Edna L. Riekens

October 10, 2012

Edna L. Riekens, age 93, of Forest City, died on Friday, October 5, 2012, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, October 10, at the United Methodist Church in Forest City, with Pastor Jerald Swanberg officiating. Burial will be in the Madison Township Cemetery in Forest City. Visitation was held from 5-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, October 9, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City and will continue an hour prior to the services at the church.

Edna Lucille Riekens, was born on December 5, 1918, the daughter of Albert J. and Bessie Bell (Carr) Berhow. She was united in marriage to George Arald Riekens Sr. on December 10, 1938. In her younger years, she enjoyed many family camping and fishing trips. She liked playing cards and was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Forest City. Most recently, she made her home at the Good Samaritan Care Center where she enjoyed many new friendships.

Edna is survived by her daughter, Lois (Thomas) Yeager; son, George (Gloria) Riekens; grandchildren, Kenneth (Lois) Mehus; Michael (Lynnie) Mehus; Timothy (Jaime) Mehus; Thomas (Sherri) Mehus; Bart (Maria) Yeager; Brad (Peggy) Yeager; George "Butch" Riekens; 19 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren; sister, Ruby Zeigler; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Edna was preceded in death by her husband, George A. Riekens Sr.; her parents, Albert and Bessie Berhow; sisters, Verla Nelson, Ruth Lotspeich, Ester Egemo, Edith Ter Hack and Clara Jackson; and brothers, Galen Berhow and James Berhow.

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

“Marty” Martha F. Reindal

October  17, 2012

“Marty” Martha F. Reindal, age 86, of Lake Mills, formerly of Scarville, died on Sunday, October 7, 2012, at the Lake Mills Care Center in Lake Mills, Iowa.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., on  Wednesday, October 10, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Scarville, with Pastor Randy Baldwin officiating. Burial was in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, rural Scarville. Visitation  was on Tuesday, October 9, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Scarville, Iowa and continued one hour prior to the services on Wednesday.

Keith Clare George

October 17, 2012

Keith Clare George, 70, of Shell Rock, Iowa, died on Monday, October 8, 2012, at the Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community in Waverly, Iowa.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, October 13, at the Faith Lutheran Church in Shell Rock, with Pastor Kim Smith officiating. Public visitation was held on Friday, from 4-7:00 p.m., at the Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Waverly and also for an hour prior to the services at the church.

Keith was born on July 5, 1942 in Waterloo, the son of Marvin Corless George and Leotha Elnora McColloch. He attended school in Forest City, graduating from the Forest City High School in 1960. He then entered the U.S. Army Reserves from 1961-1964, and worked at Eddy’s Glass Company in Forest City from 1961-1966. In 1963, Keith was united in marriage to Audrey Olson in the Lutheran Church in Buffalo Center and to this union three children were born, Troy, Travis and Trisha. Keith began working with the Department of Public Safety as an Iowa State Patrolman in 1966. In 1975, Keith and Audrey were divorced. On June 25, 1977, Keith was united in marriage to Marjorie Pearl (Hulbert) Cuvelier in Nashua, Iowa. Keith continued to work as a state trooper until he retired in July of 1997, following 32 years of service.

Keith is survived by his wife, Marjorie of Shell Rock; his three children, Troy (Cyndi) George, Travis George and Trisha Lowther, all of Aurora, Colorado; his five step-children, Michael (Patricia) Cuvelier of Keenesburg, Colorado, Steve (Karen) Cuvelier of Shell Rock, Dean (Lynn) Cuvelier of Cedar Falls, Linda (Scott) Turner of Waterloo and Kathy Cuvelier of Waterloo; 29 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents.

The Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home of Waverly, is in charge of the arrangements.

Gloria (Schreiber) Riekens

October 17, 2012

Gloria (Schreiber) Riekens, 66, of Forest City, passed away on Thursday, October 11, 2012, at the Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa in Mason City, surrounded by her family.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, October 16, at 10:30 a.m., at the First Lutheran Church in Britt, with Pastor Lee Nelson officiating.  Inurnment will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt at a later date. Visitation was held on Monday, October 15, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Ewing Funeral Chapel in Britt and continued one hour prior to the services at the church. In accordance to Gloria’s wishes, her body was cremated.

Gloria Louise Riekens, was born on October 23, 1945 at home in rural Britt, the daughter of Henry and Mae (Ennen) Schreiber. Gloria attended school in Britt and Kanawha where she graduated in 1963. Gloria was united in marriage to George A Riekens, Jr. on April 11, 1964, in the First Lutheran Church in Britt. She currently lived in rural Forest City,  in the summer and enjoyed spending winters at her home in Weslaco, Texas. She worked for Cummins in Lake Mills for 26 years.

Gloria enjoyed spending time with her family and socializing with friends, many camping and fishing trips, baking and cooking, traveling with her husband, fast cars and being with her beloved dog Gee Gee.

Those left to cherish her memory include husband, George Riekens, Jr.; sons, George “Butch” A. Riekens III of Fort Dodge and Brian (Tracy) Riekens of Britt; two granddaughters, Amanda and Cara Riekens; great-grandson, Owen Riekens; mother, Mae Schreiber of Eagle Grove; brothers and sister, Marge (Terry) Kuebrich, Gerald (Mary) Schreiber, Richard (Elaine) Schreiber, Kenneth (Julie) Schreiber and Merlin (Michelle) Schreiber; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Gloria was preceded in death by her father, Henry Schreiber; and sister, Judy (Jim) Ritter.

Anna J. Cooper

October 17, 2012

Anna J. Cooper, 91, of Forest City, died on Thursday, October 11, 2012, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., on Sunday, October 14, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Pastor Rod Hopp officiating. Burial was in the Madison Township Cemetery in Forest City. Visitation was held from 3-5:00 p.m., on Saturday, October 13, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home, Forest City and  continued one hour prior to the services at the church. Those who wish to give a gift in memory of Anna J. Cooper are asked to consider the Hospice of North Iowa.

Anna J. Cooper, was born on the family farm on March 5, 1921, to Clarence and Olive (Elifson) Oline in Independence, Iowa. After graduating from the Independence High School, she attended Wartburg College, before leaving to work for Delta Airlines as an air controller in Birmingham, Alabama and later Atlanta, Georgia. After leaving Delta Airlines she returned to Independence. It was during this time that she met Elliott E. Cooper. They were united in marriage on November 25, 1945 and enjoyed a union that lasted more than 62 years, ending only with his death in 2008. After their marriage, the couple moved to Des Moines, while Elliott, Sr. completed his education at Drake University. During this time two sons, Elliott, Jr. and Robert, were born to the couple. After Elliott, Sr. completed law school, the family moved to Forest City.

Among Anna's many interests were a love of flower gardening, she enjoyed a wide variety of pets, and she was an excellent seamstress, making many of the boy's clothes when they were growing up. She was an avid fisherman and thoroughly enjoyed the many trips she and Elliott, Sr. made to Northern Manitoba chasing after the "big one". Anna and Elliott, Sr. were avid travelers and traveled the World together, yet were happiest at home with their family. She loved sports and was an especially enthusiastic fan when watching her children and grandchildren play. In later years she enjoyed recounting to her grandchildren life on the farm when she was growing up in the '20s and '30s. Horses instead of tractors, lanterns instead of light bulbs, hand pumps instead of water faucets, and of course, the country school system.

An extremely important part of her life was her Church. She was very active in many areas of church life and received deep satisfaction from participating in the church groups that she belonged to and always lending a helping hand whenever and wherever she could. She was a Christian woman who led a Christian life.

She is survived by her sons, Elliott Cooper, Jr. of Forest City and Robert Cooper and his wife, Donna of Forest City and her children, Katy and Derek Juhl, grandson, Michael Cooper of West Palm Beach, Florida and granddaughter, Amy Cooper and her special friend, Joe Johnson of Mason City.

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

Gordon P. Nelson

October 17, 2012

Gordon P. Nelson, age 94, of Forest City, died on Friday, October 12, 2012, at the Good Samaritan Care Center in Forest City.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Wednesday, October 17, at the Winnebago Lutheran Church in rural Lake Mills, with Pastor Bill Peters officiating. Burial will be in the Winnebago Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation was held from 4-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, October 16, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City and  continued an hour prior to the services at the church.

Gordon Perry Nelson, was born on May 16, 1918, the son of Ernest and Gena (Tweeten) Nelson. He was baptized at the Bethel Lutheran Church, Mount Valley Township, Winnebago County and confirmed at the Winnebago Lutheran Church, rural Lake Mills. He attended rural elementary school and graduated from the Forest City High School in 1936. He subsequently assisted his father on their farm until March 11, 1941, when he was inducted into the U.S. Army, the first draftee to be called from the Winnebago Church Congregation. Following several promotions, Gordon was commissioned a Second Lieutenant on March 25, 1943. He served with the 102nd Infantry Division in France, Holland and Germany, until the German surrender in 1945. He was released from active duty as a Captain on February 26, 1946.

Gordon then returned to farming with his father and brothers, Kenton and Lester and at the same time attended Waldorf College for two semesters. In the fall of 1947, he enrolled at the University of Denver. Gordon married Orla Holstad, daughter of Albert and Amanda Holstad at the Elk Creek Lutheran Church, rural Kensett, on September 3, 1948.  They made their home in Denver. Gordon continued his studies at the University until graduation with a Bachelor's Degree in Physics.  Orla worked in the office of Denver's Stapelton Airport.

Following the outbreak of the Korean War and while attending the University of Minnesota, Gordon was recalled into military service, this time with the U. S. Air Force. Subsequent duty locations were at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, Air Force Ballistic Missile Division, Los Angeles and Air Force Rocket Propulsion Laboratory, Edwards Air Force Base, California. In each of these assignments Gordon served as an engineer in the offices that managed the development of new aircraft and ballistic missiles. He earned a Master's Degree in Nuclear Engineering in 1957 and was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel on March 20, 1966. Gordon retired from the Air Force on September 30, 1969 and the family moved to a farm near Joice, which they had previously purchased. He and sons, Steven and Gregory operated the farm until 1982. He had several jobs at the Winnebago Church, Township Trustee and Assistant Soil Commissioner.

Highlights for the family were a three-month trip touring Europe in 1972 in a small motorhome. Also, Hawaii in 1989.

Gordon is survived by sons, Steven Nelson of Lake Mills and Gregory Nelson of Golden, Colorado; grandchildren, Eric (Amie) Nelson of Lenexa, Kansas, Jennifer Nelson of Columbia, Missouri, Derek Nelson of Golden, Colorado and Daniel Nelson of Ft. Collins, Colorado; and great-granddaughter, Scotlyn Nelson of Lenexa, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Orla; his parents; and two brothers, Lester (Madge) Nelson and Kenton (Loretta) Nelson; and daughter-in-law, Rachel Nelson.

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

Donald W. Tapper

October 17, 2012

Donald W. Tapper, 88, of Leland,  formerly of rural Titonka, died on Sunday, October 14, 2012, at the Lake Mills Care Center in Lake Mills.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, October 17, at the First Baptist Church, Forest City, with Pastor Eric Weaver officiating. Visitation will take place on Wednesday morning, prior the service, from 9:00 a.m. until the service time, at the First Baptist Church in Forest City. Committal service and burial will be at 1:30 p.m., on Wednesday, in the Ramsey Reformed Church Cemetery in rural Titonka. In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials may be sent to the Forest City Christian School, Forest City.

Wanda Schnebly

November 7, 2012

Wanda Ann Carlson Schnebly, 75, passed away on Sunday, October 14, 2012, in Yorba Linda, California, due to complications from multiple myeloma cancer.

A “Celebration of Life” memorial service will be held at the United Methodist Church in Forest City, on Saturday, November 10, at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow in the Forest Home Cemetery in Leland. Following the burial, a reception will be held at the United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Forest City United Methodist Church or to Mosaic in North Iowa (formerly Krysilis, Inc).

Wanda Schnebly was born on September 13, 1937 in Forest City, Iowa, and grew up in Leland, Iowa and graduated from the Forest City High School. In August of 1955, Wanda married Orvin Schnebly and they had four children, Kirby, Kerry, Kyle and Kelly. While living in Iowa, Wanda was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Forest City and when living in Orange County, California, with the United Methodist Church in Placentia, California.

On June 8, 1964, Wanda and Orvin’s son Kelly Leigh Schnebly was born. Following his birth, Kelly suffered irreparable brain damage due to medical malpractice that left him profoundly retarded and physically impaired. Kelly died on April 14, 1984, at age 19. Wanda and Orvin turned this tragedy into a blessing for many others with similar impairments. In 1968, with son Kelly and three other handicapped children, a day care center was started in their home. The “WEE ARC CENTER” evolved from their family room into the many facilities now operating under the name Mosaic in North Iowa, formerly Krysilis, Inc., formerly “Winnebago Handicapped Services” and “North Central Human Services.” Today, Mosaic in North Iowa is the second largest employer in Forest City and serves the needs of many disabled children and adults throughout North Iowa. Three of the homes built in Forest City after Kelly's death are located on Kelly's Court, a street named as a tribute to Kelly Schnebly. Wanda and Orvin were also founding members of Handicap Village in Clear Lake, now known as Opportunity Village.

Wanda was recognized for her work for persons with disabilities by the Winnebago and Iowa Associations for Retarded Children, the Iowa Council of Developmental Disabilities, United Cerebral Palsy of Iowa, Handicap Village and by Winnebago Handicapped Services, (a.k.a. Mosaic in North Iowa, Krysilis, Inc. and North Central Human Services). She was the founder and first Executive Director of Winnebago Handicapped Services. She was named to the 1977-78 Who’s Who of American Women. 

In 1978, Wanda and Orvin moved to Ames,  where they owned and operated the Singer Sewing Center. In 1980, Wanda moved to California and worked for Weight Watchers for many years.

Wanda’s book “A Ticket To He” was published in June 2010. “A Ticket To He” is the true story of how Wanda Schnebly and her family’s lives were thrust into turmoil and grief because of medical malpractice and what they did to survive and find joy again. It details the medical fiasco that destroyed Kelly Schnebly’s life and the resulting historic malpractice lawsuit, the largest judgment in the U.S. to a minor at the time and how Kelly’s spirit broke through his profound handicaps and touched the lives of so many others. Kelly has a legacy few others achieve, as does Wanda. Her work and accomplishments, her writings, her kindness, care and love have given hope and inspiration to many.

After living such a diverse and blessed life, Wanda died peacefully under hospice care at her home in Yorba Linda, California, with all of her immediate family members present. May God Bless Wanda Schnebly eternally! She was a blessing to all.

Wanda was preceded in death by her youngest son, Kelly Leigh Schnebly; former husband, Orvin Henry Schnebly; father, Dean Edward Carlson; mother, Stella Mae Carlson Irish; sister, Kathryn “Kate” Carlson Kirschbaum; and brothers, Jerry Carlson and Douglas Carlson.

She is survived by her younger sister, Carolyn Carlson Cox; sons, Kirby Layne Schnebly and Kyle Lynne Schnebly;  daughter, Kerry LeAnn Schnebly; three  grandchildren, Kelly Leigh Schnebly, Brandon Layne Schnebly and Brittany Marie Schnebly; their mother, Rachael Schnebly; and her very special companion in life for the past eight years, Jack Scarpa; and numerous other relatives and friends.

LeRoy Conrad Twait

October 24, 2012

LeRoy Conrad Twait, 91, of Crystal Lake, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, October 20, 2012, at Mercy Hospital in Mason City,  surrounded by his family. 

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 24, at 11:00 a.m., at the First Lutheran Church in Britt, with Pastor Lee Nelson officiating.  Burial will be at 1:30 p.m., in the Crystal Lake Township Cemetery in Crystal Lake, with full military honors. Visitation was held on Tuesday, October 23, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Ewing Funeral Chapel in Britt and will continue one hour prior to the services at the church.

LeRoy Conrad Twait, was born on September 30, 1921 in Cylinder, Iowa, to his parents Gus and Lavina Twait. After attending Cylinder Public Schools, LeRoy went into farming. In December 1942, LeRoy enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country during World War II on board the Destroyer Escort USS Inch. LeRoy participated in the Atlantic, Mediterranean and Pacific War Theatres. The USS Inch was credited with sinking 4 German U-Boats during this time. LeRoy was discharged from the Navy in January 1946. LeRoy married his wife, Phyllis on January 28, 1947. LeRoy and Phyllis farmed near Crystal Lake, until his retirement in 1983. 

LeRoy and Phyllis moved to the town of Crystal Lake where he lived during his retirement. LeRoy was an avid fisherman enjoying many fishing trips to Canada and Alaska. LeRoy also enjoyed reading, putting puzzles together, feeding the birds and watching them outside his window. Most of all, LeRoy enjoyed the many visits from his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

 LeRoy is survived by his wife, Phyllis of Crystal Lake; daughter, Marcia of Plymouth, Minnesota; sons, LeRoy Jr. of Mankato, Minnesota, Charles of Shoreview, Minnesota, Allen of Forest City,  Timothy and Marlene of Davenport,  Dan and Janell of Forest City, Randy of Minneapolis, Minnesota; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; brother, Donald of Alexandria, Minnesota; sister, Marjorie and Dale of Ringsted; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents, Gus and Lavina; three sisters, Emma, Anna and Ethel; and five brothers, Gay, Bernerd, Emmet, George and Oliver.

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

Karil Rae (Hermanson) Anderson

October 31, 2012

Karil Rae (Hermanson) Anderson, 49, of Emmons, Minnesota, died at her home on Sunday, October 21, 2012.

Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., on Friday, October 26, at the Lime Creek (Iowa) Evangelical Lutheran Church in rural Lake Mills, with Pastor Erich Hoeft officiating. The church was open at 12:30 p.m., Friday and there was a family service at 1:15 p.m., in the Parish Hall with the funeral service following. Burial  took place in the Lime Creek (Iowa) Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery.

Karil Rae Hermanson Anderson, was born on June 9, 1963 in the Forest City Hospital in Forest City, to the proud parents, Eugene and Ruth (Dahl) Hermanson. She was baptized, confirmed and was a member of the Lime Creek Evangelical Lutheran Church. She attended school in Forest City and Lake Mills, graduating from the Lake Mills High School “Class of 1981”. Karil was a wonderful cook, made and sold lefse and worked as a cook in several area restaurants. She also worked at Winnebago Industries and Diamond Jo Casino.

Karil loved fishing, camping, woodworking, wood art, and watching and feeding birds. On September 19, 1987, Karil married Robert Anderson at Pilot Knob State Park.

Karil is survived by her loving parents, Eugene and Ruth of Lake Mills; one brother, Rick Hermanson of Iowa City; nieces and nephews, Kelly Meislahn (significant other Jerry Lopez) and her children, Drew Sorenson and Kimberly Meislahn; Ryan Oudekerk and his son, Isaiah; Dana and Rachel Oudekerk and their son, Wesley; Sondra and Nick Doty and their son, Alvin; Mindy and Craig Smith and their son, Riley; her significant other, Jeremy Kohler; her former husband, Robert Anderson; along with many other relatives, cousins and friends.

Karil was preceded in death by her sister, Kimberly Ruth Oudekerk in 1983; grandparents, Charles and Ann Hermanson, Bjarne and Thelma Dahl; her uncle, Luther Hermanson; and one niece, Jasmine Oudekerk.

The Mittelstadt Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Timothy J. Lauritsen

October 31, 2012

Timothy J. Lauritsen, 59, of Garner, died on Tuesday, October 23, 2012, at his best friend’s home in Forest City.

Memorial services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, October 26, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home, Forest City, with Pastor Tom Dettmar officiating. Inurnment will be held at 3:00 p.m., on Friday, October 26, in the Superior Township Cemetery in rural Superior, Iowa.

Timothy John Lauritsen, was born in Armstrong on June 12, 1953 and adopted into the family of Arthur and Ruth Lauritsen of Superior. Most of Tim’s life was spent in the Forest City area. His passions were building and driving  in Demolition Derby cars, outdoor activities, hunting, fishing and spending many hours in his shop on the farm.

He is survived by his companion, Glenda Keough; son, Cody John Lauritsen of Forest City; and daughter, Lisa Marie Bjerke and husband, John of Lilly, South Dakota; grandsons, Malachi and Cyrus Bjerke; twin brothers, Thomas and wife, Darlene of Estherville and Donald Lauritsen and wife, Becky of Evansdale; sisters, Sandy Binkley and husband, Jim of Sun City, Arizona and Glenna Kaltved and husband, Jerry of Spirit Lake; and many nieces, nephews and very close friends.

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

Kenneth Johnson

October 31, 2012

Kenneth Lemoyne Johnson, 87, of Forest City, died on Tuesday, October 23, 2012, at the Good Samaritan Center where he was a resident. Private family services will be held in November.

Kenneth “Ken” Lemoyne Johnson, was born in Minot, North Dakota, on June 8, 1925 to Charles and Linda Johnson. Ken graduated from the Minot High School in 1943, enlisted in the Navy and served one year on the island of Guam. Following his discharge from the Navy he attended Augsburg College in Minneapolis and graduated with a BA in 1949. He taught high school math and science at Wrenshall, Minnesota, for one year and then returned to Minneapolis to attend Luther Seminary and the University, working part time with boys clubs. He spent the summer of 1952 as Chaplain at the Chicago Boy Scout Camp. In the fall of 1952 he began teaching math and science at Augustana Academy in Canton, South Dakota. As Dean of Boys, he also supervised the boys’ dormitory, as this was a boarding school.

In 1953, Ken married Carol Kramer, who was also a teacher at the Academy. In 1956, Ken moved his family to Bloomington, Minnesota, where he took a job as youth director at the Oak Grove Lutheran Church in Richfield. In 1958, he went back to teaching when there was an opening at Oak Grove Lutheran High School in Fargo, North Dakota and he was also able to take graduate classes at UND and conduct Sunday services at a small country church.

In 1960, Ken came to Waldorf College as Dean of Men, counselor and teacher. He late became Dean of Students, did counseling, taught classes and was involved in planning student social activities. Ken bought a horse and was an active member of the Forest City Trail Riders. Ken took a leave of absence and spent a year at Iowa State from 1967 to 1968, doing more graduate work which included his first computer class. Ken resumed Boy Scout activity by leading the Explorer unit and led two Scout trips to the national Boy Scout Philmont Ranch.

Ken set up the first computerized business at Waldorf College. In 1982, he took a leave of absence from Waldorf to go to the Middle East to Abu Dhabi to computerize a travel service run by a Lebanese friend. He ended up resigning from Waldorf in order to stay on the job which included training other programmers. Ken was also “hired out” to do work in other companies owned by the Al Masaood brothers, the Arabs who owned the company. One job was to computerize the Nissan parts business.

Amazingly, there was a small square dance group in Abu Dhabi and Ken started teaching square dancing in Abu Dhabi to help get more people involved. Ken was 64 years old when he finished his work in Abu Dhabi and moved back to Forest City. He went back to work at Waldorf, supervising the computer system, half time, for the next 10 years. He “retired” at the age of 74 and then kept busy with volunteer computer help to anyone who asked!

Ken is survived by his wife; son, Jeffrey (Kae) of Spokane, Washington; daughters, Rosalyn Johnson of Maplewood, Minnesota and Loralyn (Jim) Trost of Waverly; grandchildren, Clint Foster, Jared Foster, Trevor Foster, Logan Foster, Annaliese (Austin) Neale, Brent Johnson, Karina Johnson; and three great-grandchildren; two brothers, Merlyn (Elna) Johnson and David Johnson and two sisters, Beryl (Noel) Knudson and Ruby Mortenson.

He was preceded in death by both his parents; sister, Irene; and brother-in-law, Vern Mortenson.

Iowa Cremation was in charge of the arrangements.

Bruce Alan Osmundson

October 31, 2012

Bruce Alan Osmundson, of Alexandria, Minnesota, formerly of Thompson, passed away at his home on Friday, October 26, 2012, at the age of 86. 

A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 2, at 11:00 a.m., at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Thompson, with inurnment in the Rose Hill Cemetery. 

Bruce was born on January 10, 1926, to Ernest and Veva (Rose) Osmundson in Forest City and was a life-long resident of Thompson until recently. In 1944, he entered the US Air Force and was trained as a navigator. Later, this love of flying led him to become a pilot of small aircraft. Also in 1944, he married his high school sweetheart, Betty Helgren and they recently celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary. To this union two children were born, Sandra and Scott.   

Following military service, Bruce and Betty returned to Thompson where Bruce worked with his father at Peoples State Bank, which was founded by his grandfather in 1933 after the previous bank in town closed. Bruce served as a member of the board of directors, cashier and president until his retirement in 1989.  

Retirement to Bruce and Betty was spending winters at their home in Texas which happened to be right off #1 fairway. Golfing was a life-long hobby for all in the Osmundson family but especially for Bruce who enjoyed competing in amateur tournaments and playing nationally known courses in the US and Scotland as well as doing some instruction of the sport to any who were interested. He also held offices in the Iowa Golf Association including the presidency. Other hobbies pursued by Bruce include being a ham radio operator, building and flying radio controlled airplanes, bowling, traveling with Betty, fishing at Canada’s Lake of the Woods, picnicking and maintenance at the family farm site and at 62, he decided to join the computer age.

Bruce loved life, lived it fully and would often say that he was at peace with the world. 

 He was loved and will be missed by many and is survived by his wife, Betty; daughter, Sandra (Dennis) Helseth of Elbow Lake, Minnesota; grandchildren, Jason (Andrea) Helseth of Bay City, Wisconsin, Jessica Engelstad of Hinckley, Minnesota, Brandon (Toni) Osmundson of Meridian, Idaho, Shaun (Maya) Osmundson of Portland, Oregon; great-grandchildren, Isaac Engelstad, Abigail Engelstad, Josef Osmundson, Scott C. Osmundson, Lucas Osmundson, TJ Helseth,  Benjamin Helseth; brother, Dr. P.J.  Osmundson of Rochester, Minnesota; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Ernest and Veva Osmundson; his infant brother, Richard; and his son, Scott A. Osmundson.

The Winter Funeral Home in Buffalo Center, is in charge of the arrangements.

Janice S. Kluver

November 7, 2012

Janice S. Kluver, 79, of Forest City, died on Sunday, October 28, 2012, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Memorial services were held at 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, November 1, at the United Methodist Church in Crystal Lake, with Pastor Jerald Swanberg officiating. Private family burial services were held in the Crystal Lake Cemetery immediately following the memorial service. Visitation was held from 4-8:00 p.m., on Wednesday, October 31, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be directed to the Hospice of North Iowa.

Janice Synnoma (Olson) Kluver, the daughter of Kenneth and Ruth (Gustafson) Olson, was born on February 7, 1933 at her grandparent's home in rural Hancock County. She was raised in the Miller area and graduated from the Ventura High School. She attended  Waldorf College and then  worked at the Winnebago County Courthouse. On November 20, 1951, she was united in marriage to Morris Kluver at the Faith Lutheran in Miller, Iowa. Upon return of Morris from Korea, the couple made their home on the family farm south of Crystal Lake until October 2004, when they moved into Forest City. Janice helped on the farm and worked at Winnebago Industries on the sew line from February 24, 1975 until her retirement on September 11, 1998.

Janice was an active 4-H member and served as a county 4-H officer. She was a member of the UMW and the Crystal Lake United Methodist Church. She was also a member of the HW Club, a local ladies social group. Janice enjoyed eating out, playing cards, having coffee at Hardees, attending the grandchildren's events and spending time with family.

Janice is survived by her husband, Morris of Forest City; their three sons , James (Emily) of Roswell, New Mexico, Kent (Paula) of The Villages, Florida and Lynn (DeEtta) of Crystal Lake; six grandchildren, Lee and Seth of San Diego, California, Brad of Mt. Vernon, Kellie of Cedar Rapids, Taylor and Trevor of Crystal Lake; and two sisters,  Yvonne Rippentrop of Titonka and Marcia Milbrandt of Elmore, Minnesota.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

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

Archie S. Monson

November 7, 2012

Archie S. Monson, 92, of Forest City, died on Tuesday, October 30, 2012, at the Good Samaritan Care Center in Forest City.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, November 3, at the Winnebago Lutheran Church in rural Lake Mills, with Pastor Bill Peters officiating. Burial was in the Winnebago Lutheran Church Cemetery in rural Lake Mills. Visitation was held from 4-7:00 p.m., on Friday, November 2, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home, Forest City and continued one hour prior to the services at the church. Memorial contributions may be designated to the Winnebago Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice in Archie's name.

Archie Sumner Monson, son of Hans and Winnie Monson, was born on April 8, 1920 in rural Forest City. He was the 7th of 8 sons. Archie worked with his father and brothers on the family farm and continued farming into his 80's. In his early years he traveled to North Dakota to live with relatives and help on their farm because of his asthma and returned to Iowa after harvest.

Archie was a beloved uncle and brother-in-law. His passions in life were his family, his faith, farming, wintering in LaFeria, Texas, where he has his second home and having coffee with his friends at Hardees. When he was able to drive to Texas he always stopped in Hot Springs, Arizona, where he enjoyed the hot springs and Bible Camp. He was an airplane pilot and was licensed in 1953. He owned his own airplane and fashioned a landing strip on his farm. During WW II Archie traveled to San Diego, California and worked as a ship builder to support the war effort.

Archie was a lifetime member of the Winnebago Lutheran Church.

He will be dearly missed by his family, sisters-in-Law, Geraldine (Glen) Monson of Moravia, June (Earl) Monson of Forest City and Hazel (Clemmit) Monson of Mason City; nieces and nephews, Cheryl (William) Thompson of Mason City, LaDonna Underwood of Wapello, Marilyn (Mike) Thornburg of Mt. Pleasant, Kim (Kevin) Jessen of Joice, Diana (Maurice) Ehm of Guthrie Center, Carol Noren of West Covina, California, Sheila (Daniel) Davis of Forest City, Kevin (Julie) Monson of Iowa City, Lynn (Carol) Monson of Centerville, Monte Monson of Henderson, Nevada, Renea (Jim) Wubben of Moravia, Milton Monson Jr  (Norma) of Leland and Darlene Monson of Forest City.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hans and Winnie Monson; his brothers, Kenneth, Milton, Harold "Willard", Elmer, Earl, Glen and Clemmit; his sister-in-law, Pauline; and his nephew, Barry Monson.

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