Mabel Spilde

September 7, 2005, page 9

Mabel Irene Spilde, 100, of Burlington, died on Saturday, September 3, 2005, at the Burlington Care Center.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Burlington, with the Rev. Erick Swanson officiating. Burial will be at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, September 10, in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood.

Mabel was born on May 27, 1905 in rural Paton, Iowa, the daughter of Fred R. and Anna Marie (Thielen) Hall. She graduated from the Northwood High School in 1922 and on September 24, 1925, she was united in marriage to Leonard Edwin Spilde in Mason City. She spent her life with Leonard as a homemaker.

She enjoyed embroidery and knitting for her grandchildren as well as wintering in Texas and Arizona with Leonard. Leonard preceded her in death in 1987. She was a former member of the First Lutheran Church in Northwood and currently a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church m Burlington.

Mabel is survived by her daughters, Doris Johnson of Gratiot, Wisconsin, Evelyn Chevalier of Burlington, Patricia (David) Fritz of Burlington and Vicki (Steve) Witherspoon of Oregon, Wisconsin; sons, Paul Johnson of Gratiot, Wisconsin and Dale (Dennis) King of Milan, Illinois; one sister, Ruth Linter of Mesquite, Nevada; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Lester Hall; sister, Anita Russell; and two sons-in-law.

The family suggests memorials to the First Lutheran Church in Northwood or Trinity Lutheran Church in Burlington.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Gladys Irene (Gordon) Hulshizer

September 14, 2005, page 9

Gladys Irene (Gordon) Hulshizer, 93 years and 11 months, of Northwood, passed away on Wednesday, September 7, 2005, at the Lutheran Retirement Home. She fell August 25th and broke her hip, which led to her failing health and death.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., on Monday, September 12, at the Deer Creek Lutheran Church, Carpenter, with Pastor Lance Kittleson officiating. Burial was in the Deer Creek Church cemetery. Visitation was on Sunday, September 11, at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests any memorials be given to the Deer Creek Lutheran Church, the scholarship fund of the Lutheran Retirement Home, the St. Ansgar Good Samaritan Center, or the charity of your choice.

Gladys was born on October 11, 1911, to Ole and Nellie (Johnson) Gordon in "the little pink house on Archie Gordon's place northwest of Carpenter", as she always said. She was the 8th of 13 children and was only nine years old when her father passed away. The family later moved to what she called her home place with the long lane just west of Carpenter. She was baptized on November 26, 1911, and was confirmed May 9, 1926, by Reverend Olaf Langehough at the Deer Creek Church. Reverend Langehough also married Gladys and Warren "Pete" Hulshizer on December 18, 1929. They started farming and lived on the same farm 50 years. They retired in 1973, but lived on the farm until 1980 when they moved to Northwood. In 1994, they moved from their house into Maple Court Apartments in Northwood. Her husband passed away on October 4, 1995. Gladys lived in the apartment until April 3, 2001, when a stroke forced her to be moved to the Lutheran Retirement Home.

Her favorite poem was "Footprints" which helped comfort her during trying times. Gladys left us with many fond memories about her footprints along her life's way. She often mentioned how often she walked to Carpenter for groceries and often when she got home, her Mom had forgotten to order something, so she would have to walk back again. She told how her family would walk across the fields to go to Sunday School and church. When she was older she would walk west across the field to do housework for the Anderson brothers. She helped her left-handed husband pick corn by hand and always said how awkward as she had to throw each ear in front of herself. Many folks commented about how much walking she and her husband did in Northwood to visit friends and go to congregate meals. She even walked the stairs instead of taking elevators because of her fear of elevators.

Gladys enjoyed all gardening, but especially strawberries and raspberries. She always kept her guard up for snakes which she really disliked. Even after moving to Northwood, she voluntarily went to the county nurse's home to pick strawberries. She baked and shared lefsa and krum kake the year around. She missed her "lefsa flipper" after the death of her husband. She crocheted until her eyes started failing. But her failing eyes didn't diminish her love for playing cards. She was a great organizer to get everyone involved in card games. For several years she and her husband had regular card parties at the St. Ansgar Good Samaritan Center. They were long-time volunteers there, also helping with bingo and outings for their residents. Throughout the years, we were amazed how she could play piano by ear which she did even at her 90th birthday party. She was one of the few residents of the Home who would play the organ in the chapel while secretly hoping nobody was listening.

Her church has always been an important part of her life. She served on various boards and was an active circle member. The Lutheran Retirement Home nurses knew to hang her crosses and the picture of Jesus where she could see them while lying in bed. Gladys was a very sociable and active Home resident as she aimed to attend all activities. Whenever and as long as possible, she would always help other residents to get where they wanted to go.

Grateful for having shared her life are her daughter, Marvyl Oakland of St. Ansgar; her son, Marvin and his wife, Sandra of Georgetown, Texas; grandchildren, Judy Shirley of Hudson, Louisiana, Gary and his wife, Julie Oakland of St. Ansgar, Scot and his wife, Amy Hulshizer of Atlanta, Georgia and Monica and her husband, Will Koenig of Austin, Texas; great-grandchildren, Jacob and Sadie Oakland and Joshua and Jenna Shirley; brother, Lynn and wife, Beverly Gordon of Carpenter; brothers-in-law, La Vern Purdy of Alden, Minnesota and Dale and his wife, Lots Hulshizer of St. Charles, Minnesota; plus many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers, Nels, Anton, Arthur and Roy; sisters, Alma Dumdei, Nora Anderson, Olga Hulshizer, Alice Olson, Clarice Arnold, Ruth Stickfort and Olive Purdy; and son-in-law, George Oakland.

Thanks be to God for her life with us.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Nan Elizabeth Garnas

September 14, 2005, page 9

Nan Elizabeth Garnas, age 84, formerly of Kensett, Iowa, died on Friday, September 9, 2005, at the Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City, Iowa, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, September 13, at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood, Iowa, with Rev. Wayne Hagen from the First Lutheran Church officiating. Burial took place in the Kensett Cemetery, Kensett.

Nan was born on May 22, 1921 in Northwood, to Dr. Leland and Emma (Quandahl) Hewitt. She lived and went to school in Northwood, graduating from high school in 1939. She then went to college to obtain a teaching degree. She taught school in rural schools and at Fenton, Iowa, for several years. She met Leonard Garnas and they married on October 28, 1946. One child was born to this union. Nan helped her husband farm for several years. In 1980 they retired, bought a house and moved to Kensett.

Nan served on many committees in her life time. She loved being with people ad helping in any capacity she could. Her favorite job was serving on the city council in Kensett. Nan also loved spending time with her granddaughters. She was very special to them.

Survivors include her daughter, Nancy Miller and her  husband, Dale of Thornton; two granddaughters, Melaine Engebretson of Thornton and Mindy Arndt of Manly; six great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Margaret Cosner of California and Evelyn Garnas of Clear Lake; also many nieces and nephews and cousins.

Nan was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard in 1992; her parents; Leonard's parents; two brothers, Leland and Kent Hewitt; three brothers-in-law; two sisters-in-law; and many dear friends.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Royden Groe

September 14, 2005, page 9

Royden Alien Groe, of Eloy, Arizona, formerly of the Lake Mills area, died on Thursday, July 21, 2005.

A graveside memorial service was held on Saturday, September 10, at 2:00 p.m., at the Sion Lutheran Cemetery, rural Lake Mills, with Rev. Kevin Mackey officiating.

Royden Alien Groe, was born on April 2, 1943 in rural Worth County, to Norris and Ruth (Hove) Groe. He graduated from the Lake Mills Community High School in 1961. Royden was united in marriage to Janice Nelson on February 14, 1962. The couple had three daughters, Shelley Anderson of Kansas City, Missouri, Valerie (Mrs. Dan) Johnson and Pauline Groe of New Hampton, Iowa. On October 31, 1975, Royden was united in marriage with Zona Lee. They had one daughter, Nichole (and her significant other, Derek Simmons) Groe. Royden and Zona had resided in Arizona for the past nine years.

Royden is survived by his wife, Zona; four daughters, Shelley, Valerie, Pauline, and Nichole; ten grandchildren, Sarah, Seth and Sadie Anderson, Tamara and Kyle Johnson, Cassie and Joseph Bourne, and Ben, Drew and Emma Simmons; two great-grandchildren, Elizabeth and Isaac Anderson; a brother, David Groe and his wife, Lory of Lake Mills, Iowa; four sisters, Vivian Meehlhause of Clear Lake, Iowa, Jeorgene Huso and her husband, Steven of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Kathy Hanson and her husband, Dennis of Lake Mills, Iowa, and Denise Kober and her husband, Kurt of Flower Mound, Texas; a brother-in-law, Dennis Chesney and his wife, Judy of Mason City, Iowa; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Steven, Marvin and Norris, Jr.; a sister, Frances Chesney; and one brother-in-law, Gary Meehlhause.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Harold Duane Weisert

September 28, 2005, page 11

Harold Duane Weisert, 71, of Nora Springs, died on Wednesday, September 21, 2005, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit Mason City, after a courageous battle with cancer, with his family at his bedside.

A Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, September 24, 2005, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mason City. Burial was in the Park Cemetery in Nora Springs. Visitation was held with a Knights of Columbus Rosary, on Friday, at the Sheckler Colonial Chapel, Nora Springs.

Harold Duane Weisert, was born on August 21, 1934 in Waterloo, the son of George and Jesse (McDowall) Weisert. Harold attended and graduated from the Dunkerton, Iowa High School. He was united in marriage to Almira Hess on October 24, 1953 in Jesup, Iowa. Harold pursued a career in the agriculture field. The family moved to Nora Springs in 1965, and also lived in various communities before moving back to Nora Springs in 1997.

Harold enjoyed spending time with his family which included camp-outs, traveling and wintering in Texas. He was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mason City, very active in the Knights of Columbus and held various state offices, Kiwanis Club, Lions Club, and Jaycee's.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Almira Weisert of Nora Springs; mother, Jesse Weisert of Waterloo; six  children, LuAnn Rottinghaus and husband, John of Nora Springs, Duane Weisert and wife, Lori of Sumner, Iowa, Mike Weisert and wife, Wendy of Northwood, Alan Weisert and wife, Laura of Albert Lea, Minnesota, Becky Enfield and husband, Randy of Washington, Iowa and Bob Weisert and wife, Mary of Austin, Minnesota; 16 grandchildren, Greg Rottinghaus, Amber Morud and husband, Adam, Tracy Rottinghaus, Katie, Bill, and Dan Weisert, Brandon, Ryan, and Jake Weisert, Ah Rae and Andrew Weisert, Emilee and Kaylee Enfield, Lindsey, Nathan, and Collin Weisert; one great-granddaughter, Macy Morud; a brother, Marvin Weisert and wife, Marilyn of Bloomington, Illinois; a sister, Sue Stroh of Waterloo; as well as other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his father; and a brother, Dennis Weisert.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Esther M. Grosland

September 28, 2005, page 11

Esther M. Grosland, 86, of 1708 South Maple Avenue, died on Wednesday, September 21, 2005, at the Marshfield Center, where she was admitted in June of 2005.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, September 24, at the Faith Lutheran Church, with Rev. Peter Muschinske officiating. Burial was in the Grace Lutheran Cemetery in the town of Lincoln. Serving as pallbearers were family and friends. Kathy Biederwolf was the organist with Duane Helgerson as vocalist and congregational singing. Visitations was held on Friday, at the Rembs-Kundinger Funeral Home and again on Saturday at the church until the time of the services.

Esther was born on September 23, 1918 near Farmington, Minnesota, to Thomas and Hannah (Howen) Leckness. She graduated in 1936 from the St. Ansgar High School and graduated from Hamilton Business College in Mason City. Esther did secretarial work prior to her marriage to Adolph F. Grosland on October 6, 1940 in Northwood, Iowa. Adolph died on October 18, 1990. They farmed in Iowa and then moved to the town of Rock, in Wood County in 1967. They farmed until his retirement in 1980. She retired from the School District of Marshfield Board Office in 1985.

Esther was a former member of Grace Lutheran Church of Nasonville, member of the Faith Lutheran Church in Marshfield, Forum 55, Wood County Farm Bureau, and enjoyed quilt making and garden flowers.

She is lovingly survived by two sons, Warren Grosland of Gumming, Georgia and Norman (Pattie Granza) Grosland of Auburndale; one daughter, Laura (Gerry) Grob of La Crosse; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Besides her parents and husband, Adolph; she was preceded in death by one daughter, Marie Williams in 1992; a grandson, Phil Williams in 2004; and six brothers and sisters.

Memorials may be given in Esther's name to the Grace Lutheran Cemetery Fund, Tamara Malueg Scholarship Fund, or the Marshfield Educational and Research Foundation for diabetes or leukemia research.
© Northwood Anchor 2005

Joanne G. Johnson

October 5, 2005, page 9

Joanne G. Johnson, age 74, of Northwood, Iowa, died on Thursday, September 29, 2005, at the St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Funeral services were held on Monday, October 3, at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood, with Rev. Wendi Gillian officiating. Visitation was held on Sunday, October 2, at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home. Burial will take place in the Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood.

Joanne G. Johnson, was born on August 21, 1931 in Ames, Iowa, to John and Ida (Thomas) Miller.

Survivors include her husband, Donald of Northwood; two sons, Greg L. Johnson and Bruce A. Johnson, both of Northwood; one daughter, Paula D. (Chuch) Pilkington of Kensett; one grandson, Steven D. Johnson; sister, Rachel Crapser of Sheridan, Wyoming; and several nieces and nephews.

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

Ellabelle Godfrey

October 12, 2005, page 9

Ellabelle Godfrey, 92, of 203 8th Street N. died on Friday September 30, 2005, at the Lutheran Retirement Home, Northwood.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday October 15, 2005, at the Northwood United Methodist Church, Northwood, with Reverend Wendi Gilian officiating. Family inurnment service will be in the Hillside Cemetery, Lake Wilson, Minnesota on Sunday. Visitation will be on Friday, October 14, at Conner Colonial Chapel.

Ellabelle Marple, was born on January 6, 1913 in Sac City, the daughter of Milo and Lena (Taylor) Marple. She graduated from the Blue Earth High School, Blue Earth, Minnesota. Ellabelle attended one year at Morningside College, Sioux City, Iowa, majoring in music and where she sang in the college choir. Ellabelle was united in marriage to Willis Godfrey on November 30, 1933 in Sherburn, Minnesota and to this union six children were born. She taught piano lessons in her home for several years. She was the church organist for the United Methodist churches in Lake Wilson, Laurens, and Northwood. She was involved with "Manna" in Northwood. Ellabelle was an office manager for the Conner Colonial Chapel for several years until her retirement.

Ellabelle enjoyed traveling, quilting, sewing, playing bridge, baking but her greatest enjoyment was spending time with her family and friends. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Northwood, Past President of the United Methodist Women, Past Worthy Matron of the Eastern Star, member of the Ada Circle, Worth County Chorus and VFW Auxiliary.

Ellabelle is survived by her children, Dolores (Kenneth) Hawley of Novato, California, Keith (Gladys) Godfrey of Estherville, Iowa, Noel (Patricia) Godfrey of Piano, Texas, Patricia (Dennis) Hammer of Fonda, Iowa and Michael  Godfrey of Northwood; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Sylvia Cooper of San Diego, California; along with several nieces and nephews.

Ellabelle was preceded in death by her parents, Milo and Lena Marple; husband, Willis Godfrey; toddler daughter, Karia Jean Godfrey; three brothers; and one sister.
© Northwood Anchor 2005