Robert Rush Culver

April 7, 2004

Robert Rush Culver, 83, of Manly, died on Thursday, April 1, 2004, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, surrounded by his family.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, at the Bethel United Methodist Church in Manly, with the Rev. Robert Cumings officiating. Burial was in the Manly cemetery, with military honors by the Edward Tosel American Legion Post #110.

Robert Rush Culver, was born on September 9, 1920 in St. Ansgar, Iowa, the son of Rush and Emma (Holden) Culver. He attended and received his education in the Manly School System, graduating from the Manly High School in 1938. After graduating from high school he attended Upper Iowa University in Fayette for two years. He enlisted on October 3, 1942 and was inducted into active duty in the U.S. Army on July 27, 1943, and was trained as a cryptographer in the signal corps, and served overseas in the Pacific Theater in Calcutta, India, during World War II. After his honorable discharge on May 26, 1946, he came back to Manly and in the fall of 1946, he enrolled at the University of Iowa, graduating with a B.A. Degree in Journalism in 1948.

Robert moved back to Manly and went into partnership with his dad at the Manly Signal Newspaper. After his dad retired, he took over the newspaper as editor and publisher in 1950. He married Marjorie Wyatt on August 3, 1952 in Hudson, Iowa. After their marriage, together they owned and operated the Manly Signal until they retired in 1994, as a third generation editor and publisher of the weekly newspaper.

He enjoyed golfing, tennis, sports, and living part time in Clear Lake, but his great love and enjoyment was his family. He was a member of the Bethel United Methodist Church in Manly; over 50 year member of the Edward Tosel American Legion Post #110 of Manly; over 50 year member of the Grand Lodge AF & AM; Heather Hill Chapter OES; Manly Lions Club; Manly Jaycees; Hawkeye Press Club; Scoutmaster for eight years; Secretary for the Manly Rural Telephone Company and was the City Clerk in Manly for over 25 years.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Marjorie Culver of Manly; two sons, Dale Culver and his wife, Ann of Ames and David Culver and his wife, Diane of Iowa City; three grandchildren, Alex and Evan Culver of Ames and Emily Culver of Iowa City; two sisters, Dorothy Stanley of Littleton, Colorado and Beverly Oltman of Cedar Falls; eight nephews and one niece; as well as other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his uncle/step-father, William W. Wood; a nephew, Douglas Stanley; three brothers-in-law, Jack Stanley, Max Oltman and Robert F. Wyatt.

The Bride Colonial Chapel, Manly, was in charge of the arrangements.
© Northwood Anchor 2004

Wilmer Landherr

April 7, 2004

Wilmer Landherr, 86, of Stacyville, Iowa, died on Thursday, April 1, 2004, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

Funeral services were held on Monday, at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville, with Rev. Mark Reasoner officiating. The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, was in charge of the arrangements.

Wilmer was born on April 5, 1917 in Adams, Minnesota, to Aloysious and Elizabeth (Heumann) Landherr. He grew up near Rose Creek, Minnesota. On October 14, 1944, he married Evangeline Gerber in Johnsburg, Minnesota and spent his entire married life on the farm west of Stacyville. To this union were born five sons and five daughters.

Wilmer enjoyed hunting and trapping, attending auction sales and playing cards. He was a 21-year member of the Board of Directors at the Stacyville Community Nursing Home where he served as Secretary for many years.

Wilmer is survived by his wife of 59 years, Evangeline; 10 children, James of Cedar Rapids, Ronald (Audrey) of Marion, Mary Jean (David) Johnson of DeWitt, Janet (Dwight) Jorgensen of St. Ansgar, Kathryn (Wayne) Halvorson of Chatfield, Minnesota, Thomas (Elaine) and Harold (Vicki), both of Stacyville, Annette Hagen of Northwood, Ruth (James) Dieterich of Galesburg, Illinois and John (Annette) of Marshalltown; 33 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Velma Matheis of Adams, Minnesota, Betty Landherr of LeRoy, Minnesota and Louise Landherr of Austin, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Eugene Landherr; sister, Rosella Jorgenson; son-in-law, Robert Hagen; and grandchildren, Michelle Johnson and Daniel Hagen.
© Northwood Anchor 2004

Vernon V. Lyford

April 7, 2004

Vernon V. Lyford, 88, of The Willows, formerly of Manly, died on Friday, April 2, 2004, at the Manly Care Center.

His funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, April 8, at the Grace Evangelical Free Church, Mason City, with Rev. Scott Davis officiating. A graveside service will follow at 2:00 p.m., at the Manly Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6-7:30 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Bride Colonial Chapel, Manly and also for one hour prior to the services at the church.

Vernon was born on June 29, 1915 in rural Worth County, a son of Lloyd and Nina (Battlin) Lyford. He graduated from the Manly High School in 1933 and from Iowa State College in 1938. Vernon married Nina Jackson on December 24, 1939 in Dumont, Iowa. He was an Agronomist for the Federal Land Conservation for several years before returning to farming near Manly in 1942. Vernon was the first pipeline dairy farmer in the area and enjoyed raising several varieties of farm animals until his retirement in 1981.

Vernon was an active member of his community serving as a longtime member and former president of several boards including the district Dairy Milk Association, the North Central School Board and the Grace Evangelical Free Church. He also served on the Worth County Tax Review Board and was active with Youth for Christ and the Gideon's.

Vernon is survived by his wife, Nina of The Willows; four children, Charles Lyford M.D. and his wife, Joyce of Glen Rock, Wyoming, Joyce and Rev. Marvin Koelling of Kearney, Nebraska, Lawrence D. Lyford M.D. and his wife, Kimmye of Wichita Falls, Texas and Barbara Jean Swanson and her husband, Steven of Lake Forest, California; 10 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a sister, Virginia Barker of Boone; and a brother, Lowell Lyford of Battle Ground, Washington.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Maurine Holden; and one grandchild.
© Northwood Anchor 2004

Roscelia G. Willert

April 14, 2004

Roscelia G. Willert, 93, of Northwood, formerly of Lake Mills, died on Monday, April 5, 2004, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, at the Elk Creek Lutheran Church, rural Kensett, with Rev. Al Stoa officiating. Burial was in the Concordia Cemetery, rural Joice. The Mittelstadt Funeral Home, Lake Mills, was in charge of the arrangements.

Roscelia Geneve (Lee) Willert, was born on July 27, 1910 near Joice, to Gilman and Carrie (Trustem) Lee. She was baptized in the Concordia Church by Rev. A.M. Torgeson and confirmed on July 27, 1914 in the Concordia Church by Rev. L. E. Kleppe. She took four years of Bible Study and received a certificate to teach Bible School for all grades. In the 1930's she taught Bible School during the summer in several country schools. Roscelia was an organist at the Concordia Church for over 22 years. She also enjoyed to sing, and she did this in many different ways and places. She became a member of the Elk Creek Church Choir and also the Solvig Singers. Roscelia was Vice-President of the North Central Music Mothers, and was also a 4-H Leader in Worth County for 23 years, receiving many awards.

On November 15, 1940, Roscelia married Johnnie Willert at the Concordia Church by the Rev. L. F. Scheie. They farmed in several communities in north Iowa and southern Minnesota. While helping her husband with the farm work and raising their three children, she still took time to teach Sunday School for many years. She was President and held many other offices in both Ladies Aid and circle. Baking, canning, and sewing were many of her enjoyments. In 1976, they quit farming and moved to Lake Mills. Roscelia was a volunteer driver for Social Service for five years. She then became a bookkeeper for several apartments and houses in Lake Mills. She always loved her church and felt lost when she was unable to attend services any longer.

Survivors include her husband, Johnnie of Northwood; three children, Judith Tietz and her husband, John of Cedar Rapids, Christie Kobernusz and her husband, Richard of Norwalk and Gaylan Willert and his wife, Kathy of Rochester, Minnesota; six grandchildren, Tim (Carol) Tietz, Tammy (Joe) Carolan, Brad (Julie) Kobernusz, Jeff (Lisa) Willert, Mike (Andrea) Willert and Steve (Michelle) Willert; 10 great-grandchildren, Diedra, Laura, Shannon, Nicole, Remy, Megan, Austin, Tyler, John, and Christopher; and many extended relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and two great-grandsons, Andrew and David Willert.
© Northwood Anchor 2004

Kimberly “Kim” Sue Hudson

April 14, 2004

Kimberly "Kim" Sue Hudson, 46, of The Colony, Texas, formerly of Northwood, died on Thursday, April 8, 2004, at the Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, Texas.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, April 16, at the United Methodist Church, Northwood, with Rev. Richard Jensen officiating. Burial will be in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service time on Friday at the church. The Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood, is in charge of the arrangements.

Kimberly Sue Hudson, was born on November 14, 1957 in Des Moines, Iowa. She attended and received her education in the Northwood-Kensett Community Schools and graduated from the Northwood-Kensett High School in 1976. Kim also graduated from La'James College of Hairstyling and Cosmetology in Mason City. After completing her schooling she worked as a cosmetologist for Marge Reutzel in Northwood before owning her own beauty shop in Northwood, moving to Farmer's Branch, Texas in 1984, and worked for Great Clips. She was united in marriage to Donald Hudson on May 18, 1985 in Farmer's Branch. Kim attended a business school and worked for the Sysco Computer Company until diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.

She enjoyed reading, art work, bowling, going with friends to stamp parties, and selling Tupperware products. After research, Kim found her biological family about 3 years ago and enjoyed getting to know and spend time with them. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Northwood and was also a member of the Trinity Presbyterian Church in The Colony, Texas.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Donald Hudson of The Colony; a daughter, Jaime Stumo and her fiancée, David Walthall of The Colony; a son, Kevin Hudson of The Colony; a step-daughter, Brooke Kelsey of Vancouver, Washington; her parents, George and Joanne Kesler of Northwood; a step-grandson, Skylar Kelsey of Vancouver; her biological mother, Meredythe Munson and Mike Hunt of Golden City, Missouri; her grandmother, Mardelle Akin of Waterloo; a half-brother, Richard Munson and his children, Christopher and Ryan of Clever, Missouri; two half-sisters, Elaine Casey and her husband, Charles of Miller, Missouri and Charlene Foreman and her husband, Chris and their children, Damitra and Darius of Richmond, Virginia; a sister-in-law, Ann Sletten and her husband, Mervin and their children, Katie and Kristi and granddaughter, McKenzie of Mason City; a brother-in-law, John Hudson of Waxahachie, Texas; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Kevin Kesler in 1978.
© Northwood Anchor 2004

Kelly Kristine Maher

April 14, 2004

Kelly Kristine Maher, 17, of Northwood, Iowa, died on Friday, April 9, 2004, as the result of a car accident south of Twin Lakes, Minnesota.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, April 12, at the Silver Lake Lutheran Church in rural Northwood, with Rev. Thomas Hagen officiating. Burial took place in the St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery in rural Lake Mills.

Kelly Kristine Maher, was born on November 16, 1986 in Albert Lea, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Pat and Bonnie (Monson) Maher. She was baptized and confirmed at the Silver Lake Lutheran Church. She was a junior at the Glenville-Emmons High School. During Kelly's precious, short life, she was involved in marching band, pep band, softball, volleyball, youth group, and a leadership class, all which she loved.

Kelly loved shopping, dancing and music, dying hair and "hanging out" with all of her friends. Kelly had a buoyant and vibrant personality and loved life.

Kelly is survived by her loving parents, Pat and Bonnie Maher; her brothers, Jay Monson and Sean Maher and his fiancée, Lindsey Bernau; grandmothers, Blanche Monson and Mary Maher; aunts and uncles, Theresa (Dan) Hogan of Andover, Minnesota, Ed (Renee) Maher of Ham Lake, Minnesota, Helen (Pat) Hosch of Andover, Kathleen (Randy) Wrolson of Albert Lea, Larry (Devona) Maher of Emmons, Ardien (Rose) Monson of Emmons, Iona (Buzz) Boelter of Albert Lea, Gloria (Danny) Bolhuis of Glenville, Derald (Judy) Monson of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, Gale (Phyllis) Monson of Lake Mills and Wally Monson of Emmons; along with many cousins and friends.

Kelly was preceded in death by her grandfathers, George Monson and Robert Maher.

Kelly loved life, her family and her many friends. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. Blessed be her memory!
© Northwood Anchor 2004

Karen Plummer

May 12, 2004

Karen Plummer, 62, died on Saturday, April 17, 2004, at her home in Apache Junction, Arizona, of natural causes.

Memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 15, at 2:00 p.m., at the First Lutheran Church, Northwood. Inurnment will follow the services in the Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood.

Karen was born on December 5, 1941, to Curtis and Luella (Holstad) Leidal in Albert Lea, Minnesota. She graduated from the Northwood-Kensett High School in 1960 and Hamilton’s Business College in 1961. She worked in banks in Clarion, Mason City, Des Moines and Mesa, Arizona. She married Robert Plummer on April 9, 1987 in Mesa, Aizona.

She was a member of the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Mesa. She was also a very active member of the local Moose Fraternity in Mesa and enjoyed bowling and music.

She is survived by her husband, Bob; one son, Kevin Ganji of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; one grandson, Joshua Ganji; her parents, Curtis and Luella Leidal; one step-daughter, Rebecca Kay (Todd) Darlan; one step-son, Russell J. Plummer; two step-grandchildren, Matthew and Lisa Darlan; two sisters, LaVerne (Ken) Fredrickson of Kensett and Kathy (Tom) Christianson of Hayfield, Minnesota; two brothers, LeRoy (Lonna) Leidal of Hudson, Wisconsin and Kevin (Rebecca) Leidal of Solon, Iowa; one sister-in-law, Hazel Lee Burgett of Des Moines; five nieces; four nephews; three great-nieces; three great-nephews; one great-great-niece; and many other relatives and friends.

Memorials may be given in memory of Karen to Opportunity Village, Clear Lake.
© Northwood Anchor 2004

Morris A. “Mike” Larsen

May 5, 2004

Morris A. “Mike” Larsen, died on Saturday, April 17, 2004, in the Compassionate Care Hospice at the St. Clare’s Hospital/Dover, New Jersey. He was 81.

Mr. Larsen was an active member of the Notre Dame of Mount Carmel Church on Ridgedale Avenue in Cedar Knolls, New Jersey, where a funeral Liturgy was held on Thursday, April 22. Interment followed in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover.

Born in 1923 and raised in Northwood, Iowa, he had lived in Washington, D.C., for many years before moving to Whippany, New Jersey in 1973. He graduated from the Northwood High School in 1941. He held a bachelors degree in government from George Washington University, where he also took several graduate courses. Mr. Larsen was a civilian employee of the Department of the Army at the Pentagon for 31 years. He was a personnel management specialist for the civilian personnel division. He retired in 1973. He was a member of the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Council of the Knights of Columbus in Hanover and an avid fisherman and reader, Mr. Larsen also enjoyed music.

He was the husband of the late Mary (Callen) Larsen; and the brother of Max Larsen of Minneapolis and the late Clarence “Pete” Larsen, John Larsen and Helen Mercer. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
© Northwood Anchor 2004

John Lawrence Havlik

April 28, 2004

John Lawrence Havlik, 90, of Northwood, died on Wednesday, April 21, 2004, at the St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, at the First Lutheran Church, Northwood, with Pastors Philip and Marilyn Peters officiating. Burial was in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood. The family of John Lawrence Havlik has requested that memorial contributions be made to the First Lutheran Church in Northwood or to the Northwood Public Library in his memory. The Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood, was in charge of the arrangements.

John Lawrence Havlik, was born on May 18, 1913, the son of Paul and Anna (Jurisek) Havlik in Chicago, Illinois. He attended grade school in Ventura and graduated from the Britt High School. John farmed most of his life in the Northwood area. He married Marian Brandt on May 18, 1984, in Melvin, Iowa.

His greatest love of farming and gardening were continued until his death. He will be remembered for his gorgeous gladiolus, his generous heart and will be sadly missed by his friends and family. John also enjoyed going to the Corner Post in Northwood visiting with his many friends, and traveling both in the United States and overseas. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Northwood.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Marian Havlik of Northwood; a daughter, Karen Barnett and her husband, Duane of Windsor, Colorado; a son, Jack Havlik of Longview, Texas; three grandchildren, Dan Starkson and his wife, Kellie of Wheatland, Wyoming and their children, Tyler and Kaity; Scott Starkson and his wife, Julie of Loveland, Colorado and their children, Scott Mykel, Matt, and Billy; and Steven Starkson and his wife, Carrie of Johnstown, Colorado; a step-daughter, Donna Unahalekhaka of Mountain City, Tennessee; and a step-son, Rod Brandt and his wife, Cathy of Forest City; two sisters, Evelyn Christians of Garner and Mildred Wetterling of Carroll; as well as other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Ruth; and two sisters.
© Northwood Anchor 2004

Arlo I. Wyborny

April 28, 2004

Arlo I. Wyborny, 64, of rural St. Ansgar, died on Friday, April 23, 2004, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Monday, at the Bethel United Methodist Church in Manly, with Rev. Robert Cumings officiating. Burial was in the Rock Falls Cemetery on Monday. The Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood, was in charge of the arrangements.

Arlo I. Wyborny, was born on May 31, 1939 in Mason City, the son of Herbert and Luella (Christiansen) Wyborny. He attended school at Rock Falls and graduated in 1957. Arlo worked on road construction for five years. He married Sharon Swanson on January 6, 1961, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua and to this union two sons were born. Arlo started farming in 1961 and farmed in the Plymouth and Carpenter areas for 30 years before being forced into retirement in 1991, due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Arlo enjoyed gardening and sharing his produce with everyone. He was an avid sportsman, enjoying hunting, fishing and camping. He loved training his dogs for pheasant hunting and was very successful in so doing. Arlo was also a great entrepreneur. Arlo acquired many friends in his life time and one of his favorite pastimes was playing cards with them. He also had a great sense of humor. He had a great love for his wife, children, grandchildren, family and friends.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Sharon Wyborny of rural St. Ansgar; daughter, Debora Risius and her husband, Don of Garner; two sons, Jeff and Gregg Wyborny both of Phoenix, Arizona; six grandchildren, Stacy, Brandy, Cherrice, Blake, Cody and Quentin; his mother, Luella Kaldenberg of Mason City; two sisters, Novella White and her husband, Don of Rock Falls and Marjorie Moore and her husband, Duaine of Scottsdale, Arizona; three brothers, Roger Wyborny and his wife, Shirley of Rock Falls, Randy Wyborny of Longmont, Colorado and Jim Wyborny and his wife, Christi of Nora Springs; as well as other relatives and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Herbert Wyborny; step-father, George Kaldenberg; and his grandparents.
© Northwood Anchor 2004

Ann Litts

April 28, 2004

Ann Litts, died on Wednesday, January 21, 2004, in Tucson, Arizona.

A graveside service of interment of ashes will be held on Saturday, May 1, at 2:00 p.m., at the Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood.

Ann Margaret Litts, was born on July 4, 1916 in Creighton, Nebraska. She was the daughter of Fred and Emma Opkis. During her life Ann was a housewife and daycare provider to many children. She also worked in industry during World War II and later for DW Products in Cedar Rapids. Ann and her husband, Avery moved back to Northwood in the 70’s where they purchased her parent’s house on Central Avenue. Later they moved to Tucson, Arizona, to be with their daughter, Phyllis Farinsky.

Survivors include a sister, Dorothy Sherrard; sister-in-law, Catherine Opkis of Northwood; daughter, Phyllis Farinsky of Tucson, Arizona; step-son, Stephen of Spirit Lake, Iowa; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Emma Opkis; her husband, Avery; and one brother, Everett Opkis.
© Northwood Anchor 2004

Glenda Emmons Strieter

May 12, 2004

Glenda Emmons Strieter, 47, of Minneapolis, died on Thursday, April 29, 2004, at her home.

Funeral services were held on Monday, May 3, at the Bethany Lutheran Church at Minneapolis.

Glenda was born on June 26, 1956 in Minneapolis. She attended school at Northwood-Kensett, NIACC and the Lutheran School of Nursing in Des Moines. A talented pianist and flutist, she played in the Seward Concert Band of Minneapolis and toured Europe in the spring of 2001. Members of the Seward Concert Band played at her funeral, music which she arranged. They also played for her at her home.

She had been a member of the First Lutheran Church in Northwood, took part in choir and in her church at Minneapolis, playing many times in church at weddings and other churches in Minneapolis. She also played at her father’s funeral.

Left to cherish her memory is her mother, Sue Emmons of Northwood; birth mother, Marion Peterson of Maryland; her husband, Tom; children, Laura, Angela and Matthew; brother, Henry and his wife, Jane and Eric and Mark; and many friends.

Thank you friends for memorial contributions and gifts to the Theological Seminary in memory of Glenda.
© Northwood Anchor 2004