Maxine Jean Shropshire, 89, of Clear Lake, passed away Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at her residence. Memorial Services were held on Saturday, April 27, at the Galilean Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, with Pastor Scot McCluskey officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date at Elmwood Cemetery, Forest City, Iowa. Family suggest memorials to the Maxine Jean Shropshire Memorial Fund.

Maxine was born March 15, 1924 the daughter of Andrew and Laura (Johnson) Moen at Forest City.

Maxine graduated from Forest City High School in 1942. She was a teacher in country schools in rural Thompson, Iowa, and Forest City for four years. Maxine married Glenn Shropshire on March 4, 1944 at Thompson.

Maxine enjoyed crafts, flowers, homemaking, and operating her clothing store, Country Closet, in her basement. She was a member of Galilean Lutheran Church, Bible Study, Church Council and was the organizer of the church funeral lunches for many years.

Maxine is survived by her husband, Glenn Shropshire; four children, Larry (Gail) Shropshire, Fertile, Iowa, Judy (Ron) McGrath, Hiawatha, Iowa, Susan (Wayne) Foreman, Sheffield, Iowa, and Randy Shropshire, Clear Lake; sister, Virginia Schmidt, Forest City; 10 grandchildren, Chad (Misty) Shropshire, Garner, Iowa, Heather Burt, Kingman, Ariz., Vance Shropshire, Kingman, Ariz., Darcie McGrath, Marion, Iowa, Sean McGrath, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Troy (Rachel) Foreman, Waverly, Iowa, Scott (Jeri) Foreman, Hampton,
Iowa, Sarah (Charlie) Shirk, Hampton, Ryan (Taryn) Shropshire, Olathe, Kan., Amanda Shropshire, San Antonio, Texas; 19 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother-in-law, Clyde Buckley; sister, Viola Buckley; and brother, Obert Moen.

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

LILLIAN L. ANDERSEN

LAKE MILLS - Lillian L. Andersen, 98, of Lake Mills, died Monday, April 22, 2013 at the Lake Mills Care Center in Lake Mills. 

Funeral services were 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 26, 2013, at Round Prairie Church in rural Glenville, Minn., with Pastor Kent A. Otterman officiating. 

Visitation was at Round Prairie Church one hour prior to the service on Friday. 

Her body was cremated after the funeral service and inurnment will take place at Round Prairie Cemetery with a private family service at a later date.
 
You can contact the family with on-line condolences at:   www.mittelstadtfuneralhome.com
641-592-0221

NORMAN TAYLOR
February 24, 1951 -  April 18, 2013

Norman D. Taylor, 62, of Hanlontown, Iowa, died following a courageous battle with cancer Thursday, April 18, 2013 at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.

Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 28, 2013 at the Grace Lutheran Church, Hanlontown, with Pastor Linda Johnson-Prestholt officiating. Visitation will be Saturday from 5 - 7 p.m. at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, and then one hour before the service at the church. Inurnment will be at a later time in the Clear Lake Cemetery. Family suggests memorials to Norman D. Taylor Memorial Fund.

Norman was born Feb. 24, 1951 in Mason City, the son of Howard F. and Elaine Joyce (Peter) Taylor. He attended North Central High School, in Manly, Iowa, and was a member of the class of 1969. On March 20, 1984 Norman married Janet R. Wogstad and they had two daughters.

Growing up he helped on the family farm and later worked for the Dept. of Transportation and Martin Marietta. In 1976 he purchased and operated his own dump truck for several years. In 1989 he and his brother, Rex, operated the Forest City Cow Palace. In 1999, he began working for Ron Holland House Moving and then C.R. Holland Crane Service as a crane operator.

He was a Worth County Reserve Officer for many years; member of Hanlontown Community Club; Winnebago Historical Society; and the Grace Lutheran Church. He enjoyed camp fires with friends, driving his Corvette, sailing, playing his guitar, skiing, smoking turkeys for family gatherings, collecting antique tractors and farm equipment and helping at Heritage Park. He especially enjoyed being with family and friends.

He is survived by his mother, Elaine J. Taylor, Clear Lake; two daughters, Madalyn (Dan) Franks, Clear Lake, and Meggie Taylor, Hanlontown; granddaughter, Emma Franks, Clear Lake; three siblings,
Kathleen (Pete) Tollenaere, Fairfield, Iowa, Rex (Connie) Taylor, Hanlontown, and Joyce (Bill Welp) Taylor, Marshalltown, Iowa; nieces and nephews, Cheryl, Keith, Marilyn, Brad, Stacy, Scott, Sarah, Crystal and Katie; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Howard, and sister, Barbara Dellit.

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

ROBERT H FISHER
February 1, 1951 - April 20, 2013

Robert H. Fisher, 62, of Forest City, died Saturday, April 20, 2013 in Ciudad-del-Carmen in Mexico.

A Memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, May 4, 2013 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Pastor Carlton Shaw officiating.

Inurnment will be at Linden Lutheran Cemetery in rural Thompson.

There will be no visitation, but the family would like to greet you immediately following the service, in the fellowship hall at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer that memorials be given to Immanuel Lutheran Church or Hospice of North Iowa.

Robert Henry Fisher was born February 1, 1951, the son of Robert W. Fisher and Anna (Brandt) Fisher in Forest City, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church. He graduated from Forest City High School in 1969 and from Pepperdine University in Yuma, Arizona in 1975 with a degree in business and English.

He was a veteran of the United States Marines and learned his trade as well as finishing college during the time he was in the Marines. He was sent to electronics school and he continued in that work the remainder of his carrier as a Marine electronics technician, doing all kinds of repairs on ships and oil rigs. He spent many years overseas working on the Ivory Coast of Africa, the north slope and Alaska, as well as Europe and the Middle East. He was currently working for Rice Electronics of Houston, Texas and was working in Ciudad del Carmen in Mexico when he suddenly became ill and died.

He leaves to mourn his son, Seth (Debra) and grandson Ty; his mother, Anna Harringa of Forest City; 3 sisters, Leanne (Bob) Troxel of St Cloud, Mn, Becky Fisher of St Paul, Mn, and Kathy Leuwerke, of Thompson, Ia;a brother, David (Nancy) Fisher; 2 stepbrothers, Dennis (Judy) Harringa and Dan (Kathy) Harringa, and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert W. Fisher; his step-father Raymond N. Petersen and his step-father Benjamin J. Harringa.

JUNE KALSEM

June Kalsem, 81, passed away very peacefully on April 21, 2013. June was born in Buffalo Center, IA, to Jeanette and Henry Torkelson. She attended Waldorf College for two years where she enjoyed performing in several plays and she graduated from St. Olaf College with majors in English and German. In 1957, June married Kenneth Kalsem of Des Moines.

Her first teaching job in Algona, IA was followed by a move to Des Moines to be librarian at North High School. Later, she was librarian at McCombs Junior High before becoming head librarian at East High for the final twenty years of her career. Her family takes comfort in her favorite quote, "I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library" (Jorge Luis Borges).

June loved to travel, her favorite destinations being Norway and England. In 1954, June was the first in her family to visit Norwegian relatives that her mother had been corresponding with for years. June and Ken honeymooned there and, in 2007, they returned with their family for a joyous fiftieth wedding anniversary celebration. Both Anglophiles, June and her daughter have enjoyed several self-designed literary tours of England. June also loved to read, play Scrabble with her grandsons, and spend time with her cherished friends (chatting over many cups of coffee and tea).

June was a long-time member of Capitol Hill Lutheran Church. She also belonged to Delta Kappa Gamma, Des Moines Education Association, Iowa State Education Association, National Education Association, American Association of University Women, and Sons of Norway.

She will be greatly missed by her husband Ken; daughter Kristin Kalsem and grandsons Cole and Andrew of Cincinnati, OH; sister-in-law Dorothy Torkelson of Buffalo Center, IA; her nieces and nephews; and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers Nerlyn Torkelson and Gerald Reisem.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23, at Iles Funeral Homes, Westover Chapel in Des Moines. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 24, at Capitol Hill Lutheran Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Parkinson's Disease Association (ADPA) Iowa Chapter PO Box 507 Waukee, IA 50263.

JANET J DYSLIN
November 26, 1961 - April 22, 2013

Janet J. Dyslin, 51, of Webster, died suddenly at her home on Monday, April 22, 2013.

Janet was born on November 26, 1961, at Buffalo Center, IA, a daughter of Wilbert and Gertrude (Harms) Meinders. She attended Buffalo Center Public Schools and earned a degree at Mankato State University. Janet married James D. Dyslin on October 6, 1990, at the Ramsey Reformed Church in Titonka, IA. The couple made their home in Webster, where Janet worked with her husband as owner of D&M Enterprise Trucking Company for 24 years. Janet was an avid volunteer in schools and community. Her activities included serving as New Prague Softball Association secretary, working with New Prague Senior Send-Off and Post Prom, and a volunteer with the New Prague Dance Company. Janet was a member and volunteer at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in New Prague.

She is survived by her husband; children Megan and Allison Dyslin, both of Webster; her parents, of Buffalo Center; and three brothers Gary (Sherill) Meinders, Dale (Sara) Meinders, and Bruce (Stacie) Meinders, all of Buffalo Center.

She was preceded in death by a sister Gale Ann Meinders in infancy.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, April 26, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in New Prague, with the Rev. Erick Thompson officiating.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m.Thursday at Bruzek Funeral Home in New Prague.

Interment is at the Czech National Cemetery in New Prague. Pallbearers will be Pat Sullivan, Joe Lambrecht, Paul Meuwissen, Les Kiewiet, Kent Reed and John Meyer.

RICHARD OLSON
May 23, 1940 - April 21, 2013

Richard Olson, 72, of Lakota, died Sunday at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa, Mason City.

A visitation will be held on Thursday from 5 to 8 PM at Oakcrest Funeral Services of Bancroft.

Private family graveside services will be held at Maple Hill Cemetery in Lakota.

Richard Lee Olson was born May 23, 1940, in Lakota, son of Lee and Regina (Diers) Olson. He grew up in Lakota graduating from Lakota High School in 1958. Richard served his country in the United States Marines being stationed in San Diego, CA and Okinawa, Japan. He was united in marriage to LaVonne (Lunn) McGillivray on June 28, 1968.

Richard worked many years at Winnebago Industries in Forest City, retiring in 2003. He was engaged to Fern Gronbach in December 1994. Fern passed away in 1995. He loved being with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was a die-hard Iowa Hawkeye fan and an avid Minnesota Twins fan.

Richard L. Olson died Sunday, April 21, 2013 following an 11 year battle with cancer. He was 72.

He is survived by two sons, Dan Olson and his wife Jo Ann of Urbandale, and their children Maya, Drew, and Chloe, and Michael Olson and his wife Nancy of Grimes and their children, Ali and Gavin; a step-son, Rodney McGillivray and his wife Gia of Henderson, NV and their children Hope and Samuel. He is also survived by five sisters, LaVonne Hohnecker of Davenport, Florence Wortman and Donna Herbers, both of Medford, OR, Betty Shillington of Algona, and Vicky Parks of Manly; two brothers, Donald Olson of Buffalo Center, and John Olson of Forest City; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a step-son, Perry McGillivray in 1990; two brothers, Melvin "Bud" Olson and Eugene Olson; and four sisters, Doris Helin, Agnes Thunstrom, Mary Lee Kirby, and Bernice (Stevens) Petticord.

LINDA SUE HEYES
January 15, 1955 - April 24, 2013

Linda Sue Heyes, 58, of Merrimack and formerly of Fullerton, CA, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Wednesday April 24, 2013.

She was born on January 15, 1955 in Chicago IL, daughter of the late Herbert Peacock and Janet (Roussel) Thompson.

Linda worked as an escrow officer with Beneficial in Nashua and was currently at Walgreens in Milford, NH.

Linda is survived by her husband Craig Heyes of Merrimack and their children, Amanda and Adam Rainer, two grandchildren, Dayton Tetley and Braiden Rainer; four brothers, Sonny Thompson, David Roussel, Donny Thompson and Jack Kimpel; three sisters, Gloria Peacock Nancy Kaffer and Pat Thompson with countless nieces, nephews, and friends.

Calling hours will be held at the Rivet Funeral Home, 425 Daniel Webster Hwy, Merrimack on Sunday April 28 from 2-5 PM. A funeral service will be held at 5 PM in the funeral home.

JEANNE HOGARD
August 29, 1928 - May 8, 2013

Jeanne Hogard, age 84 of Buffalo Center passed away Wednesday May 8, 2013 at Timely Mission Nursing Home in Buffalo Center.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM Monday May 13 at United Methodist Church in Buffalo Center with Pastor Deb Devine officiating. Visitation will be Sunday 4:30-6:30 PM at Winter Funeral Home in Buffalo Center and one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery.
Jeanne Arlys was born August 29, 1928 to Harry and Nettie (Johnson) Trumbell in rural Goodell, IA. She grew up in the Goodell area and graduated from Klemme High School. After high school she worked in Forest City as a waitress and in retail.

On June 30, 1950 she married Vernon Hogard in Belmond, IA. To this union, they were blessed with two children, Darla and Steven. Shortly after marriage they moved to Buffalo Center and in 1957 they took over the Blacksmith shop, which they ran until their retirement in 2002.

Jeanne enjoyed gardening, square dancing, sewing, baking and traveling. She was very fond of all animals, taking in sick ones and mending them back to health but she had a special place in her heart for her cats and her dog CoCo.

Jeanne is survived and will be greatly missed by her son Steve (Lois) of Crystal Lake, grandson Ben (Tina) of Indianola, three great grandchildren; Wesley, Kaden and Tylar, nephew Brad Trumbell and niece Jane Hopkins and their families.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter, one brother and one infant sister.

PEARL LOCKREM
October 13, 1920 - May 4, 2013

Pearl Lockrem, age 92 of Thompson passed away Saturday May 4, 2013 at Mercy Medical Center in Mason City.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday May 8 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Thompson with Pastor Elaine Siemsen officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery.

Pearl Beatrice Lockrem was born on October 13, 1920 to Andrew and Nettie (Mickelson) Odegaard near Rake. She was baptized at Bethany Lutheran Church in rural Bricelyn and confirmed at the Bricelyn Lutheran Church. She graduated from Bricelyn High School.

On March 10, 1940, she was united in marriage to Kenneth T. Lockrem at the Bethany parsonage in Thompson. To this union, 3 children were born: Beverly Legler (deceased); Kenneth Lockrem; Thompson, and Gary Lockrem (deceased).

After marriage, they lived on various farms in the Thompson area. They purchased and ran the Lockrem Brother’s Hardware store from 1948 to 1950. They then moved back out to the farm and farmed until Kenneth’s death in 1953. After his death, she worked at Fleetguard for 23 years and raised her three children.

She was an active member of Bethany Lutheran Church and participated in aid and circle activities.
Pearl loved playing cards, reading, bowling, and shopping. She was always up for a game of cards or dominoes when her grandchildren stopped in. And they always knew a good lunch would follow.
Pearl was dedicated to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Always ready to help out whenever she could.

She moved into the Timely Mission Nursing Home in November of 2011. She enjoyed the many activities they provided and the excellent care she received.

She will be greatly missed by her son Kenny (Connie) of Thompson; her grandchildren: Kim Martin of Mason City; Pam (John) Landheer of Thompson; Dean (Jennifer) Legler of Dahlonega, GA; Mike Legler of Algona; Jessica (Brad) Moeller of Des Moines; Katie Lockrem of Burnsville, MN; and Scott Lockrem of Algona and her 12 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pearl was proceeded in death by her parents; husband, Kenneth; son Gary; daughter Beverly; and her sisters; Amy, Thelma, Ethel, and Lila.

ROSELLA M. ‘Lindy’ KRULL
August 25, 1921 - May 5, 2013

Rosella M. “Lindy” Krull, age 91, of Forest City, Iowa, died on Sunday, May 5, 2013, at Forest Plaza Assisted Living in Forest City.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. today, Wednesday, May 8, 2013, at Winnebago Lutheran Church, rural Lake Mills, with Pastor Bill Peters officiating.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service today.

Inurnment will be in Graceland Cemetery, Buffalo Center, Iowa, at a later date.

Rosella Margaretta “Lindy” (Hinders) Krull was born in Buffalo Center, Iowa, on August 25, 1921, the daughter of Ed and Rose (Zingg) Hinders. She attended school in Buffalo Center and graduated from Buffalo Center High School in 1937. She worked as a hired girl in Buffalo Center before marrying Fim “Swede” Krull on February 14, 1940, in a parsonage in Princeton, Missouri. The couple made their home in rural Woden, Iowa, where Swede worked as a hired man until starting up farming north of Thompson. He later farmed near Winnebago Lutheran Church and Vinje, Iowa.

Lindy worked for 33 years at Deluxe Products/Cummins Filtration and in later years, lived at Forest Plaza Assisted Living. She was an active member of Winnebago Lutheran Church and the Lydia circle. She was twice president of WELCA, sang in the church choir, and taught Sunday school as long as she was able.
She loved children, music, reading, and writing short stories and poems. She also loved to garden, cook, sew, and spend time with her family.

Lindy is survived by her daughter, Ruth (Jerome) Sheldon of rural Garner, Iowa; daughter-in-law, Betty Krull of Scarville, Iowa; two grandchildren, Michael (Carye) Krull of Raleigh, N.C., and Julie (Brian Kenaga) Krull-Kenaga of Plymouth, Iowa; three great-grandchildren, Nathan and Kathryn Krull and Josie Fritz; and a step- great-grandson, Dillon Kenaga. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Swede, and a son, Keith Krull.

You can contact the family with on-line condolences at www.mittelstadtfuneralhome.com.
Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 641-592-0221.

ESTHER VICTORIA ANDERSON
September 20, 1925 - May 7, 2013

Esther (Rusley) Anderson, 87 of Northwood, IA, formerly of rural Lake Mills, IA, died Tuesday, May 07, 2013 at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood, IA.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, May 11, 2013, at Winnebago Lutheran Church, rural Lake Mills, with Pastor Randy Baldwin officiating. Burial will be in Winnebago Lutheran Cemetery.

Visitation for Esther will be on Friday, May 10, 2013, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 902 East Main Street in Lake Mills, Iowa, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.

Esther Victoria (Rusley) Anderson was born on September 20, 1925, in Mount Valley Township, Winnebago County, to Jacob and Tomine (Ramsey) Rusley. She was baptized and confirmed at Winnebago Lutheran Church. She attended country school and graduated from Lake Mills High School in 1943. Esther was united in marriage with Russell Anderson on December 31, 1944, at Winnebago Lutheran Church. After marriage, they resided near Scarville until the early 1950’s, moving to the Rusley home place in Mount Valley Township.

Esther was very active at Winnebago Lutheran Church being a deacon, Sunday school teacher, a member of the Lydia circle, and Ladies Aide, in addition to numerous other committees. She enjoyed her family, music, singing, crafts, needlepoint, quilting, yard work, baking, cooking, and plowing on her 966 International tractor.

Esther is survived by her daughters, Jan Kudej and Linda (Fran) Anderson Koch, all of Bloomington, MN, and Cheryl (David) Gentz of Northwood, IA; three grandchildren, Matthew Kudej of Bloomington, MN, and Hannah and Bethany Gentz of Northwood, IA; two step-grandchildren, Naomi (Dan) Schutz and Jake (Jessica) Gentz of Northwood; and four step-great-grandchildren, Jace & Olivia Gentz and Aydan & Austin Schutz. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Carmen Rusley of Urbandale, IA, and Helga Anderson of Albert Lea, MN; numerous nieces and nephews; as well as other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Russell, son Robert, grandson Michael Kudej, four brothers, Truman, Glennis, Sam, and James Rusley, and two sisters, Irene Arnevik and Ruth Charlson.

Esther’s family would like to thank the staff of the Lutheran Retirement Home and The Pines Assisted Living for all the great care provided to Esther over the past 5 years. Along with the care Hospice of North Iowa provided recently.

RONALD LEE LARSON
April 14, 1940 - May 9, 2013

Ronald Larson, age 73, of Scarville, died Thursday, May 09, 2013, at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa in Mason City, Iowa.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 PM on Thursday, May 16, 2013, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Scarville, Iowa, with Pastor Randy Baldwin officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the Otto Chose Post #235 of Lake Mills, Iowa.

Inurnment will take place at a later date in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, May 15, 2013, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 902 East Main Street in Lake Mills, Iowa.

Ronald Lee Larson was born on April 14, 1940, in Winnebago County, Iowa, near Kiester, Minnesota, to parents Carl and Hazel (Anderson) Larson. He was baptized and confirmed at Bethel Lutheran Church in Vinje, Iowa. Ron graduated from Thompson High School in 1958.

Ron entered active service with the United States Army in 1963 and served for two years, one of which was in Manheim, Germany. He was honorable discharged from the Army on May 12, 1965.

On January 3, 1964, Ronald was united in marriage with Connie Blom. Ron farmed his parents’ farm for 15 years, worked for Winnebago County for 11 years, and spent 31 years employed at Winnebago Industries, retiring in 2000.

Ron loved his grandchildren; he enjoyed camping, fishing, socializing and playing cards with all of his very dear friends. It was his hope to have one more summer doing exactly this at Three Fingers Camp Ground.
Survivors include two children, Cynthia Jo (Kevin) Stevens of Westminster, CO, and Scott Lee Larson of Daytona Beach, FL; seven grandchildren, Jesse (Shauna Olmos) Squires, Tyler (Maya Pope) Squires of Colorado, and Briann, Madison, Dacota, Conner, and Mason Larson, of Florida; two step-grandchildren, Chase (Nicolle) Stevens and Catie (Justin) Shannon of Colorado; and seven great-grandchildren, Damien, Devonte, and Isabel Squires, Colton, Caleb, and Kendall Shannon, and Rylee Stevens. Ron is also survived by a brother Darris (Nancy) Larson of Plymouth, IA; along with several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Connie.

LOIS M TURNER
September 7, 1920 - May 8, 2013

Lois Turner, 92, of Forest City, died Wednesday, May 8, 2013 in the Greene County Medical Center in Jefferson.

Funeral services will be held at l:00 PM, Saturday, May 18, 2013 at First Congregational Church in Forest City with Pastor Jon Rollefson and Pastor Joyce Schmidt officiating.

Inurnment will be at a later date at Oakland Cemetery in Forest City.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 9 PM, Friday, May 17, 2013 at Petersen Lund Funeral Home, 505 N. Clark Street, Forest City and continue one hour prior to services at the church.

Lois was born on September 7, 1920 in Calmar, Iowa, the daughter of Jacob Joseph and Mary Loretta (Peeper) Becvar. She spent her early years in and around Decorah and Elkader. Lois married Raymond Alfred Turner on September 13, 1941 in Kahoka, Missouri. Following WWII, they settled in Raymond's hometown of Elkader, Iowa. As the wife of an Iowa State Park Ranger from March, 1950 to January, 1980, she lived in Winterset, Bedford, Boone, Strawberry Point, Stanton and Forest City.

As a child, she was active in dance (tap, ballet and acrobatics). As an adult, she enjoyed social ballroom dancing. She was musically trained in voice and over the years participated in choirs and as a soloist at many churches and events. She served as Choir Director at Country Palms RV Park in San Juan, Texas and at First Congregational Church in Forest City.

She became a member of First Congregational Church in September, 1967 and was an active member throughout the remainder of her life. Lois served as Moderator, Church Clerk, Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, Bible School Leader, and President of Women's Fellowship. When something needed to be done, she was there, and shared what she had.

For a number of years, she worked as a Nurse's Aide and Homemaker, serving the elderly in the community.

Lois was greatly loved and will be missed by all whose lives she touched. She is survived by a daughter, Karen (Eugene) Engebretson of Minneapolis, MN; sons, Ray Allen (Peggy) Turner of Rockwell City, IA, Loren (Lisa) Turner of Jefferson, IA, Daryl (GayLynn) Turner of Iron River, WI, and Alan Turner of Palatka, FL; grandchildren, Steven Engebretson, Michael Lauritsen, Jennifer Utley, Kevin Turner, Chase Turner and Paige Turner; great-grandchildren, Stephanie and Joshua Engebretson, Zachary, Caleb and Abigail Utley, Mikayla Lauritsen, Dimitry Eresov and Khole Turner; great-great-grandchild, McKenzie Eresov; and her brother, Raphael Becvar.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond; her parents; a sister; a brother; an infant daughter; and a grandson.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials in Lois's name be made to Greene County Medical Center Foundation in Jefferson, or to the family.  

DR. ALLAN J. SWANSON
May 24, 1938 - May 15, 2013

Dr. Allan J. Swanson, age 74, of Urbandale, Iowa, formerly of Lake Mills and Mason City, Iowa, died Wednesday, May 15, 2013, at Arbor Springs in West Des Moines, Iowa.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, May 20, 2013, at First Covenant Church, 411 S. Ohio, in Mason City, Iowa, with Pastor Steve Johnson and Pastor Kathy Graves officiating.

Memorial visitation for Allan will be on Sunday, May 19, 2013, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 902 East Main Street in Lake Mills, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.

Memorials may be directed to the Gideons International at www.gideons.org or to the Salvation Army at www.salvationarmyusa.org.

Allan Jerome Swanson was born on May 24, 1938 in Inglewood, CA to John & Myra “Jane” (Ruble) Swanson. He was the oldest of 3 boys. Allan graduated from Pomona High School in 1956 and furthered his education at Mount SAC & UC Riverside He then attended and graduated from the University of California College of Medicine in June of 1965.

Allan married Linda McDonald and to this union a daughter, Stacy Kay, was born. The couple later divorced. Allan married Sharon Niederfrank in 1971 and they made their home in Whittier, CA, where they raised their two daughters. The couple moved to Iowa where Allan became employed at the Heart Center in Mason City. After Sharon’s death, he married Carolyn (Bakke) Colby.

Allan devoted his life to helping people. He worked in California for 20 years and then in the Mason City, lowa, area for 16 years. He was active on many boards in both California and Iowa, and served as the president of the American Heart Association, Greater Los Angeles Affiliate of which he was very proud. As a teenager, Allan accepted Christ at a Baptist church. He continued in that faith until the day he passed away. He was a member of the Forest City Camp of Gideon’s International.

Allan enjoyed fishing, flying his own airplane, golfing with friends, riding his Harley, reading, and putzing around the house. He could be reading 3 books at the same time and could tell you in detail what each one was about. He died on May 15, 2013 after a long battle with Alzheirner’s.

Allan is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn; daughters, Stacy Swanson Moore of Ogden, UT; Kristine Swanson-Jordal of Mentone, CA; grandchildren, Chandler and Travis Moore of Ogden, UT; and Luke Swanson-Jordal of Mentone, CA. He is also survived by his step-children, Tim Colby and wife, Tami of Ankeny, Iowa, and Katy Blomgren and her husband, James of Cumming, Iowa; and step-grandchildren, Aidan & Keaton Colby and Hunter & Madelyn Blomgren. Allan is also survived by his 2 brothers, John Michael (Yana) of Hainan Island, China; and Robert (Sandra) of Box Elder, SD; his mother-in-law, Lorraine Bakke of Forest City, IA; and two brothers-in-law, Steve (Anne) Bakke of Forest City, IA, and Craig (Judy) Bakke of Buckin, MO.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John & Jane; and his wife Sharon.

May 26, 1925 - May 14, 2013

Ardis Sheimo, 87, of Fertile, Iowa died Tuesday May 14, 2013 at the Good Samaritan, Forest City, Iowa. Celebration of her Life will be 10:30a.m. Saturday May 18, 2013 at the Fertile Church of Christ, Fertile, Iowa with Pastor Rob Perry officiating. Inurnment will be in Brush Point Cemetery, rural Fertile, Iowa. Family will greet friends one hour before the service. Family suggests memorials to Ardis Sheimo Memorial fund in lieu of flowers.

Ardis was born May 26, 1925 to Lewis and Agnes (Tweed) Suby. She graduated from Fertile High School, attended Waldorf College and radiology training in Minneapolis General Hospital and became a registered X-Ray technician. She worked in three different states as a technician. She worked part time at Younkers, then Park Clinic Medical for 20 years, retiring in 1993.

Ardis married Dick Sheimo June 30, 1949 at Fertile Lutheran Church and lived in Fertile all their married life. After Dick passed away at 1995, she spent the winters in Sun City, AZ with Clarence and Iona Mae Alexander her aunt.

She felt so fortunate to be privileged to travel to all the U.S. states (except Alaska) and 10 countries in Europe and all providences of Canada.

She loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She taught music and gave object lessons for years to Sunday School Children. She sang in church choir, duets and small groups. She was also “Cub” Scout Leader. She loved her family, many friends, good music, humor and traveling.

She is survived by her son Tom and his wife Nance, her granddaughter Trisca and her husband Jameson Mayberry; sister Judy (Jim) Gilbertson of Ackley, IA, brother Dean (Katherine) of Lakewood, CO, sister-in-law Zelda Suby (Richard) Petersen of Surprise, AZ, aunt Iona Mae (Clarence) Alexander, Lake Villa, IL, aunt June Tweed, Britt, IA; many nieces and nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Dick and brother Don.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. 4th St., Clear Lake, IA 50428 (641)357-2193 ColonialChapels.com

DEAN E DEDIC
January 13, 1937 - May 19, 2013

Dean E. Dedic, 76, of Center Point, passed away on Sunday, May 19 at his home. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Service will be held on Thursday at 1:00 PM at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories. Burial will be at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Dean Emil Dedic was born on January 13, 1937 to Emil and Ann Dedic. Dean’s father was a Czechoslovakian immigrant at the age of seven.

Dean was raised on the family farm North of Center Point, attended Blue Creek country school, graduated from Center Point High School in 1956, received his degree from U.S. Trade School in Kansas City and worked as a mechanic until he entered the service.

Dean married Nadine Grimm on October 14, 1959 in Iowa City. Shortly after getting married he left for the service on October 19, 1959, was stationed in Germany for two years, and discharged in February 1961.

Dean was a life long mechanic with a garage in Cedar Rapids, and later in rural Center Point. In addition to being a mechanic he worked at Square D. He and his wife, Nadine, leased property in Cedar Rapids for a go cart rental track, owned and operated D and N Kart Way. In 1969, they purchased a farm south of Center Point in Linn County. They began farming, moved to the property in 1972 and opened their new mechanic’s garage on the site in 1974.

In a pervious business they met George and Maryln Fett. George was a gun dealer, and asked Dean to do gunsmith work. Operating under the authority of George’s license, Dean opened a gunsmith shop doing work for George. The two couples became fast friends travelling the country together. After George’s death Dean obtained a gun dealers license continuing in the business as a dealer and gunsmith.

Dean began driving the Special Education bus for Center Point-Urbana Schools. Retiring from the school in 2008, he continued operating the mechanic garage, the gunsmith shop, and travelling the gun show circuit with his wife. They attended shows in Orlando, New Orleans, Las Vegas, Tulsa, as well as being a well known dealer and gunsmith at eastern Iowa gun shows.

Dean’s family consists of his parents, Emil and Ann whom are deceased, his wife, Nadine; their three children, Cindy (Jim) Brockhohn of Forest City; John and significant other Nik of Garber; Terri (Dan) Perrin of Center Point; six grandchildren, Jada, Jill, Jimmy, Jamie, Zachary and Crystal; six great grandchildren, Katelynn, Dylan, Carter, Bentley, Laylah, and Lexton; a sister, Elaine; nieces and nephews. Also living at home with Dean and Nadine is their faithful companion and dog, Prince.

In lieu of flowers please direct memorials to the family.

DONALD STEIFF
March 6, 1927 - April 30, 2013

Donald Steiff, age 86, of Port Charlotte, Fla., passed away on April 30, 2013. A celebration of his life event will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 13, at the Port Charlotte United Methodist Church, 21075 Quesada Ave. , Port Charlotte, Fla.

A gravesite service will be held  2:30 p.m. on  Thursday, June 13, at at the Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, Fla.  The Sarasota National Cemetery is on the right.

Don was born March 6, 1927 in Forest City,  to parents, Semon and Bessie Steiff. He had two brothers, Earl and Paul (predeceased) and a surviving sister Jean Ascolese. On Jan. 31, 1949 he married Beverly (nee Oleson). They had two children, daughter Tara and son Robert.

In the 1940s, Don served in the Army Air Force performing aerial photo-reconnaissance in Panama and Brazil. He came back home to help with the family farm and then went on to Iowa State College obtaining his BS degree in electrical engineering. In the early 1950s Don worked for the Quaker Oats Company in Texas and Missouri. In the late 1950s and early 1960s Don worked for Convair and then Ets Hokin & Galvin as project electrical engineer on the Atlas, Titan, and Minuteman national missle defense projects from California, Florida, Colorado, to North Dakota. In the mid-1960s, he worked with American Construction and American Electric to help build mission control for NASA outside of Houston, Texas. In 1965 he went to Saigon, Vietnam to work on the Saigon waterplant then returning back to work in Texas. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Don was stationed out of Honolulu, Hawaii working for AMELCO as a project manager on a number of projects. He worked out of the country on a two year project in the Panama Canal Zone, and another year long project in Mogadishu, Somalia. In the later 1970s, Don worked as a facility and senior project manager on building projects for Winnebago Manufacturing plants in Forest City and Riverside, Calif. In the 1980s he worked as a senior project manager with Kohler Corporation in Wisconsin. In the later 1980s he worked as a project manager and consultant on construction jobs in Maryland and Pennsylvania. In the early 1990s he worked at the Savannah River Site for Bechtel Corporation in South Carolina until his retirement in Belvedere, S.C. In 2003, Don and Bev moved to Port Charlotte, Fla.

Even in retirement, Don loved to stay active.  He was an active member of the Port Charlotte United Methodist Church. He transported other members to Sunday service in the golf cart, helped prepare meals, assisted with food drives, and was part of the  grounds maintenance team.

On the home front, he engaged in yardwork, harvesting his orange tree and playing golf.

Don is survived by his wife, Beverly Oleson Steiff, daughter, Tara Thornock, son, Robert Steiff, (Sheryl Valdez), grandchildren, Andrew Thornock, Christopher Thornock, (Katherine Tantillo), Sarah Bogatay, (David Bogatay), Briyana Steiff and three great-grandchildren.

DAVID BRIAN HAMSON
May 5, 1963 - May 23, 2013

David Brian "Ernie" Hamson, 50, of Kiester, MN, died of cancer Thursday, May 23, 2013, at his home. Memorial services will be held Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wells, MN. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2013 from 4 – 8 p.m. at Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. Pastor Kathy Fullarton will officiate and the interment will be in Rosehill Cemetery in Wells. Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells is in charge of arrangements.
 
David was born May 5, 1963 in Albert Lea, MN, to Ernest and Judith (Anderson) Hamson. He graduated from Wells-Easton High School in 1982. He went to Albert Lea Vo-tech for diesel mechanics. Dave has worked at Winnebago Industries in Forest City, IA for over 15 years, where he was a forklift driver. He loved his job and all his co-workers. He enjoyed riding his Harley, swimming and going to stock car races. He also liked cooking and gardening. What Dave enjoyed most is making somebody's day by telling a joke or making them laugh. He made that his daily goal.

David is survived by his father, Ernest Hamson, Wells; his brother, Tom Hamson, Freeborn, MN; sister, Tammy and husband Chris Brandt, Minnesota Lake, MN; nephew, Justin Roberts and special friend, Alysha VanFleet, Wells, MN; niece, Kelsey Roberts, Minnesota Lake, MN; grandmother, Dorothy Anderson; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many, many friends. He is also survived by his dog, Lucky.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Judith Hamson; his maternal grandfather Gay Anderson; and his paternal grandfather and grandmother, Oscar and Joy Hamson; also an uncle, Lamar, and aunt, Betty, and cousin Brad.

MARY M KENNEDY
March 30, 1907 - May 19, 2013

Mass of Christian Burial for Mary M. Kennedy, 106, of Fairmont, MN, will be 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, May 23, 2013, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Fairmont with interment in Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Fairmont. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, May 22, with a Prayer Service at 7:00 P.M. at the Lakeview Funeral Home in Fairmont. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Mary passed away on Sunday afternoon, May 19, 2013, at the Lakeview Methodist Health Care Center in Fairmont.

Mary Martha (Charnecki) Kennedy was born on March 30, 1907, in Silver Lake Township, MN. She was the daughter of Ignatius and Stancy (Pytleski) Charnecki. She attended school in Martin County School District #92.

On June 26, 1929, Mary was united in marriage to Dennis “Ed” Kennedy. This union was blessed with four children. The couple resided near East Chain before moving to Seneca Township near Armstrong, IA. Mary assisted Ed on the farm where Mary raised chickens, tended a large vegetable, fruit and flower garden each year. In 1957, they moved to Bancroft, IA, and later moved to Fairmont in 1965. Ed and Mary shared 41 years together before Ed passed away on August 19, 1970, at the age of 71.

Mary attended St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Fairmont. During her free time, she enjoyed dancing, playing BINGO, playing pull tabs and traveling to Arizona and Las Vegas. Most recently, Mary still enjoyed playing BINGO as well as visiting with her family and friends.

Left to cherish her memory include her children, Mary Kahler and her husband, Albert, of Titonka, IA, Dennis Kennedy and his wife, Kathryne, of Medical Lake, WA, and Nancy Thilges and her husband, Kenneth, of Pinetop, AZ; daughter-in-law, Janice Kennedy of Armstrong, IA; 14 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; 7 great-great grandchildren; sister, Cecilia Swanson of Forest Lake, MN; sister-in-law, Doris Anderson of Fairmont, MN; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Along with her parents, Ignatius and Stancy Charnecki, Mary is also preceded in death by her husband, Ed Kennedy; son, James Kennedy; brothers, Frank, Joe, John, Leo, Paul, Mike and Tony; and sisters, Gertrude, Helen, Julia, Elizabeth and Kay.

LARRY D. SAPP
April 27, 1940 - May 21, 2013

Larry Sapp, age 73 of Buffalo Center passed away Tuesday May 21, 2013.

A memorial service will be held 1:30 PM Tuesday May 28, 2013 at the Heritage Town Center in Buffalo Center with Pastor Bill Peake officiating. A private family inurnment will be at Olena Mound Cemetery.
Larry was born on April 27, 1940 to Louis and Anabel Sapp in Buffalo Center, Iowa. He spent his life in Buffalo Center where he raised a family, worked and played.

In 1962, Larry married the love of his life, Glenda Anderson. Together they raised four daughters.
As a young man, Larry was a mechanic at Jensvold Implement before opening his own Allis Chalmers dealership. In the early 70’s he went to auctioneer school to earn a little extra money for his family. Anyone who knew Larry knew this became his calling in life, it didn’t take long for it to become his full time career. Larry loved to call an auction; working with Jack DeVries for many years.

Larry loved to ride his motorcycle in his younger years. With Glenda behind him, they would head west at least once a year to sightsee and just enjoy being with each other. As he got older, he replaced the motorcycle with a golf cart and he could be seen cruising around Buffalo Center on his way to and from his shop.

Larry will be greatly missed by his wife of 51 years, Glenda; four daughters, Julie (Hank) Morris, Jodi Sapp, Penny Mitchell and Laurie (Eric) Buchs; ten grandchildren, Bill, Wendy, Dean, Mike, Tony, Bailey, Brandon, Tim, Mary and Andy; six great grandchildren, sister Betty (Chip) Dailey, many nieces and nephews and a sister and brother-in-law.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Donna Strusinski; his parents-in-law and a nephew Brad Quade.

Posted on 16 June 2013 by Jay Lehmann