Palmer Curtis Dahl

June 15, 2011

Palmer Curtis Dahl, 88, of rural Manly, died on Sunday, June 5, 2011, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, June 8, at the Bethany Lutheran Church, Kensett, with Pastor Tom Martin officiating. Burial was in the Kensett Cemetery. Visitation was held from 4-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Bride Colonial Chapel, Manly. Visitation was also held one hour prior to the service time on Wednesday at the church. The family would like to suggest that those wishing to give a memorial in Palmer’s memory may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Bethany Lutheran Church in Kensett, Hospice of North Iowa or to the Manly Senior Citizens Center.

Palmer Curtis Dahl, was born on April 16, 1923, on the family farm in rural Manly, the son of Arthur and Cora (Orpen) Dahl. Palmer was baptized and reaffirmed the faith of his baptism through confirmation at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Kensett. Palmer attended rural country school in rural Manly and graduated from the Kensett High School. Palmer was united in marriage to Olga Kathleen Dahl on August 20, 1944, at the Sion Lutheran Church, rural Northwood, and to this union two children were born, Dennis and Patricia. Olga preceded Palmer in death on May 18, 2011. Palmer farmed all of his life on the family farm in rural Manly.

Palmer enjoyed the outdoors, farming, fishing, animals and hunting, but his great love and enjoyment was his family and grandchildren. Palmer was a very active member of the Bethany Lutheran Church, where he was a former usher and a member of the Isaac Walton League and Manly Senior Citizens Center.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Dennis (Yolanda) Dahl of Manly and Patricia (Paul) Formo of Mason City; three grandchildren, Kristin (Chadd) Price of Livonia, Michigan, Daniel (Jennifer) Formo of Blair, Nebraska and Kelsey Dahl of Minneapolis, Minnesota; two step-grandchildren, Lanie (Joseph) Spence of Waterloo and John (Angela) Mensink of Lake St. Louis, Missouri; two sisters-in-law, Norene Rod of Mason City and Ina Misel of Lake Mills; as well as many other extended family members and friends.

Palmer was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Olga; two brothers-in-law, Herbert Rod and Dean Misel; and a close friend of the family for many years, Tony Knutson.
© Northwood Anchor 2011

Alice Waters

June 15, 2011

Alice Waters, 86, of Cedar Falls, formerly of Charles City, died on Wednesday, June 8, 2011, at the Cedar Falls Health Care Center in Cedar Falls.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, at the Trinity United Methodist Church. Pastor Gary Van Wert officiated. Burial was in the Sunnyside Memory Gardens, rural Charles City. Friends called at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City, from 3-6:00 p.m., on Sunday and on Monday at the church one hour prior to the services.

Betty Alice Nielsen Waters, was born on February 28, 1925 in Mason City, the daughter of Niels and Johanne (Jakobsen) Nielsen. She graduated from the Mason City High School in 1943. On November 17, 1945, she was united in marriage to Merle Waters. They moved to Charles City where they ran the State Farm insurance office. She also worked for Northwestern Bell.

Alice was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School for many years. She also taught infant swimming at the YMCA. Alice enjoyed needlework, family vacations and sharing life's experiences with everyone. Her home and yard will always be remembered as favorite gathering places for all the neighborhood children.

Living family members include four children, David (Linda) Waters of Northwood, Barb Waters of Cedar Falls, Kevin Waters of Cedar Falls and Jim (Stacey) Waters of Granger; five grandchildren, Michelle (Tim) Ritzert, Christina (Phillip) Rice, Mike Waters, Nathan Waters and Erica Waters; four great-grandchildren, Alex and Ben Ritzert and Zoey and Hayden Rice; a brother, Paul (Marie) Nielsen of Mason City; and a sister, Edie (Bruce) Meeker of Mason City.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband on October 26, 1996; and a brother, Dane Nielsen.

Memorials may be directed to the Trinity United Methodist Church, Charles City, Iowa. The Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City, was in charge of the arrangements.
© Northwood Anchor 2011

Elizabeth Groe

June 22, 2011

Elizabeth Groe, age 102, died on Saturday, June 18, 2011, at the Lake Mills Care Center in Lake Mills, Iowa.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, June 21, at the Sion Lutheran Church, rural Lake Mills, with Pastor Bill Peters officiating. Burial took place in the Sion Lutheran Church Cemetery. Visitation was on Monday, June 20, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in Lake Mills and continued one hour prior to the services at the church on Tuesday.

Elizabeth (Cornelius) Groe, was born on January 2, 1909 in Winneshiek County, Iowa, to parents Conrad and Carrie (Sersland) Cornelius. She was baptized at the Washington Prairie Lutheran Church in rural Decorah and later confirmed at the Sion Lutheran Church, rural Lake Mills. Elizabeth attended the Tenold Country School and went on to attend the Joice High School. On May 22, 1932, Elizabeth was united in marriage with Alfred Groe. The couple lived in rural Northwood, where Alfred farmed and Elizabeth made their house a home.

Elizabeth was a caring and selfless person her entire life, devoting her time and talents to her family, her church and the community whenever possible. For her family, Elizabeth enjoyed baking, canning, gardening, sewing and she was always willing to open her home to others. At Sion Lutheran Church, Elizabeth was a longtime Sunday School teacher, was the church organist, took part on boards such as the Sion Lutheran Church Parsonage Committee and made countless quilts for Lutheran World Relief. For the communities she loved, Elizabeth was active on the Lutheran Retirement Home Auxiliary Board in Northwood, was a member of Sons of Norway, shared her talent for rosemalling with many and had an infectious laugh that surrounded her gentle spirit.

Survivors include four children, Crystal (Donald) Johnson of Buffalo Center, Comer (Audrey) Groe of Lake Mills, Esther (Ronald) Halvorson of Joice and Marilyn Peterson of Annandale, Minnesota; a son-in-law, Joseph (Phyllis) Hovey of Mondovi, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Sheryl Johnson, Eldon Johnson, Jorun (Paul) Groe-Meierding, Amos (Marna) Groe, Christma (Todd) Lange, Jeanette (Scott) Thompson, Eric (Linda) Hovey, John (Michelle) Hovey, Linda (Greg) Ordway, Lori Halvorson, Lonna (Daniel) Nielsen, Lee (Dana) Halvorson, Holly (Dennis) Sjoberg, Heidi (Lawrence) Vandal and Matthew Peterson; 31 great-grandchildren; a great-great-granddaughter, Lily Elizabeth Hovey; a sister-in-law, Wilma Groe of Burlington, Iowa; and many nieces, nephews and extended relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Conrad and Carrie; husband, Alfred; daughter, JoAnn Hovey; son-in-law, Gordon Peterson; and three brothers and their wives, Ole (Myrtle) Cornelius, Henry (Thelma) Cornelius and Reuben (Helen) Cornelius.

The person she was is a gift to all who now remember her.
© Northwood Anchor 2011

Catherine Opkis

June 22, 2011

Catherine Mae (Jones) Opkis, 92, of Northwood, died on Monday, June 20, 2011, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, June 23, at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood, with Pastor Gary Gonnerman of the St. Ansgar Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m., until service time on Thursday at the chapel. Should friends desire, memorial contributions should be made to the Cerro Gordo County Humane Society in her memory.

Catherine Mae (Jones) Opkis, was born on January 27, 1919 in Charles City, Cedar Township, Floyd County, the daughter of Charles and Cora (Meyers) Jones. Catherine attended rural school to the eighth grade. She was united in marriage to Everett Opkis and to this union they were blessed with one son, Allen. Everett and Catherine farmed in the London and Meltonville areas all their life.

Catherine enjoyed her flowers, music, small children when they came to visit the residents at the Lutheran Retirement Home, birds, gardening, loved participating in all the activities at the Lutheran Retirement Home, especially ceramics, where she won numerous blue ribbons at the Worth County Fair, and bingo. Catherine had a great love for animals and she loved raising goats, orphaned lambs and dogs. Catherine also loved to cook and watch TV, especially watching "The Price Is Right." Catherine was a wonderful, kind and caring woman. She attended the Otranto Community Church in Otranto, Iowa.

Catherine was preceded in death by her husband, Everett who died on January 7, 1988; her son, Allen who died on November 15, 2007; her brothers, Cecil, Dean, Art and Gordon Jones; and her sister, Helen Crane.

Left to cherish her memory is her beloved dog Corky, sister-in-law, nieces and nephews, as well as many other extended family members and friends.

Catherine will be missed by all.
© Northwood Anchor 2011

Howard Bless

June 29, 2011

Howard Bless, 87, of St. Ansgar, died on Thursday, June 23, 2011, at his home.

Funeral services were held on Monday, June 27, at 11:00 a.m., at the First Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar, with Rev. Robert Porisch officiating. Burial was in the St. Peter Cemetery, Toeterville, Iowa. Visitation was on Sunday, June 26, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar.

Howard Louis Bless, was born on February 3, 1924 in Worth County, Iowa, to Clarence C. and Dora R. (Hartwig) Bless. He was baptized at the St. John's Lutheran Church, Rock Township, Mitchell County, Iowa and confirmed at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar. He graduated from the St. Ansgar High School in 1941. He served in the Armed Forces from November 1944-August 1946. After returning home he farmed with his dad and brother, Darold in the Toeterville area, which he continued until his retirement in 1998, moving to St. Ansgar in November of 1991. He was married to Marion G. Thompson of London, Minnesota on June 14, 1952, in a double wedding with his brother, Darold and Marion's sister, Helen, at the Deer Creek Lutheran Church, Carpenter, Iowa. She was a loving wife and mother, a great partner.

He served his church and community in many ways. At church he was a Sunday School teacher and superintendent for over 25 years. He was church chairman several different times and on the board of Deacons. In the community, he served on the Toeterville Elevator board, Mitchell County Farm Bureau and Township Chairman, Mitchell County Extension Council, Dairy Herdsmen of Iowa Board, Cedar Valley Credit Union, Cedar Valley Minute Man Board, Sons of Norway and St. Ansgar Maple Manor Board.

Howard enjoyed fishing, bowling, playing pool and cards, especially with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; playing fast-pitch softball in his younger days and in later years baking cookies.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother; one sister; three sisters-in-law; and two brothers-in-law.

Howard is survived by his wife, Marion of St. Ansgar; son, Larry (Julie) Bless of St. Ansgar; two daughters, Lynne (Don) Rustvold of Audubon, Iowa and Larae (Richard) Boatman of Eldora, Iowa; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one sister, Doreen (Carl) Finnesgaard of Kenyon, Minnesota; and one brother-in-law, Donald Morasch of Osage.
© Northwood Anchor 2011

Raymond Eskildsen

June 29, 2011

Raymond “Ray” Eskildsen, 85, of Clear Lake, Iowa, died on Thursday June 23, 2011, at the Heritage Care Center, Mason City, Iowa.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday July 1, at the Christian Church, Clear Lake, with Pastor Scott Wilson officiating. The family will greet friends one hour before the services at the church. Military honors will be provided by the Clear Lake VFW. Following the service a luncheon will be provided at the Clear Lake VFW. A private inurnment will be held in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, the following day. Memorials may be sent to Raymond Eskildsen memorial fund.

Ray was born on February 15, 1926 in Kensett, Iowa, the son of Aage George and Elizabeth Christine (Schott) Eskildsen. He attended rural school in Northwood and then enlisted in the United States Navy and served in the South Pacific. Ray moved back to Northwood after the service, married Odella Hulshizer and farmed for several years. On October 24, 1958, he married Aurelia “Wegie” Fent in Albert Lea, Minnesota. From 1958 until 1966 he worked for Pittsburg Glass. In 1966 he opened River City Glass, which he owned in partnership and operated until he retired in 1988. Ray and his wife, Wegie, moved to Clear Lake in 1975. After retiring from River City Glass he worked part time for the Clear Lake Park and Recreation Department for 15 years.

Ray enjoyed playing cribbage, wood working, golfing, fishing, spending time with his family and hanging out with his buddies at the Clear Lake VFW. He was a member of the Christian Church; Clear Lake Evening Lions, Clear Lake VFW Canteen Committee, life member of the Clear Lake VFW and Clear Lake VFW Honor Guard.

Left to cherish his memory are children, Larry (Su) Eskildsen of El Centro, Califalifornia, Roger (Jennifer) Eskildsen of Mason City, David (Patti) Eskildsen of Bullhead City, Arizona, Jeff Eskildsen of South Bend, Indiana, Reta (Darrell) Ulve of Kensett, Paula Gerdes (Jim Pinkham) of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin and Jay (Connie) Bjorgo of Ripley, Oklahoma; 17 grandchildren, Ryan, Brad, Brian, Jeremy, Chad, Dawn, Shannon, Shane, Jason, Matt, Todd, Teri, Brandy, Heather, Eric, Dawna and Brandi; 25 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Arlene Gore of Albert Lea, Minnesota, Betty Hendrickson of Northwood and Shirley (Lehman) Floy of Phoenix, Arizona; and many extended family members, friends and VFW comrades of “The Round Table.”

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Aurelia; son, Steven Eskildsen and his wife, Karen; four brothers, Glen, Richard, Robert and Leo Eskildsen; and two grandchildren, Linda Ulve and Brent Eskildsen.
© Northwood Anchor 2011

Leon G. Sanderson

June 29, 2011

Leon Gerhard Sanderson, of Albert Lea, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at his daughter’s home in Albert Lea, on Friday, June 24, 2011. He was 97 years old.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., (today) June 29, at the First Lutheran Church, Glenville, Minnesota. The Reverend Krista Stokke will officiate. Interment will be in the First Lutheran Cemetery, Glenville. Visitation was from 5-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Bonnerup Funeral Service, Albert Lea and one hour before the services at the church.

Leon was born on May 6, 1914 in Freeman Township, Freeborn County, Minnesota, to Gilbert Andrew and Sinora (Bensen) Sanderson. He grew up in the Northwood and Glenville areas and was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith. Leon attended the Northwood and Glenville Schools. Leon married Burnette Holstad on November 8, 1935 in Osage, Iowa and was married for 75 years. He worked as a lifetime farmer and also drove bus for the Glenville School District.

Leon enjoyed going to coffee with his friends down at the Office Café in Glenville. He was a member of the Eagles and enjoyed going to the Senior Citizens to play cards. Leon was a very generous and giving person.

Leon is survived by his wife of 75 years, Burnette Sanderson of Albert Lea; two daughters, Ramona Erickson of Glenville, Minnesota and Pauline Kohnke of Albert Lea, Minnesota; four grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert and Sinora Sanderson; brother, Stanley; two sisters, Iolene Sanderson and Verna Charles; and several nieces and nephews.
© Northwood Anchor 2011

Helen M. Huus

July 6, 2011

An inurnment service for Helen M. Huus, who died on February 2, 2011, in Anacortes, Washington, was held on Thursday, June 23, in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood, with several family members and friends attending. The Rev. Ronald Myers officiated. Memorial Post 6779 VFW color guard gave the military honors, an officer from the Minnesota Naval Reserve at Minneapolis, presented the colors. The Conner Colonial Chapel was in charge of the local arrangements.
© Northwood Anchor 2011

Ruth E. McKenzie

July 6, 2011

Ruth E. McKenzie, 90, of Northwood, died on Wednesday, June 29, 2011, at the Lutheran Retirement Home.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, July 7, at the Faith Lutheran Church, London, Minnesota, with Rev. Kent Otterman officiating. Burial will be in the Deer Creek Valley Cemetery, London. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the church. Memorials may be given to the Lutheran Retirement Home or the Faith Lutheran Church, London.

Ruthie was born on January 30, 1921 in Virginia, Minnesota, to Duncan and Ethel (Wood) McKenzie. She married Russell McKenzie in November 1947 and they spent most of their married life in Virginia. They lived in Taconite Harbor on Lake Superior’s North Shore for several years, where Ruthie was active in the garden club and women’s Bible studies. In 1996, they moved to Austin, Minnesota, to be near Donnarae.

Ruthie liked to garden and dig in the dirt. She had a special love for cats and dogs. At Christmas she made cut out butter cookies and meticulously decorated them. They were beautiful and delicious; family members always looked forward to these special cookies. Ruthie cared very much for her Lord and spent time reading her Bible and studying God’s word. Her life is a testimony to Jesus’ mercy and grace.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Russell; son, David; and two sisters, Margory and Audrey.

Ruthie is survived by her daughter, Donnarae (Larry) Davis of Glenville, Minnesota; seven grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Lois Hawkinson of Hibbing, Minnesota and Joan Pike of New York City, New York; and nieces and nephews.
© Northwood Anchor 2011