Viola Rye

March 8, 2006, page 10

Viola Rye, 87, of Mason City, formerly of Hanlontown, died on Thursday, March 2, 2006, of respiratory failure at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, March 6, at the Grace Lutheran Church, Hanlontown, with Reverend Randy Nielsen officiating. Burial was in the Brush Point Cemetery, rural Hanlontown. Visitation was held on Sunday at the Bride Colonial Chapel, Manly. The family of Viola Rye has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Northwood-Kensett Elementary School for special needs projects, KCMR Radio, or to the Telephone Reassurance Program in her memory.

Viola Thelma Eilertson, was one of twins born on June 14, 1918, the daughter of Tom and Julia (Jelle) Eilertson in Kiester, Minnesota. Viola graduated from the Kiester High School and normal training in Blue Earth, Minnesota. She taught school for seven years in southern Minnesota country schools before she moved to Hanlontown, Iowa, to teach for two years. Viola continued to teach as a substitute teacher in local schools and later was a teacher’s aid in the N-K school system from 1968 to 1983.

She met Claire Rye, a Hanlontown farmer, while she was teaching in Hanlontown. Claire and Viola were married on June 9, 1946. Viola and Claire raised their three children and lived their entire life together on a farm north of Hanlontown. During their early-retired years, they enjoyed traveling. Claire preceded Viola in death on October 2, 1999. In 2001, after the death of her husband, Viola moved to the Manor in Mason City.

Viola is remembered as a teacher, particularly concerned for students who needed remedial help. We remember her as a lefse maker, quilter, and faithful church member of the Grace Lutheran Church in Hanlontown and later, of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Mason City.

We remember her as one who always recalled and celebrated the birthdays of her family and friends by sending birthday cards to them. We also remember Viola as one who understood cordiality to include at least a cup of coffee and a cookie. Viola Thelma Eilertson Rye enriched the lives of her family and friends through her own life of dedication and loyalty.

Left to cherish her memory are her three children, Clayton (Suzzanne) of Hanlontown, Carol Rye of Mason City and Julie (Ray) Dostal of Bloomington, Illinois; grandchildren, Sarah Rye of St. Paul, Minnesota, Richard Rye of Hanlontown, Amy Rye of Mason City, Andrew Olson of Mason City, Jennifer Dostal of Silver Spring, Maryland and Daniel (Hillary) Dostal of Hermitage, Tennessee.

Viola is also survived by two brothers, Jerold (Mardelle) Eilertson of Kiester, Minnesota and Edward Eilertson of Albert Lea, Minnesota; her twin, Violet Iverson of Alert Lea; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a host of friends at The Manor and at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Mason City.

Viola was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Claire; and four brothers and sisters.
© Northwood Anchor 2006

Harvey O. Thompson, Sr.

March 15, 2006, page 9

Harvey 0, Thompson, Sr., 84, of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas, died on Wednesday, March 8, 2006, at the home of his son in Robins, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 11, at the St. Peters Lutheran Church in Toeterville. Burial was in the Toeterville Cemetery, Toeterville. The Turner West Funeral Home, Cedar Rapids, is in charge of the arrangements.

Harvey’s early years were spent farming in Worth County and operating the London Lumber Company in Minnesota, with his father. He attended St. Olaf College and Hamilton’s Business College. He went on to organize and manage credit unions in Cedar Rapids and throughout Iowa.

He retired in 1980 to Fairfield Bay, Arkansas, where he was active in community affairs. His hobby of woodworking became a business, traveling the country attending craft shows. He was an active member of the Faith Lutheran Church in the Bay and he taught Sunday School for over 40 years in various Lutheran Churches.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Miller Thompson; a son, Harvey 0. “Skip” Thompson Jr. and wife, Kathy; daughter, Cindy Thompson Kroenke and husband, Brent; grandchildren, Harvey O. Thompson III, ‘Tory’ (Tiffany), Tiffany Thompson, Pelley (Jeff), Tierany Thompson, Virchow (Lee), Zachary Kroenke and Erin Kroenke; great-grandchildren, Mickala Pelley and Teeghan Thompson; a sister, Marion Thompson Bless and husband, Howard; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, O. H. and Ida Thompson; a brother, M. Dean Thompson and wife, Delores; and a sister, Helen Thompson Bless and husband, Darold.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Christine Harlander, Mickie Racer and the staff of Mercy Hospice for the loving care they gave Harvey. In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mercy Hospice.
© Northwood Anchor 2006

Lloyd D. Thrones

March 15, 2006, page 12

Lloyd D. Throne, age 76, of Faribault, Minnesota, died on Friday, March 10, 2006, at the Infinia at Faribault Care Center.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 14. 2006, at 11:00 a.m., at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home in Faribault, with Rev. Steven J. Kuehne, pastor of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Faribault, officiating. Interment will be held in the Wildwood Cemetery in Wasioja, Minnesota. Visitation was held on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Lloyd Donald Throne, the son of Ove and Elise “Lizzie” (Olson) Throne, was born on April 12, 1929 in London, Minnesota. He was married to Phyllis Appel and they had five children together. They were later divorced.

Lloyd worked as a salesman for Plymouth Shoe Store in Albert Lea for many years and also worked at the Grundmeier Hatchery in Northwood. He was married to Mabel Boyd on October 21, 1969. They lived in Hopkins where he also worked in a shoe store. They moved to Faribault in 1979. Mabel preceded him in death on August 17, 1990. Lloyd also worked at the Lavender Inn Art Gallery, was Past President for the Faribault Aerie 1460, Fraternal Order of Eagles and he enjoyed spending time in his garden. For 13 years he has had a special friendship with Violet Sorgatz.

He is survived by a special friend, Violet Sorgatz of Faribault; four children, Craig Throne of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, Renae (David) Seifert of Austin, Kevin Throne of Eden Prairie, Minnesota and Kimberly (Jerry) Flatness of Albert Lea; and their mother, Phyllis Cox of Albert Lea; 10 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Loretta (Bob) Hertzog of Sun Lakes, Arizona, Arlene Johnson and Talora Grosland, both of Albert Lea; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; daughter, Pam Murie; sister, Rosetta Throne; and six brothers, Talford, LuVerne, Baerley, Orville, Raymond, and Rolland in infancy.
© Northwood Anchor 2006

Elvira A. Bartz

March 22, 2006, page 11

Elvira A. Bartz, 95, died on Tuesday, March 14, 2006, at the Good Samaritan Center, St. Ansgar, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 18, at 1:00 p.m., at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Grafton, Iowa, with Rev. Wayne Ellingson and Rev. Irmgard Ellingson officiating. Burial was in the St. Ansgar Cemetery. Visitation was held on Friday, March 17, from 4-8:00 p.m., at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar.

Elvira Augusta Ernestine Bethke, the daughter of Ed and Anna Kroneman Bethke, was born on July 22, 1910 in Worth County, Iowa. She was baptized on August 14, 1910, at the Emmanuel Lutheran, Grafton by Pastor John Landdeck. She was confirmed on April 5, 1925, by Pastor Carl Landdeck at the Emmanuel Lutheran, Grafton. She attended rural schools.

Elrvira was united in marriage to Ervin Bartz on November 27, 1932, and two children were born of this marriage. After their marriage, they farmed in the St. Ansgar area for several years. In 1939 the family moved one mile east of Bolan and farmed with her husband, Ervin until retiring.

She was a lifetime member of Emmanuel Lutheran of Grafton. She was also a member of various circles which she enjoyed. In 1990 Elvira became a resident of the Good Samaritan Home, St. Ansgar, until her death.

Elvira is survived by one son, Orland and his wife, Clarice of Grafton; one daughter, Doris and her husband, Albert Ralph of Northwood; five grandchildren, Mrs. Bill (Susan) Grovert of Cedar Rapids, Mrs. Larry (Karen) Foley of Northwood, Mrs. Ron (Donna) Loudenburg of Clear Lake, Merlin (Lisa) Bartz of Grafton and Mrs. Craig (Barbara) Hackenmiller of Mantorville, Minnesota; 14 great-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; one step-great-great-grandson; and two nephews, Richard Ferley and John E. Tietz; and one niece, Carol Roemeling.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ervin; and two sisters, Wilma Ferley and Ruth Tietz.
© Northwood Anchor 2006

Norvalean “Mic” Rosetta Mandt

March 22, 2006, page 11

Norvalean “Mic” Rosetta Mandt, died on Tuesday, March 14, 2006, at the St. John’s Lutheran Home, Albert Lea, Minnesota. she was 75 years old.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., on Friday, March 17, 2006, at the First Lutheran Church, Albert Lea, Minnesota. The Reverend John Holt officiated. Burial was in the Hillcrest Cemetery. Visitation was from 4-7:00 p.m., on Thursday, at the Bonnerup Funeral Service and one hour before the service at the church.

Mic was born in Albert Lea, Minnesota, on June 25, 1930, the daughter of Norval and Grayce (Johnson) Ryan. She was a graduate of the Albert Lea High School.

On December 14, 1949, Mic was united in marriage with Richard “Dick” Mandt in the United Methodist Church, Albert Lea, Minnesota. They were members of First Lutheran Church where Mic had been active in women’s groups and had taught Sunday School. Mic had worked as an insurance agent for First Insurance at U.S. Bank, retiring in 1994.

She had been a member of the Elks, VFW Auxiliary, and Business and Professional Women. She was an avid bowler, golfer, and bridge player. Her most favorite times were spent traveling with her two grandsons on cruises to Disneyworld.

Mic is survived by her daughter, Deborah (Stephen) Tomasini of Stillwater, Minnesota; two grandsons, Richard and Michael Tomasini of Stillwater, Minnesota; three sisters, Sally (Merle) Aase of Northwood, Iowa, Janet (Andy) Anderson of Sun City, Arizona and Gloria (Don) Hagen of Northwood, Iowa; sister-in-law, Shirley Ryan of Albert Lea, Minnesota; and nieces, nephews and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dick in 1992; and one brother, Virgil Ryan in 2005.

Mic was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister. She will be greatly missed by all.
© Northwood Anchor 2006

Douglas W. Carnes

March 29, 2006, page 9

Douglas Winfield Carnes, age 92, of Northwood, died on Thursday, March 23, 2006, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood, Iowa.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, March 27, 2006, at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Highway 65 South, Northwood, with Rev. Karl Hermanson officiating. Inurnment was at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, March 28, at the Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood. Visitation was held on Sunday at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood.

Douglas W. Carnes, was born on January 11, 1914, to Winfield and Olga (Schroeder) Carnes in Holstein, Iowa, the oldest of five children. Doug grew up in Holstein and after graduation from high school, he attended the University of Iowa for one year, but could not continue because of lack of resources. Douglas returned to Holstein.

He met his wife to be, Norma Lage, at a Lawrence Welk dance in Cushing, Iowa. They were married and moved to Northwood in 1937, where his cousin had told him there was a job selling Ford cars for Albert Huso. Their oldest son, DuWayne was born that same year. Their second son, Dennis was born in 1942. Doug continued to sell cars for Huso until 1942, when he was offered the job of manager of the Worth County Co-op Oil Company on a day to day basis and later that year was offered a yearly contract. In 1945, Pamela was born into the family. Doug continued to successfully manage the Co-op for the next 42 years. He retired in 1984. During that time the company prospered into a multimillion dollar business. After retirement, Doug and Norma continued to live in Northwood enjoying friends and neighbors, playing bridge, fishing, golf, and travel.

Douglas is survived by his three children, DuWayne who lives with his wife, Bonnie in Olympia Fields, Illinois, Dennis who lives with his wife, Phyllis in Northwood and Pamela who lives with her husband, Fred in Springfield, Virginia; seven grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are his sisters, Joanne Kennedy of Bullhead City, Arizona and Doris Erickson of Spirit Lake, Iowa; and his brother, Clarkson Carnes of Holstein, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Norma of 67 years; grandson, Douglas; and one sister, Donna.

Memorials are to be directed to the Lutheran Retirement Home Auxiliary in Northwood.
© Northwood Anchor 2006

Verna Mae Pixley

March 29, 2006, page 9

Verna Mae (McHenry) Pixley, 76, of Northwood, was called to heaven on Sunday, March 26, 2006, with her four loving children at her bedside. Verna Mae died at the Muse-Norris Hospice Center, Mason City, after a short battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 29, 2006, at 10:30 a.m., at the First Lutheran Church, 309 North 9th Street, Northwood, with Reverend Wayne Hagen officiating. Burial will be in the State Line Cemetery, Northwood. Visitation was held from 5-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, March 28, at the Conner Colonial Chapel, 1008 First Ave. South, Northwood. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to service time on Wednesday at the church.

Verna Mae McHenry, was born on December 17, 1929, on the McHenry family farm West of Northwood. She was the second child of Leslie and Bertha (Johnson) McHenry. Growing up during the great depression gave Verna Mae a sense of hard work, family devotion, and simple fun that stayed with her all of her life. As a little girl she spent many hours playing with her dog and visiting her grandmother who lived a short walk away.

Verna went to school with people who remained her friends and neighbors, many were part of adventure stories of going to area dances, fairs, card club and saddle club events that she shared in total clarity in her later years. Verna Mae graduated with the Northwood Class of 1947. Verna Mae married her high school sweetheart, Robert (Bob) Pixley on June 15, 1947. Except for a few years they were lifelong residents of Northwood and together they raised four children, Steven Dale, Susan Renea, Beverly Kay and Bruce Glenn.

Verna was a strong devoted Mother and gave her children her unspoken devotion their entire lives. Above all, she cherished her family and always made her children’s and grandchildren’s birthdays and Christmas very special.

In 1961 Bob and Verna Mae moved their family to Osage where they owned Pixley’s East End Market until 1968, when they returned to Northwood. The couple shared a passion for children and enjoyed visiting with the families that came into their store, often caring for the children while the parents shopped. In 1968 Verna Mae began working at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood where she was a nurses’ aid for 29 years retiring in 1997.

Verna Mae loved her job, the residents, and her coworkers. She enjoyed all music and would sing to the residents while working and always had a smile and hug for everyone. We remember Verna Mae’s strong hands with the gentle touch. Verna Mae loved to shop, especially rummage sales, talk on the phone, and took the greatest pride in always having her home clean.

Left to cherish her memory is her devoted husband of 58 years, Bob; her two sons, Steven (Julie) of Harpers Ferry and Bruce (Grace) of Grafton; two daughters, Susan (Larry) Balek of Mason City and Bev Pixley of Mason City; her sister, Virginia Thompson and brother, Arlynn (Ruth) McHenry; mother-in-law, Beva Pixley and sister-in-law, Lillian Pixley all of Northwood.

Verna Mae was blessed with nine grandchildren, Samuel Pixley of Winona Minnesota, Lezlea (Chris) Dahlke of Winona, Minnesota, Katie Pixley of Arcata, California, Jackson Robert Pixley of Arcata, California, Andria Pixley of Northwood, Jay (Lauren) Balek of Mason City, Kyle (Heather) Pixley of Grafton, Jeff Balek of Mason City and Marcus Pixley of Harpers Ferry.

Her great-grand-children also survive her, Caroline & Ava Dahlke and baby, Pixley expected in the fall.

Verna Mae was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; father-in-law, Glenn Pixley; and two brothers-in-law, John Thompson and John Pixley.

Thank you mom, you will be greatly missed. Please watch over us from Heaven.
© Northwood Anchor 2006

Marcella Gullickson

April 5, 2006, page 9

Marcella Sybella Gullickson, 98, of Northwood, died on Monday, March 27, 2006, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, March 31, 2006, at the First Lutheran Church, 309 North 9th Street, Northwood, with Reverend Barbara Wifis officiating. Visitation was held on Thursday, at the Conner Colonial Chapel, 1008 First Ave. South, Northwood. Visitation will also be one hour prior to service time on Friday at the church. Following the funeral service cremation will take place, with inurnment at a later date in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood. The family of Marcella Sybella Gullickson has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Physical Therapy Department at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood, or to Compassion International in her memory.

Marcella Sybella Bistline, was born on August 3, 1907 in Altoona, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Charles W. and Elsie J. (Berquist) Bistline. As a child she moved with her family to a farm east of Mason City. Upon graduation from Iowa State Teacher’s College with an Associates Degree, she began her teaching career in a country school near Grafton.

On March 15, 1936, she was united in marriage to Joseph A. Gullickson at the First Methodist Episcopal Church in Mason City. They farmed by Rock Falls and then near Northwood. When their four children were in school she returned to work, teaching special education in Kensett and Hanlontown. She also served as Sunday school Superintendent at First Lutheran Church for many years.

Her interests included gardening (especially flowers), sewing, reading, and making crafts of all kinds. She was a woman of remarkable spirit and determination as evidenced by her many trips to Iowa City to obtain care for their youngest son, Bob as a child, her lifelong pursuit of education, her dedication to exercise, and how she conquered the computer in her nineties, and the wonderful aroma and taste of her home-made pies and cinnamon rolls will always be remembered by her children and grandchildren.

Left to cherish her memory are three of her four children, JoAnn (Bifi) Alexander of Northwood, Jay (Iva) Gullickson of Farwell, Minnesota and Arlen (Janet) Gullickson of Kalamazoo, Michigan; 11 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren; a sister, Evelyn Ludeman of Mesa, Arizona; as well as other relatives and friends.

Marcella was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Robert (Bob); her husband, Joe; two brothers, Russell and Edward Bistline; and a sister, Marian Frahm.
© Northwood Anchor 2006

Kermit L. Helgeland

April 5, 2006, page 9

Kermit L. Helgeland, 85, of Northwood, died on Friday, March 31, 2006, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

A memorial service celebrating his life was held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, April 3, 2006, at the First Lutheran Church, Northwood, with Reverend Wayne Hagen officiating. Inurnment was held in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood. Visitation was one hour prior to service time on Monday at the church. According to his wishes, his body was cremated. The Conner Colonial Chapel, 1008 First Ave. South, Northwood, is in charge of the arrangements.

Kermit L. Helgeland, was born on May 22, 1920 in rural Worth County, Iowa, the son of Severt and Andrena (Tenold) Helgeland. He attended the Hartland Township School #4 in rural Worth County, and graduated from the Northwood High School.

Kermit was united in marriage to Wilma Koerner on December 25, 1942, at her home in George, Iowa. After their marriage they farmed on the Helgeland farm for 20 years. Following this he was a clothing salesman for Gildner Johnson in Northwood. Kermit was also employed by Caroll George Inc. in Northwood until his retirement.

Kermit was active in civic affairs where he was Past President of the Northwood Lions Club, and was on the board of directors of the Viking Manor and Meals on Wheels. He also served as a Trustee and Deacon for the First Lutheran Church in Northwood.

Kermit’s hobby was Norwegian Rosemaling, which he thoroughly enjoyed, having exhibited several times at Nordic Fest in Decorah, Iowa. His family has enjoyed the fruits of his labor. In the later years of their lives, Kermit and Wilma lived in Apache Junction, Arizona, before returning to Northwood in 2004.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Wilma Helgeland of Northwood; two sons, Charles (Anne) Helgeland of Franklin, Tennessee and Douglas (Clara) Helgeland of Northwood; four grandchildren, Scott (Stephanie) Helgeland of Jasper, New York, Sarah (Paul) Stratton of Syracuse, New York, Cinda (Tim) Clay of Naperville, Illinois and Vance Helgeland of Northwood; five great-grandchildren; as well as other relatives and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents; three sisters, Elma Monson, Stella Moen and Luella Hubbard; and a brother, David Helgeland.
© Northwood Anchor 2006