Leonard Christianson

November 9, 2005, page 9

Leonard Keith Christianson, 63, of Northwood, died on Tuesday, November 1, 2005, in Northwood.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, November 5, at the First Lutheran Church, Northwood, with Reverend Wayne Hagen officiating. Burial will be in the South Shell Rock Cemetery, rural Northwood. Visitation was held on Friday at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood.

Leonard Keith Christianson, was born on April 21, 1942 in Northwood, Iowa, the son of Klinerd Christianson and Ilah (Lum) Hillman. He graduated from the Hartland No. 1 Rural Country Grade School near Northwood and graduated from the Northwood-Kensett High School in 1960. Leonard also graduated from Hamilton Business College in Mason City with an accounting degree. He was united in marriage to Frances Land on June 21, 1963, in Glenville, Minnesota. Leonard worked as a bookkeeper for Helgeson Motor Company in Lake Mills and in 1970 he began working as a bookkeeper for Northwood Motors and was working there at the time of his death. Leonard also clerked for Low's Auction Service in Northwood.

He enjoyed playing yahtzee, cards, watching tennis and the game show network on television, baking, fishing, and buying lottery tickets, but his great love and enjoyment was his family and grandchildren. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Northwood.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Linda Ouverson and her husband, Neil, Lorna Christianson and Lon and his wife, Jody Christianson, all of Northwood; nine grandchildren, Tim Ouverson, Senior Airman Dan Ouverson and Kaity and Kylie Ouverson, Quincey and Raegen Reyerson, Kail and Emily Christianson and Seth Holstad; three brothers, Gary Christianson and his wife, Mary Ann of Northwood, Howard Christianson and (Suzanne) of Sunnyvale, California and C.K. Christianson and his wife, Mary of Northwood; two sisters, Cheryl Henrikson and her husband, Scott of Gordonsville, Minnesota and Cathy Callahan and her husband, Tony of Colorado Springs, Colorado; an aunt, Harriet Mork of Dresser, Wisconsin; as well as other relatives and many friends.

His parents preceded him in death.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Arlene Dwelle Dutton

November 16, 2005, page 9

Arlene Dwelle Dutton, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 6, 2005, with her family around her, fully alert to the end.

Arlene was born on September, 4, 1909, to parents Charles and Alice (White) Dwelle. Brother, Horace and sister, Alberta preceded her in death. Sisters, Dorothy Dwelle and Shirley Vorland reside in Northwood.

Born and raised in Northwood, Arlene graduated from the Northwood High School in 1927. She attended Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, completing three years, leaving to teach due to the depression. She taught for six years in Kensett, mainly high school English. Some of her students became lifelong friends. Arlene met her husband, Dean Alton Dutton at Coe. Engaged for seven years while he finished his medical degree at the University of Iowa, they were married on November 22, 1936, and moved to Van Horne, Iowa, where Dean took over the medical practice. Dean preceded her in death on December 23, 1992.

Arlene is survived by her three children, Robert Dean (Suzann) of Valley, Nebraska, Dorothy Turner of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Marjorie (Louis) Stephenson of Colorado Springs; four grandchildren, Melissa (Max) Orfch of Dallas, Texas, Melinda Dutton (Charles Kneaves) of New York, New York, Michelle (Walter) States of Dallas, Texas and Christi (Eric) Marquardt of Colorado Spring, Colorado; seven great-grandchildren; and twelve nieces and nephews. She was extremely close to all of them.

Arlene loved children, music, reading, the theatre, her home, and the family community of Van Horne where she lived in her home from 1937 until 2002 before moving to Colorado Springs to be near family after being injured in a car accident. The poetry she loved writing, some of which was published in Lyrical Iowa, has touched both family and friends. She will be missed, but the many memories, her unconditional love, and the impact of her wisdom remain with us and will help fill the void her passing has created.

The family wants to share with you one if Arlene's poems they found particularly appropriate as they sat by her bedside:

And she did. We know God was pleased to receive this gentle spirit.

A memorial service will be held in Van Home, Iowa, at some time in 2006. Notice will be placed in the paper when the date is determined.

In lieu of flowers, Arlene wished her memorial contributions to be sent to the Kensett Library, Kensett, Iowa.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Olga C. Thoen

November 9, 2005, page 9

Olga C. Thoen, 98, died on Monday, November 7, 2005, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood, Iowa, where she had been a resident for over three years.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 12, at 10:30 a.m., at the First Lutheran Church, Northwood, with Reverend Barbara Wills officiating. Visitation will be on Friday, November 11, from 5-8:00 p.m., at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood and one hour prior to the funeral services.

Olga Olson Thoen, was born to Olaus and Caroline Kaasa Olson on November 26, 1906, in rural Worth County. She was baptized into the Lutheran faith. When Olga was five years old her family moved into Northwood where her mother opened a restaurant on Central Avenue. Her family lived above the restaurant so Olga learned the names of all of the businesses on Northwood's main street which she still remembered. Olga was confirmed on May 29, 1921, by the Reverend Carl Ylvisaker at First Lutheran Church in Northwood where she was a life-long member. She attended Northwood Schools and graduated with a Normal Training Certificate on May 25, 1925. While in High School she was interested in Public Speaking and Declamatory Contests. She attended summer school at the University of Iowa in 1926. Olga taught for several years in rural Worth County schools and still had many friends who were her former pupils. In 1929, she married Glenn Thoen. After living in Swea City for a few months they moved back to Northwood where they were in the motor vehicle repair business until Glenn died on May 19, 1989.

Olga was a member of the First Lutheran Church, Ladies Aide and Anna Circle. She taught first-year confirmation classes for several years. She was the mother of eight children. Her greatest love was for her church and her family. Her home was always open for get-togethers or for a friend to have a meal or to stay a night or a week. When her family was raised, she was asked to do the baking at the new Northwood-Kensett High School where she worked for 18 years. She also cooked at the Drive-Inn for several summers. After retirement, she and her husband continued to live in Northwood where they enjoyed having family, grandchildren and friends in their large house for holidays. In September 1988 they moved to an apartment. Olga enjoyed reading and sewing and was an active member of the Iowa Retired Teachers Association, several card clubs and the VFW Auxiliary.

Olga is survived by her daughters, Marge Wescott, Donna Stoltenberg and husband, Roger and Sandra Thoen of Mason City, Ruth Erion of Lexington Park, Maryland and Susan Dieterich and husband, Keith of St. Ansgar; her sons, Robert Thoen and wife, Terri of Burke, Virginia, David Thoen and wife, Helen of Manly and John Thoen and wife, Drenda of Windsor, Colorado; 26 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; seven nieces and nephews; and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn; a grandson, Gregory Wescott; a great-granddaughter, Jennifer Wescott; and a great-grandson, John Nauss.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Helen Jennings

December 7, 2005, page 9

Helen Mae Jennings, 85, died on Sunday, November 13, 2005.

Helen was born in Albert Lea, Minnesota, on May 31, 1920. She married William H. Jennings of Joice, Iowa in 1955. Together they owned and operated Bill's Kitchen and raised their two sons. They moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1978. After the death of her husband, Bill in 1990, she moved to Wenatchee, Washington to be closer to her son, Bill in Seattle.

Helen is survived by her sons, Bill of Wenatchee and Jon of Los Angeles, California.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Mary Lynne (Carroll) Swartwood

November 23, 2005, page 9

Mary Lynne (Carroll) Swartwood, 61, of 100 Lowrie Drive, formerly of Northwood and Manly, died on Thursday, November 17, 2005, at the East Texas Hospice Facility, Tyler, Texas, after a brief illness.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, November 22, at the Bethel United Methodist Church, Manly, with Reverend Robert Cumings and Reverend Roxanne Miller-Sinclair officiating. Interment will be in the Bohemian Cemetery, Plymouth. Visitation was held on Monday, at the Bride Colonial Chapel in Manly.

Mary Lynne Carroll, was born on September 15, 1944 in Mason City, the daughter of Harmon and Helen (Miller) Carroll. She was baptized and confirmed in the Evangelical United Brethren Church, Manly. She attended the Manly High School. Mary was united in marriage to Rodger Swartwood of Northwood, on November 14, 1960 and to this union two children were born, Lorie and Wanda. Mary and Rodger lived in Northwood until 1976, and then they moved to Texas. Mary was a homemaker, a waitress, and also worked for a photographer, which she enjoyed immensely.

Mary loved being with her family and she thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, they were her life.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband of 45 years, Rodger Swartwood of Henderson, Texas; children, Lorie (David) Cox of Kilgore, Texas and Wanda (Steve) Cox of Joplin, Missouri; grandchildren, Nicole, Holly and Gregory Cox, Madison May, Keici and Piper Cox; sisters, Betty Harang of Chicago, Illinois and Sharon (Chuck) Peterson of Northfield, Minnesota; one loving dog, Ladybug; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and many friends.

She will be greatly missed by all those who truly knew her and loved her.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Alma C. Backhaus Orpen

November 23, 2005, page 9

Alma C. Backhaus Orpen, 99, of Manly, died on Sunday, November 20, 2005, at the Manly Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, November 28, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Manly, with Reverend Randy Nielsen officiating. Burial will be held in the Manly Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-6:00 p.m., on Sunday, November 27, at the Bride Colonial Chapel, Manly. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service time on Monday at the church.

Alma C. Backhaus Orpen, was born on January 20, 1906, the daughter of Chris and Anna (Sjvold) Dahl. She attended and graduated from the Manly Public School and taught country school for five years in Worth County. Alma was united in marriage to Arno Backhaus on June 5, 1929. He preceded her in death on July 11, 1970. After their marriage they made their home on a farm west of Manly until they retired and moved to Manly in 1968. Alma was united in, marriage to Elvin Orpen on June 9, 1984. He preceded her in death on January 9, 1986.

Alma enjoyed gardening, sewing, crafts, and music. She played in the Manly Rhythm Band for 25 years. Her life centered on her family and grandchildren.

Betty Johnson

November 23, 2005, page 9

Betty J. Johnson, of Albert Lea, died on Sunday, November 20, at the St. John's Lutheran Home, Albert Lea, just one day before her 81st birthday.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 23, at the Ascension Lutheran Church, Albert Lea. The reverend Clark Gary will officiate. Interment will be in the Graceland Cemetery. Visitation was held on Tuesday, November 22, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Bonnerup Funeral Service, Albert Lea.

She was born in Albert Lea, on November 21, 1924, the daughter of John and Lizzy (Christiansen) Schreiber. Betty graduated from the Albert Lea High School and then worked at Wilson & Co. She married Leonard "Lenny" H. Johnson on July 20, 1946 in Albert Lea. They made their home and farmed west of Northwood, for many years and then in 1969 moved to Albert Lea. After their move to Albert Lea, Betty worked at the Skyline Bakery and the Donut Hut.

Betty was a member of the Ascension Lutheran Church. She enjoyed crocheting and reading and preparing big meals for all the family gatherings.

She is survived by two daughters, Dianne and her husband, Larry Jacobson of Albert Lea and Jodi and her husband, Rick Mershon of Fort Worth Txas; son-in-law, Berry Bendickson of Forest City; grandchildren, Chad Jacobson of Emmetsburg, Iowa, Cara and her husband, Rob Liddle of Prior Lake, Minnesota, Brooke Jacobson of Albert Lea, Tori and her husband, Ryan Eastvold of Clear Lake and Jack Mershon of Fort Worth, Texas; two great-granddaughters, Megan and Brynn Liddle of Prior Lake, Minnesota; sister, Helen and her husband, Emil Lykken of Albert Lea; sister-in-law and brothers-in-law, Ruth Schreiber, Joyce Schreiber of Albert Lea, Alton Johnson of Clear Lake, Olga Johnson of Albert Lea and Nina and husband, Paul Emmons of Wisconsin; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leonard in July of 2005; daughter, Patty Bendickson; grandson, Richard Mershon; brothers and sisters, Irene, Vernon, Floyd, Clarence and Ray Schreiber, Bernice Venem, Dessie Larson and Elvera Schow.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Maurine C. Osheim

November 30, 2005, page 11

Maurine C. Osheim, age 93, of Lake Mills, formerly of Kiester, Minnesota, died on Tuesday, November 22, 2005, at the Lake Mills Care Center in Lake Mills, Iowa.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, November 26, at the Our Savior's' Lutheran Church in Kiester, Minnesota, with Rev. Richard Steffen officiating. Burial will take place in the Our Savior’s Lutheran Cemetery, Kiester. Visitation was held on Friday, November 25, at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home, Lake Mills and will continue one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday.

Maurine Clara Hesby, was born on a farm near Zearing, Iowa on January 6, 1912, to John and Dena (Thorson) Hesby. She was the third of five children. In 1924, she moved with her family to a farm near Thompson. Maurine attended confirmation classes and was confirmed at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Thompson. In 1930, she graduated from the Thompson High School. Maurine attended the Lake Mills Normal Training School and graduated in May of 1931. She said, "I got lucky!" and was hired to teach at her home school. She received only half of the salary during the year, waiting until summer for the balance, after the local taxes were received. In order to finish the evening chores early one Saturday, Maurine set the clocks ahead by 30 minutes. When the chores were done, she went with her folks to Thompson. Helmer Osheim asked her to ride with him to Forest City in a Model A. From that time on, he drove out to her parents' farm on Saturday nights. Maurine and Helmer were united in marriage on June 16, 1935, at 10 a.m. in the parsonage of Pastor Fretheim in Scarville, Iowa. In 1937, Maurine and Helmer moved to a farm by Walters, Minnesota. They purchased their "home" place two miles east of Kiester, Minnesota in 1943. Maurine was excited about this purchase and was eager to move because this farm house met her expectations—it had an indoor bathroom.

She spent many hours planting flowers, tending the garden, and making certain that "the men had some lunch." In the mid-sixties, she wanted to remodel her kitchen, so she found a job. Maurine worked for Winnebago Industries and saved her money for this project. She embroidered quilt squares and hand-quilted quilts for each of her children. The grandchildren cherish the crocheted afghans Grandma made. And the Kringia, well, only Grandma's were acceptable, and what are the holidays without Lefse? In September of 1998, Helmer and Maurine moved to a home in Lake Mills and in April of 2005, moved into Mills Harbour, Lake Mills, Iowa.

Maurine is survived by Helmer, her husband of over 70 years; two daughters, Marcia (Jerry) Bergeson of Radcliffe, Iowa and Gloria (Doug) Fallgatter of Northwood, Iowa; two sons, Roger (Sandi) Osheim of Emmons, Minnesota and Phil (Tamera) Osheim of Mahtomedi, Minnesota; ten grandchildren, Todd (Susan) Bergeson of Alpharetta, Georgia, Tim (Sherry) Bergeson of Los Gatos, California, Tony Osheim of San Clemente, California, Cindy (Joe) Galli of Glyndon, Maryland, Angle (Justin) Senne of Northwood, Iowa, Melissa (Mike) Michaelis of Mankato, Minnesota, Holly Fallgatter and fiancée, Greg Hankins of Coralville, Iowa, Jenna (Josh) Cadwell of Richland, Washington, Trisha Osheim of Altoona, Wisconsin and Christa Osheim of Mahtomedi, Minnesota; six great-grandchildren, Cassie and Kate Bergeson of Los Gatos, California, Lauren Bergeson of Alpharetta, Georgia, Alexander Galli of Glyndon, Maryland and Kayla and Nolan Senne of Northwood, Iowa; a sister, Bernice Kloster of Lake Mills, Iowa; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Curtis; and two sisters, Margaret Osheim and Doris Kloster.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Dennis Peterson

November 30, 2005, page 11

Dennis (Pete) Peterson, of Albert Lea, died on Wednesday evening at his home in Albert Lea. He was 53 years of age.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., on Sunday, November 27, 2005, at the Bonnerup Funeral Service Chapel in Albert Lea. Pastor Wayne Halvorson will officiate. Visitation was held one hour prior to the services at the Chapel. Interment will be in the Hillcreat Cemetery.

Pete was born on March 14, 1952 in Forest City, Iowa, the son of James and Esther (Wikoren) Peterson. He attended public school in Lake Mills and Northwood. Pete was united in marriage to Sharon Pixley on September 9, 1972, at the Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. He was employed for several years in farming and with the Soil Conservation in Northwood. He had also worked at Farmstead, in Albert Lea and most recently at Winnebago Industries in Forest City. Pete had been a member of the First Lutheran Church, Northwood. Together with his wife, Sharon, Pete had lived in Northwood for many years and the past eight years in Albert Lea.

Pete enjoyed fishing, spending time with his family and going on road trips. He was a good hearted person.

Pete survived by his wife, Sharon of Albert Lea; mother, Esther Peterson of Albert Lea; daughter, Kim and her husband, Randy Behrends of Mason City; son, Marcus and his wife, Sarah Peterson of Mason City; two brothers, Arden (Renae) Peterson of Albert Lea and Bonnie (Todd) Thompson of Albert Lea; and several nieces and nephews.

Pete was preceded in death by his father, James; and sister, Gloria Von Hagen.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Anne W. Mclntire

November 30, 2005

Anne W. Mclntire, 67, of Northwood, died on Tuesday, November 22, 2005, at the Lutheran Retirement home in Northwood.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, November 26, at the First Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Wayne Hagen and the Rev. Tom Healey officiating. Burial will be in the Sunset Rest Cemetery. Visitation was held on Friday evening at the Schroeder and sites Funeral Home, Northwood, and continued one hour prior to the services on Saturday at the church.

Anne was born in Bonaparte, Iowa on March 21, 1938, to Robert and Vale Winslow. She married Jerry Mclntire of Fairfield, Iowa on July 19, 1959. She graduated from the Bonaparte High School. Anne received her teaching degree from Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa. She continued her education and obtained her Masters Degree in 1955. Anne taught 28 years in the New London, and the Belle Plaine, Iowa Schools Systems. She was an elementary school teacher.

Anne was very involved in her church. She served on various committees. Anne was involved in the local quilters and the North Iowa Quilters Guild in Mason City for seven years. She was a member of the PEO Sisterhood for more than 40 years. Anne also became a member of DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution).

Anne is survived by her husband, Jerry McIntire of Northwood.

Anne was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Vale Winslow.

It is suggested that memorials be given to NORD (National Organization of Rare Diseases).
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Mary Flo Seaver

December 7, 2005, page 9

Mary Flo Seaver, 91, passed from this life on Wednesday, November 30, 2005, at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, December 3, at the Westover Funeral Home in Des Moines. Visitation was held on Friday, December 2, at the Westover Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to either Westminster Presbyterian Church or an organization of the donor's choice. Burial will follow in the Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines.

Mary was born on September 4, 1914, to Ray Wilson and Martha Jane Buchanan Smith in St. Charles, Iowa. She moved to Des Moines in 1930, where she made her home. Mary was a graduate of Roosevelt High School and AIB College, later earning a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Iowa and a Master's Degree from Drake University. On June 19, 1942, Mary was united in marriage with Lloyd Henry Seaver. For 24 years, she was employed with Roosevelt High School as a business teacher, counselor and Pupil Services Coordinator until her retirement in 1980. Prior to that employment, she taught in Northwood and Charles City, Iowa as well as AIB College in Des Moines for 10 years. While her husband served in the United States Navy during WW II, Mary also taught in New Jersey and California.

She was a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church. Mary was a member and Past President of the Des Moines Area Retired Teachers' Association. She was also a member of AAUW, Des Moines Women's Club, PEO Chapter HP, Iowa Retired School Personnel and the Blank Guild at Iowa Methodist Medical Center, where she served as a volunteer. Mary also volunteered as tour guide at Terrace Hill. She was an avid basketball fan and enjoyed working on her computer. She was a loving, caring and devoted mother, grandmother and friend. Mary will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived and lovingly remembered by her daughter, Judy Chamat and her husband, Nabil of Clive; two grandchildren, Constantine "Costa" Nabil Chamat and Natalie Mary Chamat, both of Clive; and numerous nieces, nephews and many friends of all ages.

Mary was preceded into eternal life by her infant son, David Lloyd Seaver; her parents; and her husband, Lloyd H. Seaver on July 1, 1990.
© Northwood Anchor 2005