Ira Joseph Melaas Jr.

May 11, 2005

Ira Joseph Melaas Jr., 72, of Rock Island, Illinois, died suddenly on Monday, May 2, 2005, at the Trinity Medical Center, Rock Island, of heart failure.

Mr. Melaas was born on June 15, 1932 in Des Moines, Iowa, a son of Ira Joseph and Madelia Kalsem Melaas. Joe married Alice Logemann of Northwood, Iowa, on June 12, 1956, in Crailsheim, Germany. He graduated from Luther College in 1954 and from the Valparaiso University School of Law, Valparaiso, Indiana, in 1959. Joe practiced law in Decorah with the Miller & Pearson law firm from 1959 until 1964 and in Rock Island from 1964 until the present, semi-retiring in 1997. He was a member of the St. James Lutheran Church, Rock Island, was a past president of the church council and was currently chairman of the church's endowment committee. He served on the founding Board of Directors for the Norwegian American Museum. He received the Distinguished Service Award from Luther College in 1979.

Joe enjoyed playing tennis, fishing, going to auctions and spending time with his family. He was an avid Cubs and Hawkeye fan.

Survivors include his wife, Alice; daughters and sons-in-law, the Rev. Dr. Barbara Melaas-Swanson and the Rev. Wayne Melaas-Swanson of Port Byron, Illinois, Kristine Melaas Merkel and Keith Merkel of Marshfield, Wisconsin and Kari Jo Melaas and Tony Owings of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and grandchildren, Daniel and Kirsten Melaas-Swanson and Emily and Hanna Merkel.

He was preceded in death by his infant son, Thomas Joseph in 1964.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Leo O. Gardalen

May 11, 2005

Leo O. Gardalen, 81, of Clear Lake, died on Monday, May 2, 2005, at the Mercy Medical Center North Iowa, Mason City, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, May 5, at the Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, with Reverend Dean Hess officiating. Interment will be in the Clear Lake Cemetery, with Military Honors by the Clear Lake VFW. Visitation was held on Wednesday, May 4, at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake.

Leo was born on October 3, 1923, the son of Oliver & Anna (Anderson) Gardalen, in rural Dows, Iowa. Following graduation from the Popejoy High School in 1941, Leo farmed with his family. Leo was united in marriage to Esther Martin on July 7, 1945, at the Little Brown Church at Nashua, Iowa. Leo served in the US Army during WW II in the CIC. Following the service he returned to rural Dows and farmed the family farm. They moved to a farm south of Ventura in 1956 and farmed there for 22 years, then moved to another farm north of Ventura retiring in 1998 and moving to Clear Lake.

Leo enjoyed being outdoors gardening, doing yard work, his cats, fishing and going to coffee at the Lake Stop. Leo was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church and the Clear Lake VFW.

Leo is survived by his wife, Esther Gardalen of Clear Lake; three children, Marlyn Gardalen and his wife, Mary of Ft. Dodge, Marlys Johnson of Northwood and Marcia Monson of Clear Lake; two brothers, Harley Gardalen of Popejoy and Lloyd Gardalen and his wife, Leona of Broomfield, Colorado; and seven grandchildren, Ross and Ryan Gaetzke, Abby and Mark Gardalen, Jennifer Johnson, Cristina and Cortney Monson.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Selma Erickson and Edna Hartkopp; three brothers, Lester, Donald and Floyd Gardalen; granddaughter, Teresa Gardalen; and son-in-law, Mark Monson.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Maxine Gayle Philipps

May 11, 2005

Maxine Gayle Philipps, 95, affectionately called "Auntie", formerly of Marshalltown, died on Friday, May 6, 2005, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

Funeral services were held on Monday, May 9, at the Lane Memorial Chapel in Marshalltown, Iowa, with Reverend Robert W. Luebbert of the Northwood Baptist Church officiating. Burial was in the Riverside Cemetery in Marshalltown. Visitation was held at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood, and one hour prior to the service time on Monday at the Lane Memorial Chapel. The family of Maxine Gayle Philipps has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood in her memory.

Maxine Gayle Philipps, was born on May 5, 1910 in Marshalltown, the daughter of John and Jessie (Raber) Robb. Maxine graduated from the Marshalltown High School with the class of 1929. She was united in marriage to Henry M. Philipps on May 28, 1944, at the First Baptist Church in Marshalltown. He preceded her in death in 1984. Maxine and her husband owned and operated the Philipps Food Market in Marshalltown, and before and after their ownership she was employed by several offices which include Western Grocery Company, Freers Ice Cream Company, Lennox Industries and the Coca-Cola Company, all in Marshalltown. Maxine was employed for 18 years as office secretary for the Riverside Cemetery in Marshalltown until her retirement in 1982. Maxine had been a resident of the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood since 1997.

She enjoyed office work and had an excellent memory with mathematical figures. Maxine also enjoyed reading, needle work, loved animals and loved to visit with family and friends. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Marshalltown, Northwood Baptist Church, Central Chapter #67 Order of the Eastern Star, 50-year member of the Rebecca Lodge, Business and Professional Women, Ladies of the Moose and the White Shrine.

Left to cherish her memory is her sister, Lois Welsh of Northwood; two step-sons, Theodore Philipps and his wife, Laura of North Bend, Ohio and Donald Philipps and his wife, Sue of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; five nieces, Audrey Robinson and her husband, Bill of Marshalltown, Katherine Audley of Lemon Grove, California, Cris Wells and her husband, Dr. Laurence Wells of Peoria, Arizona, Dr. Gayle King and her husband, Dr. Robert King of Green Valley, Arizona and Jean Marie Robb of Marshalltown; three nephews, Gene Robb and his wife, Eleanor of Marshalltown, Dr. James Welsh and his special friend, Margie Rosch of Northwood and Dr. John Welsh and his wife, Carol of Sierra Vista, Arizona; as well as other relatives and friends.

Besides her husband; her parents; a step-son; step-daughter; and a brother, Jess Robb in 1991; also preceded her in death.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Patricia “Pat” J. Grundmeier

May 11, 2005

Patricia “Pat” J. Grundmeier, 81, of Northwood, died on Saturday, May 7, 2005, at the Mercy Medical Center North Iowa in Mason City.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, May 13, at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood, with Reverend Robert Cumings of the Bethel United Methodist Church officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Manning Cemetery, Manning, Iowa. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the memorial service at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood.

Patricia “Pat” June Grundmeier, was born on August 26, 1923. As a child she grew up and attended school in Manning, Iowa. She married Grant Grundmeier on January 25, 1941. Grant and Pat moved to Northwood in the early 50’s where they operated the Grundmeier Hatchery and later Grundmeier Photography. Together they enjoyed cooking and spending time with their family.

Pat is survived by her two sons, Gary of Kansas City, Missouri and Patrick and his wife, Roz of Gilbert, Arizona; daughter, Sigrid of Phoenix, Arizona; four grandchildren, Michele, Donelle and her husband, David, Ryne and his wife, Irene and Lisa; and two great-grandchildren, Elle and Jayde.

She was preceded in death by her parents; infant daughter, Peggy; and husband, Grant in 2003.

Pat appreciated the many acts of kindness from her friends in the community. The family especially appreciates mom’s long time friend, Kathy Berg.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Beverly Jean Helgeson

May 18, 2005

Beverly Jean Helgeson, 65, of rural Kensett, passed away on Wednesday, May 11, 2005, as a result of a vehicle accident in rural Fertile.

Funeral services were held on Monday, May 16, at the Elk Creek Lutheran Church, Kensett, with Reverend Allan J. Stoa officiating. Burial will be in the Elk Creek Lutheran Church Cemetery. Visitation was at the Bride Colonial Chapel, Manly. The family of Beverly Jean Helgeson has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Elk Creek Lutheran Church in her memory.

Beverly Jean Helgeson, was born on May 20, 1939 in Mason City, the daughter of Everett and Edna (Entner) Boutelle. She was raised and educated in the Kensett and Osage areas. She was a lovely child full of energy who loved being outside doing whatever her father and grandfather were doing. She also helped her mother with the cooking and housekeeping, but would jump at the chance to go out and help her grandfather. She was a very intelligent and beautiful young lady. She graduated from the Osage High School in 1956, at the age of 16, a full two years ahead of her peers. After graduation she worked as a telephone operator for Bell Telephone in Mason City. In 1960, she injured her head while traveling with her family near Plymouth, Iowa. She was admitted in Mercy Hospital for a couple of days, and it was at this time that she first spotted Roger. She told her friends he was the most handsome man she had ever seen. Roger was in the hospital with a broken leg. She stopped and talked to him and this started a courtship, which lasted nearly 42 years. While other people had hobbies, took vacations, Beverly just wanted to spend her time by Roger's side taking care of the animals, the farm and raising their family with the man she adored, respected and loved more than anything else. Beverly started working at the Post Office in June of 1979, during the Worth County Fair, where she continued to work for 26 years.

She was a member of the Elk Creek Lutheran Church, the church circle, and was a Sunday School Teacher for many years. She was also a member of the Rural Carrier's Association. Beverly was very active in the scouting, 4-H and various school organizations. She loved her animals, gardening, and bird watching, but above all she loved and adored her family.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Roger Helgeson of Kensett; two sons, Steven J. Helgeson and his wife, Sally of Clarion and Dr. Rodney D. Helgeson of Louisville, Kentucky; one daughter, Lori J. Peters and her husband, Mike of Lansing, Iowa; her mother and step-father, Edna Boutelle Seamann and her husband, Heinz Seamann of Davenport, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Brittany and Brandon Helgeson, Shaun McBride Peters, Joseph "Joey" Helgeson, Caelan McBride Peters, Connor Helgeson and Makayla Peters; one brother, Robert Boutelle and his wife, Nancy of Walcott, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews, as well as other relatives and many friends.

An infant son, Timothy; her father, Everett Boutelle; and her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Lu Lu and James Helgeson; preceded her in death.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Harlan Bennie Smith

May 18, 2005

Harlan Bennie Smith, age 86, of Pequot Lakes, Minnesota and formerly of Northwood, passed away on Friday, May 13, 2005, at the Whispering Pines Good Samaritan Center in Pine River, Minnesota.

A visitation was held on Sunday, May 15, at the Kline Funeral Home, Pine River, Minnesota. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 17, at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood, with Pastor Frank Milo officiating. Burial was in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service time on Tuesday at the chapel.

Harlan Bennie Smith, was born on December 20, 1918 in Montezuma, Iowa, the son of Ben and Mary Smith. Upon the death of his parents at age 4, his Aunt Sadie and Archie Duffus raised him. For the past 15 years, Harlan has lived in Pequot Lakes. He lived in Nisswa for 10 years prior to moving to Pequot Lakes. His early years were spent in Garner and Northwood.

He is survived by his son, Stephen J. (Elizabeth) Smith  of Whittier, North Carolina; daughter, Patricia S. Miller of Key Biscayne, Florida; and grandsons, Derrick J. Miller and Kirk S. Miller.

He was preceded in death by his lovely wife of 67 years, Stella (Huso) Smith; brother, Herman J. Smith; and sisters, Aleta Dahl and Pauline Smith.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Carolyn Diane Davis

May 25, 2005

Carolyn Diane Davis, 61, of Kensett, died on Friday, May 20, 2005, at the Heritage Care Center in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 24, at the Deer Creek Lutheran Church, rural Carpenter, with Reverend Lance Kittleson officiating. Burial will be in the Deer Creek Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Carpenter. Visitation was held on Monday at the Conner Colonial Chapel, and one hour prior to the service time on Tuesday at the church.

Carolyn Diane Davis, was born on June 23, 1943 in Iowa City, Iowa, the daughter of Leonard and Dorothy (Collins) Larson. She was baptized into the Lutheran faith on March 5, 1944 in Mason City, by the Reverend Alvin Rogness and reaffirmed the faith of her baptism through confirmation on June 22, 1958, in the Deer Creek Lutheran Church, rural Carpenter, by Reverend Henry Erickson. She attended and received her education in the Carpenter Community School and earned her GED in 1989 from NIACC in Mason City. She was united in marriage to Dennis Lee Davis on December 17, 1960, in the Deer Creek Lutheran Church, rural Carpenter. He preceded her in death on February 10, 2004. Carolyn worked in the Health Care Field for nursing homes and in the In Home Health Care for several years until her retirement due to ill health in 2003.

She enjoyed reading, cooking, sewing, and crocheting, but her great love and enjoyment was her family and grandchildren and spending time with them. She was a member of the Deer Creek Lutheran Church and the church circle, rural Carpenter, and a grief-counseling group at the Hospice of North Iowa in Mason City.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Richard Davis and his wife, Wendy of Northwood, Brenda Davis-Hinz and her husband, Kevin of Mason City, Lisa Davis and her husband, Erik Grossbach of Minnesota City, Minnesota, Dyan Braun and her husband, Douglas of Northwood and Barbara Caruso and her husband, Andy of Ankeny, Iowa; eight grandchildren, Richie Davis and his wife, Sara of Waldorf, Minnesota, Raymond Davis of Mason City, Elizabeth Braun of Northwood, Wolf Davis-Grossbach of Minnesota City, Minnesota, Kathleen Hinz of Mason City, Hunter Davis-Grossbach of Minnesota City, Minnesota, Emma Caruso of Ankeny and Eveleth Davis-Grossbach of Minnesota City, Minnesota; one great-granddaughter, Adalynn Davis of Waldorf, Minnesota; as well as several nephews and other relatives and many friends.

Besides her husband; a son, Daniel Davis; her parents; and a brother, Roger Larson; also preceded Carolyn in death.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

TSgt (R) Clarence "Butch" Larson

August 17, 2005, page 9

TSgt (R) Clarence "Butch" Larson, 85, of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, died on Tuesday, May 24, 2005.

He was the last living survivor of Bataan, the Hell Ships and the Japanese Slave Camp in the Minnesota-Iowa region.

Many of the people in this area may have seen him speak at the Military History Day in Charles City, Iowa in May 2003. He enjoyed getting out and sharing what he went through as a POW of the Japanese. He was scheduled to speak at the Veteran Appreciation Day in St. Ansgar, Iowa, on September 11, 2004, when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

He personally wrote a book about his ordeals in the POW camp called, "A Long March Home." For a copy of his book, contact SSG (R) Phil Fleischer, Box 453, St. Ansgar, Iowa or phone 641-736-2346, or come to Veteran Appreciation Day in St. Ansgar on September 10, 2005 and see SSG (R) Fleischer.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Daniel Erick Nelson

June 1, 2005

Daniel Erick Nelson, 63, of rural Kensett, died on Friday, May 27, 2005, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, after his two-year battle with kidney cancer.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 31, at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Kensett, with Reverend Allan J. Stoa officiating. Visitation was one hour prior to the service time on Tuesday at the church. Following the funeral service cremation took place. The family of Daniel Erick Nelson has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, or to the American Cancer Society in his memory. The Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood, was in charge of the arrangements.

Daniel Erick Nelson, was born on May 19, 1942 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the son of Leonard and Ella (Johnson) Nelson. Dan was baptized and reaffirmed the faith of his baptism through confirmation in the Lutheran faith. He attended and graduated from the Wayzata, Minnesota High School and also attended the University of Minnesota. He was united in marriage to Lynn Barnes in 1963. Dan began his career with the General Motors Company in St. Louis, Missouri, moving back to Minneapolis after his father became ill. It was in Minneapolis that he began working for Sperry Corporation, eventually transferring to the Sperry Corporation in Clear Lake. He also lived and worked in Colorado and a brief time in North Carolina, before beginning his work for Fieldstone Cabinetry for many years in Northwood. His last employment was as an insurance agent with Farm Bureau for two years prior to him becoming ill.

Dan moved to rural Kensett in 2000 where he loved helping with farming, and spending time in his shop with various projects. He was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church in Kensett.

Left to cherish his memory are his fiancée, Dianne Cooper of Kensett; his daughters, Elizabeth Eley of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Barbara Collamore and her husband, Jeff of Centennial, Colorado; his son, Corey Nelson of Palmer Lake, Colorado; his brothers, Robert Nelson and his wife, LaJuana of Ft. Worth, Texas and Wilton Nelson and his wife, Wendy of Eugene, Oregon; three grandchildren, Mason Eley, Tanner Eley and Gage Collamore; his special friends, Doris Cooper of Northwood, Mark and Stacy Davidson of Northwood, Eric and Theresa Cooper of Kensett, Preston Davidson and Trevor Davidson, both of Northwood and Warren Cooper of Kensett; his nephews, Brian Nelson, Ron Nelson, Terry Nelson, Dan Nelson and Mark Nelson; as well as other relatives and many friends.

His parents preceded Dan in death.
© Northwood Anchor 2005