Lillian Inez (Anderson) Pixley

November 11, 2009

Lillian Inez (Anderson) Pixley, 82, died peacefully on Wednesday, November 4, 2009, at the Good Shepherd Home in Mason City, surrounded by family.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, November 7, at the First Lutheran Church, Northwood, with the Rev. Daniel Hart officiating. Burial was in the State Line Cemetery, rural Northwood. Visitation was one hour prior to the services on Saturday at the church. The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home of Northwood was in charge of the arrangements.

Lillian, was born on November 5, 1926, to Helmer and Lena (Leegaard) Anderson in Freeborn County, Minnesota. She was baptized into the Lutheran faith and attended rural schools in Worth and Freeborn counties. She was united in marriage to John W. Pixley on June 24, 1944 and from this union there were six children born. John and Lillian farmed for a few years. Lillian spent most of her years being a mother and housewife.

She loved to walk uptown and visit with friends and family. She also enjoyed the trips to California to see their son, Mike.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Dennis of Plymouth, Minnesota, Sharon (Dennis) Peterson of Mason City, Galen (Karen) of Northwood, Earl of Chicago, Illinois, Mike of Palm Dale, California and daughter-in-law, Fran of Northwood; grandchildren, Todd Pixley of Austin, Minnesota, Tammy (Scott) Severson of Northwood, Kimberly (Randy) Behrends and Marcus (Sarah) Peterson, all of Mason City, Ryan Pixley of Palm Dale, Calfornia, Justin Pixley, Jason Pixley and Chelsea Pixley; great-grandchildren, Dustin Pixley of Clear Lake, Seth Pixley of Grafton, Lauren and Brandon Severson of Northwood and Quincy and Chase of Mason City; sisters, Myrtle (Oscar) Berge of Osage, Carol (Erling) Brudvig of Scarville, Mavis (Marvin) Klouse of Austin, Minnesota and Laurene (Duane) Groe of Hayward, Minnesota; sisters-in-law, Nina (Harlan) Anderson of Ellendale, Minnesota and Virginia (Russell) Perry of Cedar Falls; and many nieces and nephews.

Lillian was preceded in death by her husband, John; daughter, Sandra in infancy; son, Jerry; son-in-law, Dennis Peterson; brother, Harlan Anderson; brothers-in-law, Duane Groe and Oscar Berge; and brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Verna Mae Pixley.
© Northwood Anchor 2009

Benjamin D. "Bud" Janssen

November 11, 2009

Benjamin D. "Bud" Janssen, 86, of Northwood, died on Friday, November 6, 2009, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, November 10, at 11:00 a.m., at the First Lutheran Church, Northwood, with Rev. Daniel Hart officiating. Burial was in the Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood. Visitation was on Monday, from 5-8:00 p.m., at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood.

Benjamin, was born on October 11, 1923 in Ackley, Iowa, to Hannes and Fannie (Riebkes) Janssen. After schooling he entered into the United States Army, serving in Company D., 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, during WW II. He was transferred to the 82nd Airborne after the war and then guard duty at General Eisenhower’s headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany. He served in the Army from 1943 to 1946 and was stationed in Germany, Austria and France. After the service he attended G.I. farm school. Bud married Doris Deardeuff on December 4, 1949 in Mason City, Iowa. They farmed on the family farm east of Northwood until moving into Northwood in 1977.

He was a former board member of the Northwood Elevator as well as serving on the Worth County Fair Board. He enjoyed trail riding with his daughter, dancing at the Surf and was a member of the Grapevine Twist Square Dance club of Albert Lea, Minnesota.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents; infant son; one brother, Don; and one sister, Joan Bright.

He is survived by his wife, Doris of Northwood; daughter, Mary Janssen and son, John Janssen, both of Northwood.

The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood, was in charge of the arrangements.
© Northwood Anchor 2009

Fern Lucille Benhart

November 11, 2009

Fern Lucille Benhart, 91, of Plymouth, died on Saturday, November 7, 2009, at the I.O.O.F. Home in Mason City.

A memorial service and celebration of life was held on Tuesday, November 10, at the St. Luke Lutheran Church in Nora Springs, with Rev. Dr. Jennifer Edinger officiating. Inurnment took place in the Bohemian Cemetery in Plymouth. The family of Fern Lucille Benhart has suggested that those wishing to give a memorial contribution in her memory may wish to direct them to the Plymouth Fire Department, St. Luke Lutheran Church in Nora Springs, or to the Hospice of North Iowa. Bride Colonial Chapel, Manly, is in charge of the arrangements.

Fern Lucille Benhart, was born on April 29, 1918 in rural Worth County, the daughter of Henry and Cynthia (Youmans) Urbatch. Fern was baptized and reaffirmed her faith through confirmation at the English Lutheran Church in Manly. She attended the Kensett Community School, graduating from the Kensett High School. After her schooling she helped her family on the farm in rural Manly. She was united in marriage to Lester Benhart on June 20, 1937, at the English Lutheran Church in Manly. Lester preceded her in death on February 15, 1983. After her marriage, Fern was a stay at home mom, lovingly raising her family. In later years, Fern worked at the Fareway Bakery in Mason City.

Family was important to Fern and having them around for the holidays was very special. Fern also enjoyed gardening, flowers, sewing, going to craft shows, traveling and fishing. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Plymouth.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Karen Draheim of Waterville, Minnesota, Lana (Joe) Monsam of Wichita, Kansas and Noreen (Wayne) Ingersoll of Middleville, Michigan; five grandchildren, Jeff (Erin) Draheim, Jayson Draheim, Janae (Matt) Smith, Chris Ingersoll and Carrita (Chris) Plaskewicz; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; a sister, Opal Diedrich of Grafton; a sister-in-law, Marian Urbatch of Mason City; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and other extended family members and friends.

Fern was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lester; daughter, Myrna Lee; brothers, Eldred and Lavern Urbatch; brother-in-law, Rueben Diedrich; and a son-in-law, Bill Draheim.
© Northwood Anchor 2009

Carol Lucille Oakland

November 18, 2009

Carol Lucille Oakland, of Northwood, Iowa, died on Sunday, November 8, 2009, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood. She was 92 years old. 

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, November 12, at the First Lutheran Church in Northwood. Pastor Dan Hart officiated. Visitation was from 4-7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Bonnerup Funeral Service, Albert Lea, Minnesota. Interment was in the Hillcrest Cemetery, Albert Lea.

Carol was born in Freeborn County on June 30, 1917, the daughter of Vern and Esther (Booen) Barber. She attended the Freeborn County Public Schools. Carol was married to Lawrence (Doaks) Oakland on August 9, 1936 in Glenville, Minnesota. She lived in Gordonsville, Minnesota and then moved to the farm with her husband, where they farmed together near London, Minnesota. Carol worked as a cook at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood until she retired in 1979.

Carol was a member of the VFW Auxiliary Color Guard and the Eagles Club. Carol enjoyed her five acre garden and was known for her pickles and apple butter. She loved baking, fishing, canning, the motor home trips and her casino outings. However, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the joy of her life. She also enjoyed collecting salt and pepper shakers, having collected over 5,000 sets through the years.

Carol is survived by her children, Dale (Barb) Oakland of Brownsdale, Minnesota, David (Diann) Oakland of Albert Lea, Minnesota, Raymond (Sandie) Oakland of Battle Creek, Michigan, Dennis (Diana) Oakland of Albert Lea, Minnesota, Paul (Doris) Oakland of Fairmont, Minnesota, Barbara (Buzz) Larson of Waseca, Minnesota, Fran Dahlum of Myrtle, Minnesota, Darlene (Broyce) Larson of Waseca, Minnesota, LaVon (Gregg) Bale of Battle Creek, Michigan and Vicki (Ronnie) Stricker of Northwood; 30 grandchildren; 56 great-grandchildren; 15 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Laura Rayman of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, Shirley Giles of Albert Lea, Minnesota, Mae Schneider of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota and Ethel Hoffman of Austin, Minnesota; brother, David Barber of Lansing, Minnesota; many nieces, nephews and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, LuVern(Pete) Oakland; grandson, Darin Oakland; son-in-law, John Dahlum; brothers, James and Lloyd Barber; and sister, Phyllis Jester.
© Northwood Anchor 2009

Robert Louis Mega

November 18, 2009

Robert “Bob” Louis Mega, 74, of Northwood, died on Monday, November 9, 2009, at his home.

A Funeral Mass was held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, November 12, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Manly, with Bishop Jerome Hanus, Reverend David Kucera, Msgr. Joseph Slepicka, Reverend Thomas McAndrew, Reverend Kenneth Gehling and Deacon Irv Vaske officiating. Burial was in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Manly, with military graveside honors conducted by members of the Our Buddies VFW Memorial Post #6779 of Northwood. Visitation was held from 4-7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, with a Parish Rosary being said by the Marian Movement at 4:30 p.m. and a public Scriptural Wake Service at 7:00 p.m., conducted by Deacon Chuck Cooper and Deacon Matt Berry at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood.

Robert Louis Mega was born on February 3, 1935 in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Henry and Francis (Evans) Mega. Bob attended school in Brooklyn before being inducted into the U.S. Marine Corps on March 4, 1952 in Suffolk County, New York and served his country honorably in the Korean Conflict until his honorable discharge on December 20, 1954 in San Francisco, California. He was united in marriage to Susan Stringer on July 11, 1964, at the St. Philip Neri in Northport, New York and to this union two children were born, Keith Robert and Kristine Marie. Bob was employed with U-Haul Manufacturing from 1964 until 1972. In 1972, the family moved to Kensett where Bob was employed with Kensett Homes for 15 years. Bob also was employed with Carrol George Manufacturing in Northwood until 1996, when he had to retire due to health problems.

Bob was an ordained as a Catholic Deacon. He was ordained by Bishop Byrnes in 1982. Bob enjoyed being a deacon and visiting the sick and instructing altar servers. His lifelong dream came true when he and Susan got to travel to Italy and see the Pope. This was done in 2007, with Father McAndrew. Bob also enjoyed his two Schnauzers, Gus and Deacon II. Bob was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manly, and was a Deacon and a CCD teacher at the church. Bob was also a Cub Scout Leader in Kensett and a volunteer fire fighter for nine and one half years for the Northwood Volunteer Fire Department. Bob also enjoyed his activities at the church, involvement with the children, loved a good book, wood carving, gardening, flowers and artistic painting. Bob loved to tell jokes to his grandchildren and they enjoyed laughing at his jokes.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Susan Mega of Northwood; his two children, Keith (Lynn) Mega of Minot, North Dakota and Kristine (John) Rasmussen of Marshalltown; two grandchildren, Kathryn Mega of Minot, North Dakota and Brianna Rasmussen of Marshalltown; two sisters, Pat (Steve) Smith of Northwood and Jane (Ralph) Apicella of Port St. Lucy, Florida; a brother, George (Suzie) Mega of Washington, Pennsylvania; many nieces, nephews, as well as many other extended family members and friends.

His parents preceded Bob in death.
© Northwood Anchor 2009

Vivian M. Kraft

November 18, 2009

Vivian M. Kraft, 96, died on Thursday November 12, 2009, at the Rockwell Community Nursing Home, Rockwell.

Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m., on Monday, November 16, at the Our Saviours Lutheran Church, Mason City, with Pastor Emily Horrell officiating. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery, Plymouth. Visitation was held from 2-4:00 p.m., on Sunday, November 15, at the Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, Mason City. Memorials may be directed to the Our Saviours Lutheran Church.

Vivian M. Tice, was born on March 24, 1913 in rural Clear Lake, in Grant Township, the daughter of Charlton W. and Mollie E. (Schwartz) Tice. She graduated from the Clear Lake High School and the Mason City Junior College. She was a teacher in Grant, Lincoln and Lake Townships and for five years in Worth County. Vivian was united in marriage to Lester Kraft on March 24, 1942; to this union a daughter was born.

Vivian was an active member of the United Methodist Church, Northwood, New Century Federation Club, Women’s Organization and United Methodist Women. Vivian was past president, vice president and treasurer for the W.S.C.S. She enjoyed working outside on the acreage, crocheting and embroidery work.

Vivian is survived by her daughter, Mary Kay (Dave) Ebert of Réal Township, Michigan; grandchildren, Lori (B.J) Stewart of Emory, Texas and Eric (Angela) Ebert of Brooksville, Florida; siblings, Havey Tice of Birmingham, Alabama, Donald (Ruth) Tice of Clear Lake and Reva Peters of Swaledale; along with other relatives and friends.

Vivian was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lester; brothers, Gale Tice and Dison Tice; and one sister, Patricia Tice Reams.
© Northwood Anchor 2009

John E. van der Linden

November 25, 2009

John E. van der Linden, 92, of Spirit Lake, died on Monday, November 23, 2009, at the Hilltop Care Center.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, November 28, at the Spirit Lake United Methodist Church. Inurnment will be in the Sunset Rest Cemetery at Northwood.

John Edward, was born on August 8, 1917 in Des Moines, the son of John and Kathleen Gaylord van der Linden. He grew up in Ames, graduating from Ames High in 1935. As a Boy Scout he played the bugle at military funerals and lied about his age to join the Iowa National Guard when a bugler was needed. John graduated from Iowa State College with a Degree in Economics in 1940. He was a member of Sigma Nu social fraternity and was honored with membership in Cardinal Key, Sigma Delta Chi, Phi Kappa Phi and Delta Sigma Rho. Upon graduation he became a reporter at the Mason City Globe Gazette.

Having served in the ROTC, John was called into active military duty in December 1941. He served as an Army Field Artillery Officer at six military camps before being stationed in Hawaii, the Philippines and Hokkaido, Japan. He was discharged with the rank of major in 1946.

After WW II, John spent a year with the Iowa Department of the American Legion in Des Moines and then accepted a job at the Marshall (Minnesota) Messenger. There he met his future wife, Marjorie Wetherbee, in a church choir. They were married on November 27, 1948 and moved to Northwood, where he became the editor of the Northwood Anchor and four sons were born.

John served as commander of the Legion Post and was active in the Lions Club. He organized and was the commander of an Army Military Government Reserve unit and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel. He served on the Northwood City Council. The family moved to Sibley in 1960, where John was a partner and later sole owner of the Gazette-Tribune. He founded Northwest Iowa Publishers, a cooperative printing plant for several area newspapers. He also helped organize the Northwest Iowa Peach, a regional advertising supplement. He was named a Master Editor-Publisher by the Iowa Newspaper Association in 1975. In 1978, John sold the Gazette-Tribune and established a newspaper brokerage business.

He and Marge built a retirement home on Spirit Lake in 1982. Although he slowed down a bit, he kept a small office downtown and didn’t fully retire until 2006. John was a strong believer in the Boy Scouts of America. He was an Eagle Scout, served as a scoutmaster and was honored with the Silver Beaver Award. He was a Kiwanian for 50 years in Sibley and Spirit Lake, serving as a lieutenant governor in 1982. He was named the Spirit Lake Citizen of the Year in 1996. He and Marge sang together in Methodist Church choirs in Northwood and Sibley for over 50 years.

John served on the Osceola County Board of Education and was named to the board of the Iowa Association of School Boards. He became president of that group in 1966. Governor Harold Hughes appointed him to the founding board of Iowa Public Television in 1967. Governor Robert Ray appointed him to two terms on the State Board of Public Instruction and he was then named to the board of the National Association of State Boards of Education where he served as treasurer.

He was preceded in death by his wife in October 2009; his brothers, Louis in 1971 and Spence in 1982 and their wives; an infant brother, Lane; and an infant son, John Rodger in 1952.

John is survived by his sons, Peter (Judy) of Spirit Lake and their children, Gretchen, John and Mark; Dirk (Lee) of Belmond and their children, Kathryn and Grant; and Tom (Jean) of LaCrescent, Minnesota.
© Northwood Anchor 2009

Sandra Kay Nowlin

December 2, 2009

Sandra “Sandy” Kay Nowlin, 69, of Northwood, died on Tuesday, November 24, 2009, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, November 28, at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood, with Reverend Randy Baldwin officiating. Visitation was from 4-7:00 p.m., on Friday and one hour prior to the service time on Saturday at the chapel. Following the funeral service and according to her wishes, cremation will take place with private family. Committal service took place in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood. The family of Sandy’s suggests that those wishing to give a memorial may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Hospice of North Iowa or to the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood in her memory.

Sandra “Sandy” Kay Nowlin, was born on August 6, 1940 in Mason City, the daughter of Bennie and Alicia (Johnson) Hagen. Sandy attended and received her education in the Northwood Community Schools. She was united in marriage to Raymond Oleson on December 8, 1956. After their marriage, Sandy was a stay at home loving wife and mother. Sandy began her career as a certified nursing assistant on May 24, 1977, for the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood, where she continued to work for 29 years until her retirement in September of 2006. Sandy will always be remembered as a loving and caring certified nursing assistant. She was united in marriage to Thomas Nowlin on July 5, 1993, at the First Lutheran Church in Northwood.

Sandy enjoyed gardening, flowers, gambling in Las Vegas and loved and enjoyed her family, friends and her cats.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Roxy (Rick) Gordon of Plymouth and Shelly (Pete) Apel of Rudd; her grandchildren, Heather Gordon of Plymouth, Nathan Gordon of Mason City and Matthew Gordon of Plymouth; great-grandson, Caleb Oelberg of Plymouth; four step-children, Thomas Nowlin Jr. of Albuquerque, New Mexico, David (LuAnn) Nowlin of Los Lunas, New Mexico, Russell Nowlin of Albuquerque, New Mexico and Patrick Nowlin of Ft. Meyers, Florida; four step-grandchildren, Michelle (Tim) Graves of Rossville, Tennessee, Bill (Janeen) Baltes of Southaven, Mississippi, Aaron (Alyson) Baltes of Dysart and Jen Demaray of Ankeny; five step-great-grandchildren; a sister, Marcia (Ronald) Hulshizer of St. Ansgar; and many nieces and nephews, as well as other extended family members and friends.

Sandy was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Thomas on August 4, 1993; son, Raymond (Babe) Oleson in 1978; a sister, Sharrell Downing; and a niece, Diane Pangburn.
© Northwood Anchor 2009