Wayne Harold Dietrich
Published February 2, 2005

Wayne Harold Dietrich, 81, of rural Kensett, died Thursday, Jan. 27, 2005, at his home. Funeral services were held on Monday, Jan. 31, 2005, at the Bethany Lutheran Church, 600 5th Street, Kensett, with Reverend Allan J. Stoa officiating. Burial will be in the Kensett Cemetery with military graveside honors by the Edward Tosel American Legion Post #110, Manly. Visitation was held at Bride Colonial Chapel, Manly, Monday at the church.

Wayne Harold Dietrich was born on Aug. 18, 1923, in Manly, the son of Carl and Anna (Wemken) Dietrich. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He attended and received his education in the Hanlontown Community schools, graduating from Hanlontown High School. He was inducted into the U.S. Army on Jan. 18, 1946, at Ft. Snelling, MN. and served in Co F 23rd Infantry Reg. until his honorable discharge on July 17, 1947, at Ft. Lewis, Washington. He was united in marriage to Clarice Narveson on August 28, 1949, at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Kensett by the Reverend Sigmond. Wayne started farming shortly after their marriage and semi-retired in 1986. He continued to help his son Brad farm from 1988 until the time of Wayne's death. Wayne retired from American Crystal Sugar Company in Mason City in 1988 after 20 years of service. He was president of Manly Co-Operative Creamery, and worked for the ASC office in Northwood. He was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church in Kensett and the Edward Tosel American Legion Post #110, of Manly.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Clarice Dietrich of Kensett; three children; Karla Brink and her husband Doug of Manly, Wayne Dietrich Jr., and his wife Belinda of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, and Bradley Dietrich and his wife Tresa of Manly; five grandchildren; Jaren Ostercamp and her husband Brad of Issaquah, Washington, Jessi Brink of Rochester, Minnesota, Shane Brink of Chicago, Illinois, and Anna and Emme Dietrich of Manly; one great-granddaughter; Crosby Ostercamp of Issaquah, Washington; two sisters; Edna Dahl of Manly and Mildred Lee and her husband Raymond of Manly; two brothers; Leonard Dietrich and his wife Lila of Manly, and Glen Dietrich and his wife Dorothy of Clear Lake; as well as other relatives and many friends.

His parents; Carl and Anna Dietrich and a sister, Olga Dietrich who died in infancy, preceded him in death.

Irving Arnold Flatness
Published February 2, 2005

Irving Arnold Flatness, 86, of Northwood, died on Jan. 25, 2005, at Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, after complications of pneumonia. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 28, 2005, at Deer Creek Lutheran Church, Carpenter, IA with Rev. Lance Kittleson officiating. Burial will be at Deer Creek Cemetery at Carpenter. Visitation was held at Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood.

Irving was the oldest of the six children that Palmer and Hattie had. He was a hardworking man, who did not have much formal education, but taught himself a lot throughout his life. He confirmed his baptism and faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior in the Lutheran Church. Irving married Olga Beulah Bakken on March 15, 1942 in Clarks Grove, MN. Irving worked hard farming, milking cows, custom combining trucking, which he really enjoyed a lot. He had a sense of humor and like the Flatness' men, liked to razz others. In their early years of marriage Olga and Irving liked to go dancing at the Terp in Austin, MN. In the late 70's, 80's and early 90's they enjoyed camping around the area—they even experienced Black Hills, Wisconsin Dells and Branson. They enjoyed meeting others and visiting. They visited their neighbors in Deer Creek a lot and enjoyed playing cards. Irving retired from farming in 1984, but stayed on the farm for 11 more years because Olga loved the farm. In retirement they enjoyed going to sales. In 1995 they moved to Northwood on Shellrock Drive where he lived until he was taken to the hospital on Sunday afternoon. For more than 10 years Irving cared for Olga, who had Alzheimer's, until we knew she needed to be in a care facility in November 2000. He really loved and did so much for Olga so she could stay in her home.

David, Irving's son and wife Brenda of Clear Lake will cherish the many memories they have made together over the years, along with grandson Douglas and wife Sara of Lincoln, Nebraska and their children Rumer, Macy and Ridge; granddaughter Dawn Wright and husband Jason of Le Blanc, LA and their children Abigail, Andrew, and Matthew; and grandson Scott David of West Des Moines, IA. He has two surviving brothers; Kenneth Flatness and wife Arlene and Glenn Flatness and wife Arlene, all of Albert Lea, MN. He has many nieces and nephews.

Olga, his wife, died 1.5 years ago and Sharon, his daughter who died 32.5 years ago will welcome Irving, a child of God to his heavenly home.  Morris Flatness, Arlene Saltou and Doris Jensen preceded Irving in death.

Mildred I. Slattum
Published February 2, 2005

Mildred I. Slattum, 94, of Albert Lea, passed away Friday, Jan. 21, 2005, at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City. Funeral Services were held Wednesday, Jan. 26 at the Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Marcia Hall officiated.

Mildred (Field) Slattum was born on Feb. 23, 1910, to Ida (Finsaas) and Martin O. Field at rural Fertile, IA. She was baptized at Beaver Creek Lutheran Church. She graduated from Fertile High School and then attended Cedar Falls Teaching College. She was a country school teacher for several years. On May 16, 1930, Mildred married Irvin Slattum at Osage, IA. They farmed in the Joice areas for many years. Irvin and Mildred enjoyed many winters in Tucson, AZ, returning home in the spring to raise strawberries. They were members of Winnebago Lutheran Church. Irvin and Mildred moved to Albert Lea in 1976. They were members of Trinity Lutheran Church. Mildred was a gifted writer and enjoyed sharing her keen sense of humor in this and many other ways. Mildred spent the last twelve years at Knutson Place Apartments.

Grateful for sharing in her life are her three daughters and sons-in-law: Marilyn and Dale Otto of Center, TX, Yvonne and Adrain Hestness of Albert Lea and Marlys and Stan Nederhoff of Mason City; six grandchildren: Susan and her husband Harry Stephens of Hallsville, TX, Julie and her husband Gary Rholes of Center, TX, Ellen and her husband Todd Johnson of Bloomington, MN, Tim and his wife Mary Hestness of Edina, Steve and his wife Becky Hestness, Apple Valley and Darin Nederhoff of Mason City; 14 great grandchildren: Katie and Darla Haugland, Alyssa Peterson, Justin and his wife Robin Peterson, Jessica, Eric, Blake and Kristin Johnson, Amanda and Ben Hestness, and Kayla, Darby, Brett and Trevor Hestness. She is also survived by two sisters: Bernice Tweed of Decorah and Gladys Almelien of Joice, one sister-in-law, Eileen Field of Belmond, IA, a special relative Alice Bjerke; and many nieces and nephews.

She was welcomed into Heaven by her husband, Irvin, who preceded her in death in 1983. Also preceding her were her parents; three sisters; Evelyn Kingland, Antoinette Brodigan and Palma Johnson; a brother, Marlin Field; a granddaughter Diane Hestness.

Emma Hayson
Published February 2, 2005

Emma Hayson was born Nov. 1, 1916, to Henry and Katherine (Knaub) Schwindt in Kansas where she grew up and attended school. She moved to Minnesota in the early 1940s. On April 16, 1935, Emma was united in marriage to Thomas R. Hayson, Sr. in Albert Lea. She worked in various private homes, including caring for Don Oliphant for 14 years.

Survivors include her children: Tom and his wife, Kindra Hayson of Albert Lea, Barbara and her husband, Gaylord Anderson of Northwood, and Sanford and his wife Ana Hayson of Columbia of South America; grandchildren: Rita Anderson, Carla Anderson, Lori and her husband, Mark Haugebak, Calvin Anderson, Tonya Lynch, Chad and his wife, Suzan Hayson, Dodd Hayson, Jessica Hayson, and Ben Hayson.

Emma was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Thomas, sisters: Kathrine Stroud, Mary Jones, Lydia Markley, and Bertha Kraft; and brothers, John Schwindt, George Schwindt, and Henry Schwindt.

Bernedetta "Bea" Bernice Brackey
Published February 9, 2005

Bernedetta "Bea" Bernice Brackey, 91, of Northwood, died Thursday, February 03, 2005, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood. Funeral services were held Monday, Feb. 7, 2005, at the First Lutheran Church, 309 North 9th Street, Northwood, with Reverend Wayne Hagen officiating. Burial was held in the Madison Cemetery in Forest City. Visitation was held on Monday at the church. Conner Colonial Chapel, 1008 First Ave. South, Northwood, is in charge of the arrangements.

Bernedetta "Bea" Bernice Etzen was born on July 24, 1913, in Woden, IA, the daughter of Peter and Mary (Barth) Etzen . She graduated from Hayfield, Iowa, High School. She was united in marriage to Alfred Brackey on Feb. 14, 1935, in Forest City, and to this union seven children were born. Bea worked at various jobs and was a housekeeper in Albert Lea for several years before moving to Northwood in 1974, to be near her daughter, Arlys Reeder. Bea was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed playing cards, watching TV, crossword puzzles, and sitting at the Hotel with Harry and Arlys, and visiting with her extended family, Jr., and Nancy. Bea also loved to bake and was well known for her brownies, banana cream pies and angel food birthday cakes. She was a member of First Lutheran Church, Mary Circle, Alter Guild, First Lutheran Church Women's club, and Senior Citizens where she served as Treasurer, all in Northwood.

Left to cherish her memory are her children; Arlys Reeder and her husband Harry of Northwood, Alfred Brackey Jr., and his wife Delores of Waukegan, IL, Garvin Brackey of Coon Rapids, MN, Barbara Anderson and her husband Richard of St. Paul, MN, Mary Lee Brackey of Mankato, MN, and Thomas Brackey and his wife Kathleen of Oakdale, MN; 12 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren; two sisters; Irene Cook of Clear Lake, and Louise Hanson of LeRoy, MN; one brother; Ed Etzen and wife Dorothy of Forest City; several nieces, nephews, as well as other relatives and friends. Bea was very proud of her family, grandchildren and great grandchildren and will be greatly missed by all her family.

Her parents; husband, Alfred; an infant daughter, Rosell Brackey; an infant grandson, Scott Reeder; an infant great grandson, Nathan Geffert and a daughter-in-law; Lois Brackey; three brothers, Enno, Pete, and John Etzen, and two sisters, Grace Larson and Rose Peterson, preceded her in death.

Updated by Chuck Prickett 2/11/2005

N. Gene Stumo
Published February 16, 2005

N. Gene Stumo, 71, of Northwood, died Saturday, Feb. 12, 2005, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City. Memorial services will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2005, at the Elk Creek Lutheran Church, rural Kensett, with Reverend Allan J. Stoa officiating. Inurnment will be in the Elk Creek Lutheran Church Cemetery with military graveside honors by "Our Buddies" VFW Memorial Post #6779 of Northwood. Visitation was held from 4 until 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood. According to his wishes his body will be cremated.

N. Gene Stumo was born on April 9, 1933, in Hayward, MN, the son of Gerhard Joseph and Julia Harriet (Holstad) Stumo. He attended Brookfield Township elementary school and graduated from Kensett High School class of 1951. Gene was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1953, and fought in the Korean Conflict until his honorable discharge on Dec. 28, 1954. He was united in marriage to Ilyce Nelson on Nov. 19, 1955, at the Elk Creek Lutheran Church. Gene began farming in 1955 and farmed in the Northwood area until 1980, when he began working for Winnebago Industry in Forest City and worked for them for over 15 years until his retirement. He enjoyed going to the Corner Post Restaurant in Northwood, mowing lawns, watching sports on TV, and being involved in the Kensett Variety Show, but his great love and enjoyment was his family and grandchildren. He was a member of Elk Creek Lutheran Church, church choir for 50 years, Men's Bible Study group, former member of Elk Creek Lutheran Church Council, Kensett Variety Show, Elk Creek Lutheran Church Cemetery Board, "Our Buddies" VFW Memorial Post #6779 of Northwood, and the Kensett Lions Club.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife; Ilyce Stumo of Northwood; three sons, Scott Stumo and his wife Chloe Ann of Northwood, Dan Stumo and special friend, Julie Schutz of Northwood, and Donavon Stumo and his wife Anne-Marie of Northwood; five grandchildren; Jessica Beyer of Madelia, Minnesota, Jaime Wathall and her husband David of Carrolton, Texas, Nikole Unger and her husband Carl of Prior Lake, Minnesota, Keith Stumo of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Shelby and Kyle Stumo of Northwood; a sister, Helen Olness and her husband Roger of Benson, MN; two brothers, Charles Stumo and his wife Mary of Northwood, and David Stumo and his wife Clarice of Paynesville, MN; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law; Ann Baker and her husband Tom of Wayzata, MN; as well as other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and aunts and uncles.

Raymond Eugene Quam
Published February 16, 2005

Raymond Eugene Quam, 90 of Albert Lea, died Monday, Feb. 7, 2005, at the Good Samaritan Center in Albert Lea. The funeral service was held Thursday, Feb. 10 at the Manchester Evangelical Lutheran Church, Manchester. The Rev. Dennis Schmidt officiated. Interment was in Round Prairie Cemetery. Visitation was held on Wednesday, Feb. 9 at Bonnerup Funeral Service.

Ray was born on Sept. 24 1914, in Freeborn County, the son of Halver and Gina (Jacobson) Quam. He was the youngest of nine children. On Oct. 21, 1939 he married Pearl Wright in Northwood, IA. Throughout his life he lived in Freeborn County. He farmed and did construction work and enjoyed taking care of his acreage. He was a member of Manchester Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Raymond is survived by four children; Kenneth Quam and his wife Doris of Northwood; Pauline Nielsen of Albert Lea; Kathleen and her husband Ronald Larson of Eau Claire, WI and Katherine and her husband Lowell Attig of Twin Lakes; 12 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife; great-grandson, Steve Neilson and all of his brothers and sisters.

Leonard M. Calkins
Published February 16, 2005

Leonard M. Calkins, 85, of 802 16th St. NE, died Thursday, February 3, 2005, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit. Funeral services were held on Monday at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue with Rev. Kathy Graves, Director of Spiritual Care Hospice of North Iowa officiating. Interment was in Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery. Full military rites will be conducted by the Mason City Veterans Memorial Association. Memorials may be given to the Leonard M. Calkins Memorial Fund.

Leonard was born Oct. 13, 1919, in Swaledale, IA, the son of Frank and Mable (Anderson) Calkins. He married Bernice "Bee" Beier Mar. 19, 1939, in Manly, IA. Leonard entered the service in 1942. He served in the 10th Mountain Division in Italy and Africa. While in combat, he helped Bob Dole off the battlefield after Dole had been wounded. Some years later, Senator Dole visited Leonard at the television station in Mason City. Following his honorable discharge in 1945, Leonard returned home serving in the National Guard for 9 years. He attained the rank of Master Sergeant. Leonard worked for KGLO Television for 35 years. He was a cameraman then received his Electronic Engineering degree. Leonard was a member of the Moose Lodge, VFW Post #733 and the American Legion. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and pool.

Leonard is survived by two daughters, Sharon R. Swanson and husband Bill of Northwood, Linda K. Edwards and husband Joe D. Carroll of Minneapolis, MN; grandchildren, Jody L. Harrington and husband Troy of St. Charles, IL, Trudy L. Capitani and husband Dave of Northwood, Cale Y. Edwards and special friend Michelle Smith of Savage, MN, great grandchildren, Weston and Vaughn Harrington, Spencer and Chandler Capitani; twin brother, Leland "Dude" Calkins and wife Janiece of Mason City; nephews, Leon Calkins of Tucson, AZ, Cecil Calkins and wife Peggy of Granger; special friend, Juanita Cole of Clear Lake.

Updated by Chuck Prickett 2/18/2005

Max Vernon Exner
Published February 23, 2005

Max Vernon Exner, 94, died Thursday, Dec. 30, 2004, at Israel Family Hospice House in Ames.

Exner was a leader in choral music in Iowa for six decades. Max served in the Extension Service as State Music Specialist from 1947 until 1980. In this role, he conducted a statewide leadership training program for community, church, and youth leaders that included singing, music appreciation, and folk dancing. Max Exner directed statewide festivals of Iowa’s County Women’s Choruses, led music and dramatic productions for youth organizations and camps, and wrote and directed programs for annual 4-H state conferences. Max’s choral compositions have been printed by seven publishers. Anyone who knew or sang under Max in 4-H or a county women’s chorus is invited to come and lend their voice and remembrances at a memorial celebration Saturday, March 5, at the United Church of Christ, Congregational in Ames. Willing participants may rehearse choral selections composed by Max Exner at 10 a.m. The Celebration begins at noon with a potluck performances in the church sanctuary, folk dancing, and ringing the peace bell. Please contact Rick Exner for details or to request sheet music, (515)292-6802, dnexner@iastate.edu, 3112 Ellis St., Ames, IA 50014

Rev. David Q. Hawbaker
Published February 23, 2005

Rev. David Q. Hawbaker, age 94, of Blue Earth, formerly of Elmore, MN, and Lake Mills, IA, died on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2005, at his home in Blue Earth, MN. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2005, at Shiloh Lutheran Church in Elmore, MN, with Pastor Arlon Lee of River of Life Worship Center in Blue Earth and Pastors John and Nancy Alexander of New Hope Tabernacle in Lake Mills officiating. Burial took place in Riverview Cemetery in Elmore, MN. Visitation was Monday, Feb. 21, 2005, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Winter Funeral Home, 105 S. Grove St. in Blue Earth and was one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be directed to missions at Shiloh Lutheran Church in Elmore, MN, River of Life Worship Center in Blue Earth, MN, or to New Hope Tabernacle in Lake Mills, IA.

David Quinten Hawbaker was born March 17, 1910, at Dallas County, IA, the son of Levi K. and Ella E. (Miracle) Hawbaker. He attended country school near Bancroft, IA. In 1927, the Hawbaker family moved to rural Elmore, MN, where David helped his parents' farm. On Aug. 15, 1930, David was united in marriage with Opal Swadley at Elmore, MN. During their time in Elmore, Dave worked as a Fuller Brush Man for 15 years in addition to various other jobs he held. In 1960, the couple moved to Lake Mills. While in Lake Mills, David owned and operated Dave's Lawn and Garden Service, helping customers in the North Iowa area from 1960 until 1988. In 1964, David was ordained and filled the position as pastor at the Highway Chapel in Forest City, IA, for five years, and subsequently filled in for vacationing pastors throughout the region. David and Opal's greatest sermons were preached by the example of their lives. In their retirement since 1988, David and Opal have attended Shiloh Lutheran Church in Elmore and River of Life Worship Center in Blue Earth.

Survivors include his wife of 74 years, Opal; five children, Mildred Barton and her husband, Harold of Kerrville, TX, David Lester Hawbaker and his wife, Juanita of Seattle, WA, Marijane Bard of Mansfield OH, Elsie Wood and her husband, Bill of Garland, TX, and Retha Hanson and her husband, Charles of Garland, TX; 13 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Levi and Ella; three brothers; one sister; and a son-in-law, Eddie Bard.

Updated by Chuck Prickett 2/24/2005