Doris Clara Fedge

March 11, 2009

Doris Clara Fedge, age 96, of Northwood, Iowa, died on Thursday, March 5, 2009, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood, Iowa.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., on Sunday, March 8, at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood, Iowa, with Rev. Daniel Hart officiating. Visitation was one hour prior to the services on Sunday, at the funeral home. Burial took place in the Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood.

Doris Clara Fedge, was born on January 9, 1913 in Freeborn County, Minnesota, to Gustov and Sophie (Buth) Buntrock. Growing up she lived on a farm in Freeborn County, Minnesota, and also went to school in Minnesota. She moved to Northwood, Iowa, in March of 1945. She worked at the Paramount Cafe and Applequist Grocery before retiring from the Ben Franklin Store. She married Lloyd Fedge on November 2, 1963.

She liked to do handy work, gardening and lawn work and always kept up her own home. Her nieces will miss her homemade dill pickles, sugar cookies and cinnamon rolls. Doris lived in her own home until three and a half years ago when she went into the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lloyd; and two sisters, Ardella and Glady.

Survivors include her three nieces, Sharon Nelson and husband, Tom of Albert Lea, Minnesota, Barb Trenhaile and husband, Wayne and Linda Banik and husband, David; and several great-nieces and nephews and friends and neighbors.

The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood, Iowa, is assisting the family with the arrangements.
© Northwood Anchor 2009

Virginia Lenore Evenson

March 18, 2009

Virginia Lenore Mellem Evenson, 94, of Northwood, formerly of Sheldon, Iowa, died on Sunday, March 8, 2009, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

Two funeral services were held. The first service was at 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, March 12, at the First Shell Rock Lutheran Church, Northwood, with Reverend Karl Hermanson officiating and the second service was at 12:00 p.m., on Friday, March 13, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Sheldon, Iowa, with Reverend Ron Nelson officiating. Interment was in the Forest Hill Cemetery, Canton, South Dakota. Visitation was from 4-6:00 p.m., on Wednesday, March 11, at the Connor Colonial Chapel, Northwood and one hour prior to each funeral service. Memorial contributions may be made to the churches or the charity of one’s choice.

Born on March 18, 1914 in Northwood, she was the daughter of Lewis G. and Signe Rorvig Mellem. She attended Northwood Schools graduating in 1932. After obtaining her teaching certificate in Education from Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, she taught in Ionia, New Sharon, Rock Valley and Sibley, Iowa, until her marriage to John Evenson on March 9, 1947. He died January 13, 1977.

A granddaughter of Worth County’s first settler, life-long interests included her Norwegian and pioneer heritage, nature conservancy, wildlife, travel, reading, crafts and handwork, but her greatest devotion was to her family and church. She was baptized, confirmed and married at the First Shell Rock Lutheran Church, Northwood, and was a member of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Sheldon, Iowa.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Katherine (Robert) Elgas of Waterloo and Jeanette (Charles) Metrebian of Santa Barbara, California; and a sister, Elvira Mellem of Northwood.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Elizabeth Susan (in infancy); her parents; two brothers, Victor Mellem (in infancy) and Lewis Mellem; and four sisters, Esther Mellem, Geneva Cassidy, Agnes Mellem and Valborg Mellem.
© Northwood Anchor 2009

Ronald L. Brockman

April 1, 2009

Ronald L. "Ronnie" Brockman, 24, of Tucson, Arizona, died on Sunday, March 8, 2009, of injuries sustained in an auto accident.

Memorial services were held on Wednesday, March 11 in Tucson and on Friday, March 13 in Kingman. A small family memorial will be held in Northwood at a later date.

Born on February 22, 1985, Ronnie attended school in Kingman, Arizona. After graduation he relocated to Tucson, Arizona, where he worked as the assistant manager of Osco Drug in Albertsons.

Left to cherish Ronnie’s memory are his parents, Ron and Deb (Hendrikson) Brockman of Northwood; sisters, Heather (Jarod) Chambers of Kingman and Kelsi Brockman of Northwood; his brother, Brandon Brockman of Northwood; and a very special friend, Celina Urbina of Tucson; his grandparents, Betty Hendrikson of Northwood and Jim and Jackie Stites of Concho, Arizona; aunts and uncles, Paul (Karen) Hendrikson of Escondido, California, Dean (Deb) Hendrikson of Manly, Cindy (Hendrikson) McDowell of Evans, Colorado, Dan (Colleen) Hendrikson of Northwood and Lee (Terri) Hendrikson of Evans, Colorado; and many cousins and friends.
© Northwood Anchor 2009

Jerry Lee Bendickson

March 18, 2009

Jerry Lee Bendickson, 69, of Ottosen, Iowa, formerly of Mason City, died on Monday, March 9, 2009, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, in Mason City.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, March 12, at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood, with Reverend Timothy C. Miller officiating. Burial was in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service time on Thursday at the chapel.

Jerry Lee Bendickson, was born on March 2, 1940 in Mason City, the son of Maynard and Lorraine (Ayers) Bendickson. Jerry attended and received his education in the Mason City Public School. After completing his schooling, Jerry became a heavy equipment operator for Mason City Gravel. Jerry owned and operated Jerry’s Dry Wall; dry walling in several communities in Iowa and was well known for the quality of his work. Jerry retired from his business due to ill health. He was united in marriage to Janis Ryerson. She preceded him in death. He was united in marriage to Wilma Anderson in August 1974, in Albert Lea, Minnesota.

Jerry enjoyed driving race cars in Mason City, keeping his garage spotless for entertaining family and friends, camping, fishing and he especially enjoyed listening to his wife, Wilma’s music.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Wilma Bendickson of the West Bend Care Center; his mother, Lorraine Sigel of Topeka, Kansas; children, Bonnie Thoreson of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Scott (Lori) Bendickson of Austin, Minnesota, Theresa (Jim) Belden of Owatonna, Minnesota, Jeff Bendickson and special friend, Patti Page of Austin, Minnesota, Lori (Mark) Schwanke of Owatonna, Minnesota and Mike Bendickson of San Diego, California; step-children, Wayne (Ann) Girard of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Wynnette Foss and special friend, Ken of Leland, Wynn (Rita) Girard of Mechanicsville, Virginia, Warren Girard of Jacksonville, Florida and Wendy (Steven) Strand of Forest City; seven grandchildren; one great-grandson; 10 step-grandchildren; 11 step great-grandchildren; three brothers, Bob, Jack and Mike Bendickson; a sister, Diane Adams; as well as other extended family members and friends.

Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Maynard; first wife, Janis; infant son, Steven; a sister, Linda Pierce; and a niece, Cheryl Pierce.

Jerry is at peace and in the arms of the Angels.
© Northwood Anchor 2009

Nicola Buchanan

March 18, 2009

Nicola "Nikki" Buchanan, of Glenville, died on Wednesday, March 11, 2009, at her home after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 61 years old.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, March 14, at the United Methodist Church. The Rev. John Bromeland officiated. Interment was in the State Line Cemetery. Visitation was from 5-7:00 p.m., on Friday, March 13, at the Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday.

Nicola Jo Studier, was born on June 21, 1947 in Albert Lea, the daughter of Rudolph and Anne Studier. Nikki spent her childhood in Glenville. She attended and was confirmed at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Myrtle. She began playing the piano at an early age and played the clarinet for the Glenville School Band and participated in the All-State Band. She was a cheerleader throughout high school and also sang in the choir. She graduated from the Glenville High School as class valedictorian in 1965. Following high school she attended the Naeve Hospital School of Nursing to become a Registered Nurse and graduated in 1968 as the class valedictorian.

On July 8, 1967, Nikki married her high school sweetheart, Brent Buchanan, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church. They lived on the Buchanan family farm by Gordonsville for their 41 years of marriage. Nikki worked at Naeve Hospital for several years and then stayed home to raise their five children. In 1989, Nikki graduated from the Metropolitan State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. In 1993, she graduated from Mankato State University with a Master of Science Degree in Psychology. Nikki worked as a supervising RN for Morning Star Home Health in Albert Lea, from 1999-2008.

Nikki was a gifted pianist and music was a large part of her life. She and Brent led the music/worship at the Philadelphia Christian Center in Albert Lea for 18 years. She worked as the contemporary music leader at the United Methodist Church in Albert Lea from 2000-2008. Nikki had a passion for Bible Study and throughout her life, taught many Bible classes. Her deep faith and love for Jesus inspired many throughout her lifetime. Nikki also loved to travel, camp, and spend time camp, and spend time with her family.

Survivors include her husband, Brent; five children, Dawn (Chip) Hall of Glenville, Cari (Jeff) Broitzman of Jackson, Minnesota, Wyatt Buchanan of Albert Lea, Anne (Josh) Wegner of Albert Lea and Luke (Amanda) Buchanan of Glenville; 14 grandchildren, Erica, Andrea and Alayna Hall, Levi, Evan and Holden Broitzman, Hannah, Nathan and Abbey Buchanan, Isabelle and Olivia Wegner, Chelsey Morrow and Bryson and Cindy Buchanan; great-granddaughter, Faith Hall; mother, Anne (Tony) Chavez of Albert Lea; siblings, Randy (Sue) Studier, Jane (Eddie) Pecora, Tim (Sandy) Studier, Angie (Nick) Olson, Dan (Cathy) Studier, Lori Studier and Jill (Paul) Hagen; sisters-in-law, Sharyl Lunde and Sue (Jerry) Lee; and many nieces and nephews.

Nikki was preceded in death by her father, Rudolph Studier.
© Northwood Anchor 2009

Arline Urban Hunter

March 25, 2009

Arline Urban Hunter, 102, of Lake View, Iowa, died at the Stewart Memorial Community Hospital, Lake City, on Tuesday, March 17, 2009.

A celebration of her life was held on Friday, March 20, at 2:00 p.m., at the Lakes Methodist Church in Lake View. The family was present at 1:00 p.m. prior to the service. Her wishes were to be cremated with a private family burial in the Ferguson Cemetery in Lake View.

Arline was born on March 29, 1906 in Chicago, Illinois. She graduated from the Marshalltown High School in 1924 and Grinnell College in 1930. In 1935, she was married to W. Kenneth Hunter, editor-publisher of the Lake View Resort Newspaper. She taught high school music at Wayne, Nebraska, Northwood and Lake View, Iowa, where her groups received top honors in state competition.

She served on the Lake View Library board for a number of years as well as taking leadership roles in numerous community organizations, including the directing of many winter carnival shows. The United Methodist Church was her church home where she directed the choir, played the organ and was soloist for most of the years she lived in Lake View. Mrs. Hunter was active in state music and education activities, serving as the Iowa State Music Chairman of the Federation of Music Clubs, the Department of Iowa American Legion Auxiliary, Rainbow Grand Assembly choir director and vocal music instructor and director of Hawkeye Girls State.

Arline was active with her husband, Ken in the work of the Lake View Resort Newspaper. With her husband she co-edited the Lake View Centennial History Book. She remained very alert mentally and physically, living in her own home until her last week of life. Arline leaves behind a legacy of her love for family, music, education and a zest for life.

Surviving are her two daughters, Nancy (Dr. Ron) Batz of Spirit Lake, Iowa and Margaret “Peggy” (Bob) Scanlan of Lake City, Iowa; grandchildren, Paul (Melinda) Batz of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Bret (Paula) Kruthoff of Charles City, Iowa, Heidi (Earl) Batz-Rogers of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Liesl Batz of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Jodi (Roger) Pieken of Lake View; 12 great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Doris Urban of Sacramento, California.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ken; her parents; two brothers and a sister; and a great-grandson, Tate Janssen Batz-Rogers.
© Northwood Anchor 2009

Donald D. Williamson Jr.

April 1, 2009

Donald D. Williamson Jr., 61, of Allison, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2009, at the Floyd County Medical Center in Charles City, Iowa.

He was born on April 8, 1947 in Albert Lea, Minnesota, to Donald Dean Sr. and Eveyln (Tostenson) Williamson. Don graduated from High School in Glenville and later attended college in Mankato. He served his country in the United States Army where he was a member of the 30th Army band and played the First Chair tuba. Don was married to Rita Johnson in February of 1967, in Elgin, Minnesota. They had two children. The marriage later ended in divorce. He met Mary (Kramer) Uhlenhopp on December 24, 1994 and have been together ever since.

Don was a very musical person and loved playing instruments, especially the tuba, piano and accordion. He was a member of several bands and musical associations including the Minnesota Musicians Union, the Blue Banner Band, the Albert Lea Community Band, Ascending Brass and the Sugar Daddys. Don was also a member of the American Legion and Fountain Lake Sportsman's Club. He was a former mayor of Allison, Iowa and a former mayor of Glenville, Minnesota. He also greatly enjoyed fishing, politics, cooking & smoking food, wine making and talking to people.

Don is survived by his wife, Mary Uhlenhopp of Allison; son, Chad Williamson and fiancée, Kim Klapperich of Glenville, Minnesota; daughter, Tonya Williamson of Winona, Minnesota; step-son, Jason (Cris) Uhlenhopp of Dumont; mother, Evelyn Williamson of Glenville, Minnesota; brothers, Doug Williamson of Federal Dam, Minnesota and Jim and wife, Cindy Williamson of Northwood; sisters, Dianne and husband, Larry Roerish of Northwood, Adeline and husband, John Rust of Clarks Grove, Minnesota, Dawn Knaack of Northwood and Mary Olson of Glenville, Minnesota; grandsons, Jordan and Dylan Williamson of Glenville; and many nieces, nephews and numerous other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father; and infant sister, Jacqulyn.
© Northwood Anchor 2009

Palmer "Bud" Granholt

April 1, 2009

Palmer "Bud" Granholt, age 80, of Albert Lea, Minnesota, died on Friday, March 27, 2009, at the Rochester Methodist Hospital.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 31, at 10:30 a.m., at the First Lutheran Church, Glenville. Reverend Krista Stokke officiated. Burial was in the Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation was on Monday, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the services at the church.

Palmer "Bud" S. Granholt, was born on February 6, 1929 in rural Glenville, Minnesota, the son of Peder and Signe (Moe) Granholt. He grew up in Glenville and attended school there. After school Bud worked as a plumber at a hardware store in Hayward. On October 15, 1950, he was united in marriage with Betty Bothum in Albert Lea. Bud then started to work as a carpenter with his uncle, Helmer Moe. He later went into farming with his father and worked for the ASCS Office from 1961-1972. In 1990, Bud retired from farming and he and Betty moved to Albert Lea.

He was a member of the Eagles and the First Lutheran Church of Glenville. Bud enjoyed spending time at the lakes in Wisconsin with his sons. He also enjoyed golfing, playing cards, having coffee with friends and spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Betty of Albert Lea, Minnesota; sons, Palmer Jr. (LuAnn) of Bloomer, Wisconsin and John (Ann) of New Auburn, Wisconsin; daughter, Kathy (Greg) Nelson of Glenville, Minnesota; grandchildren, Mark (Rhonda) Granholt of Emmetsburg, Iowa, Becky Granholt of Burnsville, Minnesota, Chad Sommer of Bloomer, Wisconsin, Sarah (Scott) Veith of Plymouth, Minnesota, Bryan (Mandi) Granholt of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Erik Nelson and fiancée, Emily Meyer of Glenville and Brianna Nelson of Glenville; great-grandchildren, Ashleigh, Claire, Elle Reece of Burnsville and Danielle, Taylor and Austin McCartan of Emmetsburg, Iowa; sisters, Gladys (Harold) Westrum of Hayward and Edna (Duane) Fenske of South Carolina; sisters-in-law, Faye Nelson of Hayward, Minnesota, Lila (Kendall) Johnson of Albert Lea, Minnesota and Gilma Bothum of Austin, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews.

Bud was preceded in death by an infant daughter; son, Ronald; parents, Peder and Signe; mother and father-in-law, Theodore and Floy Bothum; and brothers-in-law, H.C. Nelson and Lester Bothum.
© Northwood Anchor 2009

John Edward Springer

April 1, 2009

John Edward Springer, 84, of Northwood, died on Saturday, March 28, 2009, at the Manly Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, April 1, at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood, with Reverend Karl Hermanson of the First Shell Rock Lutheran Church in Northwood officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service time on Wednesday at the chapel. According to his wishes, cremation has taken place.

John Edward Springer, was born on October 25, 1924 in Grand Junction, Iowa, the son of Harold and Lillian (Lorenzen) Springer. He attended the Grand Junction Community School and graduated from the Paton, Iowa, High School. After completing his schooling, John farmed around the Paton, Gowrie and Vincent, Iowa, areas. John also worked as a route deliveryman for the Coca Cola Bottling Company and sold insurance for the Globe Life and American Republic Insurance Companies. For most of John’s life, he drove over the road semi tractor-trailer for Duane Bakken until his retirement. John was united in marriage to Esther Michehl on April 7, 1945, in Des Moines.

John enjoyed fishing, hunting and bowling. He was a former member of a bowling league in Humboldt, the International Order of Odd Fellows and the Humboldt/Dakota City School board.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Esther Springer of Northwood; his children, Don (Sue) Springer of Richmond, Virginia, Mary (John) Lotts of Greenbrier, Tennessee and Kevin (Laurie) Springer of Northwood; seven grandchildren, Mike (Laura) Fevold of Bowling Green, Kentucky, Ed (Meredith) Fevold of Old Hickory, Tennessee, Jacob and Morgan Springer of Northwood, Kurt Springer of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Jeanette (Wayne) Camden of Chesterfield, Virginia and Donald (Dawn) Springer, Jr. of Newport News, Virginia; six great-grandchildren, Drew and Taylor Fevold, Anthony and Jessica Johnson and Ashley and Cody Springer; two step-grandchildren, Stephanie and Shannon Camden; a sister, Evelyn Hoyt of Perry; a sister-in-law, Ruby Springer of Jefferson; and many nieces, nephews and other extended family members and friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Clarence “C.A. Hap” Springer and Eugene “Gene” Springer; a sister, Ruth Jones; and a great-grandson.
© Northwood Anchor 2009

Sigrid Charme "Sig" Lavilla

April 8, 2009

Sigrid Charme "Sig" Lavilla, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2009, in Lynnwood, Washington, with her family and close friends nearby.

Memorial services were held on Saturday, April 11, at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska. 

Sig was born on February 18, 1945, at the U.S. Naval Air Base in Patuxent River, Maryland, to loving parents Grant and Patricia Grundmeier. As a child she moved from Manning, Iowa, to Northwood in the early 1950s with her parents and brother, Gary. She grew up in an ideal small town environment helping with the family business, Grundmeier Hatchery. Sig graduated from the Northwood-Kensett Community Schools in 1963. Sig moved to Minneapolis and attended the University of Minnesota. Educated and full of enthusiasm, Sig steered her passion toward the medical field. She began working as a medical researcher at the Cancer Research Laboratories of the U of M. Throughout her career Sig worked as a Medical Assistant, Cardiographic Technologist and office manager for a pediatric cardiology clinic. She finished her career as a research assistant in cardiac medicine at the U of M.

 Sig was a dedicated worker who loved to be challenged. Sig enjoyed life in every way. She was a lover of morning cappuccinos, Jack Russell Terriers, popcorn, music and many sweet treats. She had a knack for computers, photography and gardening. She enjoyed long walks and road trips with special attention and appreciation for the trees, the birds and the wild flowers. She was adventurous and courageous, a friend to many, with a gentle and sweet tone.

She is survived by her three loving daughters, Michele, Donelle and Lisa; two granddaughters, Elle and Ruby; son-in-law, David; two brothers, Gary and Patrick; and nephew, Ryan.
© Northwood Anchor 2009