Carroll O. Aamodt

June 10, 2009

Carroll O. Aamodt, 83, of Northwood, died on Thursday, June 4, 2009, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., on Monday, June 8, at the First Lutheran Church, Northwood, with Reverend Daniel R. Hart officiating. Members of the Our Buddies VFW Memorial Post #6779, Northwood, conducted military honors on Monday at the church. Inurnment will be in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood, for the family at a later date. Visitation was held from 3-5:00 p.m., on Sunday, at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood. Visitation was also held one hour prior to the service time on Monday at the church.

Carroll was born on March 5, 1926, the son of C. Oscar and Clara (Peterson) Aamodt at their farm in rural Joice. After growing up on the farm and graduating from the Joice High School, Carroll served in WW II in the North Atlantic and South Pacific on the flight decks of the aircraft carriers Sable, Lexington, Hornet and Midway. After the war he was united in marriage on October 10, 1947, to his high school sweetheart, Maynis Larson and to this union five children were born. In 1950, the couple moved to the farm three miles west of Northwood and continued his family farming business until Carroll’s retirement and move to town in 2000. Carroll also worked for more than 20 years with other family members in his father’s business at the Northwood Sale Barn Company.

Carroll served for more than 50 years as an usher at his church, the First Lutheran Church, Northwood and served 20 years on the church council. He served the community for more than 20 years on the board of directors for the Northwood Coop Elevator and the Worth County Fair Board. Carroll served on the FmHA Review Board and served several times as an election judge. He was also a very active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion, holding past positions of post commander in both organizations. Prior to his retirement in his leisure time he was an enthusiastic supporter of the local high school football and basketball teams, playing slow pitch softball, bird watching and hunting with friends and family.

In retirement Carroll continued to enjoy his lifelong love of reading and became well read in several fields including medicine and political issues. Carroll enjoyed his daily Bible study and rarely missed daily devotions. He also greatly enjoyed getting together with his friends at the Corner Post in Northwood for coffee and discussing a wide range of topics.

Carroll is survived by his wife, Maynis Aamodt of Northwood; children, Craig (Sue) Aamodt of DeKalb, Illinois, David (Peggy) Aamodt of Mediapolis, Lori Aamodt of Austin, Minnesota and Robert (Julie) Aamodt of Lake Mills; grandchildren, Carl, Larissa, Ryan, Nathan, Tyler, Aaron, Cory and Scott Aamodt; one great-grandson, Cormac Anderson; siblings, Clarine Steffensen of Lake Mills and Donald (Faye) Aamodt of Lake Mills; along with several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Carroll was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Ann Marie Aamodt; brother, Orian (Elaine) Aamodt; sister, Vergean Hogan; and brother-in-law, DeVere Steffensen.
© Northwood Anchor 2009

Julia Pearl Williams Carlson

July 1, 2009

Julia Pearl Williams Carlson, died on Thursday, June 4, 2009, at her home in Pasco, Washington.

The funeral was held on Monday, June 15, in Pasco, Washington.

She was born on March 29, 1918, weighing an estimated three pounds, in Glenwood, Minnesota. Her parents were Osmen and Gladys Williams. Soon after her birth, Pearl’s parents moved to a farm near Kensett, Iowa. Following graduation from the Kensett High School, Pearl attended Iowa State Teacher’s College in Cedar Falls, now referred to as U.N.I. She taught in a Cerro Gordo County one room schoolhouse. Pearl married Walter Carlson on July 3, 1942, at the Kensett Bethany Lutheran Church. He was in the Navy and she worked in New York City on a special government assignment on Wall Street. When Walt was reassigned to the Pacific coast, Pearl followed him west and taught in the small mountain town of El Portal, California, now a part of the Yosemite National Park. Following the war, the Carlson's learned of farming opportunities through a veteran’s program in the Columbia Basin of the Pacific Northwest. They arrived in Pasco in 1949, where both Walt and Pearl worked for the Tri-City Herald. In 1951 they obtained their Block 2 farm at Burbank, Washington.

Pearl was a member of the Pasco First Lutheran Church, Franklin County Historical Society, Burbank Grange, Democratic Saturday Club and NAMI. She volunteered with the Our Lady of Lourdes Auxiliary and was a charter member of the Burbank Heights Women’s Club.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband of 52 years, Walter Carlson. 

Pearl leaves five daughters and two sons, Valerie and George Stanly of Pasco, Bruce and Diana Carlson of Pasco, Shelly and Rick Stephenson of West Richland, Audra and Wally Bennett of Issaquah, Gwenneth and Randall Rothe of Woodinville, Jane and Tim Jackson of Pasco and Bradley Carlson of Pasco; 20 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; her sister, Muriel Peterson of Ottawa, Illinois; brothers, Burton and Dorothy Williams of Northwood, Iowa, Warren and Ruth Williams of Rochester, Minnesota and Harlan and Sylvia Williams of Elbert, Colorado; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Perkins of Northwood, Nona Wilson of Tucson, Arizona, Johanna Williams of Gardner, Kansas and Susan Wagner of Littleton, Colorado.
© Northwood Anchor 2009

George Thomas “Tom” Mooney

June 10, 2009

George Thomas “Tom” Mooney, 96, of Northwood, died on Friday, June 5, 2009, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, June 10, at the Northwood United Methodist Church, Northwood, with Reverend Wendi Gillan officiating. Burial will be in the Stateline Cemetery, rural Northwood, with military graveside honors conducted by members of the Our Buddies VFW Memorial Post #6779 of Northwood. Visitation was held from 5-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service time on Wednesday at the church. The family of Tom Mooney has requested that those wishing to give a memorial in Tom’s memory may direct them to the Northwood United Methodist Church, Our Buddies VFW Memorial Post #6779 of Northwood and to the Salvation Army.

George Thomas Mooney, was born on August 22, 1912 at Waynesville, Missouri, the son of Thomas Christopher and Lela (Shelton) Mooney. He attended school in Waukee, Iowa, graduating from the Waukee High School. After completing his schooling, Tom worked on the Alaskan Highway until his induction into the United States Marine Corps on April 1, 1944 at Des Moines. Tom served his country honorably in the Marine Corps. in the Northern Solomons and the Asiatic-Pacific area during World War II, until his honorable discharge on December 29, 1945, in San Diego, California. After his discharge, Tom lived in Des Moines and worked as a delivery route driver for Montgomery Ward’s and also painted homes in Des Moines and in Texas during the winter. Tom moved to Northwood in 1954 and farmed around the Stateline area in Worth County and Freeborn County. Tom also owned and operated Mooney’s Painting Company in Northwood and was painting homes and farm buildings into his late 80s.

He enjoyed reading, his vegetable garden, continuing to collect National Geographic Magazines that his father started, driving his 1969 Grand Prix in the 4th of July parade in Northwood, driving his Allis-Chalmers tractor, snowmobiling in his earlier years, Twins baseball, enjoying doing something and never resting, playing cards, sweet corn feeds and was very giving of himself. He was a member of the Northwood United Methodist Church, Our Buddies VFW Memorial Post #6779 of Northwood, American Legion Post of Northwood and the National Geographic Society and was a Salvation Army supporter.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Joseph Mooney and Sharon (Dean) Krafka of Northwood; two grandchildren, Michelle (Mike) Skellenger and Ranae (Jonathan) Thompson, all of Northwood; four great-grandchildren, Ryan Beenken, Grace Skellenger, Camden Thompson and Tyce Skellenger; a sister, Alice Conrad of Arlington, Virginia; a brother, A. Russell (Betty) Mooney of Greensboro, North Carolina; as well as other extended family members and friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Lorraine Collins.
© Northwood Anchor 2009

Frances (Nelson) Jorgenson

June 17, 2009

Frances (Nelson) Jorgenson, age 93, passed away peacefully in Minneapolis Minnesota, with loving family members at her side.

Funeral services were held at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota on June 5, 2009, with interment in the Sunset Memorial Cemetery in N.E. Minneapolis.

Frances K. Nelson, was born in rural Northwood, Iowa, to Levi and Lena (Helgeland) Nelson on January 15, 1916. She was baptized into the Lutheran faith at the North Shellrock Lutheran Church, where she reaffirmed her faith through confirmation on May 4, 1930. Frances attended country school and later the Northwood High School, where she graduated with the class of 1934. Frances worked for many years as church secretary at the First Lutheran Church in Northwood. She was united in marriage to Alf W. Jorgenson in 1953. They resided in Richfield Minnesota, until his death in 1970. Frances continued to reside and maintain the home until her death.

She was a volunteer for over 30 years at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, where she formed many loving and strong friendships over the years. Her life was committed to her Lord and her family. She will be dearly missed by all that knew her.

Left to cherish her memory are son, Jerry (Jackie) of Northwood; six grandchildren, Julie (David) Hanson, Janan (John) Lundeen, Joel (Ronda) Jorgenson, Jonathan (Jennifer) Jorgenson and Leigh and Kenton Anderson; nine great-grandchildren; Erika and Emily Hanson, Alissa and Erin Andersen, Kyle and Jacob Jorgenson, Jack Jorgenson and Michael Lundeen; seven nieces and nephews, Lorraine Jenks, Leslie (Ivene) Nelson, Avis (Robert) Savre, Roger (Mary Lou) Ubben, JoAnne (Jim) Henderson, John (Marlene) Nelson and Kay Nelson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Alf Jorgenson; and daughter, Arlo Anderson; four brothers, Selmer Nelson, Ernest Nelson, Lawrence Nelson, Arthur Nelson; and two sisters, Clara Lokken and Pearle Ubben.
© Northwood Anchor 2009

Robert E. Thoen

June 17, 2009

Robert E. Thoen, age 74, of Blooming Prairie, died on Sunday evening, June 14, 2009, at the Homestead Hospice House in Owatonna.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, June 17, at the First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie, with Pastor Heidi Heimgartner officiating. Friends may call from 4-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Worlein-Blooming Prairie Funeral Home and at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment is in the First Lutheran Cemetery, Blooming Prairie. The family prefers memorials to the Owatonna Homestead Hospice or the American Cancer Society or First Lutheran Church, Blooming Prairie.

He was born on October 27, 1934, to Truman and Evelyn (Dahlby) Thoen in Kensett, Iowa, where he grew up. He married Elaine J. Bendickson on October 26, 1952 in Hanlontown, Iowa. They moved to Blooming Prairie in 1958. A farmer his entire life and a seed and chemical dealer, Robert loved going to auctions and flea markets, taking coffee breaks with his sons and friends, traveling back to Iowa and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include three sons, Mark (Karen) Thoen of Blooming Prairie, Linn (Shirley) Thoen of Blooming Prairie and Todd (Patsy) Thoen of Waltham; very special friend, Charlotte Cobeen of Blooming Prairie of over 20 years; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brother, Darrell Thoen of Waltham; sisters, Virginia (LaVerne) Kehret of Austin and VaLois Thoen of Austin; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Elaine.
© Northwood Anchor 2009

Ronald James Radloff

July 1, 2009

Ronald James Radloff, 84, of Austin, died on Thursday, June 18, 2009, at Our House Senior Living.

Funeral services were held at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, June 24, at 1:00 p.m. Interment was in the Woodbury Cemetery, Lyle, with Military Rites by the Austin American Legion Post 91 and the Lyle American Legion 105, in charge.

He was born on August 28, 1924 in London Township, Minnesota, the son of Fred and Christina (Ingram) Radloff. He served in the Navy during World War II on the Battleship U.S.S. South Dakota and was a decorated World War II veteran. He attended the Dunwoody Institute, specializing in refrigeration. He was a 20-year Hormel employee in the maintenance department and a full-time farmer in the Grand Meadow area. He had a passion for real estate and established the Ron Radloff Realty as broker/owner. He retired from farming and continued his work in real estate.

Ron was a member of the Austin Moose Lodge, Eagles, Elks, VFW Post 1216 and the American Legion Post 91. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, traveling and music. He played many instruments including the piano, accordion, guitar and banjo.

He is survived by two daughters, Linda (Jack) Richards of Lake Forest, Florida and Kristine Radloff of Winona; three sons, Brian Radloff of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, Mark (Rhonda) Radloff of Austin and James (Michelle) Radloff of Spokane, Washington; two sisters, Lucille (Bill) Whatney of Northwood and Elda Amundson of California; 13 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Roger, Curtis, Fred and Robert.
© Northwood Anchor 2009

Elton Peterson

July 15, 2009

Elton Peterson, 93, of Lake Mills, formerly of Northwood, died on Wednesday, June 24, 2009, at the Lake Mills Care Center in Lake Mills, Iowa.

Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., on Monday, June 29, at the Silver Lake Lutheran Church in rural Northwood, with Pastor Bill Peters officiating. Visitation was from 5-7:00 p.m., on Sunday, June 28, at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home, Lake Mills and again one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial took place in the Silver Lake Lutheran Cemetery in rural Northwood. Memorials may be directed to the Hospice of North Iowa or the Bristol Cemetery Association.

Elton Peterson was born on July 6, 1915, in rural Worth County, Iowa, to parents George and Tillie (Butler) Peterson. He attended the Bristol #4 Country School near Joice and was one of eight siblings. Elton was baptized and confirmed at the Bristol Lutheran Church, rural Joice. On September 10, 1939, Elton was united in marriage with Nora Holstad at the Center Lutheran Church Parsonage by Rev. Justin A. Peterson. To this union, two sons were born, Larry and Harlan. The couple farmed in rural Northwood for 54 years before moving into Northwood and later to Lake Mills.

Elton and Nora traveled to South Texas for the winters for 24 years, where they enjoyed attending dances. Elton also liked to golf and fish. He was a lifelong member of the Bristol Lutheran Church and later became a member of the Silver Lake Lutheran Church.

Survivors include his wife, Nora Peterson of Lake Mills; two sons, Larry (Patty) Peterson and Harlan (Sharon) Peterson, all of Des Moines; five grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and many extended relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Harry, Roy, Gilmer, James and Emil Peterson; two sisters, Alvina Geving/Hanson and Stella Hagen; and a great-grandson, Blake Peterson.
© Northwood Anchor 2009

C. J. Stoffer

July 1, 2009

C. J. Stoffer, 69, of Hudson, Wisconsin and formerly of Manly, Iowa, died peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Friday, June 26, 2009, after a long battle with cancer.

A celebration of CJ’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Thursday, July 2, at the Bethel United Methodist Church in Manly. Officiating at the service will be his close friends and pastors, Larry and Joan Goebel of Superior, Wisconsin; David Jore of River Falls, Wisconsin; and Robert Cummings of West Branch, Iowa. According to his wishes, CJ’s body will be cremated. Interment will be in the Sunset Rest Cemetery located in Northwood at a later date. Please join the family for visitation from 5-7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, July 1, at the Bride Colonial Chapel in Manly.

CJ Stoffer, was born on December 24, 1939 in Hampton, Iowa, the son of Cornelius and Alma (Claypool) Stoffer. CJ was baptized in the Methodist faith and later confirmed in the Reformed faith. He was a 1957 graduate of the Alexander High School in Alexander, Iowa. In 1960, CJ married Linda McQuatters, the love of his life at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Manly and to this union three children were born, Deborah, John and Daniel. CJ began his career on the Rock Island Railroad in 1958, through 1980. He worked various positions including Telegrapher, Station Agent, Train Dispatcher and Chief Train Dispatcher at locations in Iowa, Minnesota and Illinois. In 1981, CJ was instrumental in the start-up of the Iowa Northern Railway Company, working as General Manager. In 1986 CJ became President of the IANR. CJ retired from IANR in 1992 at 53 years of age as a proud railroad man.

To keep active in his retirement years, CJ held two part-time jobs. He worked for the Hogan-Bremer Funeral Home in Mason City and Rose Floral in Stillwater, Minnesota. CJ was very active in his career and community. CJ served on the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Rail Transportation; was a member of the Advisory Council for the Midwest Transportation Center at Iowa State University; served on the Board of Directors for the American Association of Railroad Superintendents; served on the Agri-Industry Transportation Practices and Needs Sub-committee of the study on transportation in Iowa by the Public Policy Center at the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, The US Department of Transportation, the Northwest Area Foundation and the Iowa Business Council; served on the Advisory Committee for the Midwest Transportation Center at Iowa State University which serves Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri and Kansas; served on the Iowa Governors Advisory Committee on Rail Transportation; served six years as President of the Iowa Regional and Short Line Railroad Association; received the Iowa Governor’s Leadership Award; was recognized is in the Who’s Who in Iowa Railroading publication; served on the North Central Community School Board of Education for 18 years (16 as Board President); was a member of the Manly Lions Club, served six years on the Manly City Council; served three terms on the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Council in Manly; served on the Bethel United Methodist Church Trustee Committee in Manly; served several terms on the Manly Planning and Zoning Board; former member of Masonic Lodge Rainbow #625 AF & AM; and served on the County Budget Review Committee. After retirement, CJ also served on numerous committees and volunteer organizations in Hudson, Wisconsin.

CJ enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his best friend and wife, Linda, and they were inseparable. CJ and Linda enjoyed traveling, attending Broadway musicals and exploring the beautiful St. Croix Valley in Hudson, Wisconsin. One might typically find CJ fishing with his grandchildren, volunteering at his church, riding around on his old red bike, attending grandchildrens sporting activities, attending Minnesota Vikings football games, spending countless hours delivering meals-on-wheels and assisting elderly people with their daily needs in the community, or having coffee with fellow railroad retirees and friends. He loved his family and his little dog Maggie and the time he spent with all of them. CJ will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him.

Those left to cherish CJ’s memory are his wife of 49 years, Linda of Hudson, Wisconsin; three children and their families, Deb (Stoffer) Magnuson and her husband, Jeff Magnuson of Hudson, John and Sue Stoffer of Hudson and Dan and Amy Stoffer of Stillwater, Minnesota; six grandchildren, Stephanie Magnuson of Canton, South Dakota, Amber Magnuson of Harrisburg, South Dakota, Brian Magnuson of Hudson, Wisconsin, Jonny Stoffer of Hudson, Wisconsin, Erica Stoffer of Hudson, Wisconsin and Benjamin Stoffer of Stillwater, Minnesota; and one great-grandchild, Tate CJ Magnuson of Canton, South Dakota. CJ was looking forward to the addition of one more grandchild who is expected to arrive in September.

CJ was preceded in death by his parents; and mother and father-in-law.
© Northwood Anchor 2009