Gerald Schilling

January 18, 2012

Gerald Schilling, 89, of Albert Lea, died peacefully on Sunday, January 8, 2012, at the Good Samaritan Center.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, January 12, at the First Lutheran Church. The Rev. John Holt officiated. Interment was in the Pilgrim’s Rest Cemetery. Visitation was from 5-7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, January 11, at the Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the services at the church. To sign the guest book, go to www.bayviewfuneral.com. 

Gerald Carl Schilling, was born on June 19, 1922 in Myrtle, to Alex and Laura (Theiss) Schilling. Gerald grew up on the family farm near Myrtle, went to elementary school in Myrtle and graduated from the Albert Lea High School in 1941. He was active in FFA during school and won many livestock judging awards on the East Coast. On November 26, 1947, Gerald was united in marriage to Delores Tews at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church. The couple made their home in rural Myrtle, where Gerald farmed and also was employed at Wilsons and Farmstead and at the ASCS Agricultural Office.

In his younger days, Gerald enjoyed playing softball and was proud to be a member of the Freeborn County Softball Hall of Fame. Gerald was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church and was active in the male chorus in Bethlehem’s Lutheran Choir. After retiring the couple moved to Albert Lea and joined First Lutheran Church. Gerald enjoyed fishing, especially with his son, Alan, hunting, playing cards and watching sports, especially the Twins and Vikings. He was always willing to lend a helping hand wherever needed. Gerald treasured the time spent with his family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all.

Survivors include his wife, Delores; children, Alan (Katherine) Schilling, Kathy (Keith) Sorenson, Susan Toenges (Nick Wilwert) and Mary Ann (Dennis) Olson; grandchildren, Meka (Nick Simmons) Nielsen, Mindy Toenges (Tim Mann), Jeremiah Olson, Matthew Olson and friend Amanda, Bradley Olson, Chad Olson, Krista (Steve) Friederich, Kari Olson (Tom Finnegan), Justin Wentzler and Jillian Wentzler; great-grandchildren, Brianna Mann, Madison Mann, Brooklyn Mann, Raegan Broitzman and Kiyanna Olson; sister, Eunice Bendickson; and sister-in-law, Ruth Schilling.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughters, Heather and Denise Olson; and brothers, Roy, Donald, Alexander and Kenneth.
© Northwood Anchor 2012

Marcella "Marcy" Olson

January 25, 2012

Marcella "Marcy" Olson, 70, of Apple Valley, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, January 8, 2012.

A gathering of friends and family was held from 10-11:00 a.m., on Friday, January 13, at the Grace Lutheran Church of Apple Valley, followed by memorial services at 11:00 a.m. Inurnment will be in the London-Deer Creek Cemetery, Northwood, Iowa, at a later date.

She was born on February 28, 1941 in Albert Lea, Minnesota, to Irving and Gilma (nee Hanson) Hendrickson. Marcy grew up in rural Northwood on the family farm, was baptized and confirmed at the Deer Creek Lutheran Church, Carpenter, Iowa. Her grandmother, Lena was a member of the initial Confirmation class, 1885, in the old church, while Marcy was a member of the first Confirmation class of the new church, June 10, 1955, Rev. Olaf A. Langhough performing the confirmation. She was a 1959 graduate of the Northwood High School and 1961 graduated from Waldorf College, Forest City. Marcy worked in the Mission office of The American Lutheran Church headquarters in Minneapolis from 1961-1972, when she married Ronald on April 15.

Marcy is survived by Ronald, her husband of 39 years; daughter, Karin (Christopher) Harrison; son, Nathan; sister, Ivadene Dale; and brother, Horace (Ann) Hendrickson.

She will be forever loved and treasured.
© Northwood Anchor 2012

Shirley Ann Swenson

January 25, 2012

Shirley Ann Swenson, 77, of Northwood, died on Sunday, January 22, 2012, at her home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, January 26, at the First Lutheran Church, Northwood, with Pastor Karen Rossing Grandall officiating. Burial will be in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood. Visitation will be held from 5-7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service time on Thursday at the church. Should friends desire, memorial contributions should be made to the Hospice of North Iowa, First Lutheran Church or to the charity of your choice in her memory.

Shirley Ann Swenson, was born on October 23, 1934 in Northwood, the daughter of Morris and Inez (Gordon) Bakketun. Shirley was baptized on December 9, 1934 and reaffirmed the faith of her baptism through confirmation on September 26, 1948, at the First Lutheran Church in Northwood. She received her education in the Northwood Community Schools, graduating from the Northwood High School in 1952. Shirley also graduated from Mason City Junior College (N.I.A.C.C.). She was united in marriage to Leland “Lee” Swenson on February 22, 1958, at the First Lutheran Church in Northwood, and to this union four children were born. After their marriage, Shirley worked as a play­ground supervisor for the Northwood-Kensett Community School, at Craig Ensign Law office and for 18 years with the Iowa Department of Revenue.

Shirley was a very devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with her family, playing Bridge and 500 cards, beating her husband, Lee at cribbage, golfing and reading and was an avid Minnesota Twins fan. She was a member of the First Lutheran Church, the church circle, former Sunday School teacher and Boy Scout and Girl Scout Leader, Twenties Study Club and was a resident advocate on the care review committee at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Leland “Lee” Swenson of Northwood; her children, Scott (Teresa) Swenson of Iowa City, Laurie (Roger) Harris of Northwood and David (Michelle) Swenson of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; six grandchildren, Kristine Swenson of Cedar Falls, Kelli Welsh of Mankato, Minnesota, Jacob Swenson of Platteville, Wisconsin, Allison Swenson of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Conner Harris of Northwood and Laura Swenson of Eau Claire; her sister, Mary Henry of Boise, Idaho; as well as many other extended family members and friends.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; son, Steven Lee Swenson who died in infancy; and her brother, Lyle Bakketun who died in infancy.

The family of Shirley Ann Swenson truly appreciates the staff from the Hospice of North Iowa for the excellent care that was given to Shirley and her family.
© Northwood Anchor 2012