Hana Riedinger

July 18, 2012

Hana Riedinger, 12, of Kensett, died on Tuesday, July 10, 2012, due to injuries she sustained in an automobile accident.

A funeral service was held at 1:00 p.m., on Sunday, July 15, at the First Lutheran Church, Northwood, with Pastor Tom Martin officiating. Inurnment will take place at a later date in the Elk Creek Lutheran Cemetery, rural Kensett. Visitation was held on Saturday afternoon, July 14, from 3-5:00 p.m., at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood. Should friends desire, memorials may be left in Hana's name in care of her family.

Hana Denise Riedinger, was born on June 14, 2000, at the Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, the youngest daughter of Cliff and Heidi (Rebelein) Riedinger. She was baptized at the Elk Creek Lutheran Church in rural Kensett. Hana was looking forward to being a seventh grader at the Northwood-Kensett Middle School as well as beginning confirmation class at Elk Creek.

Hana was known for her love of the outdoors. She especially liked horseback riding; helping in the garden and with the family's fruit trees; tending to her cats, kittens and dog; and participating in the Green Shamrocks 4-H group. She also loved music and played the flute and piano and would often sing along while she played. She enjoyed participating in all sports and was a proud member of the Acers AAU Volleyball Team. Her favorite TV shows were "SpongeBob Squarepants" and "iCarly." In her free time Hana liked swinging on her swingset, swimming and going for bike rides with her dog, Sadie. Hana loved life. Kindness radiated through her in everything she did. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

Those grateful in sharing in Hana's life are her parents, Cliff and Heidi (Rebelein) Riedinger; her sister, Erin Riedinger; her grandparents, Marvin and Elaine Rebelein; her aunts and uncles, Robert Riedinger, Gene Riedinger, Bruce (Vicki) Riedinger, Bonnie (Gary) Dirke, Candace Powell, Dana (David) Porter, Steven Rebelein, Stephanie Rebelein and Chuck McGovern; and her cousins and extended relatives, as well as her numerous friends.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Albert and Ethel Riedinger; and her aunts, Denise McGovern and Linda Riedinger.
© Northwood Anchor 2012

Cassidy Stehn

July 18, 2012

Cassidy Leigh Stehn, age 9, of Northwood, died on Tuesday, July 10, 2012, as a result of a tragic motor vehicle accident near Hanlontown in Worth County.

A funeral service for Cassidy was held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, July 14, 2012, at the First Lutheran Church, Northwood, with Pastor Karen Rossing Grandall and Pastor Wendi Gillan of the United Methodist Church in Northwood officiating. Visitation was held from 5-7:00 p.m., on Friday, at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood. Visitation was also held one hour prior to the service time on Saturday at the church.

Cassidy Leigh Stehn, was born on January 24, 2003 in Mason City, the daughter of Rodney and Teresa (Arrett) Stehn. Cassidy attended the Northwood-Kensett Community School and would have entered the fourth grade this fall. Cassidy enjoyed reading books and coloring; watching and playing all sports, especially bowling with her dad; playing softball and soccer; watching movies and her favorite TV shows with her family and friends; going to her grandma, Eldora’s home and helping decorate cup cakes; and spending the night with her sisters, Danielle and Rachel.

Cassidy was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Northwood, Worth County Clover Kids and Cammi’s Dance Studio.

Those left to cherish her memory are her parents, Rodney and Teresa Stehn of Northwood; her sisters, Danielle Taylor and her special friend, Andy Carter of Ventura and Rachel Taylor and her special friend, Kory Jaspers of Manly; her grandmothers, Jean Arrett of Red Bluff, California and Eldora Stehn of Northwood; her aunts, Tracey (Jim) Hibbert of Perry, Toni (Ray) Hammond of Charleston, South Carolina and Mary (Brian) Branstad of Grafton; her uncle, Thomas Nix of Charleston, South Carolina; and her special dog Toby, who she named after her favorite country singer, Toby Keith; as well as many other special cousins and friends.

Cassidy was preceded in death by her grandfathers, James Stehn and Robert Arrett; and her great-grandparents.
© Northwood Anchor 2012

Esther Nelson

July 18, 2012

Esther Grace Nelson, 89, Northwood, died on Tuesday, July 10, 2012, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m., on Friday, July 13, at the First Shell Rock Lutheran Church in Northwood, with Pastor Erich Hoeft officiating. Burial was in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood. Visitation was held at 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 Conner Colonial Chapel was in charge of the arrangements.

Esther Grace Nelson, was born on September 13, 1922 in Lyle, Minnesota, the daughter of Christan and Nelena (Johnson) Stromley. Esther attended rural country schools near Northwood. She was united in marriage to Raymond Nelson on February 16, 1940 in Northwood. Raymond preceded her in death on September 7, 1986. After their marriage Raymond and Esther farmed around the Deer Creek and Lyle area.

Esther enjoyed her flower garden, raising chickens and baking, but her great love and enjoyment was her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a member of the First Shell Rock Lutheran Church and the church circle.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Raymond (Lois) Nelson of Red Wing, Minnesota, Shirley Hoadley of Northwood, Louise (Glen) Hagen of Albert Lea, Minnesota, Judy (Jim) Rea of Lake Mills, Ron (Deb) Nelson of Albert Lea, Minnesota, Rose (Bob) Sanden of Joice and Kay Virchow of Glenville, Minnesota; 18 grandchildren and numerous great- and great-great-grandchildren; five brothers, Reuben (Helen) Stromley of Mason City, Robert Stromley of Brunswick, Georgia, Rodney (Wilma) Stromley of Mason City, Wayne Stromley of Mason City and Michael (Donna) Stromley of Florida; three sisters, Barbara of Mason City, Marjorie (Dean) of Mason City and Rachel of Albert Lea, Minnesota; daughter-in-law, Joann Nelson of Austin, Minnesota; and sisters-in-law, Eleanor Stromley of Manly and Martha Von Hagen of Estherville; as well as several nieces, nephews and many other extended family members and friends.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Raymond; two children, John and Katherine Nelson; and brothers and sisters, George, Obert, Chester, Roger, Kenneth, Ardith, Sadie and Ruby Mae.
© Northwood Anchor 2012

Richard "Dick" Sandera

July 18, 2012

Richard "Dick" Sandera, 69, died peacefully on Thursday, July 12, 2012, at the St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, after a very short battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 21, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar, at 11:00 a.m., with the Rev. Dr. Byron Northwick officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m., on Friday, July 20, at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home in Northwood.

He was born on July 1, 1943, was baptized on July 25, 1943, and grew up in Wahpeton, North Dakota. He attended the St. John’s Parochial School and graduated from the Wahpeton Central High School in 1961. Dick’s military service was with the United States Army, serving in Fort Carson, Colorado, Fort Eustis, Virginia, and Omaha, Nebraska. He was employed by Northwest Airlines in 1967, the beginning of a career that would span 40 years. He worked in Minneapolis/St. Paul and Rochester, Minnesota and had fond memories of good friends and funny stories intertwined in those many years.

Dick was blessed with three children. They are Deborah (Steve) Machacek from Eagan, Minnesota, Lisa (Jeff) Sczublewski from Shorewood, Minnesota and Rich Revord (Julie) from Grove Heights, Minnesota. Dick married Susan (Reisetter) Kirchgessner on November 17, 1984 in Apple Valley, Minnesota. They retired from Northwest Airlines in 2004 and enjoyed living in the bluff country of southeastern Minnesota, near Altura and Whitewater State Park. They were active in community service, volunteer projects and church.

After moving to Northwood Dick was active with Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, the Aristocrats Car Club, the Northwood Lions Club, the American Legion and the Northwood Special Events Committee. He especially enjoyed working with the Worth County Fair Board on several projects at the fairgrounds. He enjoyed being a "seasonal farmer," working in the spring and fall. A favorite pastime was playing cards with friends, especially cribbage and pinochle.

Preceding Dick in death were his parents, Eugene and Elsie (Dowzak) Sandera.

Dick is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 28 years, Sue, from Northwood; a brother, Robert (Sharon) Sandera from Austin, Texas; two sisters, Carol (David) Wood from Breckenridge, Minnesota and Joyce (Jerry) Thomsen from Tyler, Minnesota; his children and spouses; and six beloved grandchildren. Deb’s four children are Jordan (basketball star!), Zack (jujitsu star!), Tate (football and baseball star!) and Lauren (princess and track star!). Lisa’s children are Bella (gorgeous and speaks French!) and Gaby (our beautiful Christmas baby!) Also left to cherish his memory are dear nephews and in-laws. He is also survived by his Aunt Katherine, 102 years young, living in Seattle, Washington; and by his mother-in-law, Thora Reisetter, who loved him very much.

He was blessed with two groups of wonderful friends, community friends in Northwood, and church family friends in St. Ansgar. Dick’s life on earth was brief, but he is now in the arms of his loving and eternal heavenly Father.

Non designated memorial gifts will be given to the Immanuel Lutheran Church, for the continuation of the Oasis Program and Telling The Sacred Story.
© Northwood Anchor 2012

Marle Haugebak

July 18, 2012

Marle E. Haugebak, 92, of Northwood, died on Friday, July 13, 2012, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, July 20, at the First Lutheran Church, Northwood, with Pastor Karen Rossing Grandall officiating. Visitation will be held from 5-7:00 p.m., on Thursday, at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service time on Friday at the church. Following the service, cremation will take place with inurnment to be held at a later date in the Concordia Lutheran Cemetery, rural Joice. Those wishing to give a memorial in his memory may wish to consider contributions be made to the Worth County Fair Board, Hospice of North Iowa, or to the charity of one's choice.

Marle Ellwood Haugebak, was born on September 9, 1919 in Joice, to Anton and Florence (Otto) Haugebak. He was baptized and confirmed at the Concordia Lutheran Church. Marle attended school at the Dahlsied Rural School through the eighth grade and graduated from the Joice High School in 1936. On November 3, 1940, Marle was married to Beryl Anderson and they began farming in Silver Lake Township. Later they moved to Northwood and continued farming for 40 years, with the exception of six years spent in Arizona for family health reasons. Marle and Beryl were blessed with four children, Mark, Clayton, Richard and Kathryn.

On August 3, 1984, Marle was married to Louise Reeder. This August they would have celebrated 28 years of marriage.

Marle was active in his community serving on various boards and committees for the First Lutheran Church in Northwood, Bethel Lutheran Church in Arizona, the Northwood-Kensett School Board, Farm Bureau, Northwood Creamery, FS and Worth County Fair. Marle enjoyed traveling, including trips to Alaska, the Caribbean and Africa. He also liked getting together with friends to play cards and watching the Minnesota Twins. His greatest enjoyment was spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Louise of Northwood; his children, Mark (Devonlee) Haugebak of Chandler, Arizona, Richard (Sharon) Haugebak of Tucson, Arizona and Kathryn (Joel) Parks of Fremont, Nebraska; step-daughter, Rebecca (Robert) Hickman of Northwood; daughter-in-law, Pat (Melvin) Rothove of Weston, Colorado; his sister, Lois Osland of St. Louis, Missouri; 15 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; as well as many other extended family members and friends.

Marle was preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Florence Haugebak; son, Clayton Haugebak; sister, Millicent Haugebak; twin brother, Marvin Haugebak; and his brother, Anthony Haugebak.
© Northwood Anchor 2012

Ira Hofland

July 18, 2012

Ira James Hofland, 88, of Northwood, died on Sunday, July 15, 2012, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held today (Wednesday), July 18, at the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Lyle, Minnesota, at 2:00 p.m., with the Rev. Dr. Barbara Finley Shea officiating. Burial will be in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Mona, Iowa. Visitation was from 4-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, July 17, at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home in Northwood.

Born on May 17, 1924, the son of Ibert and Laura (Jacobson) Hofland, Ira attended country school in Mona. He was united in marriage to Loretta Stromley on May 17, 1944 in Lyle, at the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. He was also confirmed at the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Ira farmed near Lyle. He also hauled cream, milked cows, raised pigs, combined, hayed and worked for other farmers. He worked at FS in Lyle.

Ira liked to go fishing with friends. He thought a lot of his dogs.

Ira will be sadly missed by his wife, Loretta; children, Jean (Gary) Hartwig of Northwood, James Hofland of Winthrop and Ronald Hofland of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Scott (Tammy) Hartwig of Marinette, Wisconsin, Todd Hartwig of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Tammy (Tim) Charolson of Grafton, Shiela (Seve) Yates of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Christopher Hofland of Henderson, Colorado, Jayson Hofland of Rowley, Jeremy Hofland of Winthrop, Brandon Hofland of Cedar Rapids and Heather Hofland of Winthrop; great-grandchildren, Tyler and Nick Hartwig of Wisconsin, Kelly Hartwig of St. Paul, Minnesota, Travis and Tianna Charlson of Grafton and Christopher Jr., Sage, Madison, Grant, Abri and Blane Hofland; one brother, Carroll (Kelly) Hofland of Sun City, Arizona; and nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Loretta Hayden.
© Northwood Anchor 2012

Mary Jaspers

July 25, 2012

Mary Jeane Jaspers, 85, of Northwood, died on Sunday, July 15, 2012, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, July 21, at the United Methodist Church, Northwood, with Pastor Wendi Gillan officiating. Burial was in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood. Visitation was held from 5-7:00 p.m., on Friday, at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood. Visitation was also held one hour prior to the service time on Saturday at the church. The family would like to suggest that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Northwood Rescue Unit in her memory.

Mary Jeane Jaspers, was born on June 3, 1927 in Gordonsville, Minnesota, the daughter of Ross and Alice (Seuser) Herman. She attended school at district #50, Gordonsville, graduating from the Northwood High School in 1944. Mary was united in marriage to Lee C. Jaspers on June 10, 1945 and to this marriage eight children were born, Allen, Susan, Barbara, Jerry, Julie, Kim, Dan and Dennis. Lee preceded her in death on July 22, 1986. After her children were grown, Mary worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood until her husband’s death.

Mary enjoyed spending winters in Arizona with Harvey and Marjorie Reutzel and Ruby Helgeson. Mary also enjoyed reading poetry and loved to paint.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Allen (Katy) Jaspers of Northwood, Susan Gaskill of Northwood, Barbara Manson of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jerry (Koralee) Jaspers of Shelbina, Missouri, Julie Jaspers of Lawrenceville, Georgia, Kim (Mike) Pearce of Lawrenceville, Georgia, Dan (Susan) Jaspers of Rockford, Minnesota and Denny Jaspers of Northwood; twenty two grandchildren; thirty seven great-grandchildren; sister, Bonnie Hengesteg of Northwood; sister-in-law, Leona Herman of Glenville, Minnesota; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family members and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Ross and Alice Herman; husband, Lee; brothers, Merle and Verle Herman; and a grandson, Jed Gaskill.

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

Jim Felland

July 25, 2012

James B. Felland, 61, of Northwood, Iowa, died on Monday, July 16, 2012, at the Mercy Medical Center North Iowa, Mason City, Iowa.

Memorial services were held at 1:30 p.m., on Thursday, July 19, at the First Lutheran Church, Northwood, with Rev. Karen Rossing Grandall officiating. Inurnment was in the Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood. Visitation was one hour before the services on Thursday. Family suggests memorials be given to the First Lutheran Church.

James was born on April 12, 1951 in Mason City, Iowa, the son of Roy and Almira (Olson) Felland. He graduated from the Northwood High School in 1969 and then attended Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa. He helped tile a lot of farmland in North Iowa. He later worked for Northern Engineering in Northwood, David Manufacturing in Mason City and was presently employed by Agri-Sales in Northwood.

James enjoyed playing the guitar, fishing and working with electronics. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church, Northwood.

James is survived by his two brothers, Dennis Felland of Nora Springs and Thomas Felland of Northwood; aunt and uncle, Wallace (Marjorie) Felland formerly of Forest City; and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

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

LeRoy Degn

July 25, 2012

LeRoy J. Degn, age 91, of rural Northwood, Iowa, died on Wednesday, July 18, 2012, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, July 21, at the Sion Lutheran Church, rural Lake Mills, with Mr. Kermit Singelstad officiating. Burial took place in the Sion Lutheran Church Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the Otto/Chose Post #235. Visitation was held from 10-11:00 a.m., at the church on Saturday.

The Mittelstadt Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
© Northwood Anchor 2012

Robert Dierks

August 1, 2012

Robert Lee Dierks, the youngest son of six children, was born on September 13, 1931, to Emma (Soll) Dierks and Herman Dierks, at Bloomfield, Nebraska, left this life on Thursday, July 26, 2012, at the age of 80 years and 10 months of age. He died peacefully at his home near Grovespring, Missouri.

Funeral services were held on Monday, July 30, at 10:00 a.m., at the Holman-Howe Funeral Home, Hartville, Missouri, with Reverend David Douglas officiating. Burial was in the Mt. Pisgah Cemetery, Grovespring.

Robert was a hardworking farmer, having grown up in Nebraska and Iowa and eventually moving to Missouri and making his home in Grovespring, Missouri. He ran a large commercial poultry operation as well as a large beef operation and raised hogs. Robert also retired from MFA Inc., having run their fertilizer plant at Grovespring, for several years and helping out at the Conway, Missouri, fertilizer plant.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Margery Dierks; his parents; three brothers, George Dierks of Iowa, Paul Dierks of Springfield, Missouri and Norman Dierks, who died in Korea; a sister, Mary Bean of Florida; and a grandson, Joshua Jordan.

He is survived by seven children, Robert A. Dierks and his wife, Peggy of Grovespring, Missouri, Kathleen Fritz and her husband, Richard of Hartville, Missouri, Rebecca Jordan and her husband, Denny of Grovespring, Missouri, Jeanne Marty and her husband, Pete of Lebanon, Missouri, Paul Dierks of Niangua, Missouri, Jackie Norman of Kansas City, Kansas and Dawn and Mike Shannon of Lebanon, Missouri; one sister, Anna Marie Feley of Northwood, Iowa; four sisters-is-law, Elaine Dierks of Osage, LaVonne Dierks of Springfield, Missouri, Marilyn Voorhies and her husband, Terry of Texas and Donna Monnahan of New Mexico; 11 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren, step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews. Robert enjoyed spending time with all of his family members.

Robert will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
© Northwood Anchor 2012

Michael Thomas

August 8, 2012

Michael K. Thomas, 39, of Manly, died on Tuesday, July 31, 2012, in Northwood, Iowa.

A Celebration of Life was held at 4:00 p.m., on Saturday, August 4, at the Bride Colonial Chapel Manly, with Pastor Wendi Gillan from the Northwood United Methodist Church officiating. Visitation was held from 1-4:00 p.m., on Saturday, August 4, at the Bride Colonial Chapel.

Michael Kenneth Thomas, son of Walter J. Thomas and Terri (Thomas) Sculley was born on April 11, 1973 in Jacksonville, Florida. He lived in Italy for a couple of years and attended and graduated from the Apple Valley High School with the Class of 1991 in Apple Valley, Minnesota. Shortly after high school, Mike moved to Northwood and started working at Fieldstone Cabinetry which changed names to Woodharbor in Mason City. Mike worked there in customs and special projects for 12 years before working for Mason City Glass and continued his working career at Cemstone Ready Mix. Mike was united in marriage to Tesia Bohl on November 27, 2009 and to this union one son was born, Draven Thomas.

Mike enjoyed playing his guitar, music, the outdoors, camp fires, renaissance festivals and anything to do with history and he loved learning new things. Most importantly, Mike was a wonderful dad, spending time with his son, step-children and his niece, Ashley. He also was a wonderful friend to many.

He is survived by his wife, Tesia Thomas; son, Draven Thomas; step-children, Jennifer, Dominique, Desiree and Jayden; parents, Walter J. Thomas and Terri (Tom) Sculley; siblings, Rhiannon (Jared) Combs and Brent (Jenna) Sculley; brother-in-law, Craig Johnson; grandparents, Joan Strege, Grace Thomas and Georgene Sculley; and nieces and nephews, Ashley, Donaven and Liric along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Danielle Sculley-Johnson; and his grandparents, Walter E. Thomas and Roland C. Strege.
© Northwood Anchor 2012