Lester J. Groe

April 9, 2002

Lester J. Groe, 82, of Lake Mills, Iowa, died on Monday, April 1, 2002, at the St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Funeral services were held on Friday, at the Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills, with Rev. Roger Dykstra and Rev. Kevin Mackey officiating. Inurnment will take place in the Salem Memorial Cemetery in Lake Mills at a later date, with military rites by the Lake Mills Otto/Chose Post #235.

Lester J. Groe, was born November 15, 1919, on the family farm east of Lake Mills, to Gilman and Cora (Troe) Groe. He was baptized and confirmed at the Silver Lake Lutheran Church. He graduated from the Lake Mills High School and served in the Pacific Theater during World War II with the 90th Bomb Group. On July 30, 1950, Lester married Lovenea Lien at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Joice. He had been a member of the Salem Lutheran Church since then. Lester farmed until his retirement and then moved into Lake Mills.

Lester is survived by his loving wife, Lovenea of Lake Mills; two sons, Harold Groe of Peoria Heights, Illinois and Loren and his wife, Tania Groe of Hays, Kansas; four grandchildren, Michael, Joseph, Rachel and Alessandia; three brothers, Raymond and his wife, Evelyn of Lake Mills, Noreen and his wife, Gladys of Northwood and Dennis of Des Moines; five sisters, Carol Willand of Joice, Shirley and her husband, Dale Holstad of Clear Lake, Marge and her husband, Roy Myhr of Ocala, Florida, Jean and her husband, Sam Wilson of Bricelyn, Minnesota and Irene McDowell and her friend, Merle Scovel of Des Moines; one sister-in-law, Helen Groe of Lake Mills; along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother in infancy and two brothers, Orlin and Gaylord; one brother-in-law, Bud Willand; and a sister-in-law, Norma Groe.
© Northwood Anchor 2002

Myrtle Marguerite (Steiger) Krumm

April 9, 2002

Myrtle Marguerite (Steiger) Krumm, 98, of Mason City, formerly of Kensett, died on Tuesday, April 2, 2002, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Friday, at the Bolan United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Robert Cumings officiating. Interment was in the Kensett Cemetery.

Myrtle was born on October 5, 1903 in Barton Township, the daughter of Anton and Anna (Fisher) Steiger. She attended rural school in Worth County and graduated from the Northwood High School in 1921 as the Valedictorian of her class. She taught in the rural schools in Worth County for seven and one-half years. Myrtle married George Krumm on September 5, 1928 at Austin, Minnesota. They lived on farms east of Kensett until retiring in 1972. They then moved to Mason City to live with their daughter, Lois.

Myrtle was a life long member of the Bolan United Methodist Church and participated in many church activities, including teaching Sunday School and serving as President of the Ladies Aid. She enjoyed crocheting, embroidery, crossword puzzles and her daily crypt-a-quote in the newspaper.

Myrtle is survived by her daughter, Lois Krumm of Mason City; her son and daughter-in-law, Lyle and Margaret Krumm of Kensett; three grandchildren, Eloise and Mark Shipman of Corwith, Doyle Hanson of Lafite, Louisiana and Wendy Hanson of Salt Lake City, Utah; three great-grandchildren, Michael and Kelly Shipman and Alexa Hanson Wagner; one sister-in-law, Doris Steiger; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and five siblings, Clarence, Glennis, Irene and Ellis and Lois, who were twins.
© Northwood Anchor 2002

Gladys Karine Hillestad

April 9, 2002

Gladys Karine Hillestad, 94, of Northwood, died on Wednesday, April 3, 2002, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

Memorial services were held on Saturday, at the First Lutheran Church Chapel, Northwood, with Rev. Paul Holmer officiating. Inurnment will be in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood. According to her wishes her body was cremated. The Conner Colonial Chapel of Northwood was in charge of the arrangements.

Gladys Karine Hillestad, was born on February 20, 1908 in rural Northwood, the daughter of Ole and Marie (Peterson) Bergo. Gladys was baptized and reaffirmed the faith of her baptism through confirmation on May 22, 1908, at the First Lutheran Church in Northwood. She attended and received her education in the Northwood School System. After completing her schooling she worked at various stores in Northwood, and was a seamstress and clothes presser for the Trenda Dry Cleaning Store in Northwood. Gladys also did seamstress work for other families in Worth County. She married Ben Hillestad. He preceded her in death.

Gladys enjoyed gardening, flowers, was a good cook, playing the piano, and was a very good at crocheting, sewing and doing seamstress work.

She was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Northwood, the church circle and ladies aid, and was a former member of the Elk Creek Lutheran Church, rural Kensett.

Left to cherish her memory is a sister, Cora Pixley of Northwood; a sister-in-law, Lois Bergo of Northwood; and several cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ben Hillestad; and a brother, Palmer Bergo.
© Northwood Anchor 2002

Arminda Elizabeth Buechele

April 9, 2002

Arminda Elizabeth Buechele, 98, of Grafton, died on Wednesday, April 3, 2002, at the Good Samaritan Center in St. Ansgar.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton, with the Rev. Wayne Ellingson officiating. Interment was in the Grafton Cemetery.

Arminda was born on March 11, 1904 at Belgrade, Minnesota, the daughter of Harry and Minnie (Lutz) Rappath. She attended school at Belgrade, Eden Valley, and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Arminda married Emil Buechele on September 14, 1923 in Minneapolis. The couple moved to Grafton in 1926. She worked in Walk's Store for over 25 years. Arminda was a faithful member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton.

Survivors include a daughter, Jane Buechele of Grafton; sister, Berneice Maker (who made her home with the couple) and her husband, Bob of Corvallis, Montana; brother, Rev. Harry Rappath and his wife, Evelyn of Prescott, Arizona; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Emil in 1985; sisters, Hazel Gerstenkorn, Vera Bork and Elsie Rappath; and brother, Bill Rappath.
© Northwood Anchor 2002

Wilma Ruth Perkins

April 9, 2002

Wilma Ruth Perkins, 88, of Northwood, Iowa, died on Thursday, April 4, 2002, at the Muse Norris Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Monday, April 8, at the Deer Creek Lutheran Church, Carpenter, with Rev. Kathy Larson officiating. Burial was in the Deer Creek Cemetery. The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood, was in charge of the arrangements.

Wilma was born on October 24, 1913 in Northwood, to Sam O. and Marie (Allanson) Thompson. Wilma graduated from the Northwood High School and received a teaching certificate from the Iowa State Normal College in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She taught school for several years in rural Worth County. Wilma and Clinton "Happy" Perkins were married in St. Ansgar, on August 21, 1937. She enjoyed her life as a homemaker and helper to her husband on the various farms they lived on in Worth and Mitchell Counties. She served as bookkeeper for the Deer Creek Cheese Factory.

She was an expert seamstress and her daughters always looked forward to a new dress for Christmas, Easter and the beginning of school. She was an active member of the Deer Creek Lutheran Church, where she sang in the choir, was a member of a woman's quartet, often served as circle leader and held various offices in the Ladies Aid. She served as the Christmas Seals Township Chairwoman several years, was active in the Republican Party, Worth County Farm Bureau Women, Carpenter Friendship Club and participated on a bowling team. Wilma enjoyed music and encouraged her daughters in piano, instrumental and vocal music. Her favorite pastime was playing cards with family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clinton; and sister, Fern Thompson.

Wilma is survived by her five daughters, Carol (Lloyd) Tinkey of Yankton, South Dakota, Doreen (Duane) Dorenkamp of Sheffield and Lansing, Iowa, Eileen Brunsvold of Clear Lake, Iowa, Nancy (Richard) Vaught of Greer, South Carolina and Barbara (Dale) Eppens of Clear Lake, Iowa; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be directed to the Deer Creek Lutheran Church, Carpenter, Iowa.
© Northwood Anchor 2002

Leona E. Foley

April 9, 2002

Leona E. Foley, 96, of Northwood, died on Thursday, April 4, 2002, at the Lutheran Retirement Home, Northwood.

Funeral services were held on Monday, at the First Lutheran Church, Northwood, with Rev. Paul Holmer and Rev. Allan Stoa officiating. Burial was in the Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood. The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood, was in charge of the arrangements.

Leona Ernestine Foley, was born on September 8, 1905 at Grafton, Iowa, to William and Martha (Beyer) Kanzenbach. She was baptized in the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Grafton, on October 16, 1905 by Pastor John Landdeck. She attended the Grafton School graduating from the Grafton High School. After 8th grade she attended Parochial School for six months in Grafton, upon which she was confirmed at the Emmanuel Lutheran by Pastor Carl Landdeck.

Leona married Lawrence Wilde on January 24, 1926. They lived on a farm southeast of Grafton until Lawrence's death on November 19, 1929. Leona and her two-year-old daughter, Florence, moved to Grafton where Leona worked at various homes taking care of sick and newborn babies. She also worked in the onion, potato and cabbage fields near St. Ansgar. She then worked in the telephone office in Grafton.

Leona married Clarence Foley on December 7, 1938 at Clarksville, Iowa. They lived on a farm southeast of Northwood where she continued to live until October 1989 when she moved to Northwood. She loved the outdoors, gardening, fieldwork and working with animals as well as crocheting, quilting, sewing, tatting, embroidering and hand work. She rolled bandages and knit sweaters for the Red Cross during World War I.

She was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; two sons-in-law; five brothers, Melvin, Herman, Arthur, Wilmer and Ruben; one sister, Irene; and several nieces and nephews.

Leona is survived by her daughter, Florence Klitzke of Northwood; four grandchildren, Ruben (Carrie) of Eagen, Minnesota, Linda (Michael) Reberry of Ankeny, Iowa, Larry (Karen) of Northwood and Wendy (Douglas) McMullen of Spencer, Iowa; nine great-grandchildren, Bryce Foley, Alison Woog, Kathleen Westphal, Chris McMullen, Jonathon Reberry, Megan Reberry, Lisa Foley, Krista Foley and Andrea Foley; two great-great-grandchildren, Blake and Isabella Woog; one sister, Ruth Smith of Grafton; and many nieces and nephews and cousins.
© Northwood Anchor 2002

Velma L. Gaarder

April 9, 2002

Velma L. Gaarder, 92, of Albert Lea, died on Friday, April 5, 2002, at the Good Samaritan Center.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, at the United Methodist Church, Albert Lea. The Rev. Greg Ciesluk officiated with burial in the Hillcrest Cemetery.

Velma Leota (Pope) Gaarder, was born on July 31, 1909 in Otranto Township, to Alfred and Cora (Richards) Pope. She was confirmed in the Otranto Community Church. She attended and graduated from the Otranto and Carpenter Schools. She married Morris Gaarder in 1925.

Velma resided in Albert Lea and Minneapolis returning to Albert Lea in 1991. She worked for the JC Penney Company in Albert Lea and Minneapolis until she retired. She also worked for Korner Plaza in Richfield. She was a member of the United Methodist Church.

Survivors include her daughter, Marcia Moyer Albert Lea; son, Robert and wife, Gertrude Gaarder of Mankato; four grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one sister, Marjorie Nicholson of Winnebago; sister-in-law, Esther Gaarder of Northwood; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Morris; sisters, Veta Myhre and Irma Osmonson; and son-in-law, Jerome Moyer.
© Northwood Anchor 2002

Arthur "Pete" Peterson

April 17, 2002

Arthur "Pete" Peterson, 63, died at his home in Kimballton, Iowa, on Saturday, April 6, 2002.

Funeral service were held on Tuesday, at the Ohde Funeral Home, Kimballton, with Pastor Michael Williams officiating.

Arthur Oliver, son of Gilbert and Alvina (Lau) Peterson, was born on October 20, 1938 in Worth County, Iowa. The family lived on a farm in Minnesota and Art was the fifteenth of 16 children. He was baptized as an infant in Worth County and later confirmed at the Deer Creek Lutheran Church. He attended school at Northwood and then enlisted in the United States Army where he completed a technical course. During his military service he was stationed in Germany. On July 26, 1958, he married Shirley Forde, his childhood sweetheart, at the First Shell Rock Lutheran Church in Northwood. Three children were born to this union.

The family lived in Northwood and Des Moines before moving to Colorado in 1960. In 1974, they moved back to Iowa, first to Elk Horn and in 1998 to Kimballton. Art worked as a meatpacker and mechanic before starting to work for American Snowblast in Colorado where he traveled throughout the United States and in Turkey. He worked for AGP in Manning from which he retired.

In his spare time, Art enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, boating, bonfires, gardening and taking care of his trees and beautiful yard. He was especially fond of the mountains. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and grandkids. Art was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the National Rifle Association.

Preceding Art in death were his parents; brothers, Harlan Peterson in January 2002; father and mother-in-law, Selmer J. and Rose Forde; brothers-in-law, Ronald Johnson, Kenton Nelson, Ed Gregutis, John Dempewolf, Kenneth Nelson and Jerry Forde; and sister-in-law, Julia Peterson.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley Peterson of Kimballton; three children, Sherry (Butch) Eisma of Ireton, Steve (Kay) Peterson of Cresco and Susan Danner of Elk Horn; nine grandchildren; two great-grandsons; seven sisters, Belean Johnson of Navarre, Florida, Loretta Nelson of Forest City, Phyllis Cordora of Calument City, Illinois, Marjorie Gregutis of Munster, Indiana, Dorothy Dempewolf of Northglenn, Colorado, Genevieve (John) Kirschof of Albert Lea, Minnesota and Rena (Jim) Christensen of Farmington, Minnesota; seven brothers, Maynard (Maxine) Peterson of Albin, Indiana, Arnold Peterson of Glenville, Minnesota, Lemoine (Pat) Peterson of Hastings, Minnesota, Norman (Connie) Peterson of Albert Lea, Minnesota, Palmer (Crystal) Peterson of Twin Lakes, Minnesota, Gaylord (Darlene) Peterson of Albert Lea, Minnesota and Gordon (Linda) Peterson of Glenville, Minnesota; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends surviving include Shirley's family, Doris (Aldy) Asbornson of Kensett, Beverly Nelson of Northwood, Stanley (Cynthia) Forde of Hempsted, Texas, Ron (Liz) Forde of Louisiana and Norma (Bill) Sparks of LeMars, Iowa.
© Northwood Anchor 2002

Emma M. Skjeveland

April 17, 2002

Emma M. Skjeveland, 86, of St. Ansgar, died on Saturday, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, at the Deer Creek Lutheran Church, Carpenter, with Rev. Kathy Larson officiating. Burial was in the Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood.

Emma Minnie (Rasmussen) Skjeveland, was born on May 19, 1915, to Peter and Ida (White) Rasmussen in Worth County, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. She received her education at Deer Creek No. 6 School.

On March 9, 1935 she married Clarence Gaylord Skjeveland at the First Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar. Emma and Clarence farmed in the Manchester and Conger, Minnesota areas from 1935 until 1971. They attended the Grace Lutheran Church in Alden, Minnesota. They retired to an acreage near Otranto, Iowa, for about 18 years. They joined the Deer Creek Lutheran Church at Carpenter.

She worked part-time at the lumber yard in Carpenter for several of those years. In 1989 they moved into an apartment in St. Ansgar, where she lived until April 4, 2002, when she fell and broke her hip.

Emma enjoyed having company and conversation, playing cards, fishing trips with family, dancing and her grandchildren.

Survivors include one son, Charles and wife, Kathy Skjeveland of Cresco, Iowa; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents; husband; four brothers; and eight sisters, preceded her in death.
© Northwood Anchor 2002

Obert G. Skatter

April 17, 2002

Obert G. Skatter, 78, of Lake Mills, died on Tuesday, April 9, 2002, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Friday, at the Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills, with Rev. Kevin Mackey and Rev. Roger Dykstra officiating. Burial was in the Salem Memorial Cemetery.

Obert George Skatter, was born on May 8, 1923 in Joice, Iowa, the son of Otto and Gunhild (Norstrud) Skatter. He was baptized and confirmed at the Bethel Lutheran Church. He attended the Joice Public School. He was a Corporal in the Army Air Force stationed in Japan from March 30, 1946 to September 10, 1947. He married Hazel Oyer on September 21, 1947 in Worth County. He was a farmer for 18 years and a carpenter in the Lake Mills area for many years until retiring in 1988. He was a member of the American Legion.

Survivors include his wife, Hazel of Lake Mills; children, Manford and his wife, Cathy Skatter of Joice, Barbara Thompson of Mesa, Arizona and Loren and his wife, Sandy Skatter of Lake Mills; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; brothers and sisters, Mildred Olson, Alfred and Bernice Skatter, Ruth and Dave Loehr, all of Albert Lea, Minnesota; one sister-in-law, Jan Skatter of Crystal, Minnesota; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Agnes; brother, James; brother-in-law, DeWitt Olson; son-in-law, Ronald Thompson; and great-grandchild, Anthony Strathman.
© Northwood Anchor 2002

David Harm Ackerman

April 17, 2002

David Harm Ackerman, 51, of Rock Falls, died on Friday, April 12, 2002, at his home.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Mason City, with Rev. Jim Magelssen officiating. Burial was in the Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery in Mason City, with military honors by the Mason City Veterans of Foreign Wars.

David Harm Ackerman, was born on June 30, 1950 in Iowa City, Iowa, the son of Henry Harm and Carmen (Kenward) Ackerman. He attended and received his education in Mason City, Northwood and in California. He was inducted into the U.S. Army serving in the Vietnam Conflict from 1968 until 1970, serving with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. He also served two years in the National Guard in Mason City. David worked for Heartland Asphalt and other asphalt companies for 23 years before his illness in 1997.

He married Judy Ann James on March 17, 1995 in Mason City.

He enjoyed watching and playing with his grandchildren and also visiting with the friends that he worked with. He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Mason City, and a life member of the Mason City Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Judy Ackerman of Rock Falls; two daughters and one step-daughter, Deanna Morrill of Des Moines, Desarae Ackerman of Rock Falls and Shawn Nicholson of Mason City; one step-son, David Nicholson of Mason City; his mother, Carmen Ackerman of Mason City; grandchildren and step-grandchildren include Dusty Colon of Mason City, Travis and Jacob Vega-Nicholson of Mason City and Christopher Morrill of Rock Falls and an adopted granddaughter, Paige Dodd of Lake Mills; three sisters, Cherry Baugh and her husband, Johnny of Owatonna, Minnesota, Barbara and Dawn Ackerman of Mason City; two brothers, Russell and Kirk Ackerman of Mason City; as well as other relatives and friends.

His father, Henry Ackerman; a sister, Kathy Ackerman; and paternal and maternal grandparents, preceded him in death.
© Northwood Anchor 2002

Cecil C. Jones

April 30 2002

Cecil C. Jones, 85, of Northwood, died on Monday, April 22, 2002, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood, with Rev. Richard Jensen officiating. Burial was in the Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood.

Cecil was born on June 16, 1916 in Charles City, Iowa, to Charles and Cora (Meyer) Jones. He and his family moved to Northwood when he was eight years old. He attended country school on the east side of town until the eighth grade. When Cecil was 18 years old he purchased a 1934 Allis Chalmers tractor in Clear Lake which he recently has given to some special friends. He served in World War II from 1942 to 1945. In 1945 he married Ferne McQuatters. They farmed 160 acres east of town. Ferne passed away in 1967 from cancer. Cecil never remarried and moved to town.

His favorite pastimes included playing the organ and working with wood. He has made 44 cedar chests, seven gun cabinets and 16 grandfather clocks, numerous doll houses, mirrors and anything else he could tackle.

Survivors include his sister, Catherine Opkis of St. Ansgar; many nieces and nephews; two sisters-in-law, Essie Ruen of Summerfield, Florida and Irma Dessent of Chicago, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Helen Crane; and brothers, Art, Gordon and Dean.
© Northwood Anchor 2002

Ruby Marie Koeder

April 30 2002

Ruby Marie Koeder, 82, Pequot Lakes, Minnesota and formerly of Northwood, died on Wednesday, April 24, 2002, at the Whispering Pines Good Samaritan Center in Pine River.

Services were held on Monday, at the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Pequot Lakes, with Pastor Frank Milo officiating. Burial was in the Pequot Lakes Village Cemetery.

Ruby was born on June 13, 1919 in Kensett, Iowa, to John and Inger (Rasmussen) Nelson. She was a member of the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Pequot Lakes, the Pequot Lakes American Legion Auxiliary, arts, crafts and quilting group and the Ladies Guild of the Gloria Dei Church. She was very active in the kitchen at the church serving for various church functions.

Survivors include her daughter, Darlene Hofius of Pine River; sister, Martha Von Hagen of Estherville, Iowa; and granddaughter, Tracy Kellen of Beardsley, Minnesota.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Herman Steinhauer and Elmer Koeder; four brothers, Harry, Sophus, Raymond and Emil; and four sisters, Viola, Olga, Rosella and Irene.
© Northwood Anchor 2002

Larry G. Walk

April 30 2002

Larry G. Walk, 59, of Little Cedar, died suddenly on Saturday, April 27, 2002, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville, with Fr. Joseph Schneider officiating. Interment was in the Visitation Catholic Cemetery in Stacyville.

Larry was born on May 26, 1942 in Mason City, the son of George and Dorothy (Luth) Walk. He graduated from the Little Cedar High School in 1960. He married Louise Adams on July 20, 1974 at Stacyville, Iowa. He farmed and had worked at White Farm in Charles City, Fieldstone Cabinets in Northwood, and was now a mechanic at Fox River Mills in Osage.

Larry loved his family and enjoyed gardening, yard work, building things, and many other outdoor activities.

Survivors include his wife, Louise of Little Cedar; one son, Lynn Joseph Walk of Little Cedar; sister-in-law, Carolyn Walk of Rochester, Minnesota; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Duane Walk in September 2001; and many aunts and uncles.
© Northwood Anchor 2002