Juel Alton Prestegaard

January 13, 2010

Juel Alton Prestegaard, 82, of Northwood, died on Monday, January 4, 2010, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, January 8, at the Deer Creek Lutheran Church, rural Carpenter, with Reverend Barbara Wills officiating. Burial was in the Deer Creek Lutheran Church Cemetery, with military honors conducted by members of the Our Buddies VFW Memorial Post #6779 of Northwood. Visitation was from 4-7:00 p.m., on Thursday, at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood. Visitation was also held one hour prior to the service time on Friday at the church. The family of Juel Prestegaard has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Lutheran Retirement Home in his memory.

Juel Alton Prestegaard, was born on April 18, 1927 in Northwood, the son of Edward and Olga (Hendrickson) Prestegaard. Juel was confirmed into the Lutheran faith on September 13, 1942, at the Deer Creek Valley Lutheran Church, rural Glenville, Minnesota. Juel attended school in Carpenter and Northwood. After his schooling, Juel helped his family on the family farm before his induction into the Army on July 10, 1945, at Ft. Snelling, Minnesota, serving his country faithfully during World War II until his honorable discharge on December 10, 1946, receiving the World War II Victory medal. He was united in marriage to Bernice Graber on November 14, 1948, at the Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Rose Creek, Minnesota and to this union nine children were born, Marcia, Bonnie, Bruce, Sheryl, Jeff, Sandra, Becky, Richard and Gary. Bernice preceded him in death on July 4, 1997. After his marriage Juel worked for various farmers until his retirement in 1991 due to ill health.

Juel enjoyed hunting, the outdoors, playing canasta and watching wrestling on T.V., but his great love and enjoyment was his family and grandchildren. He was a member of the Deer Creek Lutheran Church, rural Carpenter.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Marcia Prestegaard of Northwood, Bonnie Kellogg of Stillwater, Minnesota, Bruce (Cynthia) Prestegaard of Forest Lake, Minnesota, Sheryl Prestegaard of Maplewood, Minnesota, Jeff (Susan) Prestegaard of Randolph, Minnesota, Sandra Kunz of Mason City, Becky (Barry) Edson of Maplewood, Minnesota, Richard Prestegaard of Dellwood, Minnesota and Gary (Jeannie) Prestegaard of St. Paul, Minnesota; 15 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Sylvia (Louis) Schuster and Ethel (Eldon) Norland, both of Austin, Minnesota; a sister-in-law, Lorene Schrag of Carpenter; and many nieces, nephews and other extended family members and friends.

Juel was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Olga; wife, Bernice; brothers, Orin and Elmer Prestegaard; and two sisters-in-law, Marlys and Marion Prestegaard.
© Northwood Anchor 2010

Reuben Lawrence Holt

January 13, 2010

Reuben Lawrence Holt, 87, of Lake Mills, Iowa, died on Thursday, January 7, 2010, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, at the Lime Creek Synod Lutheran Church in rural Lake Mills, with Pastor Erich Hoeft officiating. Visitation was from 4-7:00 p.m., on Sunday, at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home, Lake Mills and again at the church one hour prior to the service. Burial took place in the Somber Synod Cemetery in rural Lake Mills, with military rites performed by the Lake Mills Otto/Chose Post #235.

Reuben Lawrence Holt, was born on June 27, 1922 in Worth County, the son of Edwin G. and Lottie (Levorson) Holt. On December 19, 1945, Reuben was united in marriage with Annie Virginia Blackburn in Corpus Christi, Texas. The couple met while Reuben was stationed at a United States Naval Airbase. They made their home in north Iowa, where they raised dairy cattle on the farm.

Reuben was a very modest man and took tremendous pride in his farming operation. He loved tinkering with wood and doing carpentry work, his was meticulous and everything had to be “just so”. He enjoyed the annual gathering of family and friends where they cooked sorghum and reminisced, through this event alone, he had the pleasure of meeting people from all over the United States, Russia and Norway. Reuben was baptized on July 23, 1922, and later confirmed at the Somber Lutheran Church and remained an active member there all of his life.

Reuben is lovingly survived by his three sons, David (Marilyn) Holt of Sulphur Springs, Texas, Joseph (Marcia) Holt of Northwood and Gregory (Marilyn) Holt of Joice; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Matthew (Ashley) Holt and their children, Ty and Haylee, Andrew (Lindsey) Holt and their son, Reese, Christopher (Cathy) Hensley, Timothy Hensley and his son, Riley, Jennifer (Mark) Hill and her children, Aiken and Abbi Owens, Ashton Hill and Jentri Hill, Jonathan Holt, Chad (Laurie) Holt and their children, Danielle, Paige, Noah and Jaiden, Kristine (Chad) Aubrey and their son, Jack Reuben, Joshua Holt, Jeffrey Holt, Ricki Dee Miller, Phillip (Sharon) Miller and their children, Amber, Rebecca, William, Kendall, Jessica and Kassie and Aaron Miller and his sons, Jonathan and Jacob; sister, Elsie Juve of Stoughton, Wisconsin; brother, Joel (Marvel) Holt of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; sisters-in-law, Senora Holt of Emmons, Minnesota, Lorraine Holt of New Hampton, Iowa and Elaine Holt of Daytona Beach, Florida; along with several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; four brothers, Arnold, Stanley, Hartwick and one in infancy, Reuben.
© Northwood Anchor 2010

Glenn O. Nelson

January 13, 2010

Glenn O. Nelson, 76, husband of Claire E. Samuelson of 51 years, of Royersford, Pennsylvania, passed away on Friday, at the Manatawny Manor Nursing Home.

Glenn was born in Northwood, Iowa and formerly was a resident of California. He was the son of the late Otis P. and Geneva E, (Knutson) Nelson.

Glenn was a member of the Grace Lutheran Church in Royersford and was a US Navy Korean War Veteran.

Along with his wife, he is survived by a son, Alan B. Nelson of Chatsworth, California; daughter, Susan Simmons, wife of Steve of Royersford; grandchildren, Connor, Cameron and Chase Simmons; niece, Nancy Hengesteg of  Northwood, Iowa; and nephews, Ron and Dan Martin, both of Fort Collins, Colorado.
© Northwood Anchor 2010

Virginia Lee Thompson

January 27, 2010

Virginia Lee Thompson, 86, of Northwood, died on Thursday, January 21, 2010, at the Luther Midelfort Oakridge in Osseo, Wisconsin.

Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m., on Monday, January 25, at the First Lutheran Church, in Northwood, with Reverend Daniel R. Hart officiating. Burial was in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood. Visitation was held from 4-7:00 p.m., on Sunday, January 24, at the Conner Colonial Chapel, in Northwood. Visitation was also held one hour prior to the service time on Monday at the church.

Virginia Lee Thompson, was born on July 28, 1923 in Worth County, Iowa, the daughter of Leslie Abraham and Bertha Irene (Johnson) McHenry. Virginia graduated from the Northwood High School in 1940 and Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls. Virginia began her teaching career in Northwood before her marriage to John B. Thompson on September 2, 1945, in Northwood and to this union two children was born, Lucretia and Lewis. John preceded Virginia in death on September 8, 1995.

John and Virginia moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1948, where her husband, John worked for the Southern Union Gas Company until 1955, when Virginia and John owned and operated the JD One-Stop and car wash in Northwood and also built the Viking Restaurant and the trailer park in Northwood.

Virginia enjoyed “Life” as well as her family and many friends. Virginia was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Northwood, Past President and member of the Anna Circle, taught Sunday School for 62 years, taught Bible School at Elk Creek and First Lutheran Church, adult Bible School and the Bethel Bible Course for four years, was the First Lutheran Women President in 1966, delegate to many church conventions, Secretary to Maricopa County Auditor in Phoenix, Arizona, Entre Nous Study Club for 25 years and was a Girl Scout Leader for four years, Bridge Club in Northwood, American Legion Ladies Auxiliary for 16 years, Our Buddies Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary and charter member since 1946 and 3rd district president, attended annual lay academy sessions and Bible study presentations at Wartburg Seminary for 23 years, Secretary of ALCW Conference for six years, treasurer of congregate meals in Northwood for three years and Mason City conference secretary of stewardship ALCW for three years.

Those left to cherish her memory are her two children, Lucretia (Gerald) Ferley of Northwood and Reverend Lewis John (Karen) Thompson of Osseo, Wisconsin; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a brother, Arlynn (Ruth) McHenry of Northwood; as well as other extended family members and friends.

Her parents, Leslie and Bertha McHenry; her husband, John B. Thompson; her sister, Verna Mae Pixley; a brother-in-law, Robert Pixley; and a sister-in-law, June Lancaster, preceded Virginia in death.
© Northwood Anchor 2010

Colette Elaine Julseth

January 27, 2010

Colette Elaine Julseth, 55, of Northwood, died on Friday, January 22, 2010, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, January 27, at the First Lutheran Church, Northwood, with Reverend Daniel R. Hart officiating. Burial will be in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood. Visitation was held from 5-8:00 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.

Colette Elaine Julseth, was born on April 3, 1954 in Storm Lake, the daughter of Arnold H. and Evelyn (Carlson) Johnson. Colette attended school in Leroy-Ostrander, Minnesota, until moving to Northwood in 1968, graduating from the Northwood-Kensett High School in 1972. She was united in marriage to Russell Julseth on November 2, 1974, at the First Lutheran Church in Northwood. Colette was employed at the Sears Department Store in Mason City until 1976, when she lovingly became a stay at home mom until 1984. In 1984, she began working for the Ver Helst Snyder Drug Store in Northwood and continued to work there until the time of her death.

Colette enjoyed playing girls volleyball, plants, going to craft fairs, decorating her home and spending time with her family at Christmas, shopping and her annual family vacations to the lake in Wisconsin. She was thankful for sharing her dream with her family by taking a trip to Disney World last May, but her greatest love and enjoyment was her family and grandchildren. Colette was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Northwood and her craft and garden club.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Russell Julseth of Northwood; her children, Tessa (Randy) Milby of Cedar Falls, Jena (Kyle) Jaspers of Lisbon and Kendra Julseth of Waterloo; her grandchildren, Emerson, Ella and Evan Milby and Jackson and Jase Jaspers; and her living but yet unborn grandchild of Jena and Kyle and Curtis and Corey Milby; her father, Arnold H. Johnson of Glenville, Minnesota; three brothers, Dennis (Gail) Johnson of Stewartville, Minnesota, Larry (Peggy) Johnson of Nisswa, Minnesota and Brian (Betty) Johnson of Owatonna, Minnesota; her mother-in-law, Neva Julseth of Northwood; brothers-in-law, Ronald (Beth Ann) Julseth of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina and Jim (Sue) Julseth of Springfield, Illinois; and sisters-in-law, Janice (Ben) Helgeson of Spring Valley, Minnesota and Janine (Charlie) Jontz of Urbandale; numerous nieces, nephews, as well as other extended family members and many friends.

Her mother, Evelyn; a granddaughter, Ensley Milby; and her father-in-law, Orville Julseth, preceded Colette in death.
© Northwood Anchor 2010

Marjorie Joan Wagner

February 3, 2010

Marjorie Joan Wagner, of Apache Junction, Arizona, formerly of Northwood, passed away in her sleep on Saturday, January 23, 2010.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 12, from 5-7:00 p.m., in Wesley Hall at the United Methodist Church in Northwood. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, February 13, at 10:30 a.m., at the United Methodist Church in Northwood. Interment will immediately follow the services in the Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood.

Marge was born on August 23, 1932 in Colfax, Iowa, to Charles and Edith Kennedy. She was baptized at an early age in the Baptist faith. The family moved to Belmond in 1945, where she became a member of the United Methodist Church. Marge graduated from the Belmond High School in 1950. She was united in marriage to Roger Wagner on August 27, 1950. Three children were born to this union, Lana Jean, Susan Kaye and Dennis Craig.

Marge enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren sharing her many tales and stories passed down from her family. She was also known as the "Recipe Lady" among her many friends and neighbors. Anyone who knew Marge also knew of her kind-hearted generosity and her willingness to share.

Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband, Roger; daughters, Lana (John) Anderson and Susie (Keith) Braun; grandchildren, Jennifer (Ryan) Wahl, Brandon (Lori) Evans, James (Steph) Eskildsen, Andrew (Kelly) Eskildsen, Kevin Braun, Katie Braun and Kristen (Jonathan) Penn; great-grandchildren, Sydney Harris, Reese and Emersyn Wahl, Blake and Lila Evans, Kailey, Kennedy and Colby Eskildsen, Brett and Zach Eskildsen and Madyson, Leighton and Ryleigh Penn; brothers-in-law, Howard (Jeanne) Wagner and Verdell (Juanita) Wagner; sister-in-law, Kaye (Paul) Jackson; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and many other extended family.

Marge was preceded in death by her parents; son, Dennis Wagner; grandsons, Dustin and Nathan Wagner; brother, David Kennedy; sister, Carla Kennedy; and brother-in-law, Richard Wagner.
© Northwood Anchor 2010

Jesse Miller Tomlinson

January 27, 2010

Jesse Miller Tomlinson, 96, of Manly, died on Monday, January 25, 2010, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Thursday, January 28, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Manly, with Pastor Linda Johnson Prestholt officiating. Cremation will take place after the funeral service and an inurnment will be held at a later date. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m., on Wednesday, January 27, at the Bride Colonial Chapel, Manly and also one hour prior to the funeral at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

Jesse was born on a homestead near Cadogan, Alberta, Canada on October 29, 1913, the son of Ralph and Malinda (Weaver) Tomlinson. His family had homesteaded into Canada in 1912 from Belmond, Iowa. In 1914 they returned to Belmond, where Jesse attended country schools until graduating from eighth grade. He graduated from the Chapin High School in 1931. After that his parents had moved to a farm east of Manly and were working for Philip Strand, where he also worked for a time. He continued to work at farm labor for many farmers in the Manly area.

Jesse married Gail Cooper on July 28, 1937 and in 1938 they went to work for Charles and Edna Dahl. He started farming on shares with Charles Dahl in 1941 on the Chas Bonker farm and has lived in the Manly area for 80 years. They lived on an acreage they bought from Edna Dahl in 1975.

Jesse had been active in many different organizations. He was President of the Manly School PTA, President of the Manly Telephone Company at the time it was sold to Northwestern Bell and Director on the Worth County Fair Board for 20 years. He was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, where he had served on the church council and was Superintendent of the Sunday School for many years. He was also a member of the memorial committee. Jesse was also a past Farmer of the Year during the Manly Railroad and Ag Days. He enjoyed his many years of farming and livestock raising. He also loved to read, especially westerns and bird watching. He also loved his family and spending time with them.

Jesse is survived by his wife, Gail of Manly; children, Patricia Miller of Spencer, Wisconsin, Marcia (Robert) Johnson of Eldridge, Gary (Mary) Tomlinson of Manly, Linda (Joe) Thompson of Manly and Debra (John) Merfeld of Columbus, Wisconsin; grandchildren, David (Karen) Gallion, Steve (Natalie) Gallion, Terry (Cheryl) Gallion, Tim (Wendy) Gallion, Kimberly (Tony) Gates, Rodney (Kristi) Johnson, Mark (Tracy) Tomlinson, Julie (Brian) Tweeten, Lisa (Mark) Loffredo, Lori (Chris) Loffredo, Scott (Robin) Tomlinson, Brad (Grace) Beek, Jeff (Jaime) Merfeld, Kendra (Andrew) Benniger and Jesse (Carissa) Merfeld; step-grandchildren, Jim (Deb) Miller, Scott (Tammi) Miller, Penny Lekie and Nicole (James) Kuhn; 37 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; his brother-in-law, Harold (Lois) Cooper; and his sister-in-law, Lila Brim.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his mother and father-in-law; two brothers, Harley and Joe; his sister, Adah; grandchildren, Katrina Merfeld and Michael Tomlinson; two sons-in-law, Duwayne Gallion and John "Buck" Miller; and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law.
© Northwood Anchor 2010

Debby Marie Wahl

February 3, 2010

Debby Marie Wahl, 55, of Northwood, died on Monday, January 25, 2010, at her home in rural Northwood.

Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m., on Friday, January 29, at the First Lutheran Church in Northwood, with Reverend Daniel R. Hart officiating. Burial was in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood. Visitation was from 4-8:00 p.m., on Thursday, at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood. Visitation was also held one hour prior to the service time on Friday at the church.

Debby Marie Wahl, was born on October 30, 1954 in Albert Lea, Minnesota, the daughter of Dewayne and Mavis (Hillman) Roppe. Deb was baptized and reaffirmed the faith of her baptism through confirmation at the First Lutheran Church in Northwood. Deb attended the Northwood-Kensett Community Schools, graduating from the Northwood-Kensett High School in 1973. Deb also graduated from the Iowa School of Beauty in Mason City in 1989. Deb was united in marriage to Claire Wahl on April 7, 1973, at the First Lutheran Church in Northwood and to this union three children were born, Rusty, Ryan and Robby. After their marriage, Deb started her own beauty salon, called D.W. Originals in Northwood, in 1990 and in 1996, moved her salon business to her home in rural Northwood.

Deb enjoyed flowers, going to and participating in tractor pulls, being a hostess to many fashion shows, having her own 4th of July parade float in Northwood, with her grandchildren and singing at many weddings and funerals. She and Claire enjoyed getting together with her many friends in Mason City and going to nursing homes to sing to the residents. But her great love and enjoyment was her family, grandchildren and her many friends.

Those left to cherish her memory is her husband, Claire Wahl of Northwood; her children, Rusty (Jennifer) Wahl of Northwood, Ryan (Jennifer) Wahl of St. Ansgar and Robby Wahl of Northwood; six grandchildren, Sydney Harris, Nicole Wahl, Abigail Wahl, Cody Wahl, Reese Wahl and Emersyn Wahl; her father, Dewayne Roppe of Northwood; her sisters, Julie (Dennis) Gore of Albert Lea, Minnesota, Bonnie (Charles) Hengesteg of Northwood, Mary Willand and special friend, Mike Davey of Northwood and Amy (Daryl) Hennigar of Northwood; sister-in law, Jeanette (Larry) Berge of Northwood; brothers-in-law, Russell (Jan) Wahl of Sausalito, California and Charles Henderson of Lake Mills; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and many other extended family members and friends.

Deb was preceded in death by her mother, Mavis Roppe on January 15, 2009; a sister-in-law, Corliss Henderson; and her father and mother-in-law, Ray and Fern Wahl.
© Northwood Anchor 2010

Robert "Bob" H. Sistek

February 3, 2010

Robert "Bob" H. Sistek, 81, of Northwood, died on Monday, January 25, 2010, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, January 30, at the First Lutheran Church in Northwood, with Reverend Daniel R. Hart officiating, with visitation one hour prior to the services. Burial was in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood. Visitation was also held on Friday, January 29, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood, where a Masonic Service took place at 6:30 p.m., by the Northern Light Lodge #266 A.F. & A.M.

Bob was born in Albert Lea, Minnesota on September 27, 1928, to Louis and Lucille (Booen) Sistek, the youngest of four children. His childhood years were spent in Gordonsville, Minnesota. Bob attended the Glenville Grade School and the Northwood High School. He was united in marriage to Charlotte "Susie" Kruse on February 22, 1948, at the First Lutheran Church in Northwood. Bob spent his years working at a variety of jobs including carpentry with his dad, Louie, farming and auto body and auto mechanics in Albert Lea, Minnesota and Northwood. For many years he owned and operated Northwood Filling Stations and wrecker service, during which time he proudly sponsored softball teams. Bob also managed the Iowa State Liquor Store, worked for the Worth County Secondary Road Division and Northwood Ag.

Bob enjoyed sharing his great cooking talent through canning, catering, VFW feeds, Northwood BBQ Crazy Days, the Country Club, Masonic Temple and deer feeds in his home. His hobbies included golfing, fishing trips, hunting and visiting his daughters at the Mississippi River and in California. Bob also enjoyed visiting his old school classmates during their monthly luncheons and eating lunch with his friends at the Senior Citizen Center in Northwood. In recent years he spent many hours as an avid book reader. Bob was a member of the First Lutheran Church, Masonic Temple, Northwood Volunteer Fire Department and the Northwood Country Club. During his many years in Northwood, Bob touched many lives.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Karen (Paul) Hendrikson of Escondido, California and Laura (Mike) Richter of New Hartford, Iowa; his grandchildren, Michelle (Juan) Torres of Poway, California, Michael (Jennifer) Hendrikson of Ramona, California, Beth Richter of Leadville, Colorado, Jason (Sheila) Richter of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Chad (Melanie) Richter of Hudson, Iowa and Megan (Jeremy) Neiswonger of Mount Auburn, Iowa; 13 great grandchildren; one sister, Lillian Bratrud of Mesa, Arizona; along with several nephews and nieces.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Charlotte "Susie"; brother, Richard; and sister, Margaret Larson.
© Northwood Anchor 2010

Virgil Junior Grosland

February 3, 2010

Virgil Junior Grosland, age 79, of Albert Lea, died on Tuesday, January 26, 2010, at the Mission Nursing Home in Plymouth, Minnesota.

Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., on Saturday, January 30, at the Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Chapel. Deacon, Mike Ellis officiated. Interment was in the St. Theodore’s Cemetery, with Military Honors accorded by area veteran’s organizations. Visitation was from 5-7:00 p.m., on Friday, January 29, at the Bayview/ Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the services at the church.

Virgil Junior Grosland, was born on July 8, 1930, to Oscar and Inah (Hanson) Grosland. He graduated from the Northwood High School in 1948. Virgil was drafted into service during the Korean War and served his country from 1951 to 1953. He was a member of the Berlin Brigade in East Germany during his time of service. After his discharge Virgil attended vocational school for carpentry. On March 13, 1952, he married Kathryn L. Mentel. Virgil had a farm in Northwood, where he raised livestock and grain until 1975. He was also employed by Streater’s in Albert Lea; Hormel in Austin and Freemont, Nebraska from 1969 to 1995.

Virgil was a member of the VFW, Moose and Eagles Clubs. He loved to dance, work on remodeling projects or carpentry projects. He enjoyed telling jokes, helping someone in need and just visiting with people.

Survivors include his children, Mary Grosland of Owatonna, Minnesota, Teresa (Daryl) Frost of Delano, Minnesota, Valerie (Chris) Madsen of Freemont, Nebraska and Todd Grosland of Albert Lea, Minnesota; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; brother, David (Diane) Grosland of Fort Dodge, Iowa; sisters, Mavis (Dick) Nelson of Albert Lea, Kerma Hammer of North Point, North Carolina and JoAnn (Jim) Villa of Lake Mills, Iowa; in-laws, Talora Grosland of Albert Lea, Marcy Schwartz and Ruth Grosland, both of Austin, Minnesota and Stella Mentel of Adams, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews.

Virgil was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Inah Grosland; wife, Kathryn; son, Mark Grosland; brothers, LaVon Grosland and Paul Grosland; in-laws, Harry Mentel, Clarence Mentel and Melvin Schwartz; and niece, Marilyn (Nelson) Hillman.
© Northwood Anchor 2010

Agnes Evangeline Reich

February 3, 2010

Agnes Evangeline (Roisen) (Reece) Reich, passed away on Tuesday, January 26, 2010, in St. Louis, Missouri.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, February 6, at the St. Mark Presbyterian Church, Ballwin, Missouri. A Life Celebration Gathering will be held from 4 -7:00 p.m., on Friday, February 5, at the Woodsmill Clubhouse, Ballwin. A private interment will be held in the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. If desired, contributions may be made to the Tapestry of Community Offerings, Bellville, Illinois. Arrangements were made by the Gerber Chapel, Webster Groves, Missouri.

Agnes was born on October 7, 1928, in the family farmhouse outside Northwood, the middle of seven children born to Martin E. Roisen, a Norwegian immigrant and Ida (Fenney) Roisen, a first generation U.S.-born of Norwegian descent. As a farm girl growing up in the 1930s, Agnes had daily chores before and after school, which at first was a one room schoolhouse on an uncle’s neighboring farm. All was not work, though, as she enjoyed regaling her children and grandchildren with tales of mischief and adventure. Later, after high school one summer, she worked on a tourist lake boat out of Chicago where she met and eventually married, Richard E. Reece, father of the their three children, Randolph William Reece, Deborah Jeanne (Reece) Kleinow and Richard Martin Reece. Busy raising these three, she nevertheless pursued her goal of teaching school, graduating from Iowa University and Iowa State Teachers College.

In 1960, Agnes began a fulfilling 28 year career with Clayton Schools at Meramec and McMorrow, teaching kindergarten, first and third grades. Hundreds of students will remember “Mrs. Reece,” and later “Mrs. Reich,” as a somewhat strict, but always caring, teacher. She became “Mrs. Reich” upon marrying John D. Reich in 1967 and this is when the travel bug really bit her. The two of them enjoyed seeing nearly all 50 states, as well as her family homeland of Norway. After her retirement and John’s death in 1990, she set her sights even further, setting foot in dozens of countries on six continents, even laying eyes on Antarctica from the deck of a cruise ship.

She particularly enjoyed taking family with her, treating kids and grandkids to cruises and international travel and hosting trips to Norway. She was proud of her heritage and loved to share it. Ever the teacher, she passed her passion for learning and respect for formal education on to her family, providing encouragement and tangible support for their pursuits. She was purposeful in her own life and sought to foster that same intensity in family and students.

Agnes was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Ida; siblings, Maynard Roisen and Mildred (Roisen) Ensley; and granddaughter, Gina Harp.

She leaves behind siblings, Sylvia (Roisen) Johnson, Will Roisen, Ben Roisen and Ida Mae Roisen; sons, Randy and Rick and wife, Carol; daughter, Debbie and husband, Ed Kleinow; step-son, Donald Reich and wife, Marissa; grandchildren, Richard A.  Reece, Sarah J. Reece- Stremtan, Mary (Reece) Mundal, Cara Reece and Jonathan Kleinow; seven great-grandchildren; plus many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, extended family and fellow teachers.

She lived her life in quite an intentional way. For most of the nearly 30,000 days she spent here on earth, she probably knew what she was going to do when she got up in the morning. For such a one, no day is wasted.
© Northwood Anchor 2010