jason Boomgarden officiating. Burial was at 1:00 p.m., in the Crystal Lake Township Cemetery in Crystal Lake. Visitation was held on Monday, November 26, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Ewing Funeral Chapel in Britt and continued one hour prior to the services at the church. 

Josine, the daughter of Vernal and Vera (Benedict) Benson was born on June 2, 1938. She lived on the family farm near Crystal Lake and attended the Crystal Lake community schools, graduating in 1955. After graduation she attended Waldorf College in Forest City, receiving her teaching degree. On May 5, 1959, she married the love of her life, Joe Korsa. They made their home in the Forest City area, where she taught in the Forest City school district. They moved into Crystal Lake in the mid 1960’s and she began teaching at the Woden-Crystal Lake and Titonka elementary schools. After retiring from full time teaching, she worked as a teacher’s aide for the W-CL school. Later she served as the assistant postmaster in Crystal Lake and worked at the Crystal Lake Public Library. Her life was dedicated to family and education. 

Josine and Joe loved to travel, taking the kids on many summer vacations. Over the years they continued to travel, spending many summers at the Iowa State Fair, local county fairs, parades, and city celebrations. On their longer trips, they traveled to various national parks, with their last two trips to Alaska and the Grand Canyon. She spent many days at these events with Joe and shared many of their happy times with friends and family.  

Josine is survived by her sons, Jeff (Laura) Korsa of Crystal Lake and Jim (Angie) Korsa of Lakeville, Minnesota; six beloved grandchildren, Kasey, Caleb, Michaela, Allie, Tyler and Trevor; one brother, Bruce (Cleone) Benson of Westby, Wisconsin; two brothers-in-law, Bob (Myrna) Korsa of Franktown, Colorado and Bernie (Sandie) Korsa of Garner; one sister-in-law, Fran (Al) Tvedt of Fair Grove, Missouri; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.  

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Joe. 

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

Phyllis Robinson

December 5, 2012

Phyllis Robinson, age 81, of Forest City and formerly of Thompson, passed away on Thursday, November 22, 2012, at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City.  

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, December 1, at the Bethany Lutheran Church, with Pastor Elaine Siemsen officiating. Visitation was on Friday, November 30, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Winter Funeral Home in Thompson. Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Thompson.

Phyllis Ann Robinson, was born on December 11, 1930, to Claire and Helen (Lynn) Doyle in Fort Dodge. She was baptized and confirmed in Linden in 1949. She lived most of her life in Thompson, where she attended country school and graduated from the Thompson High School in 1948. On June 17, 1948, she was united in marriage to Milton Hauan at the parsonage in Crystal Lake. They resided in Thompson until 1956 and then moved to Whittier, California. Milton passed away in 1992. On September 30, 1997, Phyllis was united in marriage to Kenneth Robinson at the Little Church of the West in Las Vegas, Nevada. Phyllis was a homemaker until her children got older and then took a job as a cook for a school in Montebello, California. She was a loving wife and wonderful mother and will be greatly missed.

She was an active member in her church, teaching Sunday School and was active in Ladies Aide and in church circles. She especially enjoyed the quilting. She also really enjoyed gardening and canning.

Phyllis is survived by her beloved husband, Kenny of Forest City; her children, Becky (Gary) Bowling of Henderson, Nevada, Jean (Dave) Heyer of Thompson,  Brenda Allstun of La Habra, California, Barbara (Dale) Bowling of Olancha, California and Margaret Zanitsch of Hesperia, California; twelve grandchildren, Jason (Stephanie) Koontz, Heather (Dan) Angell, Amy and Lisa Hauan, Matthew (Aryn) Koontz, Zachary (Melissa) Koontz, Brittany (Johnny) Hultman Rodriguez, Jeffrey and Jennifer Allstun, Joseph (Jessica) Bowling, Nicole (Jeremy) Hale and Travis Zanitsch; several great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary Thorland and Char Hamlin; brother, Richard Doyle; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Milton Hauan; her parents, Claire and Helen Doyle; mother and father-in-law, Margaret and Ole Hauan; her son, Lyle Hauan; her sisters, Clarice (Joe) Wubben and Dorothy (Elwood) Norstrud; and her brother, Bill Doyle.

The Winter Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Arlyn Peter "Pete" Boman

December 5, 2012

Arlyn Peter "Pete" Boman, of Forest City, passed away on Sunday, November 25, 2012, at the St Mary’s Hospital, Rochester, Minnesota, after several weeks of on-going illnesses.

Funeral services were held on Friday, November 30, at the First Baptist Church in Forest City. Burial was  in the  First Baptist Cemetery. Visitation was on Thursday, November 29, at the church.

Pete was born on October 6, 1931, at the farm home of his parents, Albert and Leonore (Gettis) Boman in Mount Valley Township, Winnebago County. Pete attended the Forest City Schools, graduating with the class of 1950. On March 20, 1951, Pete entered the United States Navy, serving in the Philippines, Guam and Kwajalein as part of the Seabees, a construction battalion until his discharge on March 7, 1955. Pete returned to his parents’ home that fall to farm with his father while also working as a butcher at Jacob E Decker and Sons Packing Plant. He worked in the Armour processing plant, later known as Con-Agra, retiring in 1994. After retiring, Pete was hired by Arlyn Rauk and Mark Egesdal to help with planting and harvesting for many years. Pete’s father farmed with horses until Pete’s return from the Navy and at his urging bought a tractor. But the love of horses never left either father or son. Pete was given his first pony at age 4. Field work was done with teams of Belgian or Percheron horses which were raised on the farm.

On June 3, 1961, Pete was married to Elizabeth Fredrickson at the First Baptist Church. They lived in their first home in Mason City 11 years. They moved to an acreage northeast of Forest City and lived there for 35 years. In December, 2007, the couple moved to a new home right beside the house where he was born. Pete taught his children so much about life on the farm and lived before them a testimony of faith in a God they could trust. Pete accepted Christ as Savior and was baptized by immersion. He became a member of the First Baptist Church serving on the board of trustees. Over the years he became increasingly thankful for the way the Lord blessed his life. He loved his family of 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren and enjoyed being with them as often as possible.

Family members anxious to join Pete who is now in the presence of the Lord are his wife, Elizabeth; son, Tom (Julie) children, Breeanna (Kevin) Erickson and Arlyn Peter Boman II, all of Des Moines; son, Theo (Teri) of Webster City children, Elizabeth of Clear Lake, Barb (Matt) Etcher of Lovillia, Peter, Michelle and Samuel of Webster City; daughter, Nancy (Matt) Gjerde of Dunnegan, Missouri children, Sonja of Columbia, Missouri, Mason (US Navy) and Jamison of Dunnegan, Missouri; great-grandchildren, Kinnick and Kloe Etcher; sister, Vinita Cady; nephews,  David and Steven Cady; brother-in-law, David and his wife, Shirley and his family, Tim and Karen Fredrickson, Lynnea and Danika, Carol and Doug Tweeten, Ryan, Drew and Luke, Sue and Jeff Port, Josh and Zach; and several cousins.

Greeting him are his parents; brother-in-law, Carl Cady; and sister-in-law, Charlotte Fredrickson.

Elaine A. Patten

December 5, 2012

Elaine A. Patten, 89, of Joice, died on Wednesday, November 28, 2012, at the Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, December 8, at the Fertile Lutheran Church in Fertile, with lay pastor David Halvorson officiating. Burial will be in the Brush Point Cemetery in Hanlontown. Visitation will be from 4-7:00 p.m., on Friday, December 7, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home, Forest City and will continue one hour prior to the services at the church. Memorials may be directed to the Fertile Lutheran Church, Hospice of North Iowa, Fertile Library, or the Fertile Garden Club.

Elaine was born on her home place north of Fertile, on June 2, 1923 to parents, Louis and Laura (Midtgaard) Severson. She was a life-long member of the Fertile Lutheran Church. Elaine graduated from the Fertile High School in 1941 and this past summer her 71st class reunion was part of the all class reunion held at the Fertile Community Center. Elaine was united in marriage to Howard C. Patten on October 11, 1953 and to this union a daughter, Virginia Lynn was born. The family made their home in Mason City until 1966 when they moved to an acreage, north of Elaine’s home place. Elaine worked for many years for Dr. Robert M. Powell in Mason City and for a time with the Medical Arts Pharmacy.

Elaine and Howard enjoyed traveling and spent many hours working on the family genealogies and taking day trips to locations involving family history. Elaine was also an active member of Medical Assistants, while working and she was an active member of the Fertile Garden Club, becoming an honorary member in 2009. Spending time with family, friends and especially grand and great-grandchildren was special to her.

Elaine is survived by her daughter, Virginia (Mark) Lovik of Joice; grandchildren, Nathan (Kim) Lovik of Iowa City and Laura (Paul) Beatty of Clear Lake; great-grandchildren, Benson Lovik, Hailey, Garrett, Gage and Hailynn Beatty; brother, Don (Marilyn) Severson of Joice; sister-in-law, Arcola Hardeman of Colorado Springs, Colorado; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Howard on October 29, 2000; and brothers-in-law and one sister-in-law.

The Petersen Lund Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Norman C. Ahnemann

December 5, 2012

Norman C. Ahnemann, 86, of Forest City, died peacefully on Friday, November 30, 2012, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt, surrounded by his family.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, December 4, at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Thompson, with Pastor Elaine Siemson officiating. Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Thompson. Visitation was held on Monday, December 3, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City and continued one hour prior to the services at the church.

Norman Conrad Ahnemann, was born on January 13, 1926, to Henry and Barbara Ahnemann in Walters, Minnesota. He attended the Alden High School, graduating in 1944. Following graduation he entered the U.S. Navy. After the service, he spent several years playing semi-professional baseball as a pitcher, until he suffered a career ending injury. He met and was married to Joyce Ann Englehardt of Kenosha, Wisconsin, on December 4, 1954 and celebrated 42 years of marriage together. They farmed near Leland for many years. 

Together they enjoyed golfing, fishing and traveling, often delivering Winnebago motor homes all over the United States. They had four children, Dan, Janeen, Nancy and Kent. Following the death of Joyce on October 20, 1996, he married Claudia Sampson on July 29, 2000. They resided half of the year in Forest City, close to his family and half of the year in Sun City West, Arizona.

Norman is survived by his wife, Claudia; his son, Dan (Vivian) Ahnemann of Clear Lake and their daughters, Brittany (Rich) of Kansas City, Missouri, Katie (James) of Clear Lake and their children, MacKensie and Maggie; daughter, Janeen (Rick) Wolter and their children, Alicia and Ben of LaCrescent, Minnesota; daughter, Nancy (Steve) Helm of Forest City and their children, Adam (Trista) Helm and great-granddaughter, Hailey of Woden, Cody Helm of Des Moines, Kirk Helm of Forest City and son, Kent (Erin) Ahnemann  and their children, Cody Meyer of Indianola, Camrin Meyer, Jacee and Cade Ahnemann of Aurelia.

He is also survived by a special family member, Marianne and her husband, Rene Hansen of Denmark and their children, Mathias and Anja, a former exchange student who lived with the Ahnemann family. He is survived by several nieces and nephews as well.

Norman was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce; his parents, Henry and Barbara; his brother, Elmer; and his sisters, Hazel Meyer, Ruby Ahnemann, Ruth Almberg and Myrtle Niebuhr.

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