Carol J. Olsen, 70

August 6, 2003

Carol J. Olsen, 70, of Lake Mills, died on Friday, August 1, 2003, at the Muse Norris Hospice Unit in Mason City.

Memorial services were held on Monday, August 4, at the Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills. The Rev. Roger Dykstra officiated. Her body was donated to the University of Des Moines Science Department.
© 2003 Forest City Summit

Dorothy M. "Dotti" Farris, 62

August 13, 2003

Dorothy M. "Dotti" Farris, 62, of Garner, died on Monday, August 4, 2003, at Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Memorial services were held on Friday, August 8, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garner. The Rev. Robert Bronson officiated.

Dotti is survived by her husband, Sonny Sr. of Garner; nine children, Diane Schmidt and husband, Jeff of Garner, Donna Saltou and husband, Randy of Glenville, Minnesota, Dawn Nedved and special friend, Melvin Wellik of Britt, Barb Parker and husband, Bob of Aurora, Colorado, Dan Farris and wife, Cheryl of Garner, Lori Winter and husband, Jim of Mankato, Minnesota, Kelly Ganseveld of Klemme, Sonny Farris Jr. and wife, Connie of Ventura and Nikki Flugum of Garner; 19 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a brother, Dale Wallace and wife, Jen of New Richland, Minnesota; a sister, Rose Treadway and husband, Miles of Center Junction; and two sisters-in-law, Ilse Wallace of Blaine, Minnesota and Lorraine Wallace of Geneva, Minnesota.

A complete obituary appears in the August 13 edition of the Forest City Summit.
© 2003 Forest City Summit

Ralph R. "Casey" Willier, 80

August 13, 2003

Ralph R. "Casey" Willier, 80, of Leland, died on Wednesday, August 6, 2003, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, August 9, at the Riverside Friends Church in Mason City. The Rev. Mark Culham of the Hanford Community Church officiated. Following the service, according to Ralph's wishes, his body was cremated. The Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel in Mason City was in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include four children, Judy Beenken and her husband, Roger of Nora Springs, Jerrie Book of La Crosse, Wisconsin, Ruth Willier of Mason City and Judy Johnson of Forest City; a daughter-in-law, Amber Willier of Nora Springs; a sister, Florence Fritz of Mason City; 12 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A complete obituary appears in the August 13 edition of the Forest City Summit.
© 2003 Forest City Summit

Jean S. Ambroson, 84

August 13, 2003

Jean S. Ambroson, 84, of Leland, died on Friday, August 7, 2003, at the Concord Care Center in Garner.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, August 9, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Leland. The Rev. Jacqueline Swanson officiated. Music was provided by organist, Ruth Sheldon who accompanied a vocal duet of Greg and Rosemary Ambroson and congregational hymns. Casket bearers were Randy Wass, Rick Wass, Greg Ambroson and Jason Ambroson. Burial was in the Forest Home Cemetery, Leland.

She is survived by her husband, Runt Ambroson of Leland; a son, Vance Ambroson and his wife, Judy of Leland; a daughter, Debra Ward and her husband, Bill of Brighton, Colorado; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; a sister, Bernice Steltzner of Mason City; and nieces and nephews.

A complete obituary appears in the August 13 edition of the Forest City Summit.
© 2003 Forest City Summit

Kirby Lee Thompson, 45

August 13, 2003

Kirby Lee Thompson, 45, of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, formerly of Forest City, died on Thursday, August 7, 2003, at the Regional Memorial Hospital in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, August 12, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City. The Rev. Lee Laaveg officiated. Burial was in the Madison Township Cemetery in Forest City, with the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Those left to cherish his memory are his soulmate, Rachelle Oreskovich of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota; his parents, Richard and Beverly Thompson of Forest City; one brother, Kent Thompson and his wife, Connie of Forest City; three nieces, Allison, Brooke and Kelli Thompson of Forest City; an aunt, Gerry Blair of Ridgedale, Missouri; an uncle, Robert Thompson and his wife, Pearl of Roseville, Minnesota; and several other relatives and many friends.

A complete obituary appears in the August 13 edition of the Forest City Summit.
© 2003 Forest City Summit

Anna Schnell Draves, 79

August 27, 2003

Anna Schnell Draves, 79, of Madrid, died on Sunday, August 10, 2003, at the Madrid Health Care Center.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, August 13, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church near Rowan. The Rev. Ray Salemink officiated. Burial was in the Graceland Cemetery near Rowan, with the Dugger Ewing Funeral Home in Belmond in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include three daughters, Pauline Hall and her husband, Rex of Madrid, Thelma Adams and her husband, Darwin of Thompson and Lorraine Bates and her husband, Steve of Sigourney; four grandsons, Shane Bailey and his wife, Lorell of Rowan, Darrin Adams and his wife, Tricia of Emmetsburg, Devere Adams of Thompson and Kyle Bates of Sigourney; two great-grandsons; three great-granddaughters; and three sisters, Molly Wamboldt of Nebraska, Clara Drake of Utah and Pauline Siembabo of California.

A complete obituary appears in the August 27 edition of the Forest City Summit.
© 2003 Forest City Summit

Evon M. Mork, 73

August 20, 2003

Evon M. Mork, 73, of Forest City, died on Monday, August 11, 2003, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Friday, August 15, at the Forest Evangelical Lutheran Church in Forest City. The Rev. Ted Gullixson officiated. Burial was in the Bricelyn Lutheran Cemetery in Bricelyn, Minnesota, with the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City in charge of the arrangements.

Evon is survived by four children, Karen Renee Mork of DeSoto, Texas, Randy Bruce Mork and wife, Judy of Forest City, Jeffrey Kenneth Mork and wife, Julie of Lakeville, Minnesota and Joyce Pletcher and husband, Brad of Garner; six grandchildren, Brandon, Meagen and Courtney Pletcher, Jeremy and Justin Mork and Elizabeth Mork; four siblings, Charles Krinkie of Blue Earth, Jean Lewis of Edina, Minnesota, Carole Ziegler of Galion, Ohio and David Krinkie of Fort Laramie, Ohio.

A complete obituary appears in the August 20 edition of the Forest City Summit.
© 2003 Forest City Summit

Mark A. Gerdes, 45

August 20, 2003

Mark A. Gerdes, 45, of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, formerly of Forest City, died on Monday, August 11, 2003, at his home.

Memorial services were held on Saturday, August 16, at the Woden Community Center. The Rev. Arlen Lloyd, Pastor of the Woden Lutheran Church, officiated. Inurnment was in the Bringham Township Cemetery.

Mark is survived by his wife, Paula; two sons, Jason (Rhonda) Gerdes of Forest City and Matt Gerdes of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin; a grandson, Austin; his mother, Rose Gerdes of Britt; four brothers, Roger (Rosie) Gerdes of Fair Grove, Missouri, Bob (Marcia) Gerdes of Woden, Dave (Cindy) Gerdes of Britt and Rick Gerdes of Clear Lake; along with many nieces and nephews.

The Haase-Derrick-Lockwood Funeral Home in Lake Geneva was in charge of the arrangements. A complete obituary appears in the August 20 edition of the Forest City Summit.
© 2003 Forest City Summit

Anna Harms, 96

August 20, 2003

Anna Harms, 96, of Buffalo Center, died on Tuesday, August 12, 2003, at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, August 16, at the First Reformed Church in Buffalo Center. The Rev. Bill Peake officiated. Burial was in the Graceland Cemetery in Buffalo Center, with the Winter Funeral Home in Buffalo Center in charge of the arrangements.

She is survived by her children, Leonard and his wife, Lois Harms, Dorie and her husband, Gary Sinnard, Linda and her husband, Kevin Johnson, all of Forest City; Leona and her husband, Jim Vinz of Thompson; Harley and his wife, Doris Harms, Ubbie and his wife, Harriet Harms and Frances Kelso, all of Buffalo Center; one brother, Harm and his wife, Tena Meyer of Dike; daughter-in-law, Louise Harms of Sweetwater, Tennessee; along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

A complete obituary appears in the August 20 edition of the Forest City Summit.
© 2003 Forest City Summit

Katherine Mary Fox, 79

August 27, 2003

Katherine Mary Fox, 79, of Wayzata, Minnesota, died on Saturday, August 16, 2003, at her home.

Memorial services were held on Thursday, August 21, at the Wayzata Community Church. Private family interment was in the Groveland Cemetery, Minnetonka, Minnesota.

Survivors include her husband, Bill C. Fox; sons, Richard (Wendy) of Los Gatos, California, Gerald of Golden Valley, Minnesota and David (Margene) of Wayzata; grandchildren, John, Joel and Molly Fox and Allison and Charles Fox; sister, Sylvia Anderson; along with many friends.

A complete obituary appears in the August 27 edition of the Forest City Summit.
© 2003 Forest City Summit

William H. "Bill" Lichtsinn, 89

August 27, 2003

William H. "Bill" Lichtsinn, 89, of Clear Lake, died on Monday, August 18, 2003, at the IOOF Home in Mason City.

Private family graveside services will be held in the near future, with inurnment in the Elmwood Cemetery in Mason City.

He is survived by his son, Ron and Ruth Lichtsinn of Clear Lake; four grandchildren, Robert Lichtsinn of Kansas City, Missouri, Christine (Mrs. Jon) Hanna of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Holly (Mrs. Bruce) Cammers of Mason City and Ron II (Hope) Lichtsinn of Forest City; three step-grandchildren, Annette (Mrs. Michael )Thompson of Des Moines, David (Teresa) Janssen of Mason City and Kay (Mrs. Scott) Grein of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; five great-grandchildren; and five step-great-grandchildren; two half-sisters, Helen Siefken of Osage and Maye Thompson of Denver, Colorado; his half-brother, Harm Eggena Jr. of Rockford; and brothers-in-law, Louis and Ray Paulus.

A complete obituary appears in the August 27 edition of the Forest City Summit.
© 2003 Forest City Summit

Deloris Reyerson, 64

August 27, 2003

Deloris Reyerson, 64, of rural Northwood, died on Friday, August 22, 2003, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, following a brief illness from cancer.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, August 26, at the Silver Lake Lutheran Church in rural Northwood. The Rev. Tom Hagen officiated. Burial was in the Silver Lake Lutheran Cemetery.
© 2003 Forest City Summit

Harold R. Grunhovd, 79

September 3, 2003

Harold R. Grunhovd, 79, of Thompson, died on Sunday, August 24, 2003, at the Timely Mission Nursing Home in Buffalo Center.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, August 27, at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Thompson. The Rev. Mark Decker officiated. Burial was in the Bethel Lutheran Cemetery in Vinje, with military rites conducted by the Thompson VFW Color Guard and the Kiester American Legion Rifle Squad. The Winter Funeral Home, Thompson, was in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include his wife, Leonora of Thompson; two daughters, Diane (Jim) Kozitza of Thompson and Linda (Steve) Peik of Oelwein; five grandsons, Warren (Laurel) Kozitza of River Falls, Wisconsin, Chad (Amy) Kozitza of Faribault, Minnesota, Matthew Peik and special friend, Kim of Davenport, Samuel Peik of Iowa City and Jared Kozitza of Thompson; three great-grandchildren, Jackson, Emma and Phoebe Kozitza; and step-sister, Annabelle (Harold) Knutson of Lake Mills.

A complete obituary appears in the September 3 edition of the Forest City Summit.
© 2003 Forest City Summit

Marie Peterson, 85

September 3, 2003

Marie Peterson, 85, of Thompson, died on Tuesday, August 26, 2003, in Thompson.

Memorial services were held on Wednesday, August 27, at the Thompson United Methodist Church. The Rev. Wendy Trone officiated. Eleanor Roper served as organist. Inurnment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Thompson.

Marie Peterson, the daughter of John and Frona (Money) Hutchin, was born on August 21, 1918 in Eden Township, in Winnebago County. She attended the Eden Township County School through the 8th grade.

Survivors include her daughter, JoAnn and husband, Wayne Jobes of Phoenix, Arizona; two sons, Gary Peterson and wife, Nancy of Lake Mills and Arthur Peterson and wife, Renae of Waseca, Minnesota; her grandchildren, Kimberly Plate, Terrie Lynn, Rob Foot, Sandra Peterson, Michael Peterson, Cara Peterson and Chad Peterson; her great-grandchildren, Kyle Foot and Christian Peterson; two sisters, Margaret Fox of Seattle, Washington and Carol Ludeman of Mason City; along with many nieces and nephews.

A complete obituary appears in the September 3 edition of the Forest City Summit.
© 2003 Forest City Summit

Evelyn R. Smith, 83

September 10, 2003

Evelyn R. Smith, 83, of Blue Earth, Minnesota, died on Friday, August 29, 2003, at the St. Luke's Lutheran Care Center in Blue Earth. 

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, September 3, at the St. John's United Church of Christ in Fairmont, Minnesota. The Rev. Richard Abel officiated. Burial was in the Riverside Cemetery in Blue Earth. The Patton Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Blue Earth was in charge of the arrangements.

Evelyn R. Smith, the daughter of John and Clara (Meyer) Eckmann, was born on November 19, 1919 at Fairmont. She was raised and educated in Fairmont, where she graduated from the Fairmont High School. On December 31, 1939, she was united in marriage with William Robert Smith in Fairmont. The couple farmed west of Blue Earth for many years, retiring in 1966. They moved to Blue Earth in 1983. Evelyn was a homemaker and had worked for Green Giant Canning Company for several years.

She was a member of the St. John's United Church of Christ in Fairmont. She loved crocheting, fishing, gardening, roller skating, dancing, cooking and travel. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother.

Survivors include son, Richard J. Smith of Foley, Minnesota; daughters, Geraldine (Dennis L.) Anderson of Raymond, Minnesota, Patricia (Robert) Mayer of Mankato, Deanna (Steve) Knutson of Bricelyn, Minnesota, Joyce (Thomas) Paul of Forest City and Cheryl (Rick) Evan of Beavercreek, Oregon; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1987; a brother; four sisters; and one grandchild.
© 2003 Forest City Summit

Irwin G. Erickson, 92

September 10, 2003

Irwin G. Erickson, passed away on Friday, August 29, 2003 at the Albert Lea Medical Center, at the age of 92.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, September 2, at the Zion Lutheran Church, Thompson, with the Rev. Ted Gullixson officiating. Organist, Cyndy Johnson accompanied congregational hymns. Interment was in the West Prairie Lutheran Cemetery, rural Thompson, with the Winter Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements. Casket bearers were Irwin's grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Irwin, the son of Elmen and Amelia (Jensen) Erickson, was born on November 26, 1910 near Thompson, Iowa. He was baptized as an infant and confirmed at the West Prairie Lutheran Church on February 14, 1926, by Rev. H. Ingebretson. Erickson graduated from the Thompson High School with the class of 1931. On May 27, 1931, Irwin was united in marriage to Helen White by the Rev. Paul Ylviskar at the home of his grandparents. In May 2003, Irwin and Helen celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary. Irwin worked at the Oliver plant in Charles City, they managed a restaurant at Carpenter, farmed in the Thompson area and he also worked at Winnebago Industries in Forest City, when he retired in 1975.

In 2001, Irwin and Helen moved to Lake Mills and resided at Mills Harbor. In November 2002, they became residents of the Lake Mills Care Center.

Irwin is survived by his wife, Helen of Lake Mills; his three sons, Eugene Erickson and wife, Arla of Thompson, Norman Erickson and wife, Beverly of Seeley Lake, Mintana and Robert Erickson and his wife, Judith of Centennial, Colorado; 11 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great grandchildren; his brother, Art Erickson of Rolfe; his sister, Hilda Martinson of Cedar Falls; and by many nieces and nephews.

Irwin was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Clara Ingebretson and Mabel Tangen; his sister-in-law, Beryl Erickson; and his brother-in-law, Vern Martinson.
© 2003 Forest City Summit