Agnes Gullickson, 90

Published November 10, 2004, Page B-5

Agnes Gullickson, 90, of Forest City, died on Monday, November 1, 2004, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, November 4 at the United Methodist Church in Forest City, with Rev. Catherine A. Luck officiating. Burial was in the Oakland Cemetery in Forest City, with the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Agnes L. Gullickson, was born on a farm west of Forest City, Iowa, on March 8, 1914, the daughter of Robert L. and Johanna (Tenold) Olson. Agnes received her education in a rural school in Forest Township and graduated from the Forest City High School. She continued her education at Waldorf College and then taught rural schools in Winnebago County for 11 years. On August 28, 1949, she married Lester S. Gullickson at the Forest City United Methodist Church. The couple made their home on a farm west of Forest City until Lester's death in 1965, after which Agnes moved to Forest City. She worked at the Farmers Coop Oil Company and the Farmers Elevator for 22 years until her retirement in 1987.

Agnes was an involved member of the United Methodist Church. A faithful servant, she taught Sunday School, held several offices in the UMW, was a former Sunday School Superintendent and active on various other church commissions. She was devoted to her family and treasured every moment spent with them. In November 2000, Agnes made her home at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City. The kindness and wonderful care she received there enabled her to truly enjoy these last few years of her life.

Agnes is survived by a son, John Gullickson of Forest City; a niece, Barbara Bitterman and her husband, Rick of Algona; and a nephew, Steven J. Rollefson and his wife, Lori of Forest City; nine grandchildren, Brandon Rollefson, Brian Rollefson and wife, Crystal, Tim, Michelle, Brinna and Tristan Rollefson; Bradley Bitterman and wife, Nancy, Angela Anderson and husband, Wayne and April Tufano and husband, Joe; and seven great-grandchildren, Christian, Bryce, Brendan, Hannah, Matthew, Whitney and Danielle.

Agnes was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; an infant daughter; and two sisters.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Elmer Larson, 64

Published November 10, 2004, Page B-5

Elmer A. Larson, 64 of Forest City, died on Thursday, November 4, 2004, in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Monday, November 8, at the Church of Christ in Fertile, with Rev. Curt Gallmeyer officiating. Burial was in the Oakland Cemetery in Forest City, with the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Elmer Adolf Larson, was born on March 23, 1940 in Forest City, to Elias and Anna (Werstein) Larson. Elmer received his education in the Forest City Schools. On July 15, 1962, he was united in marriage to Judi Schuler at the Church of Christ in Fertile. He worked at Winnebago Industries and the Forest City Creamery before moving to Freeport, Illinois in 1965. While living in Illinois, Elmer worked for the Freeport Memorial Hospital for six years, at which time he became manager of the Lincoln Mobile Home Park and Sales. In the spring of 1978, Elmer and Judi returned with their family to Forest City. Elmer worked briefly at Winnebago and then went on to the Forest City Community Hospital where he worked in maintenance. He remained at the hospital until 1987 at which time he was injured and went on permanent disability.

Elmer was a very caring and giving man. His family and friends came first and he was always there to give a helping hand. He enjoyed camping, horse-back riding in his younger days and spending time with friends and family. One of Elmer's greatest joys was his grandchildren whom he enjoyed watching grow.

Elmer is survived by his wife, Judi Larson of Forest City; son, Tom Larson and wife, Denise of Forest City; daughter, Tammy Daniels and husband, Mitch of Forest City; three grandsons, Elias, Ethan and Evan and granddaughter Michelle; four siblings, Elvin Larson of Forest City, Eleanor Sheldahl and husband, Gary of Forest City, Franklin Larson and wife, Marsha of Forest City and Louis Larson and wife, Joyce of Story City; his mother-in-law, Iva Schuler of Forest City; many nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Leonard; a sister, Lois; his son, Jon; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dennis and Cene Schuler; and a niece, Ann Larson.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Floyd H. Ulmann, 63

Published November 17, 2004, Page B-7

Floyd H. Ullmann, 63, died on Thursday, November 4, 2004, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital, Britt.

Funeral services were held on Monday, November 8, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Titonka, with Rev. Arlen Lloyd officiating. Interment was in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, rural Titonka with the Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, Titonka, in charge of the arrangements. Organist, Anita Eden accompanied soloist, Leroy Bruns and congregational hymns. Casket bearers were Brian Bosma, Mark Zwiefel, Jon Zwiefel, Kevin Ullmann, Kent Ullmann, Ron Janes, Justin Ullmann, Matt Gray and Jeff Zwiefel.

Floyd Henry Ullmann, was born on January 25, 1941 in Titonka, the son of Meindert and Flora (Franzen) Ullmann. He was baptized and confirmed at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Titonka and graduated from the Titonka High School in 1958. Floyd lived his entire life in the Titonka and Woden areas where he loved farming.

He enjoyed riding horses and visiting with his family and many friends. Floyd was a lifelong member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church and served as past Trustee of Bingham Township.

Floyd is survived by four sisters, Phyllis Janes and her husband, Willis of Britt, Thelma Zwiefel and her husband, Gary of Titonka, Geraldine Bosma and her husband, Howard of Eagan, Minnesota and Mildred Gray and her husband, Melvin of Appleton, Wisconsin; two sisters-in-law, Arliss Ullmann of Buffalo Center and Marcia Ullmann of Titonka; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Henry, Frank and Hank; and one sister, Harriet.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Harry Carpentier, 86

Published November 10, 2004, Page B-5

Harry O. Carpentier, 86, of Forest City, died on Friday, November 5, 2004, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Monday, November 8, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Rev. Lee Laaveg officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Oakland Cemetery in Forest City, with the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Harry Oscar Carpentier, was born on November 10, 1917 in Williston, North Dakota, the son of Leo and Thone (Aamodt) Carpentier. Harry was baptized at the First Lutheran Church in Williston. His mother died when he was less than a year old, so he and his three older brothers were placed in an orphanage in Dubuque, for the next nine years. He returned to Williston where he graduated from high school and then joined the CCC. He was stationed in Montana and moved to Iowa in 1939, where he subsequently met his future wife, Viva Amundson. Harry was employed as a carpenter in San Diego, California, when he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He was a corporal in the Army Corps of Engineers that helped build the Alcan Highway. He received his honorable discharge in 1945.

He was united in marriage with Viva Amundson in December 1945 and the couple have made their home in Forest City since 1949. During his career, Harry worked as a carpenter and later he managed the Southtown Lumber Yard in Forest City. He had been an active member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City since moving there. He was a Cub Scout Master for 10 years, worked at the Neighborhood Food Bank for 10 years and he and Viva spent many years delivering Meals On Wheels and visiting shut-ins. He was passionate about gardening, teaching others his green thumb techniques and sharing the produce with everyone.

Harry is survived by his greatest love, his family, which consists of his wife, Viva; two sons, Lennis and wife, Linda and Galyn and wife, Sue; two granddaughters, Serena Golwitzer and husband, Brian and Molly Carpentier; two great-grandchildren, Thone and Brice Golwitzer.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Ralph, Earl and Richard; and an infant son, Ronly.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Richard Wood, 69

Published November 10, 2004, Page B-5

Richard D. Wood, 69, of Woden, died on Friday, November 5, 2004, at the Westview Care Center in Britt.

Funeral services were held on Monday, at the Cataldo Funeral Home in Woden, with the Rev. Edward Bard, Chaplain of Hospice of North Iowa, officiating. Casket bearers were Ronald Hanna, David Naser, Brian Wood, Jeffrey Wood, Steven Wood, Michael Isebrand, Kevin Wittmeier, James Wood, Joel Gigler and Todd DeWaard. Burial was in the Bingham Township Cemetery, south of Woden with the Cataldo Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Richard Darvin Wood, the son of William Jacob and Ethel Mae (Hammond) Wood, was born on May 20, 1935 in Woden. Richard lived in Woden until entering the Westview Care Center in Britt in 1996 due to ill health. He enjoyed visits from his family and occasional outings with relatives. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Woden.

Richard is survived by seven sisters and four brothers, Lois (Alvin) Hanna of Woden, Lorraine Naser of New Richmond, Wisconsin, Don (Ardith) Wood of Mason City, Leona Chesnut of Springfield, Missouri, William A. (Faith) Wood of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Eugene J. E. (Hazel) Wood of Garner, LaVonne (Don) Isebrand of Woden, Lola Wittmeier of Ft. Dodge, Larry (Betty) Wood of Woden, LaDonna (Don) Gigler of Columbia, Missouri and Linda (Ken) DeWaard of Britt; many nieces and nephews; and numerous great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother in 1972; his father in 1982; three brothers-in-law, Gary Wittmeier, Chuck Chesnut and Wayne Naser; an infant niece, Valerie Jo Wood; and a nephew, Gary Naser.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Cris Zimmerman

Published November 10, 2004, Page B-5

The body of Cris Zimmerman, was found last week in the Sawtooth Mountains near Ketchum, Idaho. Cris had been a missing person since October 29, 2001. A hunter, Kenneth Johnson of Hailey, Idaho, discovered the site and then notified the Blaine County Sheriff's Department who recovered the remains.

Cris was a veteran of the Gulf War (1990-1993) and spent most of his working life after the war as a boat builder for the US Coast Guard. Cris was an accomplished welder and mechanic. His most recent job was as a welder at Stellar Industries in Garner. Cris grew up in Glendale Heights, Illinois and then lived in California and Michigan. Most recently, Cris lived in Forest City, with his twin brother, Cal and sister-in-law, Shanen Aranmór.

Cris enjoyed hiking in the woods, hunting and exploring nature. Cris was in the process of rebuilding a 1967 VW Bug when he left Forest City.

Cris is survived by his parents, Judy and Lee Zimmerman of Daggett, Michigan; twin brother and sister-in-law, Cal and Shanen Aranmór of Forest City; an older brother and sister-in-law, Chad and Vicki Zimmerman of Aurora, Illinois; as well as a host of friends and family in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and the suburbs of Chicago.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

George Rippentrop, 83

Published November 24, 2004, Page B-5

George C. Rippentrop, 83, of Buffalo Center, died on Thursday, November 11, 2004, at the Mercy Health Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, November 20, at the First Reformed Church of Buffalo Center, with Rev. William Peake officiating. Inurnment was in the Graceland Cemetery in Buffalo Center, with the Winter Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

George Cort Rippentrop, was born on May 15, 1921 near Lakota, the son of Cort and Annie (Sleper) Rippentrop. On November 18, 1948, George was united in marriage with Margaret Hippen. George and Margaret farmed southeast of Lakota. He then began working at Ley Motor Company in Lakota doing bodywork, he then worked for the Cooperative Oil Company for 24 years before he retired. George was also employed at Welp, Inc. in Bancroft and at the hog confinement operation southeast of Buffalo Center.

George was a member of the First Reformed Church in Buffalo Center. George successfully completed treatment in 1986. He enjoyed working with mechanics, especially lawn mowers and he also loved to hunt and fish.

George is survived by his sister, Dena Gable of Okoboji; and by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

George was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his sisters, Mary, Annie, Johanna and Elvene; and his brothers, Herman, Cort, Everette and Olfert.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Silence L. Johnson, 82

Published November 17, 2004, Page B-7

Silence Johnson, 82, of Fertile, died on Friday, November 12, 2004, at the Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, November 16, at the Church of Christ in Fertile, with the Rev. Curt Gallmeyer officiating. Burial was in the Grant Center Cemetery in rural Clear Lake, with the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Silence LeWanna, the daughter of Leo and Hazel (Haugen) Stokke, was born on a farm near Fertile, on March 18, 1922. She received her education in rural schools and graduated from the Fertile High School. On April 6, 1940, she married Adolph Johnson at the Church of Christ Parsonage in Fertile. Silence made her home in Fertile her whole life. She worked for a brief time at Nyes Grocery in Fertile, at E. F. Johnson in Clear Lake and DeLuxe Filter in Lake Mills.

She was a long-time member of the Church of Christ in Fertile and active in the Christian Workers. She liked to do cross-stitch, embroidery and knitting. Music was important to her and she treasured time spent with her family. In years past, Silence raised a large garden and enjoyed canning the produce. She loved to be outside feeding the birds and caring for her flowers.

Silence is survived by her children, Gwendolyn Scott of Mason City, Jerry Johnson and special friend, Jana of Floyd and Joel Johnson and wife, Jane of Fertile; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; a sister, Harriet Winden and husband, Richard of Hanlontown; brother-in-law, Raymond McArthur of Pier, South Dakota; and two sisters-in-law, Evelyn Johnson of Mason City and Elvera Olson and husband, Russell of Fairfax, Iowa.

Silence was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Adolph; two brothers, Francis (Jack) Stokke and Wendell Stokke; and a sister, Geraldine McArthur.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Lyle Alan Anderson, 59

Published November 17, 2004, Page B-7

Lyle Alan Anderson, 59, of Emmons, Minnesota, died on Saturday, November 13, 2004, at the Albert Lea Medical Center.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, November 16, at the Emmons Lutheran Church in Emmons. Rev. Julie Fiske officiated. Burial was in the Oak Lawn Cemetery in Emmons, with the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Lyle Alan, was born on December 1, 1944 near Lansing, Minnesota, the son of Julius and Florence (Frost) Anderson. He was baptized at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin, Minnesota and confirmed at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Austin. Lyle was united in marriage with Betty Scott on June 29, 1968, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage. They lived in Austin before moving to their home by Emmons. Lyle worked at Wilson's/Farmstead and Fleetguard for the last 10 years. Lyle had 23 years of sobriety.

Lyle enjoyed attending NASCAR and stockcar races. Farming was Lyle's dream as he was able to help a very special couple, Larry and Donna Bidne, with their field work in the spring and fall. Lyle had a special place in his heart for the children that came to his home for childcare.

Lyle was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will be missed by his wife, Betty; and three children, Terrance of Emmons, Minnesota, Theresa and her friend, James DeMichelis Jr. of Norwalk and Scott and his wife, Michelle of Eyota, Minnesota; four granddaughters, Miette and Mahala Anderson and Gina and Jessica Wolfgram of Eyota, Minnesota; four brothers, Kenneth (Sharon) Anderson of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, Dwayne Anderson (Carolyn Schutz) of Glenville, Minnesota, Russell (Linda) Anderson of Austin, Minnesota and Richard Anderson of Austin, Minnesota; three sisters, Jean (Elden) Huemann of Austin, Karen (Delbert) Kinny of Albert Lea and Lorraine Gullickson of Austin; two sisters-in-law, Carol Anderson and Kathy Anderson, both of Austin; three brothers-in-law, Phillip (Elaine) Scott of Boscobel, Wisconsin, Eldon (Janice) Scott of Forest City and Kevin (Colleen) Scott of Osage; sister-in-law, Patricia (Mark) Evans of Osage; a niece and nephew that he helped raise, Deb Anderson of Mankato, Minnesota and James Anderson of Forest City.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Julian, Irving, Orland, Donald, Nathan and Reuben; sisters, Evelyn, Ora and Esther; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Alvin Hanna, 84

Published November 24, 2004, Page B-5

Alvin W. Hanna, 84, of Woden, died on Sunday, November 14, 2004, at the Westview Care Center, Britt.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, November 17, at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Woden, with the Rev. Arlen Lloyd officiating. Music was provided by organist, Tammy Johnson who accompanied congregational hymns and a vocal duet of Doryce Hanna and Rita Brue. Ushers were Allan Hanna and Tom Larson. Casket bearers were Scott Hanna, Tracy Hanna, Donald Grant, Pence Upchurch, Doug Swingen and Steve Wood. Burial was in the Grant Lutheran Cemetery northeast of Woden. The Cataldo Funeral Home in Woden was in charge of the arrangements.

Alvin Wallace Hanna, the son of Ole and Garda (Gjerde) Hanna, was born on January 9, 1920, on a farm east of Woden. Alvin was baptized and confirmed at the Grant Lutheran Church near Woden. He attended the rural schools of Grant Township. On June 15, 1940, he was united in marriage with Lois Wood at Mason City. They lived and farmed on the farm where he was born. He retired from farming in 1985. Alvin and Lois spent their winters in Texas for 20 years with friends until ill health forced him to stay home.

He enjoyed being with his family and playing golf and pool. Alvin was a lifetime member of the Grant Lutheran Church and served on the church board. He was chairman of the election board for many years and was also a township trustee.

Alvin is survived by his wife, Lois of Woden; two children, Ronald (Arlis) Hanna of Albert Lea, Minnesota and Vicki (Robert) Grant of Latimer; grandchildren, Scott and Tracy Hanna, both of Albert Lea, Minnesota, Penny Hanna Upchurch of Hot Springs, South Dakota, Gail Castillo of Hampton and Don Grant of Overland Park, Kansas; ten great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; two sisters, Sylvia (Orle) Severson and Virginia Wessels, both of Forest City; a sister-in-law, Myrtle Hanna of Mason City; two nieces; and two nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother in 1936; his father in 1964; a brother, Gordon in 1978; and two brothers-in-law, Ray Haugen and Pete Wessels in 1999.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Thomas Berhow, 55

Published November 24, 2004, Page B-5

Thomas R. Berhow, 55, of Buffalo Center, died on Monday, November 15, 2004, after a year's battle with cancer.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, November 20, at 10:30 a.m., at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, with Mr. Perry Aalgaard and Rev. Paul Haugen officiating. Interment with military honors was in the Olena Mount Cemetery in Buffalo Center, with the Winter Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Tom was born on December 1, 1948 in Forest City, the son of Roy and Annie (Lamping Berhow). Tom was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He was a 1967 graduate of the Buffalo Center High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving his country proudly—he was on the aircraft carrier, the USS Coral Sea and was one of many who fought off the coast of Vietnam for the freedom of others. On January 27, 1973, he was united in marriage to Connie Jo Paulsen at the East Side Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Throughout his life, Tom worked at Winnebago Industries of Forest City, for Loren Aukes Fertilizer of Buffalo Center, for Bud Florence of Thompson, for his cousin, Gary Friesenborg out on the farm and for his brother, Don and the Rawhide Ranch in Wellman. He also drove for Denny Wessels of Buffalo Center, a few other trucking companies and most recently L. B. Transport of Buffalo Center. Tom loved trucking and missed it so much, including all his trucking buddies and all those he met on the road. He saw many near-accidents, sadly witnessed some and contended with bad drivers. He, like other truckers, endured long hours, all kinds of weather, sometimes hauling LP to keep us folks warm. He hauled everything from fuel to sugar. He never complained. He came home tired and quiet, just content to go to the pool hall and play cards or pool with his friends, or be home on his computer.

Tom loved the land and was content on a tractor, a combine or whatever he was asked to do. He also enjoyed his fishing trips with his brothers, a circle of love no one else could enter. Tom was well liked and loved for his gentle nature, sense of humor and laughter. Tom's two little granddaughters were his "girls." They loved their "Papa" and won't be the same without him. He was so deeply hurt knowing he would not see them grow up. He so much wanted to see his grandson, Austin before he passed on, but, he was too ill. He thought of him so much near his end.

Tom is survived by his wife, Connie Berhow of Buffalo Center; his children, Jon Berhow, Mindy Brackey and Marcus Berhow, all of Clear Lake; his grandchildren, Reagan Brackey and Monroe Brackey of Clear Lake and Austin Daniel of Tennessee; his brothers, Don Berhow of Buffalo Center, Robert Berhow and his wife, Linda of Miller, Jim Berhow and his wife, Janean of Ames and Randy Berhow and his wife, Mary of Watertown, Minnesota.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Clarence Olson; his brother, Cleo Berhow; his sister, Shirley Wilson and her husband, Cal; and his sister-in-law, Myrtle Berhow.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Gladys Hovland, 95

Published November 24, 2004, Page B-5

Gladys E. Hovland, 95, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, formerly of Lake Mills, died on Friday, November 19, 2004, at the Healtheast White Bear Care Center, White Bear Lake, Minnesota.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, November 23, at the Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills. Rev. Roger Dykstra officiated. Burial was in the Salem Memorial Cemetery, Lake Mills, with the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Larry Bartleson, 65

Published November 24, 2004, Page B-5

Larry Eugene Bartleson, 65, of Flowery Branch, Georgia, died on Sunday, November 21, 2004.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, November 23, at the Christ Lutheran Church in Oakwood, Georgia, with Pastor Andy Seibert officiating. Interment was in the Memorial Park South Cemetery, with the Memorial Park South Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Larry loved politics, gardening, boating, traveling, reading and fishing. He worked 25 years with the Yokohoma Tire Corporation and over 10 years for Firestone, which gave him the opportunity to travel the world. He earned a Bachelor Degree from the University of Iowa and a Masters Degree of International Management from Thunderbird School. He was vice president of The Cat Sitter Ltd.

He is survived by his loving wife of 14 years, Linda; daughters, Mindy Jean Bartleson of Flowery Branch and Dorian J. McCollam of Nashville, Tennessee; son, Kyle Bartleson of Lawrenceville, Georgia; brother, Philip Bartleson of Burlington; sisters, Mary Ann Hodges of Des Moines and Lois Jean Santos of Melbourne, Florida; six grandchildren; and a host of other relatives.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Stella Porter, 96

Published December 1, 2004, Page B-5

Stella Porter, 96, of Forest City, died on Sunday, November 21, 2004, at the Lake Mills Care Center in Lake Mills.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 24, at 10:30 a.m., at the First Congregational Church in Forest City, with Rev. Lee Laaveg, pastor of the Immanuel Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will be in the Clear Lake Cemetery in Clear Lake, with the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Stella Porter, was born in McCallsburg, on March 13, 1908, the daughter of William and Emma (Jenson) Olson. Stella received her elementary education in rural school near Crystal Lake, attended the Forest City High School and went on to beauty school in Des Moines. She worked for three years as a beauty operator and in September of 1932 she married Wayne C. Filble. The couple moved to Mason City in 1948 and made their home there. Mr. Filble passed away in 1953. Stella married Al Porter on June 16, 1957, in Forest City. The couple moved to Clear Lake in 1961, then to Forest City in the mid 1990's. Stella worked at Decker's for 20 years before retiring in 1969.

She loved music, played the piano and organ and liked to go dancing. She was a member of the First Congregation Church in Forest City.

Stella is survived by a sister, Ellen Sandell of Forest City; a brother, Leonard Olson of Mason City; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Wayne and Al; two brothers, Annel and Emory Olson; infant brother, Leonard; and a sister, Irene Righter.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Gerrish M. Severson, 94

Published December 1, 2004, Page B-5

Gerrish Severson, 94, of Huxley and formerly of Forest City, died on Monday, November 22, 2004, at The Village Health Care Center in Indianola.

Memorial services were held on Friday, November 26, at The Village Centre Lounge in Indianola. Burial was in the Bethlehem Cemetery in Slater, with the Overton Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Gerrish Monroe, was born on October 6, 1910 in Blairsburg, the son of George and Minnie Larson Severson. Gerrish was united in marriage with Elsie Mae Olson on May 15, 1937 in Slater. He earned his Bachelors, Masters and Ph.D. Degrees at Iowa State University and retired from Waldorf College as Dean of Instruction.

Gerrish is survived by his very devoted wife, Elsie; son, Gary (Linda) Severson of Bloomington,  Illinois;  two brothers, Dr. Wayne (Maxine) Severson of West Des Moines and George J. (Mary) Severson of Iowa Falls; two grandsons, David and Steven Anderson, both of California.

He was preceded in death by one son; two daughters; and two brothers.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

Dean L. Heiny, 78

Published December 1, 2004, Page B-5

Dean L. Heiny, 78, of Lake Mills, died on Friday, November 26, 2004, at his home in Lake Mills.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, November 30, at the Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills, with Rev. Kevin Mackey officiating. Burial was in the Salem Memorial Cemetery in Lake Mills, with military honors performed by the Lake Mills Otto/Chose Post #235. The Mittelstadt Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Dean LuVerne Heiny, was born on October 7, 1926 in Albert Lea, Minnesota, the son of Le. E. (Mel) and Grace (Shaw) Heiny. The family moved to Lake Mills when Dean was an infant. He was baptized and confirmed at the Asbury Methodist Church and lived his entire life in Lake Mills. He attended the Lake Mills Community Schools, graduated from LMHS "Class of 1944". He entered the United States Navy in 1944, was discharged on November 4, 1944, as an Apprentice Seaman, he received an honorable medical discharge.

Dean was united in marriage to Dorothy Martinson in 1950 in Lake Mills. She died in June 1962. He married Alberta Pestorious on July 25, 1969, in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Dean worked for the city of Lake Mills after he was discharged and attended the Dunwoody Institute for a short time. He then went overseas to Guam to work on construction for nearly two years. He formed Heiny Electric, which he had until his retirement in 1988. He continued to work part-time until failing health.

Dean was a volunteer for the Lake Mills Fire Department for nearly 20 years and a member of the Albert Lea Elks, Lake Mills American Legion for 59 years, Ducks Unlimited and the Izaak Walton League. Dean was a sportsman, enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and spending time with his friends at Dave's 66 and at the Lake Mills Senior Citizens. Dean loved his family. He was "one of a kind" and will be remembered for his antics.

He is survived by his wife, Alberta; four step-daughters, Debra Merriman, Susan Kiel, Patricia Severson and Mary Ellen Warns; 15 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Josephine Hovland; two granddaughters from his son Frank, Jennifer and Kelli and special granddaughter, Melissa Johnson.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Bernice Nelson; a brother, Glen Heiny; brothers-in-law, Harley Nelson and Carlyle (Monk) Hovland; his first wife, Dorothy, a son, Frank in 1985; step-son, Jeffrey W. Severson in 2004; and grandson-in-law, Jason Johnson in 2002.
© 2004 Forest City Summit

J. T. Riherd, 24

Published December 8, 2004, Page B-5

J. T. Riherd, 24, died on Sunday, November 28, 2004, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, December 2, at the United Methodist Church in Britt, with the Rev. Robert Dodge officiating. Music was provided by organist, Tammy Johnson who accompanied soloist, Darcy Eisenman and congregational hymns. Ushers were Dennis Zuehl and Scott Johnson. Casket bearers were Matt Zadow, Scott Hudspeth, Jeremy Nedved, Scott Redman, Ryan Waltman and Tom Erdahl. Burial was in the Crystal Township Cemetery, Crystal Lake, with the Cataldo Funeral Home of Britt in charge of the arrangements.

John Thomas Riherd, the son of Timothy Arnold Riherd and Sherri Louise (Swisher) Schrandt, was born on July 31, 1980 at Britt. J. T. attended school at Crystal Lake and Britt. He was employed at North Iowa Wood Products in Belmond.

He enjoyed working with wood and cars. His pride and joy was his son, Zebastian. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Crystal Lake.

J. T. is survived by his son, Zebastian Riherd of Britt; fiancée, Shay Depue of Britt; mother, Sherri (Don) Schrandt of Britt; father, Tim (Cheryl) Riherd of Crystal Lake; three sisters, Gina Riherd of Britt, Katie Riherd of Crystal Lake and Carla Riherd of Britt; two step-sisters, Shannon (Jamie) Pascual of Hayfield and Stephanie Bonjour of Minneapolis, Minnesota; maternal grandmother, Jean Swisher of Britt; paternal grandparents, Tom and Delores Riherd of Kanawha; paternal step-grandmother, Vi Swanson of Sheffield; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Allen Riherd; maternal grandfather, Fred Swisher; and paternal step-grandfather, Larry Swanson.
© 2004 Forest City Summit