Alson E. Holstad

September 15, 2004

Alson E. Holstad, 74, died on Wednesday, September 1, 2004, at his home in Glenville.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, September 4, at the First Lutheran Church in Glenville, with Rev. Mark Wendland officiating. Interment was in the Greenwood Cemetery, with military honors accorded by the Freeborn County Veterans organizations.

Alson Elroy Holstad, was born on September 12, 1929, to Bendick J. and Hilda E. (Erickson) Holstad, in rural Northwood and attended schools in Northwood and Otrano, Iowa. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1951 until 1953. On November 26, 1954, Alson was united in marriage to Kathryn Knaack at the First Lutheran Parsonage in Glenville. He had been employed at Holstad Motor Sales and Northwood International in Northwood in the early 1950s as a mechanic. Alson then began farming in the Northwood area and later the Glenville area, retiring in 2001.

He was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Glenville and the church choir, the Glenville American Legion, the VFW, and the Eagle's Club.

Survivors include his wife, Kathryn; children, Pat Martinson and her husband, Brad, Tom Holstad and Jody Christianson and her husband, Lon; daughter-in-law, Jolenc Ward and her husband, Dave; grandchildren, Erik, Justin. & Jennah Holstad, Leif and Kelsey Martinson, Seth Holstad and Kail and Emily Christianson; step-grandchildren, Tabitha, Luke and Brett Ward; sisters, Lillian Thompson and her husband, Jewell, Luella Leidal and her husband, Curtis, Burnette Sanderson and her husband, Leon, Mildred Patterson and Idena Hagen; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Holstad, Gen Lau and her husband, Virgil, Janice Lembke and her husband, Jim, Bonnie Rasmusson and her husband, Ron and Arlene Knaack; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Alson was preceded in death by his parents; son, Steven Holstad; brothers, Marvin and Irving Holstad; sisters, Gilma Holstad, Julia Stumo and Evelyn Gordon; brothers-in-law, Gerhard Stumo, Roy Gordon, Max Patterson, Stan Hagen and Richard Knaack; sister-in-law, Fern Holstad; and several nieces and nephews.

Alson fought lymphoma courageously for the past year while remaining the eternal optimist. He loved his community, life, and his family very much. He will be sadly missed by all those who love him and we celebrate his life.
© Northwood Anchor 2004

LeRoy E. Amundson

September 8, 2004

LeRoy E. Amundson, 102, died on Sunday September 5, 2004, at the Manly Care Center.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Thursday, September 9, at the Elk Creek Lutheran Church, Kensett, with the Rev. Allan J. Stoa officiating. Burial will be in the Clear Lake Cemetery at 3:30 p.m., on Thursday. Visitation will be held from 5-7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, September 8, at the Bride Colonial Chapel, Manly.

LeRoy E. Amundson, was born on July 5, 1902 in Radcliffe, the son of Lewis and Martha (Engelson) Amundson. LeRoy was one of nine children. He attended country school in Radcliffe. He was united in marriage to Agnes (Sampson) Amundson on July 5, 1927 in Mason City. To this union four children were born. They celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary on July 5, 1998. They farmed in the Hanlontown and Kensett areas for 62 years. He was participating in the New England Centenarian study.

He enjoyed farming, taking fishing trips, playing cards, visiting with friends, and spending time with his family.

He is survived by three sons, Leonard and his wife, Mary Lou of St. Ansgar, Chester and his wife, Wilma of Fertile and Howard Amundson of Kensett; grandchildren, Roberta Sjostrom, Michael and his wife, Cynthia Amundson, Lewis and his wife, Jaime Amundson, James and his wife, Denise Amundson, Donna and her husband, Mark Mueller, Rhonda and her husband, Randy Nowell, Susan Amundson, Jane and her husband, Craig Van Horn, Sara and her husband, Jay Ryerson and Eric and his wife, Kendra Amundson; 13 great-grandchildren; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents; wife, Agnes; daughter, Hazel Russel; grandson, Stephen Russel; two brothers; and six sisters.
© Northwood Anchor 2004

Alexander "Alex" Heagel

September 15, 2004

Alexander "Alex" Heagel, 76, of rural Kensett, Iowa, died on Saturday, September 11, 2004, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, Iowa.

Memorial services were held at 3:00 p.m., on Tuesday, September 14, at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Kensett, with Reverend Allan J. Stoa officiating. Military honors were conducted by members of the Mason City Veterans Memorial Association at the church following the service. The family greeted friends one hour prior to service time on Tuesday at the church. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City. According to his wishes his body was cremated. The Bride Colonial Chapel, Manly, was in charge of the arrangements.

Alexander "Alex" Heagel, was born on May 13, 1928 in Plymouth, Iowa, the son of Casper and Christina (Speaker) Heagel. He attended school in Plymouth, Rock Falls and Mason City. He was inducted into the U.S. Navy and served in the Asiatic Theater in the Philippines during World War II on the USS Hornet. After his honorable discharge he returned to Mason City and worked for 33 years for the Decker's/Armour Meat Packing Company in Mason City, until his retirement in 1975. While working for Decker's/Armour he also worked for the Sugar Beet Company in Mason City. After his retirement he opened the Manly Farm Store before becoming a realtor and opening the Southbridge Realty in Mason City. Alex also farmed for 50 years in Kensett. He was united in marriage to Evelyn Schutz on May 23, 1948 in Mason City and to this union 5 children were born.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, canning, gardening, and liked to participate in Black Jack Tournaments, but his greatest love and enjoyment were his family and friends. He was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church in Kensett, Mason City Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Mason City Board of Realtors.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Evelyn Heagel of Kensett; four daughters, Janet Johnson and her husband, Larry of Owatonna, Minnesota, Beverly Loberg of Northwood, Mary Wise and her husband, Steve of Manly and Carol Hennigar and her husband, Dale of Manly; 14 grandchildren, Chad Johnson and his wife, Kristen of Woodbury, Minnesota, Jennifer Nichols and her husband, Ben of Woodbury, Minnesota, Bradley Loberg of Chicago, Illinois, Eric Loberg of Northwood, Nathan Loberg of Northwood, Kathy Pals and her husband, Aaron of Manly, Scott Heagel and his wife, Julie of Manly, Karen Heagel of Mason City, Kourtney Heagel of Manly, Josh Wise of Manly, Katy Wise of Manly, Jenna Wise of Manly, Alexis Hennigar of Manly and Dalcy Hennigar of Manly; nine great-grandchildren, Ashton and Jewell Nichols, Bailee Loberg, Austin and Carter Pals, Kaylee and Garrett Heagel, Nathaniel Baker and Alycia Heagel; as well as other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Steven Alex Heagel who died on July 28, 2004; brothers and sisters, Emma, Marie, Dave, Adam, Henry, Emmanuel (Monty) and Shirley Rose; and two brothers that died in infancy.
© Northwood Anchor 2004

Kenneth Gaylord Stromley

September 15, 2004

Kenneth Gaylord Stromley, 91, of rural Joice, died on Sunday, September 12, 2004, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, September 15, at the First Lutheran Church, Northwood, with Reverend Wayne Hagen officiating. Burial will be in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood. Family will greet friends from 5-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood and visitation will continue one hour prior to the service time on Wednesday at the church.

Kenneth Stromley, was born on March 4, 1913 in rural Kensett, the son of Martin and Carrie (Bergo) Stromley. He was baptized and reaffirmed the faith of his baptism through confirmation at the First Lutheran Church in Northwood. He was educated in the Northwood Schools. After completing his schooling he and his brother, Ansley owned and operated a dairy farm and also raised crops in the Northwood and Joice areas. He and his brother were one of the first ones to own a threshing machine in the area and also did custom bailing for area farmers. Together Kenneth and Ansley farmed over 70 years. Kenneth loved taking care of his dairy farm and was a member of the Brown Swiss Cattle Association.

Kenneth was also a member of the First Lutheran Church in Northwood and the Yester Years Threshing Club in Kester, Minnesota.

Left to cherish his memory is a brother, Ansley Stromley of Joice and a sister, Myrtle Banken of Mason City; several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Inborg Peterson and Ruby Stromley; and two brothers-in-law, Ole Banken and Milton Peterson.
© Northwood Anchor 2004

Myron Oscar Ruffridge

September 22, 2004

Myron Oscar Ruffridge, 90, of Northwood, died on Thursday, September 16, 2004, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, September 20, at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood, with Reverend James Cherry officiating. Burial was at 2:00 p.m., on Monday, September 20, at the London Cemetery, rural London, Minnesota, with military honors by the Lyle American Legion Post, Lyle, Minnesota.

Myron Oscar Ruffridge, was born on March 24, 1914 in rural Grafton, Iowa, the son of Henry and Myra (Graves) Ruffridge. He received his education in the rural Grafton Schools. After completing his schooling he worked as a hired hand for farmers in the Grafton and Carpenter areas. He was inducted into the U.S. Army on July 24, 1942 and served overseas in World War II in the European Theater, until his honorable discharge on September 27, 1945. He was united in marriage to Beverly Anderson on April 14, 1946. She preceded him in death in October 1981. After his marriage Myron farmed all his life in the Myrtle, Minnesota, area until his retirement. After his wife died, Myron moved into Northwood.

He enjoyed playing cards, having coffee and visiting with his family and friends. Myron and his wife enjoyed selling eggs together as it gave them an opportunity to socialize with their many customers. He was a member of the Lyle American Legion in Lyle, Minnesota.

Left to cherish his memory are his two brothers, Don Ruffridge and Harvey Ruffridge, both of Northwood; his sister, Ruth Millis of Northwood; a niece, Mary Sorbo and her husband, Glenn of Northwood; and several other nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Besides his wife, he was also preceded in death by his parents; brother, Lloyd Ruffridge; two sisters, Lucille VanOrden and Pearl Grundel; and two brothers-in-law, Roland Grundel and Clarence Millis.
© Northwood Anchor 2004

Allen R. Thorson

September 29, 2004

Allen R. Thorson, 59, of Mason City, died on Friday September 17, 2004, at the Mercy Medical Center North Iowa, Mason City.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, September 21, at the St. James Lutheran Church, with Pastor Paul C. Nelson officiating. Interment will be in the Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation was held at the Major Erickson Funeral Home and one hour prior to the services at the church.

Allen was born on February 18, 1945 in Mason City, Iowa, the son of Alvin and Ina (Olson) Thorson. Allen had a passion for cars, fishing and was also a good homemaker. He enjoyed spending time with his family and especially his four grandchildren whom he loved dearly.

Allen is survived by his wife, Jody; sons, Bryan and wife, Amy, Wesley and Troy Thorson; grandchildren, Hunter, Makayla, Kennedy and Kaden; mother, Ina Thorson; brothers, Leroy and wife, Laurie Thorson, Marvin Thorson; and sister, Darlene Thorson.

Allen's father, Alvin; and sister, llene Thorson; preceded him in death.

Allen will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
© Northwood Anchor 2004

Don T. McCourt

September 22, 2004

Don T. McCourt, 82, of Mason City, Iowa, died on Sunday, September 19, 2004, at his home.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, September 22, 2004, at the Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, Mason City, with Pastor Thomas Healey officiating. Following the service family and friends joined at the Bethel United Methodist Church, Manly, to share memories and have refreshments. Inurnment will be on Sunday, at 2:00 p.m., at the Plymouth Cemetery. Visitation was on Tuesday, at the Hogan-Bremer-Colonial Chapel.

Don was born on September 6, 1922, the son of Francis F. and Anna (Lehman) McCourt. He graduated from the Plymouth High School. Following high school he worked for an airplane factory in San Diego, California. He married Mary Woodhouse in San Diego, California in 1942. He served in the United States Army from June 1944 until 1945. After the service he attended the Des Moines Tech School for carpentry. He lived in the Plymouth and Northwood areas and while living in the Northwood area he was a weekend farmer raising hogs and cows. He worked for Davey & Moen Construction Co. in Mason City until he retired in 1982. After he retired he drove school bus for the North Central Manly School for fourteen years and really enjoyed driving for the extra curricular activities and doing carpenter work. Don married Ramona "Mona" Buffington McCourt on January 1, 1982 in Northwood.

He really enjoyed helping his kids with their projects, watching his wood pile grow in the fall and the warmth of a wood fire all winter, fishing, and camping. He was a member of the Carpenter Union Local 1313 for over forty years and Plymouth Vol. Fire Dept.

He will be sadly missed by his wife, Ramona "Mona" McCourt of Mason City; three children, Judith Davies and her husband, Wally of Manly, Don McCourt Jr. and his wife, Doris of Shellsburg, Iowa and Roxanne Jackson and her husband, Jake of Hanlontown; his former wife, Mary McCourt of Manly; three step-children, Kathy MacPhail and her husband, Tom of Anchorage, Alaska, Dan McCourt and his wife, Nancy of Manly and Patty Reuter and her husband, Gary of Manly; 23 grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; brother, Tom McCourt and his special friend, Margaret Jackson of Mason City; sister, Betty Miles of Hardy, Arkansas; his special friends and neighbors, Jiggs Rice, Roger Hedegard and Paul and Sally Degen of Plymouth, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Keith and Dean McCourt; and one granddaughter, Rachael Reuter.
© Northwood Anchor 2004

Dora Ilse Kuhlmann

September 29, 2004

Dora Ilse Kuhlmann, 73, of Northwood, died on Thursday, September 23, 2004, in Northwood.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 28, at 10:30 a.m., at the First Lutheran Church, Northwood, with Rev. Wayne Hagen officiating. Burial will be in the Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood. Visitation will be on Monday, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood.

Dora was born on February 15, 1931, to Wilhem and Margaret (Hertsberg) Weihe in Helmstedt, Germany. She grew up in Helmstedt. Dora met Elton Kuhlmann while he was in Germany serving during the Korean War. They were married in Frankfurt, Germany on February 3, 1956. They came to the United States and Dora became an American citizen in 1963. She was active in VFW activities. She had the pleasure of returning to Germany three times to visit her family as well as her family coming to America to visit her.

Dora's biggest pleasure was her husband and family and spending time with friends and family, especially playing cards with the grandchildren. She was an avid bingo player and known by all as an excellent cook.

Dora is survived by her husband, Elton of Northwood; sons, Michael and Harry Kuhlmann, both of Northwood; daughters, Patty Darling and her husband, Ray of Rivertown, Utah and their son, Jimmy, Dolores Johnson and her husband, Mark of Northwood and their children, Travis and Carly; sisters, Tuchen, Lelow and Notie; mother-in-law, Mildred Flugge; sister-in-law, Marilyn King; brother-in-law, Jim Lodge; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Barbara and her husband, Larry Borchardt.
© Northwood Anchor 2004

Marvin H. Schultz

September 29, 2004

Marvin H. Schultz, 79, of Dubuque, Iowa, died on Friday, September 24, 2004, at his home.

Memorial services were held on Monday, September 27, at the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Dubuque. The burial of cremains was at the Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque.

Marvin was born on April 21, 1925 in Grafton. He was the son of George and Anna (Radamaker) Schultz. He grew up and attended school in Grafton. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith. He was a member of the U.S. Navy during World War II. Upon his return from naval duty, he began working as a carpenter and moved to Dubuque in 1963. He was proud to be a 55 year member of the Carpenter’s Local Union 678. In 1946 he married Doris Ahlf of St. Ansgar, Iowa. She died in 1970. In 1971 he married Marjorie Dick Schulz of Dubuque.

Survivors include his wife, Marjorie Schultz of Dubuque; two daughters and their spouses, Karen Schultz and Robert Anderson of Bettendorf and Kathy and Craig Huberty of Hazel Green, Wisconsin; two step-sons and their spouses, Steven and Rose Schulz of Dubuque and Brian and Theresa Schulz of Apple Valley, Minnesota; five beloved grandchildren, Nicole and Justin Anderson, Kaylanna, Lute, and Chance Huberty; four beloved step-grandchildren, Stephanie and Jared Schulz and Laura and Jonathan Schulz; and his devoted brother-in-law, Melvin Krumm of Northwood.

Marvin was preceded in death by his first wife, Doris; his parents; a brother, Elray; and two sisters, Ruth Krumm and Elaine Schultz.

Marvin will be missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the St. Peter Lutheran Church, Hospice of Dubuque or the charity of choice.
© Northwood Anchor 2004

Charlotte "Susie" Ann Sistek

September 29, 2004

Charlotte (Susie) Ann Sistek, 75, of Northwood, Iowa, died on Sunday, September 26, 2004, at the Hospice of North Iowa Center.

Visitation will be held at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, on Thursday, September 30, from 5-7:00 p.m. Services will be held on Friday, October 1, at 1:00 p.m., with visitation held one hour prior to the services at the First Lutheran Church, Northwood, with Rev. Wayne Hagen officiating. Internment will be in the Sunset Rest Cemetery following the service.

Susie was born on August 24, 1929 in Mason City, Iowa, the daughter of Vernon and Karen (Pedersen) Kruse. She attended the Northwood Public Schools. On February 22, 1948, she married Robert H. Sistek. The couple made their living by owning and operating Northwood service stations. Susie was employed by Klein Drug for over 20 years which gave her the opportunity to visit with many local residents. She enjoyed reading, golfing and playing cards with the girls.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Bob; her mother, Karen Kruse; her daughters, Karen (Paul) Hendrikson of Escondido, California, Laura (Mike) Richter of Cedar Falls; three grandchildren, Michelle (Juan) Torres, Michael (Jennifer) Hendrikson and Beth Richter; three step-grandchildren, Jason (Sheila) Richter, Chad (Melanie) Richter and Megan (Mike) Wilson; and two great-grandchildren, Paul and Zachary Torres.

Preceding her in death was her father, Vernon; and brother, Kenneth.

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

Alton Burnell Halvorson

October 6, 2004

Alton Burnell Halvorson, 80, of Ames, Iowa, died on Monday, September 27, 2004, at his home.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, September 30, 2004, at 10:30 a.m., at Ascension Lutheran Church in Ames, with burial in the Ames Municipal Cemetery in Ames.

He was born in Worth County on November 1, 1923, a son of Alfred C. and Bertha (Ferley) Halvorson. He completed a BA in Business Administration from Mankato State College. He worked in Business Administration and Accounting, including Winnebago and Grundy County REC's and comptroller at Friedrich Realty and Construction in Ames. He served in the U.S. Army under General George Patton in Europe during WW II. He married Elinor Holland on June 8, 1952, at the Grant Lutheran Church in Winnebago County, Iowa and was a member of the Ascension Lutheran Church in Ames, past member of the Ametones Barbershop Chorus and past member of the American Legion Post 37.

Immediate survivors include his wife, Elinor Halvorson of Ames; sons, Mark (Nancy) Halvorson of Story City, Brian Halvorson of St. Louis Park, Minnesota and Bruce (Sue) Halvorson of Omaha, Nebraska; grandchildren, Kristen, Kevin, and Jonathan Halvorson of Omaha, Nebraska; step-grandchildren, Jeff (Brigitte) Ried of Pekin, Illinois, Vicki (Brent) Elscott of Pleasant Hill, Iowa and Chris Ried of Dennison, Texas; step-great-grandchildren, Joel Elscott of Altoona, Andrew Ried of Des Moines, Breanna Elscott of Pleasant Hill and Payton Ried of Pekin, Illinois; nephew, Ralph (Sandy) Halvorson of Burnsville, Minnesota; niece, Ruth Ann (John) Wiess of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and daughter-in-law, Sonja Halvorson.

Memorial Contributions may be sent to the Ascension Lutheran Church building fund in Ames.
© Northwood Anchor 2004

Arlene Lucille Tenold

October 6, 2004

Arlene Lucille Tenold, 84, of Northwood, died on Monday, September 27, 2004, at the Lutheran Retirement Home, Northwood.

Memorial services were held on Thursday, September 30, 2004, at 1:00 p.m., at the First Lutheran Church, Northwood, with Rev. Wayne Hagen officiating. Burial was in the Bristol Cemetery, rural Joice, Iowa. According to her wishes her body was cremated. The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home of Northwood, was in charge of the arrangements.

Arlene Lucille Tenold, was born on May 12, 1920 in rural Worth County, near Northwood, the daughter of Lars and Anna (Numedahl) Butler. She was baptized and confirmed at the South Shell Rock Lutheran Church in Worth County. She graduated from the Northwood High School in 1936. Arlene was united in marriage to Marvin Tenold on November 25, 1939. He preceded her in death on March 17, 1956. After their marriage together, they farmed in rural Worth County. Following Marvin's death, Arlene worked for Fleetguard in Lake Mills.

Arlene enjoyed gardening, embroidery, baking, crossword puzzles and reading, but her great love and enjoyment was her family, neighbors and friends.

Left to cherish her memory are two daughters, Marjorie Hengested and husband, Robert of Northwood and Joanne Moretz of Northwood; seven grandchildren, Deb Nelson and husband, Brad of Marshalltown, Doreen Gundmonson and husband, Jerry of Savage, Minnesota, Darla Otis and husband, Dan of Northwood, Ron Hengesteg and wife, Stephanie of Northwood, Kim Hennigar and husband, Gary of Northwood, Jeff Moretz and fiancée, Michelle of Northwood and Brian Moretz and wife, Melanie of Adel, Iowa; 17 great-grandchildren; sister, Mildred Harris of Northwood; sister-in-law, Gaylis Tenold of Northwood; and nieces and nephews as well as other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lars and Anna Butler; husband, Marvin; infant daughter, Mary Lee; son-in-law, Donald Moretz; infant grandson, Rick Hengesteg; grandson, Steven Julson; two sisters, Evelyn Helgeson and Opal Tenold; four brothers-in-law, Hendlynn Helgeson, Reuben Tenold, Donald Harris and Olger Tenold; sister-in-law, Clarice Tenold; two nephews, Robert Tenold and Dennis Tenold.
© Northwood Anchor 2004