Ruth “Ivene” Nelson

August 12, 2009

Ruth “Ivene” Nelson, 78, of Clear Lake, Iowa, died on Sunday, August 2, 2009, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Friday, August 7, at the Evangelical Free Church, Clear Lake, with Rev. Kent Wagner officiating. Interment was in the Brush Point Cemetery, rural Fertile. Visitation was on Thursday, at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, and then one hour before the services on Friday at the church. Family suggests memorials to the Clear Lake Evangelical Free Church Missions or to the Hospice of North Iowa.

Ivene was born on August 27, 1930 in Forest City, Iowa, the daughter of Leo H. and Synneva Sophie (Hjelmeland) Elthon. She graduated from the Fertile High School in 1948 and continued her education at Hamilton Business College. Following school she went to Des Moines to be her father’s secretary in the Iowa Legislature in the Senate. Ivene married Les Nelson on May 8, 1949, at the Fertile Gospel Mission Church. They lived in Northwood, later to her father’s farm, rural Fertile, in to Fertile then to Mason City and then to Clear Lake.

She enjoyed sewing, interior decorating, knitting, crocheting, cooking, traveling, shopping, Christian Women’s Club and having coffee with her friends. She was very active in the Republican Party. She was a member of the Clear Lake Evangelical Free Church.

Ivene is survived by her husband, Les Nelson of Clear Lake; three children, J.D. Nelson and his wife, Debbie of Clear Lake, Robert Nelson of Clear Lake and Ann Weitzel and her husband, Tom of Estes Park, Colorado; eight grandchildren, Sara Briggs and her husband, Andy, Andrew Nelson and his wife, Jill, Aaron Nelson, Erika Weitzel, Lindsey Wietzel, Breanna Weitzel, Jason Weitzel and Chelsea Weitzel; six great-grandchildren, Jenna Nelson, Samuel Nelson, Ezekiel Nelson, Jada Nelson, Kenneth Briggs and Harrison Briggs; two sisters, Dorothy Davis of San Clemente, California and Amy Mahoney and her husband, Wendell of Clear Lake; two sisters-in-law, Evelyn Elthon and Evelyn Juvet; and a brother-in-law, Jim Lemon.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, David and Alan Elthon; and one sister, Sylvia Lemon.

The Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of the arrangements.
© Northwood Anchor 2009

Bernard Hugh Brush

August 12, 2009

Bernard Hugh Brush, 90, of Northwood, died on Sunday, August 2, 2009, at the Breen Center at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Thursday, August 13, at the Northwood Baptist Church, Northwood, with Reverend Robert Luebbert officiating. According to his wishes his body was cremated. The Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood, is in charge of the arrangements.

Bernard Hugh Brush, was born on March 9, 1919 in Bassett, Nebraska, the son of Charles and Gertrude (Miller) Brush. Bernard graduated from the Stanberry High School, Missouri. Bernard moved to Colorado where he farmed and also worked for Eversman Implement in Denver before his retirement, when he moved to the mountains in Colorado before moving to Northwood in 2004.

He enjoyed tinkering with engines and photography. He was a member of the Northwood Baptist Church.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Ardys Brush of Northwood; children, Glenn Brush of Lamoni and Nancy (Leonard) Helfrich of Loveland, Colorado; step-children, Carol (Wayne) Austin of Northwood, Sandra Young of Reno, Nevada and Douglas (Susan) of Wilton; nine grandchildren and seven-great grandchildren; as well as other extended family members and friends.

His parents and a son, Eugene Brush, preceded him in death.
© Northwood Anchor 2009

Doris Marie Isaacson

August 12, 2009

Doris Marie Isaacson, 96, of Northwood, died on Wednesday, August 5, 2009, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

Memorial services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, August 10, at the United Methodist Church of Northwood, with Rev. Wendy Gillan officiating. Private inurnment took place in the Sunset Rest Cemetery.

Doris Marie Gelner Isaacson, was born with twin, Donald Gelner on July 20, 1913, to Amelia and Ferdinand Gelner on a farm south of Forest City, Iowa. She attended rural school in Madison Township, graduated from the Forest City High School with a normal training certificate and taught rural school in Ellington Township for three years. She married Floyd Isaacson on November 1, 1934. To this union was born Joan, Judith and James. Doris and Floyd lived in Forest City for four years, Lost Island for two years and Greene for 10 years and moved to Northwood in 1952. She was a bookkeeper at both the Graettinger and Northwood Creameries and worked as a bookkeeper and office manager for the Worth County Co-op Oil Company for over 26 years. She retired August 31, 1986.

She was an honorary 4-H member and a member of the United Methodist Church and Ada Circle. She served as a trustee on the administrative church board and was a member of several commissions and committees. Doris was an active member of the Semper Fidelis Study Club. Her hobbies were flower gardening, quilting and bridge. She was an avid sports spectator. She walked daily with her friends, which was a source of great pleasure.

She is survived by her children, Joan Isaacson of Bloomington, Minnesota, Judy (Claude) Gianetto of Boulder, Colorado and Jim (Edna) Isaacson of Woodridge, Illinois; six grandsons, Mark (Jody) Gianetto, Jim (Doris) Gianetto, Dan (Dara) Gianetto, Brian (Christina) Isaacson, Chad (Brienne) Isaacson and David (Jennifer) Isaacson; 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd; brothers, Leon, Donald and Harvey Gelner; and sisters, Bernice Dalhauser and Ruth Brown.

Those who knew her and loved her will always miss her. In memory of Doris, those who wish may give to the Northwood United Methodist Church or to the Northwood Meals on Wheels. The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood, is handling the arrangements for the Isaacson family.
© Northwood Anchor 2009

Avery William "Bill" Anderson

August 12, 2009

Avery William "Bill" Anderson, age 73, of Minneapolis and Gull Lake, was born on April 15, 1936 in Brooklyn, New York and died peacefully surrounded by his precious family on Saturday, August 8, 2009, as a result of complications from a fall at a Twins game on July 28.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, August 13, at the St. John's Episcopal Church, Minneapolis. Visitation will be on Wednesday, August 12, from 5-8:00 p.m., at Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel.

Bill was a graduate of the McBurney School in New York City and Syracuse University, where he played football. His career was in sales and marketing through his firm, A. William Anderson and Assoc. He enjoyed reading, travel and golf. He was a student of history (especially WW II), always had "the next trip" in mind, enjoyed golfing at the Minikahda Club and working out at the Calhoun Beach Club. He will be missed.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar & Augusta Anderson; brother, Byron Anderson; father-in-law, Glenn Tenold; and brother-in- law, John Tenold.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Sally; daughter, Randine; son, Joel (Anne); cherished grandsons, Will and Nick; mother-in-law, Mable Tenold; sisters-in-law, Doris Anderson, Suzanne (Jerry) Olson and Kim (Gene) Hagen; nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends. He will also be missed by the four legged friends in his life - Ruby, Lucy and Zoe.
© Northwood Anchor 2009

Flavia Loberg

August 26, 2009

Flavia Loberg, 85, of Cedar Falls, died on Tuesday, August 18, 2009, at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home in Waterloo.

Funeral services were held on Friday, August 21, at the Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home, with inurnment in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood.

She was born on September 2, 1923 in La Grande, Oregon, the daughter of Lyle and Cora (Dammen) Hill. Flavia married Ingvald Loberg on September 13, 1942 in Northwood, Iowa. He preceded her in death on February 7, 2001. Flavia was a bookkeeper at Waterloo Farm Systems and later worked at Reflections Hallmark at College Square Mall.

Survivors include her daughter, Angela Burrell of West Des Moines, Iowa; two grandchildren, Ryan (Holly) Loberg of Pickerington, Ohio and Ambria (Justin) Luettjohann of Urbandale, Iowa; two great-grandchildren; and a sister, Lyta Reyerson of Northwood.

Flavia was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a son, Brant Loberg; a daughter, Julie Hill; and a sister, Thera Johnson.
© Northwood Anchor 2009

Lorraine E. Martin

September 9, 2009

Lorraine E. Martin, 86, of Ridgecrest, California, died on Saturday, August 22, 2009, at the Ridgecrest Regional Hospital in Ridgecrest.

Visitation was held from 4-6:00 p.m., on Thursday, August 27, at the Holland & Lyons Mortuary in Ridgecrest. Funeral services were at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, August 28, at the Grace Lutheran Church of Ridgecrest, with Rev. Jim Lamb and Rev. Tom Martin officiating. Internment was in the Desert Memorial Park, Ridgecrest.

Lorraine Elizabeth Issel Martin, was born on August 16, 1923, to John and Minnie (Thomas) Issel of Arlington Heights, Illinois. She attended school in Batavia, Illinois, graduating from the Batavia High School in June of 1942. She worked at the Elgin Watch Company in Aurora, Illinois. She served her country for three years during WW II by enlisting in the US Navy in 1943 and following her honorable discharge, she continued in Civilian Service for a total of 45 years under the Department of the Navy. She married Edward L. Martin on July 9, 1949 at Reno, Nevada. To this union were born Thomas and Robert. Lorraine and Ed worked at the Moffett Field Naval Air Station for several years and in 1951 moved to Davis Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona.

She began working for the Naval Ordinance Test Station (N.O.T.S.), China Lake, California in 1954. For several years she worked in Oxnard at the US Naval Civil Engineering Laboratory in Port Hueneme. She moved back to Ridgecrest in 1967 to work at the N.O.T.S. as a secretary. In 1973, she began working in the chemistry division of the research department at the Naval Weapons Center, where she was an editorial clerk, branch secretary and division secretary.

Her husband passed away in 1971. Lorraine retired in 1990 and became a second mother for her grandson. Lorraine was a charter member of the Grace Lutheran Church and a volunteer at the senior citizen's meal program. She enjoyed playing cards and traveling.

She is survived by her children, Thomas (Donna) Martin of Kensett, Iowa and Robert Martin of Ridgecrest, California; three grandchildren, Renee Martin of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Charissa Martin of Des Moines and Justin (Danielle) Martin of Warrensburg, Missouri; brothers, Harold Issel of Geneva, Illinois and Robert (Eleanor) Issel of Hot Springs, Arkansas; and sisters, Eleanor (Jack) Leitner of Huntley, Illinois and Selma Wilkerson of St. Charles, Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and one grandson, Robert J. Martin, Jr.

The Holland & Lyons Mortuary, Ridgecrest, California, handled the arrangements for the Martin family.
© Northwood Anchor 2009

Ruth Ann Hilborn

September 2, 2009

Ruth Ann Hilborn, age 84, of Northwood, Iowa, died on Wednesday, August 26, 2009, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood, Iowa.

Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m., on Tuesday, September 1, at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood, with Pastor Caleb Ingersoll officiating. Visitation was on Monday from 4-7:00 p.m., at the funeral home. The Order of Eastern Star had a service at 6:30 p.m., Monday evening, at the funeral home. Burial took place in the Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood.

Ruth Ann, was born on March 8, 1925, to Clarence and Carrie (Kollman) Harris at Nora Springs, Iowa. Ruth Ann spent most of her life in Northwood, graduating from the Northwood High School in 1942. She was a member of the Northwood United Methodist Church, a member of the Sorosis Study Club and a 50 year member of the Order of Eastern Star where she held many offices.

For almost 20 years Ruth Ann and Merle were care givers to each other. When they were both well and healthy they enjoyed traveling, dancing and golf. Ruth Ann always enjoyed visits with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed going to her grandchildren’s sports activities. She loved to watch golf and baseball on TV with Merle. She baked many cookies for Mike and his friends.

Ruth Ann was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Robert Ingersoll and Dr. Donald Hilborn; two sisters; and two brothers.

Survivors include her son, Mike and his wife, Ann of Northwood; grandson, Adam and his wife, Betsy Ingersoll and their children, Quincy, Zane, Isaiah, Phoenix and Quincy; grandson, Caleb and his wife, Diane Ingersoll; granddaughter, Leah and her husband, Brian Phipps; grandson, Allen Ingersoll; two step-granddaughters; care giver, Merle Nelson; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, nephews and many friends.

In memory of Ruth Ann, those who wish may give to the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood or the Hospice of North Iowa. The Schroeder and Sites Funeral Home, Northwood, is handling the arrangements for the Ruth Ann Hilborn family.
© Northwood Anchor 2009

Dorothy Ann Pitt

September 9, 2009

Dorothy Ann Pitt, age 86, passed away at the Longview Care Center in Missouri Valley, Iowa, on Saturday, August 29, 2009.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, September 2, at the Hennessey-Aman Funeral Home in Missouri Valley, with Elder Gary Argotsinger and Elder Jerry Sherer officiating. Burial was in the Calhoun Cemetery in Missouri Valley.

Dorothy was born on April 13, 1923 in Missouri Valley, Iowa, to Fred and Eva (Smith) Wall. Dorothy was married to Alvin Pitt on August 1, 1954 and this union was blessed with four children. Dorothy enjoyed flowers, birds and being outdoors. She was very involved in church activities and loved spending time with her family.

Survivors include her husband, Alvin Pitt; daughter, Debra Cohen and husband, Harry; sons, Michael Pitt and special friend, Terri Beland, Roger Pitt and wife, Margaret and Jon Pitt and special friend, Michelle Life; sisters, Jackie Wall and Bernice Dozier; nine grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents.
© Northwood Anchor 2009

Lois Lorain Gray

September 9, 2009

Lois Lorain Gray, 73, died on Sunday, August 30, in her home.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, September 5, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mason City, with Brother Al Williams officiating.

Lois Lorain, was born on December 22, 1935 in Hume, New York, daughter of Raymond W. & Mary M. (McMurtry) Catlin. She grew up in New York until she moved to California, where she graduated from the Lunnwood High School in 1953. Lois Lorain was baptized a Jehovah’s Witness in January 1952 in Los Angeles, California. She was an administrative assistant for many agencies. She was a dispatcher for the Worth County Sheriff’s Office and then drove school bus for the Northwood-Kensett Schools for many years.

She enjoyed flowers, music, her ministry and old movies. Her favorite part of her day was meeting all the wonderful people at the North Iowa Community Credit Union in Mason City, where she worked for the last four years. She married her love, and best friend, Donald E. Gray on June 21, 1992, in Ports O’Call in San Pedro, California. They spent 10 wonderful years in the Morro Bay, California community, until 2002 when they moved to Mason City, Iowa.

Lois Lorain is survived by her husband, Don Gray of Mason City; her brothers, Daniel Weaver and wife, Janet of Pilot Hill, California and Raymond (Billy) Catlin of New York; her children, Lori Dorsey and husband, Joe of Manly, Robert G. Trumble of Mason City and Katrina Larson and husband, Tom of Baxter; two step-sons, Kevin Carter of California and Jim Carter of California; her grandchildren, Melissa Schroeder and husband, Spencer of Clear Lake, Joshua Overbeck of Okoboji, Carter Larson and Piper Larson of Baxter and Tonya Kiefer and Tammy Kiefer of Thornton; one great-grandchild, Emma Schroeder of Clear Lake; and many dear friends, especially Darlene, Vonda and Jean.

Lois Lorain was preceded in death by her parents; her sister; her childrens fathers, Robert G. Trumble Sr. and James R. Carter; and her parents-in-law.
© Northwood Anchor 2009

Michael Eugene Bartz

September 2, 2009

Michael Eugene Bartz, 49, of Clear Lake, died on Monday, August 31, 2009, at the St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Funeral servicesl will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, September 3, at the Elk Creek Lutheran Church, Kensett, with Reverend Tom Martin officiating. Burial will be in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Highway 18 West, Mason City. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, September 2, at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service time on Thursday at the church.

Michael Eugene Bartz, was born on October 23, 1959 in Mason City, the son of Eugene and Joann (Heizelman) Bartz. Michael was baptized at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Mason City and reaffirmed the faith of his baptism through confirmation at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton. Michael received his education in the St. Ansgar School, graduating from the St. Ansgar High School. Michael also graduated from Hawkeye Technical College in Waterloo with a degree in auto body. Michael worked for Sedars Motor Company in Mason City before opening his own auto body shop called Martin Town Auto Body, which he owned and operated for several years. Michael also worked for various businesses in the north Iowa area.

Michael enjoyed riding his bicycle, model cars, rolling dice and playing cards, and working on puzzles, but his greatest love and enjoyment was spending time with his children and family. Michael was a member of the Elk Creek Lutheran Church, rural Kensett.

Those left to cherish his memory are his father, Eugene Bartz of Grafton; his mother, Joann Bartz of Mason City; his significant other, Paula True of Clear Lake; two sons, Adam and Trevor Bartz of Northwood; two sisters, Bonnie (Dean) Crosier of Bloomington, Illinois and Brenda (Greg) Evenson of Boone; his brother, Mark (Rebecca) Bartz of Mason City; a niece, Kathryn (Matt) Lollar of Illinois; three nephews, Kelsey Thayer of Clear Lake and Ryan and Karl Billings, both of Boone; and Adam and Trevor’s mother, Melinda Bartz of Northwood; as well as many other extended family members and friends.

Michael was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents.
© Northwood Anchor 2009