Bernedetta "Bea" Bernice Brackey

February 9, 2005

Bernedetta "Bea" Bernice Brackey, 91, of Northwood, died Thursday, February 3, 2005, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

Funeral services were held Monday, February 7, 2005, at the First Lutheran Church, Northwood, with Reverend Wayne Hagen officiating. Burial was in the Madison Cemetery in Forest City. Visitation was held on Monday at the church. The Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood, was in charge of the arrangements.

Bernedetta "Bea" Bernice Etzen, was born on July 24, 1913 in Woden, Iowa, the daughter of Peter and Mary (Barth) Etzen. She graduated from Hayfield, Iowa, High School. She was united in marriage to Alfred Brackey on February 14, 1935, in Forest City and to this union seven children were born. Bea worked at various jobs and was a housekeeper in Albert Lea for several years before moving to Northwood in 1974, to be near her daughter, Arlys Reeder.

Bea was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed playing cards, watching TV, crossword puzzles, and sitting at the Hotel with Harry and Arlys, and visiting with her extended family, Jr., and Nancy. Bea also loved to bake and was well known for her brownies, banana cream pies and angel food birthday cakes. She was a member of First Lutheran Church, Mary Circle, Alter Guild, First Lutheran Church Women's club, and Senior Citizens where she served as Treasurer, all in Northwood.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Arlys Reeder and her husband, Harry of Northwood, Alfred Brackey Jr., and his wife, Delores of Waukegan, Illinois, Garvin Brackey of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, Barbara Anderson and her husband, Richard of St. Paul, Minnesota, Mary Lee Brackey of Mankato, Minnesota and Thomas Brackey and his wife, Kathleen of Oakdale, Minnesota; 12 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Irene Cook of Clear Lake and Louise Hanson of LeRoy, Minnesota; one brother, Ed Etzen and wife, Dorothy of Forest City; several nieces, nephews, as well as other relatives and friends.

Bea was very proud of her family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and will be greatly missed by all her family.

Her parents; husband, Alfred; an infant daughter, Rosell Brackey; an infant grandson, Scott Reeder; an infant great-grandson, Nathan Geffert and a daughter-in-law; Lois Brackey; three brothers, Enno, Pete, and John Etzen, and two sisters, Grace Larson and Rose Peterson, preceded her in death.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Leonard M. Calkins

February 16, 2005

Leonard M. Calkins, 85, of 802 16th St. NE, died on Thursday, February 3, 2005, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Monday at the Major Erickson Funeral Home, Mason City, with Rev. Kathy Graves, Director of Spiritual Care Hospice of North Iowa officiating. Interment was in the Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery. Full military rites will be conducted by the Mason City Veterans Memorial Association.

Leonard was born on October 13, 1919 in Swaledale, Iowa, the son of Frank and Mable (Anderson) Calkins. He married Bernice "Bee" Beier on March 19, 1939, in Manly, Iowa. Leonard entered the service in 1942. He served in the 10th Mountain Division in Italy and Africa. While in combat, he helped Bob Dole off the battlefield after Dole had been wounded. Some years later, Senator Dole visited Leonard at the television station in Mason City. Following his honorable discharge in 1945, Leonard returned home serving in the National Guard for 9 years. He attained the rank of Master Sergeant. Leonard worked for KGLO Television for 35 years. He was a cameraman then received his Electronic Engineering degree. Leonard was a member of the Moose Lodge, VFW Post #733 and the American Legion. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and pool.

Leonard is survived by two daughters, Sharon R. Swanson and husband, Bill of Northwood and Linda K. Edwards and husband, Joe D. Carroll of Minneapolis, Minnesota; grandchildren, Jody L. Harrington and husband, Troy of St. Charles, Illinois, Trudy L. Capitani and husband, Dave of Northwood, Cale Y. Edwards and special friend, Michelle Smith of Savage, Minnesota; great-grandchildren, Weston and Vaughn Harrington, Spencer and Chandler Capitani; twin brother, Leland "Dude" Calkins and wife, Janiece of Mason City; nephews, Leon Calkins of Tucson, Arizona, Cecil Calkins and wife, Peggy of Granger; special friend, Juanita Cole of Clear Lake.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Raymond Eugene Quam

February 16, 2005

Raymond Eugene Quam, 90, of Albert Lea, died on Monday, February 7, 2005, at the Good Samaritan Center in Albert Lea.

The funeral service was held on Thursday, February 10, at the Manchester Evangelical Lutheran Church, Manchester. The Rev. Dennis Schmidt officiated. Interment was in the Round Prairie Cemetery. Visitation was held on Wednesday, February 9, at the Bonnerup Funeral Service.

Ray was born on September 24 1914, in Freeborn County, the son of Halver and Gina (Jacobson) Quam. He was the youngest of nine children. On October 21, 1939, he married Pearl Wright in Northwood, Iowa. Throughout his life he lived in Freeborn County. He farmed and did construction work and enjoyed taking care of his acreage. He was a member of Manchester Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Raymond is survived by four children, Kenneth Quam and his wife, Doris of Northwood, Pauline Nielsen of Albert Lea, Kathleen and her husband, Ronald Larson of Eau Claire, Wisconsin and Katherine and her husband, Lowell Attig of Twin Lakes; 12 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife; great-grandson, Steve Neilson; and all of his brothers and sisters.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

N. Gene Stumo

February 16, 2005

N. Gene Stumo, 71, of Northwood, died on Saturday, February 12, 2005, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, February 16, 2005, at the Elk Creek Lutheran Church, rural Kensett, with Reverend Allan J. Stoa officiating. Inurnment will be in the Elk Creek Lutheran Church Cemetery, with military graveside honors by "Our Buddies" VFW Memorial Post #6779 of Northwood. Visitation was held from 4-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood. According to his wishes his body will be cremated.

N. Gene Stumo, was born on April 9, 1933 in Hayward, Minnesota, the son of Gerhard Joseph and Julia Harriet (Holstad) Stumo. He attended Brookfield Township elementary school and graduated with the Kensett High School class of 1951. Gene was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1953, and fought in the Korean Conflict until his honorable discharge on December 28, 1954. He was united in marriage to Ilyce Nelson on November 19, 1955, at the Elk Creek Lutheran Church.

Gene began farming in 1955 and farmed in the Northwood area until 1980, when he began working for Winnebago Industry in Forest City and worked for them for over 15 years until his retirement. He enjoyed going to the Corner Post Restaurant in Northwood, mowing lawns, watching sports on TV, and being involved in the Kensett Variety Show, but his great love and enjoyment was his family and grandchildren. He was a member of Elk Creek Lutheran Church, church choir for 50 years, Men's Bible Study group, former member of Elk Creek Lutheran Church Council, Kensett Variety Show, Elk Creek Lutheran Church Cemetery Board, "Our Buddies" VFW Memorial Post #6779 of Northwood, and the Kensett Lions Club.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Ilyce Stumo of Northwood; three sons, Scott Stumo and his wife, Chloe Ann of Northwood, Dan Stumo and special friend, Julie Schutz of Northwood and Donavon Stumo and his wife, Anne-Marie of Northwood; five grandchildren, Jessica Beyer of Madelia, Minnesota, Jaime Wathall and her husband, David of Carrolton, Texas, Nikole Unger and her husband, Carl of Prior Lake, Minnesota, Keith Stumo of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Shelby and Kyle Stumo of Northwood; a sister, Helen Olness and her husband, Roger of Benson, Minnesota; two brothers, Charles Stumo and his wife, Mary of Northwood and David Stumo and his wife, Clarice of Paynesville, Minnesota; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Ann Baker and her husband, Tom of Wayzata, Minnesota; as well as other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and aunts and uncles.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Rev. David Q. Hawbaker

February 23, 2005

Rev. David Q. Hawbaker, age 94, of Blue Earth, formerly of Elmore, Minnesota and Lake Mills, Iowa, died on Sunday, February 20, 2005, at his home in Blue Earth.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, February 22, 2005, at Shiloh Lutheran Church in Elmore, Minnesota, with Pastor Arlon Lee of River of Life Worship Center in Blue Earth and Pastors John and Nancy Alexander of New Hope Tabernacle in Lake Mills officiating. Burial took place in Riverview Cemetery in Elmore, Minnesota. Visitation was Monday, February 21, 2005, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Winter Funeral Home, Blue Earth and was one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be directed to missions at Shiloh Lutheran Church in Elmore, River of Life Worship Center in Blue Earth, or to New Hope Tabernacle in Lake Mills.

David Quinten Hawbaker, was born on March 17, 1910 at Dallas County, Iowa, the son of Levi K. and Ella E. (Miracle) Hawbaker. He attended country school near Bancroft, Iowa. In 1927, the Hawbaker family moved to rural Elmore, Minnesota, where David helped his parents' farm. On August 15, 1930, David was united in marriage with Opal Swadley at Elmore. During their time in Elmore, Dave worked as a Fuller Brush Man for 15 years in addition to various other jobs he held. In 1960, the couple moved to Lake Mills. While in Lake Mills, David owned and operated Dave's Lawn and Garden Service, helping customers in the North Iowa area from 1960 until 1988. In 1964, David was ordained and filled the position as pastor at the Highway Chapel in Forest City, Iowa, for five years, and subsequently filled in for vacationing pastors throughout the region. David and Opal's greatest sermons were preached by the example of their lives. In their retirement since 1988, David and Opal have attended Shiloh Lutheran Church in Elmore and River of Life Worship Center in Blue Earth.

Survivors include his wife of 74 years, Opal; five children, Mildred Barton and her husband, Harold of Kerrville, Texas, David Lester Hawbaker and his wife, Juanita of Seattle, Washington, Marijane Bard of Mansfield Oohio, Elsie Wood and her husband, Bill of Garland, Texas and Retha Hanson and her husband, Charles of Garland, Texas; 13 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Levi and Ella; three brothers; one sister; and a son-in-law, Eddie Bard.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Waldomar "Wally" Norris Anderson Sr.

March 9, 2005

Waldomar "Wally" Norris Anderson Sr., 73, departed his life peacefully on Tuesday, February 22, 2005, at the UT Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee.

He was of the Lutheran Faith. There was a remembrance and celebration of Wally’s life on Friday, February 25, at Judy’s in Knoxville, Tennessee. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Volunteer Ministries, Knoxville, Tennessee.

Waldomar was born on October 22, 1931. He was well known to many as “Pops”. He served in the Air Force. After the military he continued with what he loved by owning and operating a Kirby Dealership in Albert Lea for many years before owning and operating Vacuum City in Knoxville, Tennessee.

He is survived by a brother, Cecil and sister, Wilma; son, Wally Anderson Jr. of Tennessee; and daughters, Darlene of Wisconsin, Marilyn of Iowa, Bonnie of Iowa and Kimberly of Tennessee; grandchildren, Trey, Ashley, Kendra and Amanda all of Tennessee, Teri and Tammy of Minnesota, Gretchen and Chad of Iowa, Jody of Illinois and Lisa of Iowa, Treaver of Florida, Summer and Kirby of Oregon; and many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willy and Lila; and daughter, Melody.

Pops was very special to all that knew him and he will sadly be missed and forever loved.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Oliver William VonHagen

March 2, 2005

Oliver William VonHagen, 93, of Northwood, died on Sunday, February 27, 2005, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, March 3, at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood, with Rev. Allan J. Stoa officiating. Burial will be in the South Shell Rock Cemetery in Northwood. Visitation will be from 4-6:00 p.m., on Wednesday, and one hour prior to the service time on Thursday at the chapel.

Oliver William VonHagen, was born on June 24, 1911 in Elkton, South Dakota, the son of Oscar and Katherine (Wolf) VonHagen. He was baptized and reaffirmed the faith of his baptism through confirmation in the German Lutheran Church in Northwood. Oliver attended Myrtle Township Schools in Myrtle, Minnesota. Oliver was a lifelong resident of Northwood, and began farming on a dairy farm in Northwood. He was employed as a ground maintenance worker for the city of Northwood at Sunset Rest Cemetery, as well as many other duties for the city. Oliver worked for the city of Northwood for 40 years before his retirement. He was united in marriage to Evelyn Ryerson on February 24, 1974 in Albert Lea, Minnesota.

Oliver enjoyed going out to eat, playing cards, and dancing, but his great love and enjoyment was his family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was a member of the Elk Creek Lutheran Church in Kensett and the Eagles in Albert Lea, Minnesota.

Left to cherish his memory is his life long companion, Evelyn VonHagen of Northwood; his children, Wayne VonHagen and his wife, Mary of Kiester, Minnesota, Dennis VonHagen and his wife, Marcia of Mason City, Marilyn Soto of Forest City, Russel VonHagen and his wife, Diane of Clarks Grove, Minnesota and Edna Callahan and her husband, Ryan of Ellendale, Minnesota; a sister, Martha Bassett of Northwood; a sister-in-law, Martha VonHagen of Estherville; special grandchildren, Allen, David, Dean, and Michael VonHagen, Gary Tritle, Shari Charron, Tim VonHagen, Shelly VanDusseldorp, Jason and Brian Soto, Bobbie Jo Gilbertson, Katie Jo VonHagen, Melanie, Tracy, and Travis Callahan, Joseph, Amanda, Kimberly, and Jennifer VonHagen, Shane Hanson and Angie Williams; 31 great-grandchildren; several step-children and step-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; as well as other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Otto Weber; a son, William VonHagen who died in 1993; brother, Vern VonHagen; sister, Myrle Hove; and a great-granddaughter, Elizabeth VonHagen.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Edna Mae Dimmel

March 2, 2005

Edna Mae Dimmel, 85, of Northwood, formerly of Austin, Minnesota, died on Sunday morning, February 27, 2005, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, March 5, at the Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, Austin, with the Rev. Robert Seifert officiating. Friends may call one half hour prior to the services at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, Austin or the Hospice of Northern Iowa.

Edna Mae Schneider, was born on May 19, 1919, to Roy and Jennie (Gronseth) Schneider in Elysian, Minnesota, where she grew up and attended schools. After her marriage to Darhld Dimmel at the Grace Lutheran Church in Lowell, Louisiana on October 31, 1939, they made their home in Austin, where Edna was food manager of the Austin Country Club for 15 years. She enjoyed raising her children, loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and played golf. Edna taught herself to play the piano and organ.

Survivors include her husband of 65 years, Darhld Dimmel of Northwood; one son, Dr. Donald (Karen) Dimmel of Prescott, Arizona; three daughters, Judith (Larry) Jorgenson of Northwood, Daralyn Christianson of Santa Fe, New Mexico and Kathryn (Donald) Yous of Austin, Texas; ten grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and three sisters.
© Northwood Anchor 2005