Mary Suzanne LaGow

December 8, 2010

Mary Suzanne “Sue” (Drury) LaGow, age 64, died Thursday, Dec. 2, 2010, at 3:17 p.m. in her North Mankato home after a valiant 13-year battle with breast cancer.

Born on Aug. 22, 1946, in Mason City, Iowa, Sue was the daughter of Herschel Ralph Drury and Ruth Shirley McQuatters. She graduated from Northwood High School in 1964 and attended Drake University, majoring in drama. Sue was united in marriage to Charles LaGow on a snowy January 16, 1982, in Mason City, Iowa. Sue was a devoted wife, a loving daughter, an exceptionally caring mother, an inspiring grandmother, a thoughtful friend to countless adorers, the charismatic leader of the Lloyd Management family, a passionate crusader in the fight against breast cancer, a celebrated hostess, an avid world traveler and a vibrant member and supporter of the theater community. In June 2010, she was the fourth actor ever to receive the distinguished Merely Players Curtain Call Award.

Sue is survived by her husband, Charles LaGow of North Mankato; one son, Ryan (Angela) Hylland of Seattle, Wash.; two daughters, Patti (Chip) Kudrle of Shakopee and Barbara LaGow of Lakeville; nine grandchildren, Szaba Hylland, Natalie, Alison and Aaron Kudrle, Jack and Michaella Bergman, and Gary, Jason and Christopher LaGow; her mother; her sister, Diane Myli; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father.

Her beautiful life will be celebrated at Mankato’s Country Inn and Suites on Friday, Dec. 10, from 4 – 8 p.m. Donations sent to the LaGow home will support the charity nearest to Sue’s heart, the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure. Walking in her honor in Minneapolis this 2011 will be “Sue’s Soldiers”: Ryan Hylland, Patti Kudrle, Barbara LaGow, Mae Hanson, Martha Fier, Judy Crooker and Mary Quick. "Sue, we’re who we are today because we knew you."
© Northwood Anchor 2010

Frank T. Nelson

December 15, 2010

Frank T. Nelson, 80, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010, at Wesley Acres in Des Moines.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at McLaren’s Chapel with inurnment at Rest haven Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1-2:00 p.m., on Thursday, at McLaren’s Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the American Diabetes Association or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

Frank was born April 5, 1930, in Ames, Iowa, to Russell T. and Helen (Brownlee) Nelson. He graduated from Northwood High School in 1948 and from Iowa State University in 1952. Frank served in the U.S. Army in Germany from 1952-1954 during the Korean Conflict. He was employed by Agri-Industries for his entire career and was a contract employee for them after his retirement in 1989.

Frank was a member of the Northwood United Methodist Church, Northwood, Iowa. He volunteered for the Red Cross, Meals on Wheels, Northwood Lions Club, and Northwood High School Booster Club and drove van/bus for First United Methodist Church singles adult group. Frank was recognized in 1996 by United Way of Central Iowa for his volunteer services to Wesley Acres. As a youth, he was active in Boy Scouts, serving as a leader in early adulthood.

Frank is survived by his two sons, Scott Nelson of Des Moines and Wayne Nelson of Iowa City; sister, Meda (Bob) Jensen of Homestead, Florida; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
© Northwood Anchor 2010

Brigett Ann Wirtjes

December 15, 2010

Brigett Ann Wirtjes, 27, of Manly, Iowa, died Monday, Dec. 6, 2010, at her home.

Funeral services were at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11, at the Bethel United Methodist Church in Manly, with Rev. Don Preston officiating. Visitation was Friday, Dec. 10, from 4-7 p.m. at the Bride Colonial Chapel in Manly, and then one hour before the services at the church. Following the service, she will be cremated and a private graveside service will be held at a later date in Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood. The family suggests memorials to the Brigett Ann Wirtjes memorial fund.

Brigett was born Feb. 17, 1983, in Mason City. She is the daughter of Donald Bottleman and Lesa (Wood) Eckert. She was involved in Girl Scouts for many years. She attended Garner Hayfield Community Schools and graduated in 2001. While attending NIACC with a full-time schedule to receive her L.P.N Nursing Degree, she balanced taking care of her newborn baby and a part-time job. Brigett worked at the Mason City Clinic Heart Center. She was very proud to be a part of the heart center team.

She married the love of her life, Tyler Wirtjes, April 28, 2007, at the Bethel United Methodist Church in Manly. Her greatest enjoyment in life was being a mom and spending time with family. She enjoyed camping, playing spider solitaire, shopping, gardening, canning and baking. Her favorite color was orange.

She is survived by her husband, Tyler Wirtjes of Manly; two children, Shelby Heyden and Trenton Wirtjes, Manly; her father, Don Bottleman and his wife Janet, Grafton, Iowa; her mother, Lesa Eckert, Garner, Iowa; six siblings, Tara (Casey Swyter) Bottleman, Manly, Iowa, Eric (Jennifer Carrison) Jensen, Northwood, Iowa, Brandon Bottleman, Cedar Falls, Iowa, Lacie Eckert, Garner, Iowa, Abagail Eckert, Garner, Iowa, and Devon Eckert, Garner, Iowa; mother-in-law, Pamela Wirtjes, Grafton, Iowa; grandparents, Avis Wood, Rockford, Iowa and Phyllis Biekert, Mason City, Iowa; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Elmer and Florence Bottleman, Russel Wood, Arnold Biekert and Irene “Perm” Shahan.
© Northwood Anchor 2010

Harlin Dean Sime

December 15, 2010

Harlin Dean Sime, 70, of Monticello, Minn., and formerly of Waconia, Minn., died at his residence on Monday, Dec. 6, 2010.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, Dec. 11, at 1 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Monticello. Interment was at Lakeside Cemetery. Visitation was on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the church.

Harlin was born on August 12, 1940, in Mason City to Arnold and Hazel (Myre) Sime. He grew up in the Northwood area and later attended Iowa State. In 1961, he was united in marriage to Karleen Groenke. He was the Golf Course Supervisor for 17 years at the Interlachen Country Club of Edina, Minn. He then became a financial advisor and was a District Representative for AAL, now Thrivent Financial, from 1980 until 2000. The couple lived in Waconia for 30 years, and then retired to Monticello in 2006.

Harlin enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing his guitar at church.

Harlin was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Karleen "Kay"; sons, David (Darcy) Sime and Robert (Naomi) Sime; daughters, Karen (Eric) Phelps and Nancy (Neil) DeJarnette; and 12 grandchildren.
© Northwood Anchor 2010

Lyle Vernon Bestul

December 22, 2010

Lyle Vernon Bestul, 89, of Northwood, died Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2010, at his home.

Memorial services were held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 20, at First Lutheran Church, Northwood, with Rev. Daniel Hart officiating. Burial was in Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood. Visitation was held Sunday from 3-6 p.m. at Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Highway 65 S., Northwood.

Lyle Vernon Bestul was born Aug. 10, 1921, in Dennison, Minn., to Carl Wilhelm Bestul and Edel Augusta Bakken Bestul. He grew up on the family farm and attended Kenyon, Minn., schools and graduated from Kenyon High School. After high school, he attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. On May 20, 1942, he enlisted in the officer-training program of the United States Navy. After training, he served aboard the USS Cahaba during World War II in the Pacific Theater as a Lieutenant J.G. He returned to Luther for his senior year after the war in 1947. Lyle married Donna Mae Rockvam in 1947 at the United Lutheran Church in Zumbrota, Minn., in 1947. They were happily married for 63 years and had three children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. They moved to Northwood in 1947. Lyle faithfully worked for the Northwood-Kensett school system as a social science teacher. He served as a passionate coach and mentor to many students. He retired in 1986 after 39 years.

Lyle was an avid sports fan, who loved basketball, baseball and football. He was a lifelong Minnesota Vikings and Twins fan. He devoted his retirement years to his wife, children and grandchildren. He passed away peacefully at his home with family at his side.

He is survived by his wife, Donna; his children, Brian Bestul and wife Suzie, Becky (Bestul) Moore and husband Lee, and Bryn (Bestul) Pangburn and husband Donnie; his grandchildren, Nigel Millard and wife Lindsay, Grayson, Paige and Peyton Pangburn, Kylie and Daniel Bestul, and Zach Moore and wife Katie; great-grandsons Cael and Asher Millard; two sisters, Miriam Bjelland of Kenyon, Minn., and Marna Walker of Zumbrota, Minn.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Carrol Bestul and wife Phyllis; sister, Estelle Neil and husband Bob; and brothers-in-law, Bob Bjelland, Conrad Jacobson and Jerry Walker.
© Northwood Anchor 2010

Jana Kolbach Walsh

December 22, 2010

Jana Kolbach Walsh, age 46, of Osage, died Thursday, Dec. 16, 2010, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center Hospice Unit in Osage. According to Jana’s wishes, cremation has taken place.

A Celebration of Life was held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Osage with Rev. Dennis Hanson and Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Following services on Sunday, there was a luncheon and a time to share memories at the CRC Events Center at the Mitchell County Fairgrounds in Osage.

Jana was born Nov. 6, 1964, in Mason City, Iowa, the daughter of Robert and Marilyn (Kitchen) Kolbach. She attended elementary school in Mason City and graduated from Nora Springs-Rock Falls High School in 1983. Jana attended NIACC and Hamilton Business College. She married Mike Janssen on Sept. 5, 1987, at the Lutheran church in Northwood. After Mike’s death in 1989, Jana proceeded on with her life. On March 28, 1992, she married David Lee Walsh at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage. Jana was employed by Osage Community Schools for the past 15 years. She was a foster mother, a mentor and a hospice volunteer.

Jana was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. She enjoyed the outdoors, animals, motorcycle riding, kids and traveling. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Walsh Children’s Education Fund.

Jana is survived by her husband, Dave Walsh, and her children, Caden and Jadee Mae, of Osage; her mother, Marilyn Kolbach Garl of Mason City; brothers and sisters, Steve (Mary) Kolbach of Denver, Colorado, Marc (Steve) Knebel of Iowa City, Karen Kolbach (Jim) Davis of Tacoma, Washington, Chris (Sam) Stoltenberg of Mason City, and Barb (Tony) Nomina of Loveland, Colorado; sister-in-law, Jean Sheeley (the late Rob Kolbach) of Iowa City; mother-in-law, Linda Janssen of Osage; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Chuck Walsh of Osage, Cindy (Mark) Schallock of Chanhassen, Minnesota, Peg (Doug) Ledel of Savage, Minnesota, Don (Carol) Walsh of Cedar Falls; several awesome nieces and nephews; three great-nephews; and one great-niece.

She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Kolbach; her brother, Rob Kolbach; her first husband, Mike Janssen; her father-in-law, Don Janssen; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ivan and Vera Walsh; her step-father, Lawrence “Butch” Garl; and her friends, Becki Small and Monica Anderson.
© Northwood Anchor 2010

Clark Wilbur Trenhaile

December 22, 2010

Clark Wilbur Trenhaile, 84, of Northwood, died Saturday, December 18, 2010, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, December 21, 2010, at 2 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church, Northwood, with Rev. Daniel Hart officiating. Burial was in the Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood. Visitation was held on Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood.

Clark Wilbur Trenhaile was born on November 14, 1926, in Knox County, Peoria, Nebraska, to William Clark and Wilhelmina Catherina (Eck) Trenhaile. He started his early years on the family farm near Bloomfield, Nebraska. When Clark was a young boy his family moved to Iowa and continued farming. At the age of 21, he met the love of his life, Helen Palmer Helgren, his beloved wife of 62 years. Clark and Helen were united in marriage on November 12, 1948. They made their home on a farm south of Northwood, Iowa, where they raised their five children. In 1980, they built their own home in Northwood and there they have created many cherished memories.

Clark loved model airplanes, flying small aircraft, woodworking, Harley Davidson motorcycles, roller skating, roller coasters and his sawmill. He loved to travel and took his family on summer camping vacations as far as the Pacific Ocean. Clark and Helen have continued their love of travel by visiting every state but five and countries abroad. Clark was a jack-of-all-trades, a mechanic, builder and inventor. He designed and built bailer parts for Minneapolis Moline. He also ran a successful appliance and television repair business. His true passion centered on his family and farming activities.

Left to cherish his memory and celebrate his life are his wife, Helen of Northwood; five children, Carolyn (Randy) Meyer of Deer Trail, Colo., Wayne (Barb) Trenhaile of Northwood, Koralee (Jerry) Jaspers of Shelbina, Mo., Eric (Patti) Trenhaile of Kensett, and Holly (Kurt) Watson of Rockwell, Iowa; 20 grandchildren, Ann, Chad, Marie, Ryan, Sara, Colby, Joshua, Laura, Hason, Cassie, Diana, Kelsea, Abby, Tyler, Kya, Kaitlyn, Kayla and Kurry; 13 great-grandchildren; one brother, Earl (Judy) Trenhaile of Manly; and nieces, nephews, extended family and others that knew and loved him.

Clark was preceded in death by his parents, William and Wilhelmina; brother, Dale; sister, Irene; grandchildren, Kira and Katie; and great-grandchild, Kannan.
© Northwood Anchor 2010

Doris Quam

January 5, 2011

Doris Quam, 65, of Northwood, died on Monday, December 27, 2010, at her home.

Memorial services were held at 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, December 30, at Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home with Chaplain Ed Bard officiating. Burial was in Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood, Iowa. Visitation was held Wednesday evening from 5-7:00 p.m., at Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood.

Doris Marie Quam, was born May 27, 1945, to Jens H. and Ruby (Olstad) Jensen in Blooming Prairie, Minn. She was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hayfield, Minn. She was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Albert Lea, Minn. She passed away after a long battle with cancer. She married Kenneth Quam on Oct. 26, 1963 in Manchester, Minn. Doris completed her BA degree in Social Service from Buena Vista College in 1988. She worked in Albert Lea for a short time, then opened her daycare and was a foster parent for 10 years. She was employed at Advanced Components Technologies, Inc. until she was forced to retire.

She volunteered for Cub Scouts in Northwood for 10 years, serving as committee member, den leader coach, and den leader. Being the wife of a volunteer fireman, she would answer the phone and blow the siren when a fire or rescue call came in.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Jens H. Jensen, Jr; nephew, Gary Jensen, and niece, Lori Jensen.

Left to cherish her memory are husband Kenny of Northwood; three sons, Kurt and his wife Tamara of Mason City, Scott of Mason City, and Kris and his wife Jannie of Northwood; three beautiful granddaughters, Kayla Marie and Megan Rae Quam, and Kylie Rae Bacon, all of Mason City; one great-granddaughter Jade Danielle; two grandsons, Charles Morris and Zacharie Childress, plus another grandson on the way; two sisters, Lois and her husband Larry Johnson of Owatonna, Minn; and Norma Jensen of Mason City; one brother, Orville Jensen of South Carolina; sisters-in-law, Mary Lou Jensen of Preston, Conn., Kathleen Larson and her husband Ronald of Eau Clair, Wis., Katherine and her husband Bill Attig of Twin Lakes, Minn.; also five extended family members, Dennis, Sara, James, Rose and Roxanne; many nieces and nephews, as well as other relatives and many friends.
© Northwood Anchor 2011

Helen M. Leidal

January 5, 2011

Helen M. Leidal, 91, died peacefully on Monday, December 27, 2010, at the Prairie Manor Care Center with her husband Kermit at her side.

Helen was born Jan. 5, 1919, in the Lanesboro area to Severin (Sam) and Anna Hallum Watney. Following high school, Helen attended teachers college in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She was licensed to teach in Iowa and Minnesota. She taught country school in the Deer Creek area on the Iowa/Minnesota border. Helen was married to Kermit E. Leidal on Nov. 7, 1943, at the Deer Creek Lutheran Church. They lived south of Oakland, Minn., where Helen helped Kermit establish and build the family farm.

She was an active member of the Trondhjem Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday School, was the Sunday School Superintendent and involved with the church circles. After moving to the Austin area, they became members of Our Saviors Lutheran Church. Helen was a cancer survivor and a volunteer with the Austin Meals on Wheels program for 17 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Kermit, Adrian and Myron (Mike) Watney.

She is survived by her husband, Kermit E. Leidal; Heather Haus, Blooming Prairie, Minn.; son, Mark L. Leidal, Dodge Center, Minn.; daughter, Susan Goodnature, Austin, Minn.; grandchildren, Kelly Goodnature, Mankato, Minn., Kerri Ellegard, Austin; Kristy Ellegard, Austin; Rory and Reina Ellegard, Chandler, Ariz., K.C. Leidal, Rochester, Minn.; four great-grandchildren, Karter, Kole, Ashley and Kaylee; brother and sister-in-law, Willard (Bill) and Lucille Watney, Northwood, Iowa; and nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services were held Thursday, Dec. 30, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Austin with the Reverend Glenn L. Monson officiating. Interment was at the Oakwood Cemetery.
© Northwood Anchor 2011