James Duane Lee

June 9, 2004

James Duane Lee, 76, of Northwood, died on Sunday, June 6, 2004, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit. Mason City, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 10, at 10:30 a.m., at the First Lutheran Church, Northwood. Rev. Wayne Hagen will officiate. Burial will be in the Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood. Visitation will be on Wednesday, from 4:30 until 8:00 p.m., at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood.

James was born on December 10, 1927 in Colington, Alberta, Canada, to Harry and Emma (Storey) Lee and later adopted by Peter Ostmo. He was baptized on January 19, 1928 at the United Church of Canada, Colington, by J. E. Ball. James entered the U.S. Navy serving in the Aleutian Islands before being honorably discharged. He married Madeline V. Whiting on June 6, 1948 at Bristol Church, rural Joice, Iowa.

James loved to work, working for over 20 years for the city of Northwood, driving truck for many years and farming for several years. He enjoyed his grandchildren. He collected various items including antique toy cars. James enjoyed junking and mowing lawns and gardening.

James is survived by his wife, Madeline; son, Michael and wife, Judy Lee; daughters, Kathleen and husband, Ronald Gentz, Peggy Hodson and special friend, Rick Holtz, all of Northwood, Lorraine (Tom) McCloskey of Soiux Center, Iowa; nine grandchildren, Darrin Gentz, Jessica Roberts, Jared Gentz, Heather Hamlin, Tanya Waldemar, Sara Lee, Brian McCloskey, Dustin Hodson and Adam McCloskey; and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Odis Lee; and grandson, Brandon Thompson.
© Northwood Anchor 2004

Evelyn Burnell Bork

June 16, 2004

Evelyn Burnell Bork, 86, of Glenville, died on Monday, June 7, 2004.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, June 10, at the Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home. Rev. Curtis Zieske officiated at the service. Interment was in the Hillcrest Cemetery, Albert Lea.

Evelyn was born on May 28, 1918, to Cleve and Frieda Bush in Nashua, Iowa. She attended the Nashua Public Schools. On May 28, 1936, she was united in marriage to Lloyd W. Bork at the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Nashua. She was employed as a nurse’s aid at the Thompson Nursing Home and a maid at the Bel Air Motel.

Evelyn and Lloyd were members of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church from 1945 to 1970 before joining Trinity Lutheran Church. She enjoyed music and playing the organ, piano, accordion and guitar, bowling, fishing, and handcrafts and ceramics, which her family all enjoys.

Survivors include her daughters, Connie Bork of Las Vegas, Nevada, Will and her husband, Delmar Sanderson of Glenville, Minnesota, Sharyn and her husband, Philip Swensrud of Albert Lea, Minnesota and Janet and her husband, Joe Mildenberger of Minneapolis, Minnesota; grandchildren, Mike and his wife, Darci Sanderson, Becky and her husband, Scott Bachtle, Michele Sanderson, Lisa and her husband, Donald Dowd and Tanya and her husband, Brad Fjelsta; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lloyd; brothers, Earl, Chester, Fernly and Cleve; and sisters, Kathryn Bush and Hazel Nelsen.
© Northwood Anchor 2004

James Everett "Blue Moon" Odom

June 16, 2004

James Everett "Blue Moon" Odom, 75, of Shalom Towers in Mason City, died on Friday, June 11, 2004, at his residence.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, June 15, at the Fullerton Funeral Home in Mason City, with Rev. Robert Cummings officiating. The family greeted friends from 5-7:00 p.m., on Monday, at the funeral home. The visitation continued on Tuesday, one hour prior to the services at the funeral home.

James was a lifelong resident of Mason City. He was born on December 7, 1928, to Everett and Mildred (Loeckle) Odom in Mason City. James was a graduate of the class of 1947 at the Mason City High School. On August 29, 1947, James was united in marriage to Marilyn Pederson at the Pilot Knob Lutheran Church, rural Ventura. To this union six children were born. The couple farmed in the Ventura area for several years. James later worked for Deckers' packing plant where he was employed for 14 years. On September 1, 1967, James married Luella Vosburgh.

James owned and operated "Blue Moon's" Bar in Northwood and it was there that he was affectionately known as "Blue Moon" by local patrons and his friends. After selling his bar business, James enjoyed buying houses and fixing them up and selling them. Some of Blue Moon's interests and leisure activities included traveling to Canada with friends and fishing, taking road trips and taking in the sites. James liked to search for unusual roots and fungi, he would varnish them and make decorative shelves and ornaments. James took great pride in both sponsoring and playing softball. He met for coffee with friends at HyVee and McDonald's.

"Blue Moon" will be best remembered for the cherished time he spent with his family. Those grateful for having had the privilege of sharing in Jim's life are his children, Michael (Stella) Odom of Manly, Douglas Odom and his significant other, Judy Harms of Charles City, Timothy Odom of Kensett, Jeffey Odom of Northwood and Lori Odom and her fiancée, Craig Pearce of Kensett; a step-son, James Vosburgh of Wisconsin; two sisters, Irene (Norman) Ballantyne of Clear Lake and Jaunice (Jack) Bull of Mason City; ten grandchildren, Melonie Allyn, Ole Odom, Michael E. Odom, Jeremy Odom, Jacob Odom, Lynette (Todd) Schriever, Mark (Melissa) Odom, Jessica Odom, Sarah Odom and Amy Odom; two great-granddaughters, Nadia Bahnsen and Samantha Schriever; two step-grandchildren, Amy and Heather Vosburgh; and a special friend, Cheryl Klunder of Kensett.

James was preceded in death by his parents; two wives, Marilyn and Luella; a son, Thomas Odom; a granddaughter, Carrissa Odom; and step-son, Thomas Vosburgh.
© Northwood Anchor 2004

Mary "Louise" Nelson

June 16, 2004

Mary "Louise" Nelson, 90, of Northwood, died on Friday, June 11, 2004, at the Lutheran Retirement Home, following a long illness.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, June 19, at the Northwood United Baptist Church, with inurnment in the State Line Cemetery. The Rev. Richard Jensen will officiate. Funeral arrangements were made by the Cremation Society of Eastern Iowa.

Mary was born on May 8, 1914 in Boneita Springs, South Dakota and was married for 56 years to Vernon C. Nelson on February 1, 1941, in Sturgis, Ssouth Dakota. She was baptized and confirmed at the Elm Springs Church in South Dakota. After they were married they moved to a farm in Hutchinson, Minnesota and then again to Biscay, where they lived for 50 years before moving to Northwood.

Mary was a member of the McLeod Country Women's Extension Club and was very involved in her church in Hutchinson, Minnesota. She especially enjoyed helping with the annual rummage sale they had each year. Mary enjoyed spending time with her daughter, her grandchildren and later with her great-grandchildren. She was an avid seamstress and enjoyed the trips to South Dakota each year to see her family.

Survivors include a daughter, Jean Arrett and husband, Robert of Northwood; two granddaughters, Teresa Stehn and husband, Rodney of Northwood and Mary Branstad and husband, Brian of Kensett; seven great-grandchildren, Danielle Taylor, Joshua Walker, Michael Walker, Rachel Taylor, A.J. Branstad, Brody Branstad and Cassidy Stehn; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon C. Nelson in 1997; her parents, Ole and Leta (Davis) Olson; two brothers, Robert Olson and Ben Olson; and two sisters, Matilda Broderson and Julia Tenner.
© Northwood Anchor 2004

Bonnie Sadie Burchett

June 23, 2004

Memorial services for Bonnie Sadie Burchett, were held on Saturday, June 12, 2004 at the Hopewell Community Church, in Hopewell Oregon. Private inurnment was in the Hopewell Cemetery.

Bonnie was born in Forest City, Iowa and spent her childhood in Iowa. She married John Burchett who passed away in 1993. They owned and operated Commercial Sweeping.

She loved gardening and yard work. She believed education and traveling with her children were very important. Bonnie was a devout mother and her children were her pride and joy. She had a great sense of humor, and was an all-round beautiful person. Bonnie loved the ocean and it was “her place” and a retreat. She was able to make a trip to the beach just a few weeks ago with her family and it was a very special time for all of them.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her husband, John in 1993; and son, Jared in 2003.

Survivors include her daughter, Jessica Burchett of Salem; sisters, Sharon Lance of Cedar Falls, LaRae Hamilton of Escondido, California, Kathy Hebel of Mason City and Vickie Charlson of Joice; brother, Steven Charlson of Mission, Texas; mother, Sadie Charlson of Joice; and several nieces and nephews.
© Northwood Anchor 2004

Iner C. Sola

June 23, 2004

Iner C. Sola, of Albert Lea, Minnesota, died on Friday, June 18, 2004, at the Albert Lea Medical Center. He was 78 years old.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 22, at the First Lutheran Church, Albert Lea. The Rev. Dan Baker officiated. Interment was in the London Deer Creek Cemetery, rural Northwood.

Iner was born on November 26, 1925 at Northwood, to Palmer and Mabel Sola. He graduated from the Lyle High School. Iner served in the U.S. Army from 1945 until 1946, and was stationed in Japan. He married Harriet Hendrickson on October 31, 1959 at Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.

Iner was a member of the First Lutheran Church and taught Sunday School for 30 years. He also was Past President of the church and served on various church committees. Iner was employed by the USDA as a County Executive Director of ASCS for Freeborn County, for 40 years. He retired in 1991. In retirement, he worked in real estate and insurance and also worked as a funeral assistant for the Bonnerup Funeral Service.

Iner was a member of the Western Star Lodge No. 26, Albert Lea Chapter No. 30, Royal Arch Masons, Southgate Council No. 15, Apollo Commandery No. 12, Osman Shrine Club, Albert Lea Shrine Club and the Order of the Eastern Star. He also belonged to the Elks, American Legion, VFW, NARFE, United Way, Kiwanis, Golden K II, and was Past President of the Minnesota ASCS Employees Association.

Iner is survived by his wife, Harriet Sola of Albert Lea; two daughters, Carolee Sola Rame and her husband, Scott of Sammanish, Washington and Judee Sola Henry and her husband, Paul of Edmonds, Washington; grandchildren, Janae, Melissa and Jessica Rame; and sisters-in-law, Sandy Sola of Glenville, Betty Olson and her husband, Glenn of Rochester and Corrine Turner of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.

Iner was preceded in death by his parents, Palmer and Mabel Sola; sisters, Marjorie Sola Nieman, Carolyn Sola and a sister in infancy; brother, Paul Sola; sister-in-law, Helen Hendrickson; and brothers-in-law, Harry Kisilewski, Cliff Turner and Harvey and his wife, Mildred Hendrickson.
© Northwood Anchor 2004

Doris Elaine Knutson

June 30, 2004

Doris Elaine Knutson, 71, of Clarksville, Tennessee, formerly of the Northwood area, died on Sunday, June 20, 2004, at the Spring Meadows Care Center in Clarksville.

Funeral services were held on Monday, June 28, at the Elk Creek Lutheran Church, rural Kensett, with Rev. Allan Stoa and Rev. Russell Wangen officiating. Burial was in the Elk Creek Lutheran Church Cemetery. The family of Doris Elaine Knutson has requested that memorial contributions be made to Opportunity Village in Clear Lake, the Elk Creek Lutheran Church or to a charity of ones choice in her memory.

Doris Elaine Knutson, was born on April 1, 1933 in rural Worth County, the daughter of Ole and Amy (Hanson) Johnson. Doris graduated from the Austin High School in 1952 and also graduated from the Minneapolis School of Medical Technology. She was united in marriage to Naven J. Knutson on September 2, 1956 in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota. They lived in California from 1956 to 1975 and in Alaska from 1975 until 1992. They moved to Tennessee in 1992 and resided there until her death.

Doris was a gifted soloist, artist and a friend to every one she met. She excelled in everything she challenged.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Naven Knutson of Clarksville; two sons, Naven John Knutson and his wife, Janey of Arab, Alabama and Paul E. Knutson and his wife, Trudy of Frankfort, Kentucky; four grandchildren, Elaine Knutson of Frankfort, Naven E. Knutson of Frankfort, Mary Knutson of Arab and Anna Knutson of Arab; two sisters, Lorraine Thome of Adams, Minnesota and Evelyn Anderson of Kenyon, Minnesota; three brothers, Charles Johnson of Mason City, Orland Johnson of Rochester, Minnesota and Don McIllece of Smithland, Iowa; as well as other relatives and friends.

Her parents; a sister, Alice Bork; and a brother, Laverne Johnson; preceded her in death.
© Northwood Anchor 2004

Frederick “Fred” Howard Davidson

June 30, 2004

Frederick "Fred" Howard Davidson, 76, of Northwood, died on Tuesday, June 22, 2004, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Friday, June 25, at the Deer Creek Valley Lutheran Church, rural Glenville, Minnesota, with Rev. Jeff Wallager officiating. Burial was in the London Deer Creek Cemetery, rural Northwood, with military graveside honors by members of the "Our Buddies" VFW Memorial Post #6779 of Northwood.

Frederick Howard Davidson, was born on August 22, 1927 at home in Deer Creek, rural Northwood, the son of David and Mary (Cole) Davidson. He attended elementary school at the rural Deer Creek Township #4. He graduated from the Northwood High School in 1945. Following high school, he attended the University of Iowa and Iowa State University. In 1951, he was inducted into the United States Army and served in the Korean Conflict. After his honorable discharge, he enrolled in Drake University and then returned to farming. He was united in marriage to Mary Lou Roessler on June 2, 1963, in the Lutheran Memorial Church at South St. Paul, Minnesota. She preceded him in death on June 26, 2001. Fred farmed with his two brothers, Marvid and Omer, until his retirement in 1990.

Fred was a member of the Deer Creek Valley Lutheran Church and had served as Council President, Sunday School Superintendent and teacher. He also was a member of Farm Bureau, serving as President and was a member of the Northwood Cooperative Elevator, serving as President. He also served on the board at the Northwood Public Library and the Lutheran Retirement Home Board and was a member of "Our Buddies" VFW Memorial Post #6779 of Northwood. Fred dearly loved his family and friends, especially his coffee "buddies" at the local restaurants.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Douglas Davidson and his wife, Connie of Schaller, Iowa; son, Ronald Davidson and his wife, Michelle of Northwood; and a daughter, Ann Davidson of St. Paul, Minnesota; 5 grandchildren, Kelsey, Michael and Katie Davidson of Schaller and Lindsey and Emma Davidson of Northwood; two brothers, Marvid Davidson and his wife, Ruth of Northwood and Omer Davidson and his wife, Juanita of Northwood; a sister, Mary Louise Farrell of Dallas, Texas; as well as many other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; step-father, George Carlson; and an infant grandchild, Kyle Davidson.
© Northwood Anchor 2004

Charles N. "Chuck" Reeder

June 30, 2004

Charles N. (Chuck) Reeder, 74, of Northwood, Iowa, died on Friday, June 25, 2004, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.

Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, June 30, at 2:00 p.m., at the First Lutheran Church, Northwood, with Rev. Wayne Hagen officiating. Inurnment will be in the Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood, with military honors by the Our Buddy's VFW Post 6779. Visitation was on Tuesday, at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood. 

Chuck was born on January 23, 1930 in Glenville, Minnesota, the son of Harry and Ella (Nelson) Reeder. He attended rural school and the Northwood High School. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War on the USS Taussig, a Destroyer participating in the invasion at Inchon, South Korea. His home base was Sasebo, Japan. He did two tours in Korea and served in the Pacific. Chuck married Lavone Bacon on August 15, 1959 in Las Vegas, Nevada. They moved to Northwood in 1970.

He owned and operated the Northwood Locker from 1970 until 1987 and then Charlie's By The River from 1987 until 1990. He then went to work at Fallgatter's as a meat cutter until he retired. Following retirement he enjoyed delivering Winnebagos. Chuck enjoyed fishing, woodworking, golfing, gardening, raising flowers, bowling, cooking, barbequing, going uptown for coffee and especially visiting with his friends and family. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church, Northwood and Our Buddy's VFW Post 6779.

He is survived by his wife, Lavone Reeder of Northwood; two children, Pastor Dan Bacon and his wife, Terri of Lexington, South Carolina and Richie Reeder and his wife, Young Sook of Giessen, Germany; three grandchildren, Carson Bacon, Maegan Zimmerman and Heidi Reeder; and two brothers, Harry Reeder Jr. and his wife, Arlys of Northwood and Larry Reeder and his wife, Joyce of Elysian, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Doreen Zimmerman; two brothers, Robert and Donald Reeder; and one infant sister, Marion.

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