Adrian E. Ringham

March 10, 2004

Adrian E. Ringham, 78, of Northwood, died on Friday, March 5, 2004, at his birth home.

Funeral services were held on Monday, at the First Lutheran Church, Northwood, with the Rev. Mark Decker officiating. Inurnment was in the Silver Lake Cemetery, rural Northwood. The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood, was in charge of the arrangements.

Honorary pallbearers were Leonard and Betty Johnson, Irl and Beverly Madsen, Dale and Marge Sime, Gene and Ilyce Stumo, Kenneth Abrams, Palmer and Helen Dagestad, Jack and Jean Johnson, Dave and Anne Stevens, DeVerne and Darlene Johnson, Odean and Lois Sola, John and Marian Havlik and Don and Laura Brones.

Adrian E. Ringham, was born on November 30, 1925, the son of Andrew and Emma (Lokken) Ringham. He was baptized at the Silver Lake Lutheran Church and attended and graduated from the Northwood school system in 1943. When he was old enough to drive, he always gave neighborhood kids rides to school. Following high school, Adrian entered the National Guard where he served as a Master Sergeant for four years. Farming was his passion. After he came home from the service, Adrian farmed with his father, and later took over the farming operation. Adrian also raised hogs and beef cattle over the years. On June 28, 1953, he married Helen Tollefson in Austin, Minnesota. The couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last June with a large gathering at their home.

 Adrian loved the farm and always said the best part of going on vacation was coming home. He enjoyed many hobbies including golf, playing solitaire, fishing and ongoing home improvement projects at all three of his grown children's homes. He also enjoyed woodworking and made numerous keepsakes for family and friends. Helping others was one of Adrian's greatest gifts, a gift that will live on in all who he touched.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Helen Ringham of Northwood; three children, Marty Ringham and his wife, Teri of Milaca, Minnesota, Amy Thorland and her husband, Steve of Thompson and Terry Ringham and his wife, Rachel of Lake Mills; seven grandchildren, Adam, Tony and Karly Ringham, Tonnes and Tristan Thorland and Zachary and Jonah Ringham; three sisters-in-law, Lois and her husband, Don Purcell of San Diego, California, Phyllis Kittleson of St. Ansgar and Mary Lou and her husband, Merv Ellingson of Decorah.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother-in-law, Paul Tollefson.
© Northwood Anchor 2004

Bernice Lenore Lucken

March 10, 2004

Bernice Lenore Lucken, 95, of Kensett, died on Saturday, March 6, 2004, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

Funeral services were held on Monday, at the Bethany Lutheran Church, Kensett, with Rev. Clarence Baalson officiating. Interment followed in the Kensett Cemetery.

Bernice was born on June 13, 1908 in rural Kensett, a daughter of Arne and Caroline (Severson) Luckason. Her paternal grandparents, Andrew and Margit Luckason and her maternal grandparents, Erich and Hanna Severson, all emigrated from Norway in 1867, to become some of the first settlers of Kensett Township. After graduating from the Northwood High School, Bernice taught in a rural Worth County school until her marriage to Palmer Lucken on November 27, 1926. They engaged in farming east of Kensett for many years.

Bernice has been a resident of the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood for the past three years. She was a life-long member of the Bethany Lutheran Church, a former member of the Bethany Ladies Aid and of the Martha Mission Circle, and a member of the Kensett Centennial planning committee. She was an accomplished seamstress, quilter and artist.

Bernice is survived by two daughters and their spouses, Jeannine and George Wendel of Mason City and Carolyn and Gerard Rushton of Iowa City; a daughter-in-law, Marian Lucken of Cedar Rapids; seven grandchildren, Tanya Wendel of Omaha, Nebraska, Kim Wendel of Clear Lake, Valerie Wendel-Filkins of Omaha, Nebraska, Lonn Lucken and Lamarr Lucken, both of Cedar Rapids, Edward Rushton and his wife, Kristi of Scranton, Pennsylvania and John Rushton of Iowa City; and one-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one son, Donn Lucken; one brother, Lester Luckason; two sisters, Alice Dahl and Hazel Luckason; and two infant grandchildren.
© Northwood Anchor 2004

Harold “Duane” Ranum

March 17, 2004

Harold “Duane” Ranum, 60, died on Saturday, March 6, 2004, at his home in Walters, Minnesota, of complications from cancer.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, at the United Lutheran Church, Walters, with Rev. Donald Rose officiating. Interment was in the Walters Cemetery, Walters.

He was born on March 9, 1943 in Worth County, Iowa, the son of Ruth (Dagestad) and Harold Ranum. He married Patricia Thorson on February 14, 1964 in Lake Mills. Duane attended school in Northwood and Emmons. He served in the Army and was stationed in Germany and Spain. When he and Patricia were first married they lived in Mason City. They moved to Walters in 1965. He was a carpenter until November of 2003 when he was diagnosed with cancer.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. He had great memories of his elk and deer hunting trips out west. Duane was currently serving as a councilman for the city of Walters. He was a member of the United Lutheran Church in Walters, a member of the Wells Area Gun Club, NRA, Civic and Commerce of Kiester and Eagles Club. He was a retired volunteer fireman for the city of Walters.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia Ranum; three sons; one daughter; three grandchildren; mother, Ruth Ranum of Lucasville, Ohio; five brothers and six sisters; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and many great friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Alexander Ranum; special aunt and uncle, Mary and Chris Larson; brother, John Ranum; and son, at birth, Chad Michael Ranum.
© Northwood Anchor 2004

Emma Josephine Holtan

March 17, 2004

Emma Josephine Holtan, 101, of Northwood, died on Monday, March 8, 2004, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, at the First Lutheran Church, Northwood, with Rev. Wayne Ellingson officiating. Burial was in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood. The Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood, was in charge of the arrangements.

Emma Josephine Holtan, was born on December 13, 1902 in rural Decorah, Iowa, the daughter of Stryk and Christina (Juelson) Sollien. She attended rural school in Decorah and graduated from the Luther Academy in Albert Lea, Minnesota in 1922. After completing her schooling she taught in rural Freeborn County, Minnesota from 1922 until 1936. She married Hamlin Holtan on July 8, 1936 in rural Decorah. After their marriage they moved to Northwood where Emma worked as a clerk at O'Bruns Department Store for 20 years until her retirement.

She enjoyed crocheting, gardening, and quilting, but her great love and enjoyment was her family and grandchildren. She was a member of the first Lutheran Church in Northwood, and was very active within the church being a member of her church circle, was Superintendent of the Sunday School for many years, as well as a member of other clubs in the church. She was also a member of the Simper Fidelis Club in Northwood, and was an active volunteer at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood. Emma was also very actively involved with other church and civic organizations in Northwood.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Dorothy Bye and her husband, Bill of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; a son, Robert Holtan and his wife, Judy of Houston, Texas; three grandchildren, Bill Bye Jr, and his wife, Judie of Mukwonago, Wisconsin, Julie Mathews and her husband, Kevin of Denver, Colorado and Haven Holtan and her fiancée, Eric Seabel of Denver, Colorado; two great-grandsons, Owen and Cole Mathews both of Denver, Colorado; as well as many nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Hamlin who died on January 15, 1988; two brothers; and four sisters.
© Northwood Anchor 2004

Gaye Lynn Gordon-Rendon

March 17, 2004

Gaye Lynn Gordon-Rendon, 42, of Tucson, Arizona, formerly of Kensett, died on Monday, March 8, 2004, in Tucson. Her untimely death is a tremendous loss to her loving family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, March 17, at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Kensett, with Rev. Allan Stoa officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at the church on Wednesday. Following the services her body will be cremated. The Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood, is in charge of the arrangements.

Gaye Lynn Gordon-Rendon, was born on July 16, 1961 in Mason City, the daughter of Gail and Sharon (Link) Gordon. She was baptized at the Bethany Lutheran Church and reaffirmed the faith of her baptism through confirmation also at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Kensett. She attended and received her education in the Northwood-Kensett Community Schools, graduating from the Northwood-Kensett High School in 1979. Gaye also graduated from Dana College in Blair, Nebraska and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Nebraska, and obtained her Master's Degree in Dietary Science from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Gaye was employed by the Canteen Correctional Services as a Dietitian MSRD. She was an avid runner, hiker, and loved animals.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband, John M. Rendon of Tucson, Arizona; three step-children, Crystal, Gavyn and Garrett Rendon of Tucson; her parents, Gail and Sharon Gordon of Kensett; two sisters, Laurene Kruger and her husband, Neil of Grafton and Holly Lewis and her husband, Eric of Urbandale; two brothers, Jared Gordon of Eden Prairie, Minnesota and Nicholas Gordon and his special friend, Erena Jensen of Osage; three nieces, Shea Kruger of Grafton and Lexi and Laina Lewis of Urbandale; two nephews, Travis Kruger of Grafton and Luke Lewis of Urbandale; as well as aunts and uncles and other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents.
© Northwood Anchor 2004

Doris L. Broitzman

March 17, 2004

Doris L. Broitzman, 78, of Northwood, died on Tuesday, March 9, 2004, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, at the First Lutheran Church in Northwood, with Pastor Paul Holmer officiating. Interment was in the Wanders Rest Cemetery, rural Gordonsville, Minnesota.

Doris L. Broitzman, was born on August 28, 1925 in Erie, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Chris and Johanna (Bach) Bonnerup. As a child her family moved to rural Glenville. She was confirmed at the Salem Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. She attended school in Glenville and the Albert Lea High School. She was employed for a time at the Wilson Co. in Albert Lea. On September 14, 1947, she married Harold Broitzman at the Salem Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. After their marriage they farmed east of Gordonsville where they raised their family.

She was an active member of the Zion Lutheran Church of Northwood, was a Sunday School teacher and active in the ladies aid. She then became a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Myrtle. When moving to Northwood she joined First Lutheran Church, Northwood. Doris enjoyed gardening, fishing, camping, dancing and in her later years traveling to Texas for the winter. Attending her grandchildren's activities was a joy to her. Doris and Harold moved to Northwood in June 2000 and entered the Lutheran Retirement Home.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Harold Broitzman of Northwood; children, Gary (Paula) Broitzman of Hayward, Minnesota, Barbara Schutz and special friend, Harlan Helgeson of Northwood, Karen Frondal of Phoenix, Arizona, Thomas Broitzman of Glenville, Suzanne (Mark) Senne of Northwood and David Broitzman of Albert Lea; 12 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; three sisters, Ruby Baumgartner of Aurora, Colorado, Florence Brzezenski of Albert Lea and Lois (Kenneth) Gayken of Glenville; sisters-in-law, Velma Bonnerup and Maxine Bonnerup of Albert Lea, Mable Perleberg of Glenville, Nadine Broitzman of Northwood and Helen Broitzman of Austin; and many nieces and nephews, as well as other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Esther Falksen; four brothers, Charles, Donald, Richard and Norman Bonnerup; and one granddaughter, Ann Broitzman.
© Northwood Anchor 2004

Myrtle Addie Bertha Rusley

March 17, 2004

Myrtle Addie Bertha Rusley, 96, of Mason City, died on Thursday, March 11, 2004, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient unit, Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Wednesday, March 17, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Manly, with Rev. Kris Snyder officiating. Burial will be in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City. Visitation will be held from 4-6:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Bride Colonial Chapel, Manly and one hour prior to the services at the church on Wednesday.

Myrtle was born on March 24, 1907, a daughter of Ferdinand and Hannah (Trettin) Glassel, in a German rural area near Grafton. She was a graduate of the Kensett High School and the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing. A registered nurse, Myrtle worked at hospitals in Arizona and Wisconsin until retiring after serving several years at Mercy Hospital, Mason City. In 1976, Myrtle married Marvin Rusley and they made their home in Manly. They moved to Mason City in 1994.

Myrtle is survived by her husband, Marvin Rusley of Mason City; a sister, Lillie Wren of Peoria, Arizona; nephews, Richard, Robert and Allan Upchurch; a niece, Elinor (Upchurch) Willcockson; great-nephew, great-niece and great-great-nieces; step-daughter, Marjean Jensen and her husband, Mike; a step-son, Philip Rusley and his wife, Cheryl; step grandchildren; step-great-grandchildren; and a step-great-great-grandson.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Ella (Glassel) Upchurch; a brother, Harvey Glassel; and a niece, Shirley (Wren Fjone) Biederman.
© Northwood Anchor 2004

Eva Lois Olson

March 17, 2004

Eva Lois Olson, 82, of Collins, died on Friday, March 12, 2004, at the Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, at the Northwood United Methodist Church in Northwood, with Rev. Richard Jensen officiating. Interment was in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood. Memorials may be made to the Northwood Public Library. The Bacon Funeral Home in Nevada was in charge of the arrangements.

Lois was born on June 2, 1921 in Huntington, Indiana, the daughter of Wallace and Effie (Stech) Reed. She graduated from the Huntington Public School System in 1939. Following high school, she entered into nurses training at the Moline Public Hospital in Moline, Illinois. She attained her goal of becoming a registered nurse and graduated in the fall of 1942. On December 25, 1942, she married Guy Olson in Sterling, Illinois. While Guy served in World War II, she worked in her chosen profession in Huntington, Indiana. Following the war, they lived in Northwood, Huntington and Columbia, Missouri, where she worked at the Stephens College Health Center. They eventually settled in Northwood in 1953.

Lois' nursing career included the Park Clinic in Mason City, private duty care, Worth County Public Health Nurse, Naeve Hospital in Albert Lea, Minnesota and the Lutheran Retirement Home. She was very proud of her chosen profession and shared her knowledge with those she came in contact with.

She enjoyed reading, cooking and sewing. Over the years she outfitted her children with Easter, Christmas and many other outfits. She knew what would make the ensemble "just right" and her daughters often heard from their friends, "I wish my mother could sew." Following the end of their marriage, Lois moved to Clear Lake and managed an apartment building for several years. She also lived in Traer, Iowa, for a time and looked after her grandchildren, as her health would allow. She returned to Northwood for a couple of years and in 1998 moved to Collins. She and Guy remained friends and stayed in touch with the bond of family overcoming any differences there may have been between the two of them.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Susanne Olson White and her husband, Jim of Los Angeles, California, Janet Neuschwanger and her husband, Jon of Collins and Jill Hilton and her husband, Frank of Des Moines; four grandchildren, Dana White, Tyler Neuschwanger, Olivia Barnes and Evan Hilton; a sister-in-law, Ruth Reed of Huntington, Indiana; a brother-in-law, Alvin Amber of Huntington, Indiana; and numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her twin brother, Edward "Buddy" Reed; a sister, Ardith Amber; and her beloved son, Ron Olson.
© Northwood Anchor 2004

Ronald S. Flo

March 17, 2004

Ronald S. Flo, 81, of Kensett, died on Saturday, March 13, 2004, at the Muse Norris Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, at the Bethany Lutheran Church, Kensett, with Rev. Allan J. Stoa officiating. Interment will take place in the Kensett Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood and one hour prior to the services Thursday at the church.

Ronald was born on July 6, 1922 near Walthers, Minnesota, to Joseph and Madeline (Anderson) Flo.

Survivors include his children, Karen Schneider and her husband, Steve of Phoenix, Arizona, Jon C. Flo of Mason City and Bradley Flo and his wife, Vickie of Kensett; grandchildren, Scott Flo and wife, Carolyn of Thompson, April Dodd and husband, Jason of Manly, Amy Schneider of Phoenix, Arizona, Paul Schneider of Phoenix, Arizona, Erika Pennick and husband, Matthew of Phoenix, Arizona, Amber Flo of Manly and Abigail Flo of Ames; eight great-grandchildren; brothers, Arlo Flo of Bricelyn, Minnesota and Dale Flo and wife, Barbara of LeSueur, Minnesota; sisters, Glorian Kennedy of Albert Lea, JoAnn Green and husband, Harry of Albert Lea, Lorna Anderson of Albert Lea and Donna Arneson of Scottsdale, Arizona; sister-in-law, Mavis Flo of Albert Lea; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Beverly in April 1991; brothers, Lester and his wife, Annie and Marlin; brother-in-law, Waldemar and sister-in-law, Hilma Flo.

The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood, was in charge of the arrangements.
© Northwood Anchor 2004

William "Bill" T. Holmlund

March 17, 2004

William "Bill" T. Holmlund, age 94, passed away on Saturday, March 13, 2004, at the Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, at the Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills, with Rev. Kevin Mackey officiating. Following cremation, burial will take place at a later date in the Elmwood Cemetery in Mason City.

William Theodore Holmlund, was born on June 7, 1909, to parents John and Tena (Twedten) Holmlund, at their home in Mason City. Bill was baptized and confirmed at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Mason City. He also attended school in Mason City. Following his education, Bill worked for the Milwaukee Railroad as a machinist apprentice. On December 4, 1932, William married Gladys Lund at Albert Lea, Minnesota. The couple made their living by owning and operating the Union Grocery Store in Lake Mills from 1947 to 1976, however, they made family their life's work. Bill and Gladys took great pride in the children they raised, and later relished time spent with their grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild. Bill and Gladys entered the Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City in August of 1999 due to declining physical health.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Shirley Pierce and her husband, Brice of Thompson, Bob Holmlund and his wife, Sandy of Hudson, Mary Stumo and her husband, Charles of Northwood, Ron Holmlund and his wife, Gerrie of Readlyn and David Holmlund and his wife, Pat of Buena Vista, Colorado; 12 grandchildren, Gary Pierce, Sharon Krogman, Cindy Simmons, Kevin Pierce, Tom Holmlund, Brian Holmlund, Michael Stumo, Teresa Stumo, Julie Stumo, Michelle Wolfen-sperger, Tamara Walther and Nikki Holmlund; seventeen great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; a sister, Myrtle Holmlund of Mason City; two sisters-in-law; one brother-in-law; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Gladys on November 5, 2001; grandson, Craig Holmlund; great-grandson, Nels Stumo; a sister, Hulda Holmlund; and two brothers and their wives, Kenny and Marge Holmlund and Elmer and Monica Holmlund.
© Northwood Anchor 2004

Terry R. Dahlby

March 17, 2004

Terry R. Dahlby age 48, of rural Northwood, died on Sunday, March 14, 2004, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, following a long battle with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. She underwent an unsuccessful bone marrow transplant on January 17, 2004 and fought a courageous battle with the disease.

The Gay and Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service helped with arrangements in Iowa City. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, March 17, at the Silver Lake Lutheran Church, rural Northwood.

Terry was born in Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 19, 1955 the daughter of Wilbur R "Ray" and Jean Blackmon McNinch. On December 24, 2000, she married Lauritz G. Dahlby at the Silver Lake Lutheran Church. The couple lived at the Dahlby family farm in Silver Lake Township. Terry worked as a professional delinquent accounts collector until her disease disabled her. She was a dedicated housewife, mother and grandmother. She loved summers in Iowa and traveling in the winter to visit her children and her husband's children in the Western United States along with the many friends scattered through out the Southwest.

She is survived by her husband and best friend of 14 years, Lauritz; sons, Charles and wife, Jessica Holland and their children, Jackie and Victoria of Ft. Collins, Colorado; son, Cody and wife, Ashley and their children, Amber and Emily Holland of Hillsboro, Oregon; Lauritz's children, Jerald and Candi Hawkins and their children, Kelly Balog and husband, Kent, all of Grand Junction, Colorado, Staci Hiam and son, Tyler of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Sonia Pratt and daughter, Erica of Casper, Wyoming, Eric and Colleen Pratt and family of Grand Junction, Colorado; a brother, Jerry McNinch and his family, Stephanie and Melissa, all of Salt Lake City, Utah; a sister, Cherie and husband, Mike Pregmus and their children, Jackie, Jessica and Alysa of Cheyenne, Wyoming; and special friend, Nancy Raley of Bakersfield, California.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Phillip and Scotty.
© Northwood Anchor 2004