Robert Culver, 83

Published April 7, 2004, Page B-7

Robert R. Culver, 83, of Manly, died on Thursday, April 1, 2004, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, surrounded by his family.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 3, at the Bethel United Methodist Church in Manly, with the Reverend Robert Cumings officiating. Burial was in the Manly cemetery, with military honors by the Edward Tosel American Legion Post #110 and the Bride Colonial Chapel of Manly in charge of the arrangements.

Casket bearers were Rick, Alan and Chris Oltman, Marcie O. and Mark Hoffman, Ross Harder, Robert E. and Todd Wyatt, Greg and Jeffrey Stanley. Honorary casket bearers were David Lawyer, Wayne Northway, Harold Parker, James Schumburg, George Hargis and CJ Stoffer.

Robert Rush Culver, was born on September 9, 1920 in St. Ansgar, the son of Rush and Emma (Holden) Culver. He attended and received his education in the Manly School System, graduating from the Manly High School in 1938. After graduating from high school he attended Upper Iowa University in Fayette for two years. He enlisted on October 3, 1942 and was inducted into active duty in the U.S. Army on July 27, 1943. He was trained as a cryptographer in the signal corps and served overseas in the Pacific Theater in Calcutta, India, during World War II. After his honorable discharge on May 26, 1946, he came back to Manly and in the fall of 1946, he enrolled at the University of Iowa and in 1948 graduated with a B.A. Degree in Journalism.

Robert moved back to Manly and went into partnership with his dad at the Manly Signal Newspaper. After his dad retired, he took over the newspaper as editor and publisher in 1950. He was united in marriage to Marjorie Wyatt on August 3, 1952, in Hudson. After their marriage, together they owned and operated the Manly Signal until they retired in 1994, as a third generation editor and publisher of the weekly newspaper.

He enjoyed golfing, tennis, sports and living part time in Clear Lake, but his great love and enjoyment was his family. He was a member of the Bethel United Methodist Church in Manly; over 50 year member of the Edward Tosel American Legion Post #110 of Manly; over 50 year member of the Grand Lodge AF&AM; Heather Hill Chapter OES; Manly Lions Club; Manly Jaycees; Hawkeye Press Club; Scoutmaster for 8 years; secretary for the Manly Rural Telephone Company and was the City Clerk in Manly for over 25 years.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Marjorie Culver of Manly; two sons, Dale Culver and his wife, Ann of Ames and David Culver and his wife, Diane of Iowa City; three grandchildren, Alex and Evan Culver of Ames and Emily Culver of Iowa City; two sisters, Dorothy Stanley of Littleton, Colorado and Beverly Oltman of Cedar Falls; eight nephews and one niece; as well as other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his uncle/stepfather, William W. Wood; a nephew, Douglas Stanley; and three brothers-in-law, Jack Stanley, Max Oltman and Robert F. Wyatt.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Esther A. Charlson, 66

Published April 14, 2004, Page B-5

Esther Charlson, 66, died on Friday, April 2, 2004, at the Bothwell Regional Health Center in Sedalia, Missouri.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 7, at the Winnebago Lutheran Church, rural Lake Mills, with Rev. Bill Peters officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery, with the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Esther Alice, the daughter of Lloyd and Ruther (Gordon) Stickfort, was born on July 25, 1937 at LeMars. Esther attended and graduated from the Emmons High School, Emmons, Minnesota in 1955. She was united in marriage to Willard Charlson at the Lime Creek Lutheran Church, rural Emmons, on December 17, 1955. The couple made their home in Whittemore before moving to Leland where they raised their family and then moved to Joice. In 1996, Willard and Esther moved to their retirement home in Warsaw, Missouri. Esther had been employed in food service her entire life. She was a fabulous cook for her family, at various restaurants and was co-owner of the Mill Wheel Restaurant in Lake Mills. Most recently, Esther cooked in the Estes Drive Inn in Lincoln, Missouri.

She enjoyed spending free time with her family, playing cards, bingo and bluegrass music.

Survivors include her husband of 48 years, Willard; children, Darwin Charlson of Britt, Daniel (Elaine) Charlson of Cheyenne, Wyoming, David Charlson of Warsaw, Dale (Brenda) of Waldron AK, Daria (Scott) Rodberg of Joice and Dawayne (Stacy) Charlson of Mason City; ten grandchildren, Jennifer, Rachel, Brandon, Kristopher, Sara, Jessie, Ruth Ann, Erica, Andrew and Kelly; three great-grandchildren; a sister, Marion (Gerald) Martinson of Emmons, Minnesota; a brother, Leonard Stickfort; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a granddaughter, Megan Charlson; a brother, Kenneth Stickfort; and many aunts and uncles.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Roscelia Willert, 93

Published April 14, 2004, Page B-5

Roscelia G. Willert, 93, of Northwood, formerly of Lake Mills and Joice, died on Monday, April 5, 2004, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, April 8, at the Elk Creek Lutheran Church in rural Kensett, with Rev. Al Stoa officiating. Burial was in the Concordia Cemetery, rural Joice, with the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Violet Reitz, 78

Published April 14, 2004, Page B-5

Violet Reitz, 78, of Midland, Texas, died on Tuesday, April 6, 2004, at the Hospice Midland Inpatient Unit at the Midland Memorial Hospital.

A Memorial Mass was held on Monday, April 12, at the St. Ann's Catholic Church in Midland, with the Ellis Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Violet, the daughter of Max and Charlotte Schlender, was born on July 17, 1927 in Lake Preston, South Dakota. Violet was united in marriage to Earl Reitz in Forest City, on June 8, 1947. They moved to Florida in 1957 where they lived while Earl, a graduate of the University of Tampa, pursued a career in education. The couple moved to Midland, Texas, in 1992 to be near family.

She was a life-long homemaker, devoted wife, tireless mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a member of the St. Ann's Catholic Community, Midland.

She is survived by her daughter, Laurel (Joe) Caputo of Midland, Texas; their sons, Thomas Caputo of Dallas, James (Deidre) Caputo of Midland and her son, Ken (Peggy) Reitz of Louisa, Virginia, his daughters, Lee Ann Reitz Kincaid of Charlottesville, Virginia and Jensen Reitz of Montambault, Florida.

Violet was preceded in death by her husband; her sister, Fern Shirk of Forest City; and a brother, Nervin Schlender.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Kelly Maher, 17

Published April 14, 2004, Page B-5

Kelly Kristine Maher, 17, of Northwood, died on Friday, April 9, 2004, as a result of a car accident.

Funeral services were held on Monday, April 12, at the Silver Lake Lutheran Church in rural Northwood, with Rev. Thomas Hagen officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery, with the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Florence B. Albaugh, 79

Published April 21, 2004, Page B-5

Florence B. Albaugh, 79, of Grand Forks, North Dakota, died on Friday, April 9, 2004, at the Valley Memorial Home Eldercare, Grand Forks, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 13, at the Sharon Lutheran Church, Grand Forks. Burial was in the Sunnywood Gardens Cemetery, with the Amunson Funeral Home, Grand Forks, in charge of the arrangements.

Florence Burnette Knudtson, was born on April 29, 1924, in Mt. Valley Township, Winnebago County. Florence was raised and educated in Winnebago County and attended Waldorf College, Forest City. She worked in the war factories during WW II. She came to Grand Forks, to work for the Great Northern Railways, where she worked for 33 years until her retirement. She married John Albaugh on November 30, 1957 in Grand Forks. He passed away on December 10, 1997.

Florence is survived by her son, Mickey Albaugh and his wife, Dixie of Grand Forks; daughter, Susan and her husband, Wayne Kuzel of Grand Forks; grandchildren, Melissa Albaugh and Nathan Albaugh, both of Grand Forks, Jennifer and her husband, Eric Smith of Twentynine Palms, California and Matthew Kuzel of Clinton; great-grandson, Dylan Smith of Twentynine Palms, California; brothers, James Knudtson and his wife, Ruth of Lake Mills, Charles Knudtson of Joice, Victor Knudtson and his wife, Evelyn of Lake Mills and Robert Knudtson and his wife, Delores of Forest City; a sister, Edith Knutson of Leland; and sisters-in-law, Avis Knudtson and Cleone Knudtson, both of Lake Mills.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and two brothers, Ernest and Melburn.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Alice Ferley, 88

Published April 14, 2004, Page B-5

Alice Ferley, 88, of Lake Mills, died on Sunday, April 11, 2004, at the Lake Mills Care Center in Lake Mills.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 15, at 11:00 a.m., at the Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Eva G. Bartleson, 88

Published April 21, 2004, Page B-5

Eva. G. Bartleson, 88, died on Saturday, April 17, 2004, at the Good Samaritan Care Center in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Monday, April 19, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Rev. Lee Laaveg officiating. Burial was in the Oakland Cemetery in Forest City, with the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Eva G., the daughter of Ira and Gurene (Twedt) Ericson was born in Kensett, on October 18, 1915. Eva received her education in Kensett and graduated from Waldorf College. She taught in country schools in Kensett, Ruthven and Graettinger for five years. She was united in marriage to Paul Bartleson on June 9, 1940 in Kensett. The couple had lived in the house Paul built in Forest City their entire married lives. After her marriage, Eva quit teaching and began raising her family. In 1972, Eva began working at the Waldorf College Bookstore. She continued there until her retirement in 1994.

Eva was an active member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed having friends over for coffee.

Eva is survived by her children and their spouses, Eric Bartleson and wife, Cathy of Winona, Minnesota, Mark Bartleson and Paulette Calderon of Albert Lea, Minnesota, Ruth Gernetzke and husband, Gary of Forest City and Joel Bartleson and wife, Dorothy of Forest City; 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; a sister, Naomi Ostby and her husband, Roger of Cedar Falls; brother-in-law, Ernest Peterson of Foley, Ala.; and sister-in-law, Carrie Bartleson of Forest City.

Eva was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Paul; two half-brothers, Silas and Orvie; three brothers, Jordan, Earl and Everett; and three sisters, Ruth, Esther and Judy; and a grandson, Michael Gernetzke.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Gladys Marker, 84

Published April 28, 2004, Page B-5

Gladys Marker, 84, of Britt, died on Saturday, April 17, 2004, at the Westview Care Center in Britt.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 21, at the First Lutheran Church, with Rev. Dr. John Meyer and Janelle Siffring, AiM officiating. Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt, with the Ewing Dugger Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements. Honorary casket bearers were Andrea Jo Kipp Green, Kathryne Marker. Casket bearers were Timothy Marker, Thomas Marker, Dan Jury, Dean Jury, Michael Ryerson and Ron Eden.

Gladys Elnora, the daughter of Edward and Emma (Jorges) Draves, was born on November 6, 1919 at Waltham, Minnesota. She attended country schools and graduated from the Dows High School. She was united in marriage to Carl Marker on February 19, 1939 in Hampton, the start of a union of 64 years. They farmed in the Dows-Galt area until moving to a farm north of Britt in 1948. She was a farm wife and homemaker as well as being employed as a seamstress at Stitchcraft Corporation of Forest City and as a school cook for the Woden-Crystal Lake Schools.

She was a member of the St. John's Lutheran Church of Woden and the First Lutheran Church of Britt upon retirement. She was a member of the Women of the Church, Bandmothers, PTA and served as an officer and on various committees. She and Carl were members of the Silver Stars seniors group. She was an advocate for health and social concerns for seniors. Her work led to her nomination and receipt of an "Outstanding Senior Citizen Award" from then Governor Terry Branstad. She loved cooking, gardening, sewing, camping and traveling, youth activities and was always a welcoming hostess to neighbors, friends and family.

Gladys is survived by her daughter, Janet (Greg) Kipp of New Richmond, Wisconsin; son, Douglas of Rochester, Minnesota; daughter-in-law, Dorothy Marker of Sauk Centre, Minnesota; grandchildren, Timothy (Laura) Marker of Jackson, Minnesota, Thomas (Colleen) Marker of Mason, Illinois, Andrea Jo (Jon) Green of New Richmond, Wisconsin and Kathryne Marker of Rochester, Minnesota; great-grandchildren, Emily and John Marker of Jackson, Minnesota and Danielle and Rebecca Marker of Mason, Illinois; a brother, Emil Draves of Webster City; sisters, Hilda Jury of Ankeny and Estella State of Belmond; and many relatives and friends.

Gladys was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Carl; son, Arnold; grandsons, Aaron and Eric Kipp; brothers, Arthur, Carl, Clarence, Harry and Anton Draves; and sister, Edna Eccles.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Orville Johnson, 83

Published April 28, 2004, Page B-5

Orville Johnson, 83, died on Sunday, April 18, 2004, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, surrounded by his family.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 21, at the Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel in Mason City, with Reverend Derik Yarian of the Zion Lutheran Church in Clear Lake officiating. The Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel was in charge of the arrangements.

Orville was born on January 21, 1921 in Scarville. He attended schools in Mason City. Orville served in the U.S. Army during WW II. Following the war he came back to Mason City and was united in marriage to Grace Anway. He worked as a mechanic and later for O'Brien Moving and Storage, both in Mason City.

Orville enjoyed working on cars, dancing at the VFW, sight seeing, going to parks in Mason City and being with family and friends. He was a member of the Mason City VFW.

Orville is survived by a son, Arnold Johnson of Pennsylvania; brother, Larry Johnson and Sherri of Lubbock, Texas; sister, Evelyn Vonhagen and her husband, Oliver of Northwood; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; six brothers, Wayne, Norman, Clifford, Vernon, Kenneth and Leonard; and two sisters, Elaine and Pearl.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Peggy A. Budach, 53

Published April 28, 2004, Page B-5

Peggy Budach, 53, died on Wednesday, April 21, 2004, at her home in Lake Mills.

Memorial services were held on Friday, April 23, at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Lake Mills, with Rev. Michael Schueller officiating.

Peggy Ann, the daughter of Edward and Lydia (Crousore) Tonne, was born on March 21, 1951 at Fairmont, Minnesota. Peggy attended and graduated from the Granada High School in Granada, Minnesota in 1969. On March 6, 1971, Peggy was united in marriage with Kenneth Budach at the St. Casmir Church in Wells, Minnesota. The couple moved to Lake Mills in 1972.

Peggy enjoyed fishing, cooking and spending time with her family and friends.

Survivors include her husband, Ken Budach; four sons, Chris Budach and his fiancée, Christine Greiman, Craig Budach, Brian Budach and Jill Nelson and John Budach and Elida Soto and their children, Brett, Dominique and Raven, all of Lake Mills; her mother, Lydia Tonne of Granada, Minnesota; brother, Eugene "Bud" Tonne of Granada; sister, Janice Shumski of Granada; sister-in-law, Diane Dittrich and her husband, Dan of Albert Lea, Minnesota; brother-in-law, Lyle Budach of Wells, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Edward; and her brother, Ron.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Rev. Clifton Bruland, 86

Published April 28, 2004, Page B-5

The Reverend Clifton Luther Bruland, 86, of the Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City, died on Thursday, April 22, 2004, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease.

Funeral services were held on Monday, April 26, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Mason City, with the Rev. Jim Magelssen officiating. A private family burial service with military honors by the Mason City Veterans Memorial Association, will take place on Tuesday, April 27, at the West Fork Cemetery in rural Sheffield, with the Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel in charge of the arrangements.

Cliff was born on August 10, 1917 in Velva, North Dakota, the second of four children. His family moved to Portland, Oregon, in 1926 where his parents, the Reverend Peter O. and Flora Bruland, modeled a life of service and ministry. Peter and Flora established Lutheran Welfare which later evolved into Lutheran Social Services. Cliff graduated from Luther College in 1941, attended Luther Seminary in Minneapolis and was ordained as pastor in the Norwegian Lutheran Church of America in 1945. He earned his STM (Masters in Sacred Theology) at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri.

He served in the U.S. Coast Guard and as a chaplain in the Navy during World War II. Recalled during the Korean conflict, he was the first chaplain assigned to an LST since World War II, visiting up to twelve ships a day. During the two years Cliff served as Veterans' Counselor at Waldorf College, he was united in marriage to Marjorie Hovey of Badger, on December 29, 1948. They were partners in ministry for over 50 years. Cliff returned to the faculty of Waldorf College, teaching Bible from 1963 until 1973. His parish ministry included congregations in Brooklyn, New York and Ridgeway and rural Calamus in Iowa. Cliff also served southern California churches in North Hollywood and Pasadena from 1973 through 1982.

Cliff and Marj enjoyed a retirement year in 1982, traveling to Japan, China and Hawaii, then returning to Iowa to be near family. Cliff concluded his many years of ministry serving as Dean of Religious Life at Waldorf College between 1983 and 1987, various interim ministries in north Iowa, pastor of the St. John Lutheran Church in Corwith from 1988 until 1992 and visitation pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mason City. Cliff described his life as a "patchwork of miracles." He was a man of deep faith and prayer who dedicated himself to service and the preaching and teaching of God's word. In thanksgiving and celebration of his 50th anniversary of Ordination, Cliff established a student scholarship fund at Waldorf College in Forest City.

Cliff was preceded in death by his parents; brother, the Reverend Osborne Bruland of Portland, Oregon; sister, Fern Spaulding of Hood River, Oregon; and infant grandson, Roger Alden of Dougherty.

He is survived by wife, Marj; daughters, Kathryn (David) Alden of Dougherty, Martha (Jerry) Koch of Sheffield, Ruth Bruland and our good friend, Ticia Snyder of San Diego, California; sister, Ruth and Larry Korn of Green Valley, Arizona; many nieces and nephews, and an extensive family of cherished friends.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Marjorie Bakke, 81

Published May 5, 2004, Page B-5

Marjorie Olson Bakke, 81, died on Saturday, April 24, 2004, at the West Anaheim Care Center in Anaheim, California.

She was born on September 20, 1922, the daughter of Albert J. and Myrtle (Hanson) Olson. She was baptized, confirmed and married at the West Prairie Lutheran Church, rural Leland. Burial will be in the Forest Lawn Cypress Gardens in Orange, California.

Marjorie attended and graduated from the Leland Independent School in 1940. While in high school, she sang in the school chorus and loved playing basketball all four years. After graduation she spent a year working in Washington, D.C., returning to Leland and enrolling in Waldorf College. While attending college, she sang in the choir and worked in a restaurant. She was united in marriage to Truman Bakke on March 10, 1946. They farmed north of Leland and made up the tenor section in the church choir. They loved to harmonize at family gatherings. In 1952 they moved to Hawthorne, California, where Truman worked at the Adohr Dairy facility. Marjorie worked at the Ball Point Pen Co. They later moved to Huntington Beach, California, so they could be close to Truman's work.

Marj loved to golf with Truman, Bonnie and Bob. She also volunteered with Pat for arranging flowers for church on Sunday mornings.

Marjorie is survived by two daughters and four grandchildren, Cindy (Jack) Guernsey and Michael and Katie, of Fountain Valley, California; and Kimberly (Rick) McGuire and Maddison and Daniel, of Henderson, Nevada; a sister, Rozella Olson (Eldon) Hagen of Forest City and their children, Annette Nelson of Phoenix, Arizona, Connie Johnson of Leland, Mark Hagen of Mound, Minnesota, Michael Hagen of Duluth, Georgia, Steven Hagen of Strongsville, Ohio and Scott Hagen of Garner; nieces, Amy Olson Johnson, Kari Knight, Tammy Larson and nephew, John Olson, all of Thousand Oaks, California.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and a brother, John Olson.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

James Brighton, 60

Published May 12, 2004, Page B-8

James "Jim" Brighton, 60, died on Tuesday, April 27, 2004, unexpectedly in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 1, at the United Methodist Church in Forest City, with Rev. Gary Marzolf officiating. Inurnment was in the Buffalo Township Cemetery, Titonka, with the Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home of Titonka in charge of the arrangements. Organist, Nancy Farndale accompanied congregational hymns. Honorary bearers were Eldon Attig, Red Follman, George Brighton, Doug Mechler, Michael Olson and Forrest Peterson. Casket bearers were Al Quintus, Dale Aman, Steve Hurst, Tracy Peterson, Michael Hurst and Cody Mireles.

James D., the son of James H. and Jessie (Christian) Brighton, was born on March 18, 1944 in Lake Mills. James with his parents and two sisters lived briefly in Lake Mills and Northwood before settling in Forest City. He attended school in Forest City, graduating in 1962. Jim, his wife Shirley (Whitehurst) and daughter Lisa made their home in Forest City for nine years. He was an active member of the Forest City Jaycees and the United Methodist Church. In September 1973, he was united in marriage to Suzanne Christiansen. For the past 30 years, they made their home in Titonka where they raised their four children.

Jim worked at Winnebago Industries for 24 years and the past nine years at 3M. He also spent several years in an upholstery partnership. He was very gifted at making the old look new again. His favorite projects were restoration of cars and trucks. Jim was known for his quick smile and was always full of impish fun. He held his family very dear and thoroughly enjoyed being with them. His favorite pastime was fishing, as well as camping, especially with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Suzanne; his daughters, Lisa of Klemme, Gabrielle (Bill) Trunkhill of Titonka and Jamie of Titonka; sons, Nathaniel of Omaha and Matthew of Titonka; six grandchildren; his mother, Jessie Killman of Forest City; sisters, Patricia (Forrest) Peterson of Forest City and Louise Kemper of Shreveport, Louisiana; three nephews and one niece and their families.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, James; infant sister, Lucricia; grandparents, James and Rose Brighton and Gilbert and Tina Christian.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Talora Nelson, 88

Published May 5, 2004, Page B-5

Talora C. Nelson, age 88, of Buffalo Center, died on Friday, April 30, 2004, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Wednesday, May 5, at the First Congregational Church in Buffalo Center, with Rev. Paul Haugen officiating. Burial will be in the Olena Mound Cemetery, Buffalo Center, with the Winter Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Talora Clarinda (Tweed) Nelson, the daughter of Ole J. and Annie (Ramsey) Tweed, was born on May 26, 1915, at the Tweed farmhouse in rural Joice. She attended school and quit after the ninth grade to care for her ailing mother for eight years. She also worked for her brother-in-law at Elthon's Pioneer Store in Fertile for several years. On March 6, 1949, Talora was united in marriage with Sam Nelson at the Lutheran Parsonage in Lake Mills. The couple made their home farming southeast of Buffalo Center. Talora was a devoted farm wife who helped her husband with all the duties on the farm. Following Sam's death in 1978, Talora continued to oversee custom farming of the land. In addition to farm life, Talora also worked at the Coffee Shop in Buffalo Center.

She truly enjoyed cooking and sharing her talents with others. Her hobbies were rooted in the things that she did on a daily basis: cooking, gardening, music and handiwork. Talora was a wonderful cook who baked pies from scratch and enjoyed making lefse. She liked to make homemade strawberry jam, lime pickles and cookies. Lots of cookies! She played the organ and guitar and would crochet potholders and afghans for friends and family. Talora forever had strong faith in the Lord and pride in her Norwegian heritage.

Survivors include her children, Mary Long and her husband, Roger of Algona and Mark Nelson and his wife, Kathi of Buffalo Center; grandchildren, Jeremy Long and his wife, Leigh Ann of Ames, Richard Long and his wife, Miriam of Algona, Spencer Nelson of Buffalo Center and Reese Nelson of Buffalo Center; two sisters, Gladys Westland of Hastings, Minnesota and Iona Mae Alexander of Lake Villa, Illinois; a sister-in-law, June Tweed of Forest City; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Sam in 1978; sisters, Amanda Amundson, Theresa Roath, Agnes Suby, Alvina Brosdahl, Lillian Elthon and Frances Hall; and a brother, Almer Tweed, Almer's twin infant sister (also named Alvina); an unnamed infant brother and a half-sister, Hazel Brue.
© 2004 Forest City Summit