Lillian Mammen

April 11, 2012

Lillian Marie Mammen, 93, died on Sunday, April 1, 2012, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Center Unit, Mason City. She had been a resident at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

Funeral services were held at the Northwood United Methodist Church, on Saturday, April 7, at 11:00 a.m. The visitation was at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood, on Friday, April 6, from 4-7:00 p.m. Visitation was also held one hour prior to the service time on Saturday at the church.

Lillian was born on November 27, 1918, in the township of Delafield, Minnesota, the daughter of Frank and Hazel (Kinnan) Stanley. She married Carl W. Mammen on November 8, 1934 in Northwood. Lillian worked at the Kensett Produce and also worked for N-K Schools. Her last position was as a homemaker for the Worth County Homemakers, where she retired.

She was a member of the Northwood United Methodist Church and before that as a member of the Kensett United Methodist Church. She was a very active community member. She had been active in the United Methodist Women, Kensett Women’s Club, Moose Lodge and VFW Aux. She enjoyed playing cards, Bingo, travel, crocheting, bowling, ceramics and most of all, time with her family. She thoroughly enjoyed her friends and staff at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood, where she was this year’s Valentine Queen.

Left to cherish her memory are her six children, Betty Delyea of Madison, Wisconsin, William (Joyce) of Davisburg, Michigan, Lesley (Nora) of Kensett, Iowa, Jerry (Shizue) of El Cajon, California, Christy (Merle) Ruppert of Northwood and Peggy (John) Julseth of Kensett; 11 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; her sister, Ilene Elliot of Hastings, Minnesota; brother, Donald (Lola) Stanley of Mesa, Arizona; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Hazel Stanley; husband, Carl; sisters, Lavonne Kellogg and Francis Monahan; and infant brother, Frank Stanley.
© Northwood Anchor 2012

Janet Peterson

April 11, 2012

Janet Mae Peterson, 76, of Joice, died on Tuesday, April 3, 2012, at her home after a courageous battle with cancer and surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m., on Friday, April 6, at the First United Methodist Church of Plymouth, Plymouth, Iowa, with Pastor Doug Farrell from the Calvary Baptist Church in Forest City officiating. Burial was held in the Oakwood Cemetery, Plymouth. Visitation was held from 5-7:00 p.m., on Thursday, April 5, at the Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Janet Peterson Memorial Fund in care of her family.

Janet, the daughter of Ervin and Alta Sutton of Plymouth, was born on March 2, 1936 in Mason City. She graduated from high school in Plymouth in 1954 before marrying Earl Peterson on July 24, 1954. The couple farmed in the Carpenter area, kept bees and owned a carpentry shop. Later in her life, she moved to Nora Springs and worked at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in St. Ansgar as a CNA for more than 20 years before retiring and moving to Joice to be closer to her family.

Janet taught Sunday School for many years and was involved with the Fellowship of Christian Women. She loved music and played the piano and accordion. Family was very important to her and she kept in touch with her loved ones every day.

She is survived by her seven children, Darvin (Veronica) Pe­terson of Joice, Brian (Noella) Peterson of Lake Mills, Burton (Marcie) Peterson of Lake Mills, Carmen (William) Lange of Joice, Justin Byers of Creston, Iowa, Robert (Vivian) Carson of Roswell, New Mexico and Heather (Brent) Butler of Kensett; 22 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sisters, Lora (Jerald) Tourtellott of Osage and Linda (Mike) Kohler of Mason City; brother, Clinton (Karen) Sutton of Hastings, Minnesota; and sister-in-law, Carol Sutton of Rudd; along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Earl Peterson; infant son, Gary; son, Mardy; grandson, Jason Peterson; brothers, Earl Sutton and William Clayton Sutton; infant sister, Bonnie Crystal; and sister, Carrol Bernice.
© Northwood Anchor 2012

Mike L. Evans, 53, of Northwood, died on Thursday, April 12, 2012, at the Hospice of North Iowa, Mason City, Iowa.

Memorial services were held on Monday, April 16, at 7:00 p.m., at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood, with Rev. Barbara Wills officiating. Burial was in the Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood. The family received friends on Monday, from 6-7:00 p.m., at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home.

Mike was born on October 28, 1958 in Mason City, Iowa, to Russell and Anna Mae (Olson) Evans. He graduated from the Northwood-Kensett High School in 1977. He entered into business with his father, operating Evan’s Plumbing & Heating from 1978-2005. Mike married Kimberly Libby-Evans, whom he later divorced.

Mike participated in SHARE Iowa and was committed to that organization. Early in his life he enjoyed radio controlled airplanes and later when his health began to fail, he spent a lot of time on the computer.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Kirk.

Mike is survived by his children, Samuel Russell Evans and Elsa Marie Evans, both from Ohio; his sister, Jill (Dennis) Mellem of Northwood; and nieces and nephews.
© Northwood Anchor 2012

LaVerne Albert Diedrich, 91, of Northwood, died on Saturday, April 14, 2012, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. today, Wednesday, April 18, at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood, with Pastor Barbara Wills officiating. Burial will be in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood. Visitation was held from 5-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday and will continue one hour prior to the service time on Wednesday at the chapel.

LaVerne Albert Diedrich, was born on November 16, 1920 in Barton Township, the son of Clarence and Elsie (Ball) Diedrich. He was baptized on December 5, 1920, in Barton Township and reaffirmed the faith of his baptism through confirmation on April 14, 1935, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Northwood. LaVerne graduated from the Kensett High School in 1939. On November 28, 1943, LaVerne married Margaret Kuhlmann at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Kensett. LaVerne farmed in Kensett, Grafton and the Northwood area until they moved to Northwood in 1968. LaVerne worked with Ivan Olson at his electrical shop, Great Plains Lumber Company and as a carpenter for the Don Martin Construction Company and eventually his own remodeling business. LaVerne also drove the Worth County Transit bus for several years until he retired in 1993.

Those left to cherish his memory are three daughters, Carolyn Byrne of Northwood, Kathy (Jim) Berg of Northwood and Marilyn Ellwood and special friend, Don Gullickson of Coon Rapids, Minnesota; four grandchildren, Tony (Dedra) Harris, Larry (Sheri) Harris, Brenda (Paul) Hanssen and Alyssa (Tom) Bergman; 10 great-grandchildren, Shelby, Tori, Lindy, Sydney, Dylan, Treasure and Daniel Harris, and Mackenzie, Rachel Hanssen and Grace Bergman; five step-grandchildren, Darcie Byrne, Kelly (Kim) Byrne, Shawn (Lisa) Byrne, Pat (Vicki) Byrne and Matthew Byrne; 14 step-great-grandchildren, Amanda, Travis, Taylor, Dale, Destiny, Amy and Michael Byrne, Cassie (Matt) Larsen, Amber and Joshua Byrne and Abigail and Zoey Williams; and his sister, Mildred (Udell) Larson of Golden Valley, Minnesota; along with nieces, nephews and many other extended family members and friends.

Preceding LaVerne in death were his parents, Clarence and Elsie Diedrich; his loving wife, Margaret who died on July 31, 2002; sons-in-law, Frank Ellwood and Richard Byrne; and sister and a brother-in-law, Doris and Clifford Dirksen.
© Northwood Anchor 2012

April 18, 2012

Albin John "Red" Levorson, Jr., 76, of Northwood, died on Sunday, April 15, 2012, at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea, Minnesota.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. today, Wednesday, April 18, at the Lime Creek (Iowa) Evangelical Lutheran Church in rural Lake Mills, Iowa, with Pastor Erich Hoeft officiating. Visitation was from 5-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home, Lake Mills, and again one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will take place in the Somber Evangelical Cemetery in rural Lake Mills.

Albin John Levorson, was born on March 6, 1936, to Albin and Hannah (Engelstadt) Levorson on the Worth County farm that was his lifelong residence. Red was baptized and confirmed at the Somber Lutheran Church, where he was a lifelong member. He graduated from the Dr. Martin Luther High School in New Ulm, Minnesota in 1954. He served on active duty in the United States Army, spending one of those years in Germany followed by several years in the Army Reserve after he returned home to farm. Red married Judy DeFor on July 1, 1978, and to their union three sons were born. He retired from farming in 1998, but they continued living on the family farm.

As a lifelong member of the Somber Evangelical Lutheran Church, he served the congregation as vice president, treasurer and sexton. For 27 years he served on the Evangelical Lutheran Synod Board of Trustees. He also served 10 years as treasurer of the E.L.S. Historical Society. He has helped with youth camps in the E.L.S., coached Special Olympics at Lake Mills Elementary School and served as a patient advocate at Opportunity Village in Clear Lake, Iowa.

Red is survived by his wife, Judy; sons, Matthew of Northwood and Peter (Bridget) and grandson, Eli of Ames; brothers, LeRoy (MaryJo) of New Ulm, Minnesota, Irwin (Wanda) of Adel and Paul (Helen) of Oakfield, Wisconsin; sister, Ruth of Lake Mills; and brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Paula (Robert) Martinsen of Lyle, Minnesota, Donald DeFor of Austin, Minnesota and Clifford (Meg) DeFor of Prior Lake, Minnesota; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his son, John; and parents, Albin, Sr. and Hannah Levorson.
© Northwood Anchor 2012

Doris Johnson

April 18, 2012

Doris Eileen (Urdahl) Johnson, 92, of Northwood, died on Sunday, April 15, 2012, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Friday, April 20, at the First Lutheran Church, Northwood, with Pastor Karen Rossing Grandall officiating. Inurnment will in the Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood. Visitation will be on Friday, from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the services at the church. Her family suggests memorials to the First Lutheran Church or Lutheran Retirement Home.

Doris was born on April 19, 1919 in Northwood, Iowa, the daughter of Carl and Ernestine (Buth) Urdahl. She was baptized in May of that year by Reverend Fosness. In May 1932, she was confirmed in the Christian faith by Reverend J.W. Ylvisaker. She attended school at Lisbon, North Dakota, for her first two years of education. Then in 1926 the family moved back to Northwood, where she entered third grade. She graduated from the Northwood High School in 1936. The following year she matriculated at St. Olaf College, where she obtained her B.A. Degree in 1940, with majors in English and Latin. She taught one year in North Dakota and then returned to Iowa, where she taught in Bode, New Hampton and Northwood for a total of 33 years.

On July 5, 1942, Doris married Field M. Johnson, son of Mr. and Mrs. E.S. Johnson of Drake, North Dakota, at the First Lutheran Church, Northwood. Pastor Arthur Tolo performed the ceremony. The couple made their home in New Hampton until 1950, and their son Mark was born there. They moved to Corwith for two years and then to Northwood.

Doris has been a member of the First Lutheran Church and in early years she taught Sunday School and Bible School; she also was active in circle and FLW. At the time of her death she was still a member of the Anna Circle and New Century Club. After she retired from teaching, she took some quilting classes, enjoyed piecing quilts, pillow tops and wall hangings, and for several years was a member of the North Iowa Quilters Guild. She and her husband took several trips to Canada and parts of the U.S. as well as one to the Scandinavian countries. She has also been an avid reader.

Doris is survived by her son, Mark Alan Johnson and his wife, Brenda Steffens Johnson of Cresco; a niece, Randi Robin of Vancouver, British Columbia; sister-in-law, Ilet Johnson of Newberg, Oregon; and many nieces and nephews on the Johnson side; as well as special grandchildren, Mandi, Ashley and Anna Fewins and their parents, Wanda and Oscar Fewins of Mason City.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Field in 1998; and her sister, Gladys Rempel.
© Northwood Anchor 2012

Ruth “Shirley” Drury

April 25, 2012

Ruth “Shirley” (McQuatters) Drury, 91, of North Mankato, Minnesota, formerly of Northwood, died on Sunday, April 15, 2012, at the Immanuel St. Joseph’s Mayo Health System, hours after suffering a heart attack in the North Mankato, Minnesota home.

Friends and family gathered in Northwood, this week to remember Shirley and her exceptional life. The viewing occurred at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood, on Wednesday, April 18, from 4-7:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, April 19, at the Northwood United Methodist Church, with Pastor Wendi Gillan officiating. Memorial flowers may be sent to the Conner Colonial Chapel, and donations given to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, in honor of her daughter.

Ruth was born on September 10, 1920 in Worth County, Iowa. Shirley was the daughter of Claude and Ruth “Hazel” (Buchanan) McQuatters. Shirley graduated from the Northwood High School and received a secretarial degree from Hamilton Business College, specializing in shorthand. All who knew Shirley remember her as a woman of style and substance. Professionally, she was a hard worker with a brilliant array of careers, including U.S. Army secretary, bookbinder, movie theater owner, bowling alley and restaurant owner, cook and bowling instructor.

Personally, she was an adored wife and devoted mother, a beloved grandmother, a proud great-grandma, an influential youth mentor, a dynamic friend and a vibrant community member. Some of Shirley’s greatest joys in life were music, reading, travel, sunshine, theater, golfing, baking and most of all, spending time with her family.

Left to cherish her memory are her brother, James McQuatters of Albuquerque, New Mexico; her daughter, Diane (Ron) Myli of Northwood; four grandchildren, Ryan (Angela) Hylland of Seattle, Washington, Alan Myli of Northwood, Adam (Amanda) Myli of Toledo, Iowa and Andrea (Naylan Gates-Long) Myli of Waterloo; three great-grandchildren, Szaba Hylland, Amber and Phillip Myli; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Laura (McQuatters) Lanstrum; her brother, Earl “Philip” McQuatters; her inspiring daughter and dear friend, Mary “Sue” (Drury) LaGow; and her husband of 50 years, Herschel Ralph Drury, who always called her his “bride.”
© Northwood Anchor 2012

Maxine Hartwig

April 25, 2012

Maxine E. Hartwig, 91, of Osage, died on Sunday, April 15, 2012, at the St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

A funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, April 21, 2012, at the Champion Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with Pastor Sam Mack officiating. Visitation was from 1-2:00 p.m., on Saturday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home. Following the funeral service, cremation took place with inurnment in the Kensett Cemetery.

Maxine E. Hartwig, was born on April 7, 1921, to William and Maude (Wells) Pangburn on the family farm near Kensett. She was baptized in the Kensett United Methodist Church and continued her membership there for 78 years. Maxine graduated from the Kensett High School in 1938. She received her registered nurse degree in 1942 from St. Joseph Mercy College of Nursing at Sioux City. Maxine married Paul L. Hartwig on February 14, 1945. She was employed at the Mitchell County Memorial Hospital for over 26 years.

Maxine was a member of the Women's Society of Christian Service through the Kensett Methodist Church, the Royal Neighbors of America, the Mitchell County Hospital Auxiliary and the V.F.W. Auxiliary.

Maxine is survived by her son, Robert Hartwig of Nevada; four grandchildren, Janelle Hartwig of Des Moines, Chelsea Hartwig of Ames, Landon Hartwig of St. Cloud, Minnesota and Mason Hartwig of Boone; her sister, Virginia Scott of Marshalltown; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Aleatha Hooven and Gladys Bringe; and one brother, Milo Pangburn, Sr.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
© Northwood Anchor 2012

Valborg Forland

April 25, 2012

Valborg Forland, 90, of Northwood, died on Monday, April 16, 2012, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City. She had lived at the Heritage Care Center in Mason City since July 2008.

A private family committal service will be held in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood, with Pastor Kathy Graves from the Trinity Lutheran Church in Mason City officiating. A public celebration of her life was held on Saturday, April 21, at the First Lutheran Church in Northwood, with Pastor Karen Rossing Grandall and Pastor Kathy Graves officiating. Visitation was held on Friday, at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood. Visitation was also held prior to the service at the church.

Vallie was the daughter of Carl and Amanda (Hagen) Loberg of Silver Lake, Iowa. She was born on September 5, 1921. She walked a mile to attend country school. After passing her eighth grade exams, she attended the Northwood High School, graduating in 1940. In July of 1941, friends of Lawrence M. Forland introduced him to Vallie. He had just opened his veterinary practice in Northwood. They married on October 24, 1941. Vallie and Doc raised their family of four in two different houses, one in Northwood and one between Kensett and Joice just off of the Tenold blacktop (Wheelerwood Road).

Church and school activities occupied much of Vallie’s time when she wasn’t driving carpool or keeping up with domestic duties. Vallie was devoted to making a home for her husband, children, extended family and friends. In later years she was active in the Alter guild and the New Century Study Club.

Her family will always cherish her memory. That includes her children, Barbara (Ted) Neils of Bloomington, Minnesota, LaVonne (John) Welch of Mason City, Steven (Lonnie) Forland of Northwood and Christine Forland Moore of Northwood; grandchildren, Mandy (Marty) McClees of Golden Valley, Minnesota, Tom (Erin) Neils of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Lauren (Adam) Petersen of St. Paul, Minnesota, Jennifer (Matt) Farrell of Superior, Wisconsin, Andrew (Amy Shriver) Welch of Clive and Chad (Tara) Forland of Emmons, Minnesota; great-grandchildren, John and Ellen McCleese, Brendan Farrell, Abby and Emma Welch, Kyle Dion and Brooke Forland; as well as other extended family members and friends.

Vallie was preceded in death by her parents; and newborn brother, Larry; her husband of 58 years; and Carrie Joy Forland, her granddaughter.
© Northwood Anchor 2012

Dorothy Hess

May 2, 2012

Dorothy C. (Cassellius) Hess, age of 98 and a resident of Prior Lake, Minnesota, passed away peacefully in the presence of her family in the afternoon hours of Friday, April 20, 2012.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, April 24, from 4-8:00 p.m., at the Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, Prior Lake and on Wednesday, April 25, for one hour prior to the mass at church. The Mass of Christian Burial was on Wednesday, April 25, at 11:00 a.m., at the Church of St. Michael, Prior Lake. Father Tom Sieg officiated. Dorothy was laid to rest in the St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Prior Lake. Dorothy’s pall bearers were Kelly Thorsfeldt, John Hess, Michael Gallagher, Matthew Smith, Glen Elias, Keanen Wold, Tony Schmidt and Brandon Hess. Honorary pall bearers were her other 21 grandchildren.

Dorothy was born on August 11, 1913, in the upper level of the funeral home, where her body will now lie in state for her wake. Her parents were Augustine and Sarah (Bies) Casselius. She was the youngest of five children. Dorothy’s childhood years were spent in the Credit River and Spring Lake Township area.

Dorothy married Richard Hess on May 28, 1935 at the St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Prior Lake. They were blessed with eight children, Mary, Roland, Rita, Helen, Ann, V. Joseph, Patricia and James.

She enjoyed vegetable gardening, square dancing, camping, fishing, bird watching, bingo, going to Mystic Lake to play the penny slots and collecting various food items as she took nature walks and eventually canned those items. She loved to play her accordion and harmonica. She also worked part time at the election polls. Her travels included many states across the United States, including Alaska and traveling abroad to Italy and the Holy land. Another one of her travels included a hot air balloon ride for her 70th birthday.

Dorothy was an active member of her church, including the Sunday night prayer group, making 3,000 rosaries, a pro life advocate and seeing the pope twice. Of all the things Dorothy saw and did, it was still family that remained number one.

Forever loved, Dorothy will be deeply missed by her children, Mary (Dale) Mehus of Northwood, Iowa, Roland (Barb) Hess of Ormond Beach, Florida, Rita (Joe) Gallagher of Lakeville, Helen Magnan of Edina, Ann (Jerry) Elias of Prior Lake, V. Joseph (Penni) Hess of Burnsville, Patricia (Steve) Schmidt of Prior Lake and James (Lesa) Hess of Burnsville; 29 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and her dear friend, Donna Knox of Prior Lake.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Richard S. Hess; parents, Augustine and Sarah (Bies) Casselius; grandchildren, Dena and Michelle; brother, Charles Cassellius; and sisters, Bernadine Slama, Nora Farrell and Irene Simpkins.
© Northwood Anchor 2012

Scott Zimmerman

May 2, 2012

Scott Zimmerman, of Festus, Missouri, passed away at his home on Saturday, April 21, 2012, with his family by his side. Scott was diagnosed in December 2011 with lung cancer and battled his brief illness with bravery, with his loving wife, Charli traveling the journey with him.

Services were held on Monday, April 30, at the Kutis Funeral Home in St. Louis, Missouri, with visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and services at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel, followed by military honors and burial after the service in the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri.

Scott was born on January 21, 1956, in Albert Lea, Minnesota, to Pete and Faith Zimmerman. The family moved to Northwood, Iowa and Scott graduated from the Northwood-Kensett High School in 1974. He entered the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1977. Scott and Charlotta Mann were united in marriage on June 27 in Pocahontas, Illinois. They made their home in Festus, Missouri. Scott proudly worked as a Homeland Security Officer guarding the Federal Building in St. Louis, Missouri.

Scott is survived by his wife, Charlotta Zimmerman and his children, Maegan Zimmerman and Thomas Mann; his sister, Amy (Curt) Johnson; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, sisters and brothers-in-law and friends who loved him.

Scott was preceded in death by his infant son, Pete Isaac on April 2, 2000; his father, Pete Zimmerman on April 5, 1997; his mother, Faith Zimmerman on April 4, 2011; and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Al Mann.
© Northwood Anchor 2012

Dennis Charlson

May 2, 2012

Dennis Allan Charlson, 71, of Maple Grove, Minnesota, formerly of Kensett, died on Monday, April 23, 2012, at the North Memorial Hospital in Maple Grove, Minnesota.

A celebration of life service was held at 1:30 p.m., on Saturday, April 28, at the Bethany Lutheran Church, Kensett. Pastor Tom Martin officiated. Inurnment was in the Kensett Cemetery. Visitation was held one hour prior to the church service on Saturday at the church.

Dennis Allan Charlson, was born on October 14, 1940 in Forest City, the son of Herbert A. and Alice G. (Brunsvold) Charlson. Dennis was baptized at the Winnebago Lutheran Church, rural Lake Mills, and confirmed at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Kensett. He graduated from the Kensett High School,and obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Lutheran College in Decorah and a Master's Degree from the Northeast Missouri Teachers College at Kirksville, Missouri. He was united in marriage to Bonnie Broitzman in 1963 and they had two children, Christopher and Becky and three grandchildren, Destinee, Collyn and Elijah. Dennis taught English at the Garner High School, Garner, at Moundsview High School in Minnesota and at the Naperville High School in Illinois.

Dennis married Barbara Duzynska on June 2, 2011. After his teaching career, Dennis became an insurance agent and resided in Maple Grave, Minnesota.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Barbara Charlson of Maple Grove; his mother, Alice G. Charlson of Hanlontown; his children, Christopher (Karen) Charlson of Albert Lea, Minnesota and Rebecca Charlson of Rochester, Minnesota; three grandchildren, Destinee, Collyn and Elijah; siblings, Waldren (Marlys) Charlson of Kensett, David (Jackie) Charlson of Maple Grove, Minnesota and Sandra (Richard) Phillips of Prior Lake, Minnesota; as well as nieces, nephews and other extended family members and friends.

Dennis was preceded in death by his father, Herbert Charlson; and a sister, Shirley Charlson.

The Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood, was in charge of the arrangements.
© Northwood Anchor 2012

Richard "Dick" Johnson

May 2, 2012

Richard Haugen Johnson, Jr., 64, a lifelong resident of northern Iowa, died on Tuesday, April 24, 2012, at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Friday, April 27, at 2:00 p.m., at the First Lutheran Church, Northwood. Pastor Karen Rossing Grandall officiated. Burial was in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood, with military graveside honors conducted by members of the “Our Buddies” VFW Memorial Post #6779 of Northwood. Visitation was held on Thursday, April 26, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood. Visitation was also held one hour prior to the services on Friday, at the church.

Richard "Dick" Johnson, was born on November 10, 1947 in Hampton, Iowa, the son of Richard "Bud" and Josephine Johnson of Northwood, Iowa. Dick attended the Northwood-Kensett Community Schools, graduating from the Northwood-Kensett High School in 1966. Prior to enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1969, Dick attended the North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City, Iowa and Midwestern College in Dennison, Iowa. Dick was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1973 and returned home to Northwood. Dick farmed in the Northwood area for many years, was active in seed corn sales and later worked in commercial construction in the North Iowa area.

Dick enjoyed golfing, boating and waterskiing, hunting and fishing, and spending time with his friends and family. Above all, he loved attending the softball games, volleyball games, and dance recitals of his pride and joy, Jennifer Jo.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Jennifer Jo Johnson and her friend, Jarred Burt of Rochester, Minnesota; his brothers, Tom (Kim) Johnson of Henderson, Nevada and Jim (Gwyneth) Johnson of Winnetka, Illinois; his sisters, Jane (Jim) Bloomingdale of Northwood and Margaret (Mike) Vellon of Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin; his nieces and nephews, Grace (Arnaud) Kraaijvanger, Emily Ehler, Maggie Ehler, Abby Ehler and her fiancé, Kristofer Hagen, Kelly (Travis) Burton, Kari (John) Besancon, Mary Bloomingdale, Mike Bloomingdale, Annie Vellon, Tommy Vellon, Jordan Johnson, Hunter Johnson and Lauren Johnson; his great-nieces and nephews, Jane Kraaijvanger, Ben Kraaijvanger, Miles Ehler, Taylor Burton, Tabitha Burton, Owen Besancon and Megan Besancon; his cousins, Dick (Judi) Bergen, Ann (Tom) Osten, Susan Bergen, Chuck (Nancy) Porter and Jim (Sue) Porter; extended family members and many friends.

Dick was preceded in death by his father, Richard "Bud" Johnson; his mother, Josephine Johnson; his sister, Sarah Ehler; his brother-in-law, Lynn Ehler; and his cousin, Joe Bergen.
© Northwood Anchor 2012

Lynn “Tarz” Hengesteg

May 9, 2012

Lynn H. “Tarz” Hengesteg, age 59, of Lake Mills, formerly of rural Northwood, left us all to be with his father and Our Father in Heaven, on Monday, April 30, 2012, at his residence in Lake Mills.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., on Sunday, May 6, at the Silver Lake Lutheran Church, rural Northwood, with Pastor Randy Baldwin officiating. Burial took place in the Silver Lake Lutheran Church Cemetery. Visitation was on Friday, May 4, from 4-7:00 p.m., at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in Lake Mills and continued for one hour prior to the services on Sunday.

Lynn Howard Hengesteg, was born on August 14, 1952 in Albert Lea, Minnesota, to Lyle and Hazel (Erickson) Hengesteg. Lynn was baptized in the Lutheran faith at the Silver Lake Lutheran Church and confirmed there. He grew up on the family farm west of Northwood, living there through his adulthood. He attended the Northwood-Kensett schools, graduating in 1970. After high school, he had a varied work career, painting with Mooney’s, driving truck at Martin Marietta, serving at the Astro Dome restaurant in Houston, Texas, bartending at Viking Lanes, planting bushes and trees along the new interstate, processing meat at Farmstead, making filters at Fleetguard/Cummins, tinkering with his favorite toy—Harley Davidson motorcycles and farming the family farm. Lynn’s favorite job was being a dad.

Lynn had many loves in his life…his son, Erik, his parents, sister and brother-in-law, his nieces and nephew, great-nieces and nephews and other “Littles” as he affectionally called children; the family farm; his strong faith; music; our veterans and the American flag; old tractors; parades; “the olden days” events, fireworks, holidays and family get-togethers; sharing pictures with everyone; playing with family on the farm on his Harley, lawnmower or snowmobiling; movies, TV shows, books and magazines; and his Harley. Sharing these loves with family and friends always brought smiles and lots of stories, full of pride. He loved talking with his friends and family. He was a friend to all who knew him, whether it was through family, working together or on a bike.

Survivors include his son, Erik Lynn Hengesteg of Wells, Minnesota; his mother, Hazel Hengesteg of Rochester, Minnesota; his sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Ron Lyman of Rochester; nieces and husbands, Tammi and Steve Mosing of Rochester, Jenni and D.J. Horman of Eyota, Minnesota, Kathi and Jeremy Hildman of Rochester and Rob and Amy Lyman of Richfield, Minnesota; great-nieces, Abbie and Sophie Mosing and Emma Horman; great-nephews, Sybastyen, Tristyn and Josiah Hildman and Carter Horman; two aunts and an uncle; many cousins and their families; his Harley buddies; and a multitude of friends.

Lynn was preceded in death by his father, Lyle Hengesteg; grandparents, Sever and Josephine Hengesteg and Henry and Gunhild Erickson; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
© Northwood Anchor 2012