Dorothy E. M. Rademaker

April 6, 2005

Dorothy E. M. Rademaker, 94, of Manly, died on Saturday, April 2, 2005, at the Manly Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 5, 2005, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Manly, with Reverend Randy Nielsen officiating. Interment was the same day at the Grafton Cemetery. Visitation was on Monday, at the Bride Colonial Chapel, Manly and for one hour prior to the services at the church. Memorials may be directed to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

Dorothy was born on December 21, 1910 in rural Grafton, Iowa, the daughter of Otto and Alvina (Walk) Braun. She was the second of eight children, with three brothers and four sisters. Dorothy was baptized and later confirmed in the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton. On October 19, 1930, she was united in marriage to John J. Rademaker in the Emmanuel Lutheran Church. They remained members of that church for over 50 years. They had two daughters, Dorothy Janet and Mary Ann. The family farmed in rural Grafton until November 1970. In retirement, they moved to their home in Manly. They joined the Bethlehem Lutheran Church and were faithful members the rest of their lives in Manly. After her husband's death in 1983, Dorothy continued to live in their home until she moved to the Manly Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in July 2001.

Over the years, she enjoyed cooking, mending, gardening, and entertaining her grandchildren and other family members.

Dorothy is survived by her daughters, Dorothy Hanna and Mary Chisholm, both of Manly; one brother, Everett (Chrystal) Braun of Grafton; one sister-in-law, Marcella Braun of St. Ansgar; one brother-in-law, Arthur Merkel of Manly; eleven grandchildren, Mark (Barb) Hanna of Ogden, Iowa, Janet Hanna of Manly, Lyle (Terri) Hanna of Katy, Texas, Cindy Dahl of South Sioux City, Nebraska, Tim (Nancy) Chisholm of North Branch, Minnesota, John (Lisa) Chisholm of Forest City, Jane Chisholm of Walkersville, Maryland, Jeff (Lorrie) Chisholm of Nevada, Iowa, Sandy (Randy) Linderman of Mason City, Judy Horning of Northwood and Jim (Paula) Chisholm of Ellsworth, Wisconsin; 24 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Along with her husband and parents, Dorothy was preceded in death by her four sisters, Hazel Schultz, Gertrude Merkel, Evelyn Nelson and Violet Braun; two brothers, Harvey and Armond Braun; one granddaughter, Marsha Hanna Davids; one grandson-in-law, Mark Horning; and one son-in-law, Jack Hanna.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Anna Mae Evans

April 6, 2005

Anna Mae Evans, 71, of Northwood, died on Sunday, April 3, 2005, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

Memorial services will he held at 1:00 p.m., on Wednesday, April 6, at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood, with Rev. Wayne Hagen officiating. Inurnment will take place in the Sunset Rest Cemetery. The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, is in charge of the arrangements.

Anna was born on June 23, 1933 in Mason City, to Oscar M. Olson and Flossie Lowe Olson. She went to school in Kensett. She married Russell L. Evans on September 16, 1951. She loved to sew, make quilts for her grandchildren, collect angels and cherubs, garden, and baking. She loved her animals and her little dog, Charlie, her two, cats Poots and Daisy Mae. She worked at Spurgeons, then she and Russ ran Evans Plumbing and Heating for 21 years. She also worked at Caseys and Townmart.

Survivors include her children, Kirk Evans and his wife, Ann of Alaska and their children, Brandon, Sarah Lester, Ryan and Chris; Jill Evans-Mellem and her husband, Dennis of Northwood and their children, Lisa Scholl, Betsy Ingersoll, and Emily Mellem; and son, Mike Evans of Northwood and his children, Samuel and Elsa. There are also ten great-grandchildren surviving.

She was preceded in death by her twin sister, Carrie Ellen Olson; brother, Arthur Olson; husband, Russell Evans; father, Oscar Olson; mother, Flossie Olson; uncles, Iver Olson and Oliver Olson; and aunts, Ellen and Amanda.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Richard Raymond Reyerson

April 13, 2005

Richard Raymond Reyerson, age 80, of Sparks, Nevada, formerly of Northwood, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, February 3, 2005, at 6:00 a.m., at the St. Mary's Hospital in Reno, Nevada.

Memorial services will be held at the Silver Lake Lutheran Church in rural Northwood, Iowa, at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, April 16, 2005, with the Rev. Thomas Hagen officiating. Richard is inurned at the Island Memorial Gardens, Napa, California.

Richard was born on January 10, 1925 in Silver Lake Township, Worth County, Iowa, the son of Laura and Oliver G. Reyerson. He was baptized and confirmed in the Silver Lake Lutheran Church. He attended country school and Northwood School and graduated from the Northwood High School "Class of 1946". During his senior year, he was drafted to serve in WW II. He joined the 5th Division of the US Marine Corps and was stationed in the South Pacific Islands for two years, then received a medical discharge. After returning home, he completed his high school requirements and received his diploma. Later that year, he left for California and worked for the Bank of America in Gardena, California, where he studied accounting and landed a job with the American Can Company in Los Angeles. He took flying lessons and became a licensed commercial pilot.

In September of 1948, he met and married Betty Jane Hunt of Campton, California. In December of 1952, their only child, Bill, was born. Richard continued working for American Can Company for a few years, and then decided to drive semi-trucks delivering lumber from northern to southern California. Eventually moving to Cloverdale, California. After a few years, he moved his family to Santa Rosa, then to Napa in 1972. They attended First Christian Church there. He got a job driving truck with Ace Hardware, delivering supplies to their stores in California, Oregon and Nevada. After fourteen years with this company, he suffered a severe heart attack and was forced to retire from trucking. However, he liked to travel, so he and his wife, Betty, visited family and friends in Canada and in many of the states, including Hawaii. After Betty passed away, he joined a "travel club" and journeyed to Alaska, Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, Columbia and Tahiti. He also liked fishing, oil painting and photography.

He was a member of the Teamster Retirees Club #490 in Vallejo, California and served as Treasurer for several years, starting in 1990 until he resigned due to poor health. He then bought a condo in Sparks, Nevada in 2002 where he lived at the time of his death.

Left to cherish his memory are his son, Bill of Forestville, California; one brother, Ole of Salt Lake City, Utah; one sister, Grace Dahlby and sister-in-law, Lyta Reyerson, both of Northwood, Iowa; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty; mother-in-law, Nell Hunt; brother, Clifford; sister, June and her husband, Clifford Nelson; brothers-in-law, Aaron Dahlby and Bon Hunt; nephew, Phillip Dahlby; niece, Sheila Marshall; and many friends.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Dale L. Olson

April 13, 2005

Dale L. Olson, 71, passed away on Thursday, April 7, 2005, surrounded by his family at home in De Pere, Wisconsin, after a long illness. He will be remembered by his generosity of spirit and never-ending humor.

A memorial service will be held at the First Congregational Church in Mason City, Iowa, on Monday, April 11. Memorials may be directed to the Unity Hospice, Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Dale graduated from the Northwood High School and played basketball, baseball and was an outstanding athlete. He attended Luther College for two years prior to serving 3 years in the United States Marine Corps. Dale was in the insurance industry in Mason City for many years and was active in numerous civic affairs. In 1982 he relocated to Corpus Christi, Texas and became a PGA Golf Professional employed by the City of Corpus Christi for 15 years.

Dale is survived by his wife of 49 years, Nancy (Dopps); two daughters, Lauris Olson of Ames and Lisa Monahan of De Pere, Wisconsin; two granddaughters, Helena and Meghan, and son-in-law, Tom Monahan all of De Pere; 2 brothers, Guy Olson and Ivan (Elaine) Olson of Northwood; three sisters, Vivian (Dwight) Irwin of Eliza Illinois, Rosalie (Merle) Russell of Casa Grande, Arizona and Opal Patterson of Greenfield, Iowa.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Peter Orland “Ole” Reinsmoen

April 13, 2005

Peter Orland "Ole" Reinsmoen, died of colon cancer at the Comfort House Hospice, McAllen, while at his winter home in Alamo, Texas, on Friday, April 8, 2005.

A memorial service will be conducted by Pastor Bill Peters, Bethany Lutheran Church, Joice, at a later day with inurnment in the Concordia Cemetery, Joice.

The son of Peter M. and Olga (Skrien) Reinsmoen, he was born on March 13, 1922, at his parents' farm home in Joice, where he lived his entire life. His education was in the Joice Schools, graduating as class president from high school in 1940. From boyhood he participated in sports at every opportunity, lettering in baseball and basketball at the Joice High School and continuing with town and church teams sometimes on the same teams as his sons. He married Lois Tweed of Joice, daughter of Otis and Florence (Nelson) Tweed at the Beaver Creek Lutheran Church on May 9, 1943. They were to celebrate their 62nd anniversary this spring. To this union six children, Mary, Mark, Robert, Jane, Laura, and Molly were born.

He was partial to his church, his family, his hometown and the Great Outdoors, exploring the Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota and Canada in his canoe over fifty times. The last time was in 2003 at age 81 with his wife and all five children. He enjoyed camping with family and friends and the summer vacation at the same Minnesota resort in the same cottage for 18 years. An extended trip to Norway with Lois and over sixty of the Tweed/Tvedt Clan in 1993 was a highlight of his life. "Ole" and two cousins were given nicknames in early childhood by his grandmother, Kaia Reinsmoen from a comic strip in The Decorah Posten. His always stayed with him.

He was a good pool player, cribbage player and bowler, an avid reader, especially history and was always a firm supporter of Indian causes and wildlife. Although not an ardent golfer he had two, "pure luck" he said, holes-in-one at the Rice Lake Course where he was a longtime member. He was a faithful, loving son, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He bravely assumed the role of "Roommate" in his wife's newspaper columns and was an unflinching sport about it. Norwegian through and through he never missed a chance to say so. He was a homebody and loved his homestead which was designated a Century Farm in 1878. An honest and trustworthy gentleman in all his dealings, his way of life was to leave his "campsite" better than he found it.

Orland is survived by his wife, Lois of Joice; five children, Mary Reinsmoen of Madison, Wisconsin, Mark (Diane) Reinsmoen of Burnsville, Minnesota, Robert (Mary) Reinsmoen of Chanhassen, Minnesota, Jane Heilskov of Mason City and Molly (Dave) Iverson of Joice; one sister, Carole (Allen) Freize of Hampton, Iowa; sixteen grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law; four brothers-in-law; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Peter Orland Reinsmoen was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Laura at age thirteen; two sisters, Mildred (Kermit) Anonson and Carma (Alton) Tenold; parents-in-law; three brothers-in-law; one sister-in-law; two sons-in-law, Paul Heilskov and Ron Almelien; and one nephew.

Blessed be his memory.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Wallace Frank Ellwood

May 4, 2005

Wallace Frank Ellwood, age 58, of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, passed away on Saturday, April 9, 2005, from a motorcycle accident.

Funeral services were held on Friday, April 29, at 11:00 a.m., at the Faith Lutheran Church, Coon Rapids, Minnesota. Interment was on Friday, at the Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood, Iowa.

Wallace was born in Vallejo, California, to Richard & Violet (Malzac) Ellwood. He served in the Army, toured Vietnam War. He was a member of the National Guard, American Legion, VFW, Faith Lutheran Church, International Painters Union, St. Paul Painters Union #51, Minneapolis Local #386 and the Duluth Local #106.

He’s survived by his loving wife, Marilyn; daughters, Alyssa (fiancée, Tom Bergman) of Moorhead, Holly (Enwall) and boyfriend, Erik Mortenson of Eagan and Jennifer (Michael) Wietman; granddaughter, Kirsten; mother, Violet Talbot of Duluth, Minnesota; brothers, Donald (Jean) of Brooklyn Park, William of Eveleth and Charles (Theresa) of Duluth; sister, Florence (Larry) Pierce of Duluth; father-in-law, Laverne Diedrich of Northwood, Iowa; sisters-in-law, Carolyn (Richard) Byrne of Sioux City, Iowa and Kathy (Jim) Berg of Northwood, Iowa; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by father, Richard Ellwood; brothers, Richard and Ralph; 2 step-fathers; and mother-in-law, Margaret Diedrich.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Steven Howard Thompson

April 13, 2005

Steven Howard Thompson, 53, of rural Kensett, Iowa, died on Sunday, April 10, 2005, at his home.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, April 13, at the Elk Creek Lutheran Church, Kensett, with Reverend Allan J. Stoa officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service time on Wednesday at the church. According to his wishes his body was cremated, and his ashes will be scattered in the Pacific Ocean in California. The Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood, is in charge of the arrangements.

Steven Howard Thompson, was born on August 14, 1951 in Albert Lea, Minnesota, the son of Pearl (Nicholson) Thompson. He attended school in Albert Lea and graduated from the Albert Lea High School. Steven also attended Man Power Training and received his certification in welding. After completing his schooling, he worked as a welder for the Olson Manufacturing Company in Albert Lea. Steven moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota and continued to work as a welder for several years until moving to Ventura, California, working as a General Contractor specializing in finishing work. He was united in marriage to Christine Behr on August 7, 1982, in the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Conger, Minnesota. After their marriage they moved to Ventura, California, before moving to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, where Steven continued as a general contractor for over 3 years before moving back to Ventura for a year, and then moved to Redding, California, Glenville, Minnesota and Kensett, Iowa.

He enjoyed fishing, gardening, and woodworking, but his great love and enjoyment was his family and grandchildren and spending time with them. Steven was a member of a Baptist church in Albert Lea.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Christine Thompson of Kensett; his children, Dawn Thompson and her fiancée, Keith Julius of Eagle Lake, Minnesota, Shawn Thompson of Kensett, Zeke Thompson and special friend, Season Anderson of Hanlontown, Matt and Luke Thompson of Kensett; grandchildren, Jewell and Bailey Thompson of Eagle Lake, Minnesota, David Thompson of Northwood and other surviving relative, Traci Hakanson and her husband, Rick and son of Minnesota; brother, Tom Thompson and his wife, Carolyn of Ventura, California; three sisters, Judy Short and her husband, Marty of Northern, Minnesota, Linda of San Diego, California and Janice Blackwell and her husband, Tim of Ventura, California; an uncle, David Nicholson and his wife, Ann of Northwood; and life long friend, Doug Olson and his wife, Darlene of Texas; as well as many nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Pearl Thompson; and his maternal grandparents, Eugene and Rose Nicholson.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

DeVere G. Steffensen

April 13, 2005

DeVere G. Steffensen, 83, of Lake Mills, died on Sunday, April 10, 2005, at the Lake Mills Care Center.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, at the Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills, with the Rev. Roger Dykstra officiating. Burial will be in the Salem Memorial Cemetery in Lake Mills. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, from 4-8:00 p.m., at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home, Lake Mills, and one hour prior to the services on Thursday. Memorials may be directed to Salem Lutheran Church-stained glass window fund.

DeVere was born on November 22, 1921, at the home of his maternal grandparents near Forest City, to Arthur and Zilpha (Oleson) Steffensen. He was baptized on November 7, 1926, by Rev. Carwin Taylor of the United Methodist Church, Forest City, at the home of his grandparents, and received confirmation instruction at the Salem Lutheran Church, Lake Mills. DeVere attended rural schools in Winnebago and Worth Counties and graduated from the Joice High School in 1940. He attended Hamilton Business College, Mason City. He was employed as an accountant at Wilson's Packing Company in Albert Lea, Minnesota for four years. DeVere married Clarine Aamodt on January 28, 1943, at the home of her parents. They began farming in 1944 west of Lake Mills. In the mid-1940s, the Steffensen's moved to a farm west of Lake Mills where they lived until 1997, when they retired and moved to Lake Mills.

A charter member of the Iowa Cattlemen's Association, he was also a member of the local and national associations. Feeding approximately 500 cattle per year, DeVere was one of the first users of automated cattle feeding systems. He was selected as an Iowa Master Farmer in 1974 and was also an honorary member of the Lake Mills Chapter of the Future Farmers of America. He was a DeKalb seed corn dealer in Newton Township for several years. Active in his church and community, DeVere was a long-time member of the Salem Lutheran Church, serving as a Deacon and on other church committees.

He served on the board of directors of the Winnebago WCTA for 31 years and of the Winnebago REA for 28 years. He served on the Lake Mills Community Schools Board and was President during the school building project in the late 1950's and the consolidation of the rural Lake Mills, Scarville and Joice schools. He was also a lifetime member of the Lake Mills Historical Society.

DeVere delighted in his family and visited with each of his children at least twice per week. Saturday mornings always meant early phone calls to check on everyone. The family was very close-knit and never left one family gathering without planning for the next.

Left to cherish DeVere's memory are his loving wife of 62 years, Clarine; and six children, LouAnn (Richard) Mikes of Sanibel, Florida and Ventura, Patricia (Curtis) Nelson of Northwood, Nancy (David) Monson of Leland, Julie (Leigh) Foster of Boone, Rebecca (Larry) Hill of Thompson and DeRay (Karen) Steffensen of Goshen, Indiana. Others who brought joy to his life were his 15 grandchildren, Jonathan Mikes, Richelle Mikes, Michelle (Kevin) Petznick, Chad Nelson, Anne Monson, Kathleen Monson, Aaron (Melissa) Foster, Amanda Foster, Alan Foster, Carrie (Cameron) Martin, Christopher Hill, Jennifer (Jason) Sheehan, Stephanie Hill, John Steffensen and Sally Steffensen; and "Bapa Cane's" great-grandchildren, Maeghan Petznick, Cole Sheehan and Conner Martin. He is also survived by three brothers, Cecil Steffensen, Donald (Barb) Steffensen and Marvin Steffensen; five sisters, Elaine Yates, Betty Mitchell, Mae Legg, Jeanette (Markley) Ennen and JoAnn (Tom) Costigan; two brothers-in-law, Donald (Faye) Aamodt and Carroll (Maynis) Aamodt; and three sisters-in-law, Elaine Aamodt, Delores Steffensen and Susan Steffensen.

Welcoming DeVere to his heavenly home are an infant son; grandson, Michael Nelson; his parents; brothers, Clyde Steffensen and Garth Steffensen; and other beloved family members.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Russell Harold Virchow

April 20, 2005

Russell Harold Virchow, 85, of rural Northwood, died on Sunday, April 17, 2005, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Thursday, April 21, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Myrtle, Minnesota, rural Glenville, with Reverend Jeff Wallager and Reverend Lydia Mittag officiating. Burial will be in the State Line Cemetery, rural Northwood. Visitation will be from 5-9:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood and one hour prior to the service time on Thursday at the church.

Russell Harold Virchow, was born on April 22, 1919 in rural Gordonsville, Minnesota, the son of E. L. and Anna (Knaack) Virchow. He was united in marriage to Delores Gordon on July 18, 1941, at the Lutheran Parsonage in Myrtle, Minnesota. She preceded him in death on November 14, 2004. After their marriage together they farmed their entire life north of Northwood. Russell was a great leader and manager of his farm, and his greatest love and enjoyment was farming his land. He was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Myrtle, Minnesota and rural Glenville.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Donald Virchow of Stewartville, Minnesota, Robert Virchow and his wife, Deborah of Glenville and Donna Nelson of Lake Mills; 14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; a sister, Pearl Mittag and her husband, Gaylen of Albert Lea; as well as other relatives and many friends.

Besides his wife, Delores, he was also preceded in death by his parents; a grandson; two brothers, Glen and Arley Virchow; and a sister, Doris Virchow.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Herbert P. Reyerson

April 27, 2005

Herbert P. Reyerson, 76, of Gordonsville, Minnesota, died on Sunday, April 17, 2005, at the home of his daughter, surrounded by his family.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 20, at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood, Iowa, with Rev. Tammy Dahlvang officiating. Burial will be in the Silver Lake Cemetery, rural Northwood. Visitation was held on Tuesday at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood.

Herbert was born on February 12, 1929 in Northwood, the son of Henry and Palma (Bendickson) Reyerson, one of 12 children. He was baptized at the Silver Lake Lutheran Church and grew up in the Silver Lake area. He served in the Army during the Korean War where he spent some time overseas. After his discharge he returned to the area. He was united in marriage to Janice Carlson and eventually settled in Gordonsville, Minnesota, where they raised eight children. They were later divorced. Herb worked at various jobs before his employment at Continental Foundry where he worked for many years until his retirement. He enjoyed restoring old cars and antique tractors and caring for his many cats. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed spending time with his many friends and family and his very special friend, JoAnn Lester before her death.

Herbert is survived by his eight children, Linda Geistler of Northwood, LaVonne Brevig and husband, Garry of Gordonsville, LuAnn Mason and husband, Jerry of Hayward, Minnesota, Kevin and wife, Lori of rural Glenville, Minnesota, Gary and wife, Ellen of Northwood, Sandy Stucky and husband, Scott of Northwood, Greg and wife, Suzie of Manly, Iowa and Karen Mowers and husband, Craig of Albert Lea, Minnesota; 27 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren; brothers, Curtis Reyereson of Northwood, Hank Reyerson and wife, Vi of Marshalltown, Bob Larsen and wife, Trish of Whittier, California and Dean Larsen and wife, Diane of Laguna Hills, California; brother-in-law, Lawrence Klukow of Branson, Missouri; sisters, Pearl Klukow and husband, Norman of Albert Lea and Jane Tollefson and husband, Otis of Decorah, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Judean and Leroy; and two sisters, Laurine Link and Marjorie Klukow.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

William "Bill" Draheim

April 27, 2005

William "Bill" Draheim, 63, of Nora Springs, died on Tuesday, April 19, 2005, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 23, at the First Lutheran Church, Northwood, with Rev. Wayne Hagen officiating. Burial will be in the Sunset Rest Cemetery at a later date. Visitation was on Friday, April 22, at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood, Iowa.

Bill was born on September 10, 1941 in Mason City, Iowa, to Harold and Margaret (Anderson) Draheim. He graduated from the Mason City High School in 1959. He entered the United States Navy and was discharged in 1962. After service, Bill worked for General Telephone and Electronic Company, continued his education at Cerritos Junior College, then worked for Leigh Portland Cement and then Libby Owens Ford. Bill married the love of his life, Karen Benhart, on June 20, 1967 at the Little Brown Church. To this union two sons were born, Jeff and Jayson. On August 14, 1967, Bill began what would be his life long career with the Interstate Power Company, later Alliant Energy. Bill started Draheim Electric, which later became Northwood Electric. He worked in the Northwood area for years and was transferred to Nora Springs as a service rep in 1994.

Bill was known for his great communication skills and frequent coffee stops and visits along his route while reading meters. Everyone knew the guy in the orange truck. Bill was a member of the First Lutheran Church, Northwood, the Northwood Volunteer Fire Department for 23 years, President of JC's, Cub Scout Master and a member of the River City Street Rods. He took great pride in being a council member and Mayor Pro-Tem for the city of Nora Springs for 5 years. He loved taking Jeff and Jayson to the Street Rod Nationals in Red Rosey, his 1932 Ford. Karen and Bill bought a cabin on German Lake near Waterville, Minnesota in 1983, where they forged many friendships and fishing adventures. The past few winters Karen and Bill spent winters in Arizona. Bill's idea of a break was to be working on whatever needed fixing, one rarely saw him idle.

Left to cherish his memory and celebrate his life are his wife of 38 years, Karen of Nora Springs; sons, Jeff and wife, Erin of Bloomington, Minnesota and Jayson of Nora Springs; foster son, Khiet Tran and wife, Dawn of San Bernardino, California; grandchildren, Sam Wildes and Lacey Wildes of Bloomington, Minnesota; great-granddaughter, Angel Andrews, Steven and Kimberly Tran of San Bernardino, California; brother, Tom and wife, Sandy; sister, Mary Postma and husband, Dick; many nieces and nephews; mother-in-law, Fern Benhart; special friend and Navy Buddy, Ralph Haan and wife, Rita and very special friends, Jaydin, Brandyn, Zach and Carter Smith; very special aunt, Marion Urbatch.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Margaret; and father-in-law, Lester Benhart.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Shirley Maxine (Froning) Berge

April 27, 2005

Shirley Maxine (Froning) Berge, 77, of rural Kensett, passed away on Tuesday, April 19, 2005, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Memorial services were held on Friday, April 22, at the Bethany Lutheran Church, Kensett, with Reverend Allan J. Stoa officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Kensett Cemetery. Visitation was held on Thursday, at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood and one hour prior to the service time on Friday at the church. The family of Shirley Maxine (Froning) Berge has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Hospice of North Iowa in her memory.

Shirley was born in the home of her grandmother, Mohs in Postville, Iowa, on January 22, 1928, the daughter of Leonard and Florence (Mohs) Froning. She was the eldest of six children born to this marriage. She attended schools in Tripoli, Oelwein and Readlyn. Shirley graduated from the La James School of Cosmetology in 1947 and NIACC with her LPN in 1976. Her marriage to Glenn Harold Berge on January 8, 1948, began what Shirley described as the greatest challenge of her life: for a city girl to learn how to farm. Not only did she become a true partner farming with Glenn, but also they raised three children together, and both returned to college in the 50's. Shirley was known for her loving care of the residents at the Manly Care Center and the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood until her retirement.

Shirley most enjoyed gardening, yard work, crocheting, cooking and baking for her family and friends. She was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church in Kensett.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Sandra and Scott Douglass of Gilbert, Minnesota, Mike and Barb Berge of rural Kensett and Larry and Jeannette Berge of rural Northwood; her nine beloved grandchildren, Tammy Hynes, Julie Salas and her husband, Abel, Michelle Fehring, Rebecca Berge, Tim Berge, Scott Douglass IV, Brandy Bingman and her husband, Ryan, Sarah Couch and her husband, Chris and Adam Berge; 6 great-grandchildren, Levi Fehring, Tommy Douglass V, Sophie Salas, Hannah Couch, Madelyn Berge and Samuel Bingman; three brothers, Leo Froning and his wife, Mae of Mesa, Arizona, Lyle Froning of Murphy, North Carolina and Robert Froning and his wife, Julie of Belleview, Washington; two sisters, Marilyn Rundle of Fairbank, Iowa and Bonnie Albers of Waterloo, Iowa; sisters-in-law, Margaret Berge and Mavis Rustad of Northwood; and nieces and nephews, and numerous good friends.

Her parents and her loving husband of 55 years, Glenn in 2003, preceded her in death.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Johnnie C. Bitker

May 25, 2005

Johnnie C. Bitker, 90, born on April 30, 1914, in Lucan, Minnesota, died on Wednesday, April 20, 2005.

Visitation was held on Monday, April 25, with a funeral service at the South Lawn Mortuary. Burial followed in the South Lawn Cemetery.

He retired in 1981 from Duval. Minnesota.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Marian; children, Ula (Jim) Barritt, Barry (Pat) Bitker, Leslie Bitker, Lyle (Kathie) Bitker, Joan (John) Moore, Marylou (David) Weis, Tena (Rick) Stark and Klara Bitker; sister, Geraldine Kaloplastos; ten grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son, Steven J. Bitker; and brothers and sisters.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Ida Alvina Knudtson

April 27, 2005

Ida Alvina Knudtson, 94, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, formally of Northwood, Iowa, died on Thursday, April 21, 2005, in Kansas City, Missouri, where she had been living with her son for the past few years.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 26, at the First Lutheran Church small chapel, Northwood, with Reverend Ingrid Bloom officiating. Burial will be in the Kensett Cemetery. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service time on Tuesday at the church. The Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood, was in charge of the arrangements.

One of eight children, Ida was born on March 27, 1911 in Northwood, the daughter of Rasmus and Helen (Walswick) Flatness. After growing up in Northwood, Ida went on the meet her future husband, Lavon and they were united in marriage on October 20, 1935, in the Lutheran Church in Northwood. He preceded her in death in 1976. Ida and Lavon left Northwood for the bright lights and opportunities in Minneapolis. Ida became a successful beautician at 2615 Park Ave. in Minneapolis. She gave up her career after the birth of her son, Leonard "Skip" Knudtson on June 26, 1946. Although Ida spoke highly of her profession as a beautician, her true love was being a wife, mother, homemaker, grandmother and great-grandmother. Ida was a member of the Bethlehem Covenant Church in Minneapolis.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Leonard "Skip" Knudtson and his wife, Cleta of Kansas City, Missouri; her grandson, James Knudtson of Kansas City; her granddaughter, Stacey Brown and her husband, Tim; great-grandson, Casey and great-granddaughter, McKenzie, all of Louisville, Kentucky; her sister, Hazel Kuhlmann of Northwood, Iowa; many nieces, nephews and friends, particularly her "adopted" family of Ingrid Bloom and her husband, Larry, daughter, Elizabeth Kaar and her son, Brendon Kaar.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Edith Viola Abrahams

May 4, 2005

Edith Viola Abrahams, 92, of Mason City, formerly of Northwood, died on Monday, April 25, 2005, at her home in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Friday, April 29, at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Bolan, with Reverend Robert Cumings officiating. Burial was in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood. Visitation was held on Thursday, at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood and one hour prior to the service time on Friday at the church. The family of Edith Viola Abrahams has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church in Bolan or to the Hospice of North Iowa in her memory.

Edith Viola Abrahams, was born on June 5, 1912 in Linden, Iowa, the daughter of Thomas E. and Pearl B. (Dunn) Adams. She graduated from the Blooming Prairie High School in 1932. Edith was united in marriage to Bernhard "Ben" A. Abrahams on September 23, 1933 in Owatonna, Minnesota. He preceded her in death in 1977. The first years of their marriage they lived in Ellendale, Minnesota, before moving to the Carpenter and Bolan areas where they farmed for 12 years. The family moved east of Northwood in Worth County and they continued to farm until 1958. Edith worked at various restaurants in the Northwood area, and also worked for 13 years as a laundry assistant at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

She enjoyed sewing, writing letters, and visiting with people, but her great love and enjoyment was her family, and all her grandchildren. Edith loved her church and was a very active member of the Trinity United Methodist Church and the Ladies Aid in Bolan.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Betty Tesch and her husband, Carl of Lincoln, Nebraska, Vernon A. Abrahams and his wife, Glenyce of Clear Lake, David Abrahams and his wife, Phyllis of Northwood, Mary Montgomery of Mason City, Shirley Johnson of Mason City and Duane Abrahams and his wife, Karen of Northwood; 14 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews, as well as other relatives and friends.

Besides her husband, Bernhard, she was also preceded in death by her parents; four children, Sharon, Barbara, Roger and Margaret; two great-grandchildren, Anna and Jordan; one sister; and four brothers.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Bertha M. Virchow

May 4, 2005

Bertha M. Virchow, 87, of Austin, Minnesota, died on Thursday, April 28, 2005, at the St. Mark’s Lutheran Home, Austin.

Funeral services were held on Monday, May 2, at the First Lutheran Church, Glenville. Vicar Christopher Mill officiated. Interment was in the Greenwood Cemetery, Glenville.

Bertha was born in Pine River, Minnesota on February 4, 1918, the daughter of Swan and Margrethe (Aacrid) Ness. She attended country school in Pine River, Minnesota. Bertha was married to Arley R. Virchow on May 18, 1941 in Myrtle, Minnesota. She had lived in Pine River, rural Gordonsville, and retired in Glenville. She was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Myrtle, before joining the First Lutheran Church, Glenville. She was a circle member and enjoyed quilting with the ladies. Bertha worked hard farming along side her husband, Arley. She also worked for many years at Land-O-Lakes. Bertha had been a Red Cross Blood Donor for many years.

Bertha enjoyed gardening, canning, crocheting, fishing and camping. Her greatest pleasure was the time she spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In her spare time she did a lot of crafting and enjoyed playing bingo.

Bertha is survived by her children, Ann Virchow of Austin, Ruth (Joe) VanHooser of Austin and James (Linda) Virchow of Iowa Falls; eight grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; sister, Judy Carlson of Pine River; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Pearl (Gaylen) Mittag of Albert Lea and Vern Virchow of Glenville; and nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bertha was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Charles; six sisters; and one brother.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Anna O. Gunderson

May 4, 2005

Anna O. Gunderson, 100, of Lake Mills, died on Thursday, April 28, 2005, at the Lake Mills Care Center in Lake Mills.

Funeral services were held on Monday, at the Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Leland, Iowa, with Rev. Randy Baldwin officiating. Visitation was held on Sunday, at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in Lake Mills and again one hour prior to the services at the church on Monday. Burial will take place in the Winnebago Lutheran Cemetery in rural Leland, Iowa.

Anna Olive Kloster Gunderson, the daughter of Jonas and Trina (Lyngaas) Kloster, was born on December 17, 1904, at the home of her parents near Scarville, Iowa. She was baptized at the North Prairie Lutheran Church and was confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran in Scarville. She attended country school in Winnebago County. Anna worked around Scarville and Lake Mills. On September 1, 1927, she married Arthur Gunderson of Leland, at Scarville. The couple was blessed with two children, Arlene Knudtson of Northwood, Iowa and Gerald Gunderson of Bagley, Wisconsin. They lived on farms near Leland until they retired. Arthur passed away on April 27, 1979.

Anna loved to crochet and made many doilies for family and friends, and loved working with her house plants and outdoor flowers in the summer. Anna entered the Lake Mills Care Center on January 7, 2000 and remained a resident there until she passed away on April 28, 2005, at the age of 100 years, 4 months and 11 days.

Survivors include her son, Gerald and his wife, Marlene and daughter, Arlene; sisters, Olga Hermanson of Lake Mills, Martha Knutson of Northwood and Inga Bolstad of Forest City; one brother, Charles Kloster of Austin, Minnesota; sister-in-law, Alvira Kloster of Lake Mills; grandchildren, Sherry (Neil) Christ, Sandy (Randy) Sime, Gary (Vicki) Knudtson, Tammy (Steve) Krauter, Scott (Tina) Gunderson; great-grandchildren, Jason (Meredith) Christ, Nic Christ and friend Linda Kane, Craig Christ, Katie, Angie and Bryan Sime, Kirby (Dawn) Knudtson, Heather (Matt) Dingbaum, Heidi Knudtson, Nicole and Zachary Krauter, Jami, Jeremy and Megan Gunderson; great-great-grandchildren, Paige, Teyannah, Raevyn, Khiya Knudtson, Kadyn Dingbaum and Ethan Christ; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Arthur; son-in-law, Harlan Knudtson; brothers, Andrew, Arthur, Carl, Oliver and Gordon; sisters, Jorgina Peterson, Jenette Ashpole, Cora Thorson and Gilma Kloster; sisters-in-law, Ann Gunderson and Thelma Kloster; and brother-in-law, Marlin Gunderson.
© Northwood Anchor 2005