Inez I. Ott

January 12, 2005

Inez I. Ott, 82, of Waterloo, died on Monday, January 3, 2005, at the Covenant Medical Center.

Funeral service were held on Friday, January 7, 2005, at the Zion Lutheran Church, with burial in the Concordia Cemetery.

Inez was born on April 4, 1922 in rural Worth County, the daughter of Clarence A. and Mandeline Hoel Brunsvold. She married Dale H. Ott on August 23, 1947, at the Concordian Evangelical Lutheran Church, Worth County. Inez was a graduate of the Kensett High School and Luther College. While at Luther, she was editor of the Luther College Chips. Shortly after graduation, she taught in the Hartley School District. Along with being a loving compassionate mother to her five sons, she was a substitute teacher for the Waterloo District.

Inez was an active member of the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, where she helped with vacation Bible School, was a member of the Ruth Circle and was also church librarian. She also volunteered at Allen Hospital.

Survivors include her husband; five sons, David L. of San Antonio, Texas, Gregory D. (Suzan) of Sheridan Oregon, Brian A. (Valerie) of Elk Run Heights, Steven W. of Waterloo and Jeff O. (Julie) of Peoria, Illinois; 15 grandchildren, Lindsey, Michael, Trevor, Tiffany, Lukas, Ryan, Derek, Taylor, Andrew, Kristin, Brianne, Tarrin, Jessica, Zachary and Jordan Ott; and a sister, Sylvia (Emerson) Evans of Northwood.

She was preceded in death by her parents.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Charles “Skip” Buchanan

January 12, 2005

Charles “Skip” Buchanan, 65, died on Crooked Lake, Wisconsin, on Tuesday, January 4, 2005, while snowmobiling.

Funeral services were held at the Ewen Untied Methodist Church, with Pastor Ted Trudgeon officiating.

Skip was born on April 20, 1939, to Eleanor Oakland Buchanan and Robert Buchanan. He was baptized on October 3, 1939, at the Gordonsville Methodist Church. He graduated from the Northwood High School and worked at Streeters until 1967. He then moved his family to Colorado where he started his own business as a contractor. In 1985 he relocated to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where he owned and maintained Lac La Belle Resort.

He considered himself a Jack-Of-All-Trades but was considered by everyone a Master Carpenter. Skip was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and working with his hands as well as being around family and friends.

He is survived by his mother, Eleanor Buchanan; children, Cyndi, Chris, Doug, LeAnn, Charles and Jacob; grandchildren, Nicole, Kirsten, Stephanie, Ryan, Cassandre, Brittanie, Colette, Alex, Nathan, Gabrielle, Hannah, Oscar and Sadie.

He was preceded in death by father, Robert Buchanan.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Carroll Dean "Sam" Schmidt

January 12, 2005

Carroll Dean "Sam" Schmidt, 71, of Manly, died on Thursday, January 6, 2005, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City, surrounded by his family.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, January 10, at the Bethel United Methodist Church, Manly, with Rev. Robert Cumings officiating. Burial was in the Manly Cemetery, Manly, where full military honors were conducted by members of the Edward Tosel Post # 110, Manly.

Carroll Dean Schmidt, was born on November 14, 1933 at Northwood, a son of Fred and Alma (Olson) Schmidt. He graduated from the Northwood High School in 1952 and joined the Army in 1953, serving 2 years in the 432nd Engineers Battalion in Germany as a heavy equipment operator. He married Wanda Marie Reynolds on November 23, 1957 at Mason City.

Sam and Wanda began their family in Mason City before moving to Manly in 1969, where they have resided ever since. Sam worked at Libby-Owens-Ford, Mason City, from the day it opened in May 1967 until the day it closed in November 1991. Known as "Smitty" at LOF, he took early retirement when the Mason City plant closed. He chose to continue working at Fleet Guard before retiring to his garage in 1995.

Sam was a Minnesota Vikings fan who enjoyed playing cards with his family and friends, wood-working in the garage, fishing, buying anything for a buck at local auctions, family celebrations in Carpenter and spending time with his grandchildren.

Left to cherish his memory are his five children, David Schmidt of Mason City, Theresa Corell and her husband, Ron of Manly, Carrie Schmidt and Jennifer Schallock of Charles City, Tracy Schmidt of Clear Lake and Cristy Cooper of Manly; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; eight grand-dogs; dear friend, Julie Neuberger; and son-in-law, Scott Cooper. Sam was known as "Grandpa Sam" to many.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Wanda; two sons, Donny and Dean; his brothers, Harold, Ralph, Russell and Roger; and his sisters, Betty Butler, Ruth Wedgewood and Dorothy Gentz.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Joseph H. Bergen

January 12, 2005

Joseph H. Bergen, age 65, of Minneapolis, died unexpectedly on Friday, January 7, 2005, at his home in Minneapolis.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon, on Thursday, January 13, at the Lakewood Chapel, Minneapolis. Memorials are preferred to the donors choice.

He was born on February 1, 1939, and grew up in Northwood. Joe had a rich life. He traveled the world and was a lifelong student of languages. He enjoyed music, art, good wine and food and most of all a diversity of good friends.

He is survived by a brother, Dr. Richard (Judith) Bergen of Austin, Minnesota; sisters, Ann (Thomas) Osten of Spokane, Washington and Susan Bergen of Minneapolis; niece, Katie (Matthew) McLagan; and nephews, Thomas (Beth) Bergen, Mark Bergen and Edward and Robert Osten.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Brenda Faye Buck

January 19, 2005

Brenda Faye Buck, 39, of Clear Lake, Iowa, died on Wednesday, January 12, 2005, at the Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa, Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Monday, January 17, at 1:30 p.m., at the Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, with Lay Assistant Richard Scott officiating. Visitation was held on Sunday, from 4-7:00 p.m., at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel. Interment was on Tuesday, at 10:00 a.m., at the Clear Lake Cemetery.

Brenda was born on July 26, 1965 in Mason City, Iowa, the daughter of Rogar and Marilyn (Urbatch) Cooper. She graduated from the Northwood-Kensett High School in 1984. Brenda worked at the Mile Post 194 Truck Stop in Clear Lake as a waitress. Brenda married Joseph Buck on May 18, 1990, at the Lakeside Church, Clear Lake, Iowa. She worked at Opportunity Village and was currently working for AEA 267 at Educare & Gerard of Iowa as a Para-Educator. She also worked part time at Players in Clear Lake.

Brenda was always there for her friends and was known as a social butterfly. She loved crafts and fishing with her husband. She treasured every moment with her family and friends. She helped with Toys for Tots and was a bell ringer for the Salvation Army. Brenda was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church.

Brenda is survived by her husband, Joe Buck, Clear Lake; two sons, Benjamin and Brody Buck of Clear Lake; her mother, Marilyn Cooper of Kensett; sister, Annette "Net" Cooper of Clear Lake; aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews; a special Angel friend, Kathy Toye Prins of Rock Falls, Iowa; and a host of other special friends.

Brenda was preceded in death by her father, Rogar Cooper; mother-in-law, Carole Buck; paternal grandparents, Emery and Velma Cooper; and maternal grandparents, Eldred and Lucille Urbatch.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Virgil J. Ryan

January 26, 2005

Virgil J. Ryan, 71, of Albert Lea, died on Saturday, January 15, 2005, at the Albert Lea Medical Center.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, January 19, at the St. Theodore's Catholic Church. Father LaVern Trocinski was the officiator. Burial was in the Hillcrest Cemetery.

Virgil was born on October 29, 1933 in Geneva, Minnesota, the son of Norval and Grayce (Johnson) Ryan. He attended and graduated from the Albert Lea High School in 1951. On June 4, 1955, Virgil was united in marriage to Shirley Larkin at the Queen of Angels, Austin, Minnesota. He was employed at Hemingway Concrete for 17 years and then Brua Masonry.

Virgil loved playing and watching all types of sports. He enjoyed bowling, golf, playing cards, pool and softball, where he was inducted into the Softball Hall of Fame. He also was an umpire for fast pitch softball for both men and women. Virgil also worked and managed the Moose Lodge and the Union Center. In his later years he enjoyed watching his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren participate in their various sports. Virgil delivered meals on the go and was recently the secretary. He also worked for the Wells Super Value as a stocker and carry out person.

Virgil was a member of the Moose, Elks, Eagles and St. Theodore's Catholic Church, where he served as an Eucharistic Minister. Virgil was well known for his ability to tell stories and was doing that until God took his hand.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley; daughters, Vicky and husband, Dave Book of Albert Lea and Cheryl and husband, Jerry Wilma of Winona; son, Jeff and wife, Steph Ryan of Winona; grandchildren, Amy and husband, Bruce Mandler, Heather and husband, Bryan Lande, Bridget Wilma, John Wilma, Anthony Wilma, Scotty Ryan, Joe Ryan, Nick Ryan and Alex Ryan; two great-grandchildren, Felicia Mandler and Alexis Mandler; sisters, Norvaleen and husband, Mic Mandt of Albert Lea and Marcella "Sally" and husband, Merle Aase of Northwood, Janet and husband, Andy Anderson of Sun City, Arizona and Gloria and husband, Donald Hagen of Northwood; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Virgil was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Richard Mandt; and great-granddaughter, Ashley Mandler.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Margaret J. Nydegger

January 19, 2005

Margaret J. Nydegger, 86, of Manly, died on Sunday, January 16, 2005, at The Homestead Assisted Living Residence, Mason City.

Funeral services were  held at 1:30 p.m., on Tuesday, January 18, at the Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, Mason City, with Rev. Robert Cumings officiating. Burial will be in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City. Visitation was from 11:30 a.m., at the funeral chapel. Memorials may be given to the Bolan United Methodist Church or Hospice of North Iowa.

Margaret Josephine Nydegger, was born on April 14, 1918 at Mason City, the daughter of Joseph and Agnes (Kratoska) Ditzler. She married Walter Nydegger in 1940 and he preceded her in death in 1968. In 1973, she married Elmer Williams and he preceded her in death in 1991. Margaret attended Mason City Schools and was a graduate of the Mason City High School.

For several years she worked at the Hermanson Dairy, Mason City. Later she resumed her education, attending the Mason City Junior College, earning a teaching certificate. Margaret taught kindergarten for 27 years at Grafton and St. Ansgar Schools. During this time she earned a bachelor's degree from Drake University.

A licensed pilot, Margaret loved to travel and enjoyed dancing. She was very active in her later years, learning to downhill ski at the age of 60. She taught English in Japan for a short time. Margaret was active in the Bolan United Methodist Church, Bolan and held memberships in the Ninety-Niner's, a women's aviators group and the North Iowa Canoeing Club.

She is survived by two sons, Joseph (Linda) Nydegger of Bolan and Jerry (Kathy) Nydegger of Redwood Falls, Minnesota; five grandchildren, Lori (Scott) Willert of Bolan, Larry (Michele) Nydegger of Ellendale, Minnesota, Loren (Renee) Nydegger of Staples, Minnesota, Mike (Irma) Nydegger of Iowa City and Michelle Nydegger of St Cloud, Minnesota; four great-grandchildren, Kelsie, Cole Anna and Daniel; and one brother, Walter Ditzler of Tucson, Arizona.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; and one brother, Robert Ditzler.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Stephen Carlyle Schutz

January 26, 2005

Stephen Carlyle Schutz, 54, of Northwood, died on Monday, January 17, 2005, as a result of a semi tractor-trailer accident in Chicago, Illinois.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, January 22, at the First Lutheran Church, Northwood, with Reverend Wayne Hagen officiating. Burial was in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood.

Steve C. Schutz, was born on March 15, 1950 in Northwood, the son of Orville Carl and Olga (Nelson) Schutz. He attended and received his education in the Northwood-Kensett Community Schools, graduating with the Northwood-Kensett High School class of 1969. After completing his schooling he worked at Decker's Meat Packing Company in Mason City, Winnebago Industries in Forest City and as a farm hand for David A. Nelson in Glenville, Minnesota. From 1988 until 2004 Steve was an independent trucker for Umthum-Decker's Trucking in Fort Dodge, and until the time of his death he worked for Ruan Trucking in Mason City.

He was united in marriage to Barb Broitzman on August 29, 1970, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Myrtle, Minnesota. He enjoyed going to NASCAR races, sports, camping and snowmobiling, but his great love and enjoyment was his family and many friends. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Northwood, Northwood Men's Club and the Fence Stretchers Snowmobile Club in Northwood.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Jolene Schutz of Northwood and her fiancée, Cody Hickle of Manly and Dan Schutz of Northwood; three sisters, Judale Mills and husband, Robert of Northwood, Lanelle Lawson and husband, Joe of Lake Mills and Nalda Zipse and husband, John of Northwood; brother, Dennis Schutz and special friend, Terri Olson of Northwood; several nieces and nephews as well as other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Phillip and Glennys Schutz.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Floyd Patrich Ingersoll

January 26, 2005

Floyd Patrich Ingersoll, age 83, of Kensett, Iowa, died on Monday, January 17, 2005, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Memorial services were held at 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, January 20, at the Bethany Lutheran Church, Kensett, with Rev. Allan J. Stoa officiating. There was no visitation.

Floyd P. Ingersoll, was born on December 28, 1921, to Floyd Elmer Ingersoll and Ellen (Gill) Ingersoll in Worth County, Iowa. He attended school in Waverly, Iowa. He served in the South Pacific with the 43rd Engineers during WW II. He married Virginia Dilts on April 20, 1946 in Kensett. Floyd was employed at the Armour Food Co. for 30 years in Mason City. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed gardening in his retirement.

Survivors include his wife, Virginia of Kensett; daughters, Pam Ingersoll of Mason City, Vera Hagen and husband, John of Northwood, Holly Nelson and husband, Dennis of Mason City and Snelly Ingersoll of Eaton Colorado; one granddaughter, Tiffany Hagen Koenig of Des Moines; siblings, Bernardine Abel Vestal of New York, Gerald Ingersoll of Snowflake, Arizona, John (Wilma) Ingersoll of Waverly and Mary Brown of St. Louis, Missouri; and nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Mildred I. Slattum

February 2, 2005

Mildred I. Slattum, 94, of Albert Lea, passed away on Friday, January 21, 2005, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, January 26, at the Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Marcia Hall officiated.

Mildred (Field) Slattum, was born on February 23, 1910, to Ida (Finsaas) and Martin O. Field at rural Fertile, Iowa. She was baptized at the Beaver Creek Lutheran Church. She graduated from the Fertile High School and then attended Cedar Falls Teaching College. She was a country school teacher for several years. On May 16, 1930, Mildred married Irvin Slattum at Osage, Iowa. They farmed in the Joice areas for many years.

Irvin and Mildred enjoyed many winters in Tucson, Arizona, returning home in the spring to raise strawberries. They were members of the Winnebago Lutheran Church. Irvin and Mildred moved to Albert Lea in 1976. They were members of the Trinity Lutheran Church. Mildred was a gifted writer and enjoyed sharing her keen sense of humor in this and many other ways. Mildred spent the last twelve years at the Knutson Place Apartments.

Grateful for sharing in her life are her three daughters and sons-in-law, Marilyn and Dale Otto of Center, Texas, Yvonne and Adrain Hestness of Albert Lea and Marlys and Stan Nederhoff of Mason City; six grandchildren, Susan and her husband, Harry Stephens of Hallsville, Texas, Julie and her husband, Gary Rholes of Center, Texas, Ellen and her husband, Todd Johnson of Bloomington, Minnesota, Tim and his wife, Mary Hestness of Edina, Steve and his wife, Becky Hestness of Apple Valley and Darin Nederhoff of Mason City; 14 great-grandchildren, Katie and Darla Haugland, Alyssa Peterson, Justin and his wife, Robin Peterson, Jessica, Eric, Blake and Kristin Johnson, Amanda and Ben Hestness and Kayla, Darby, Brett and Trevor Hestness; two sisters, Bernice Tweed of Decorah and Gladys Almelien of Joice; one sister-in-law, Eileen Field of Belmond, Iowa; a special relative, Alice Bjerke; and many nieces and nephews.

She was welcomed into Heaven by her husband, Irvin who preceded her in death in 1983. Also preceding her were her parents; three sisters, Evelyn Kingland, Antoinette Brodigan and Palma Johnson; a brother, Marlin Field; and granddaughter, Diane Hestness.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Joseph Myran

January 26, 2005

Joseph Myran, 86, of Glenville, died on Saturday, January 23, 2005, at the Albert Lea Medical Center.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., on Wednesday, January 26, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Myrtle. The Rev. Jeff Wallager officiated. Interment was in the Greenwood Cemetery in Glenville. Military honors were accorded by area servicemen’s organizations.

Joseph John Myran, was born on August 25, 1918 in Minneapolis, the son of Mary Warzecha. He lived in Minneapolis for two or three years where his mother married his step-father, Carl Myran. During his youth, Joe lived in Manchester, Pierz and back in Manchester again. Joe served in the US Army during World War II. On May 12, 1946, Joe was united in marriage to Marie A. Madsen in Northwood. They moved to Albert Lea, and then Hayward, before buying their farm near Glenville.

Joe enjoyed music, and played the concertina in his family dance band, the Joe Myran Band. He was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

Survivors include his son, Dean and his wife, Khadija of Rosemount and their daughters, Bellkeyce, Khansaa, Saraa and Asmaa; daughter, JoAnn Myran Wahl of Burnsville and her children, Lucy and Andy; and son, Don and his wife, Lisa Myran of Albert Lea and their children, Ariel and her husband, Robert Goettel, Keri and her fiancée, Seth Stadheim and their daughter, Vayda; Joe’s sister, Irene Schuety; brother, Phillip; and nieces and nephews.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marie; an infant son, James; sister, Inez; and his brother, Carl.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Irving Arnold Flatness

February 2, 2005

Irving Arnold Flatness, 86, of Northwood, died on Tuesday, January 25, 2005, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, after complications of pneumonia.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, January 28, at the Deer Creek Lutheran Church, Carpenter, Iowa, with Rev. Lance Kittleson officiating. Burial will be in the Deer Creek Cemetery at Carpenter. Visitation was held at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood.

Irving was the oldest of the six children that Palmer and Hattie had. He was a hardworking man, who did not have much formal education, but taught himself a lot throughout his life. He confirmed his baptism and faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior in the Lutheran Church. Irving married Olga Beulah Bakken on March 15, 1942 in Clarks Grove, Minnesota.

Irving worked hard farming, milking cows, custom combining trucking, which he really enjoyed a lot. He had a sense of humor and like the Flatness' men, liked to razz others. In their early years of marriage Olga and Irving liked to go dancing at the Terp in Austin, Minnesota. In the late 70's, 80's and early 90's they enjoyed camping around the area—they even experienced Black Hills, Wisconsin Dells and Branson. They enjoyed meeting others and visiting. They visited their neighbors in Deer Creek a lot and enjoyed playing cards. Irving retired from farming in 1984, but stayed on the farm for 11 more years because Olga loved the farm. In retirement they enjoyed going to sales. In 1995 they moved to Northwood on Shellrock Drive, where he lived until he was taken to the hospital on Sunday afternoon. For more than 10 years Irving cared for Olga, who had Alzheimer's, until we knew she needed to be in a care facility in November 2000. He really loved and did so much for Olga so she could stay in her home.

David, Irving's son and wife, Brenda of Clear Lake will cherish the many memories they have made together over the years, along with grandson, Douglas and wife, Sara of Lincoln, Nebraska and their children, Rumer, Macy and Ridge; granddaughter, Dawn Wright and husband, Jason of Le Blanc, Louisiana and their children, Abigail, Andrew, and Matthew; and grandson, Scott David of West Des Moines, Iowa. He has two surviving brothers, Kenneth Flatness and wife, Arlene and Glenn Flatness and wife, Arlene, all of Albert Lea, Minnesota. He has many nieces and nephews.

Olga, his wife, died 1.5 years ago and Sharon, his daughter who died 32.5 years ago will welcome Irving, a child of God to his heavenly home.  Morris Flatness, Arlene Saltou and Doris Jensen preceded Irving in death.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Wayne Harold Dietrich

February 2, 2005

Wayne Harold Dietrich, 81, of rural Kensett, died on Thursday, January 27, 2005, at his home.

Funeral services were held on Monday, January 31, at the Bethany Lutheran Church, Kensett, with Reverend Allan J. Stoa officiating. Burial will be in the Kensett Cemetery with military graveside honors by the Edward Tosel American Legion Post #110, Manly. Visitation was held at the Bride Colonial Chapel, Manly, Monday at the church.

Wayne Harold Dietrich, was born on August 18, 1923 in Manly, the son of Carl and Anna (Wemken) Dietrich. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He attended and received his education in the Hanlontown Community schools, graduating from the Hanlontown High School. He was inducted into the U.S. Army on January 18, 1946 at Ft. Snelling, Minnesota and served in Co F 23rd Infantry Reg. until his honorable discharge on July 17, 1947, at Ft. Lewis, Washington. He was united in marriage to Clarice Narveson on August 28, 1949, at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Kensett by the Reverend Sigmond.

Wayne started farming shortly after their marriage and semi-retired in 1986. He continued to help his son, Brad farm from 1988 until the time of Wayne's death. Wayne retired from the American Crystal Sugar Company in Mason City in 1988 after 20 years of service. He was president of the Manly Co-Operative Creamery and worked for the ASC office in Northwood. He was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church in Kensett and the Edward Tosel American Legion Post #110, of Manly.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Clarice Dietrich of Kensett; three children, Karla Brink and her husband, Doug of Manly, Wayne Dietrich Jr., and his wife, Belinda of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin and Bradley Dietrich and his wife, Tresa of Manly; five grandchildren, Jaren Ostercamp and her husband, Brad of Issaquah, Washington, Jessi Brink of Rochester, Minnesota, Shane Brink of Chicago, Illinois and Anna and Emme Dietrich of Manly; one great-granddaughter, Crosby Ostercamp of Issaquah, Washington; two sisters, Edna Dahl of Manly and Mildred Lee and her husband, Raymond of Manly; two brothers, Leonard Dietrich and his wife, Lila of Manly and Glen Dietrich and his wife, Dorothy of Clear Lake; as well as other relatives and many friends.

His parents, Carl and Anna Dietrich and a sister, Olga Dietrich who died in infancy, preceded him in death.
© Northwood Anchor 2005