Clarence Orlando Sorbo
Published January 5, 2005

Clarence Orlando Sorbo, 94, of Lake Mills, Iowa, died Sunday Dec. 26, 2004, at Muse Norris Hospice Unit in Mason City, IA. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 30, 2004, at Silver Lake Lutheran Church in rural Northwood with Rev. Thomas Hagen officiating. Burial was in Oak Lawn Cemetery in Emmons, MN.

Clarence Orlando Sorbo was born on July 28, 1910, to Gustav & Gena (Haugerud) Sorbo on a farm near Rice Lake in Winnebago County, IA. He was baptized in the basement of the Silver Lake Lutheran Church shortly before the church building was relocated from the cemetery to the current location. In the spring of 1918, His family moved from the Rice Lake area to a farm along the north shore of Silver Lake in Worth County. He was confirmed at Silver Lake Lutheran Church in 1925. Clarence was united in marriage to Irene Bendickson on June 10, 1934, in Northwood, IA. They lived on the Silver Lake farm raising a family, crops, livestock, chickens and for several years delivered eggs to homes and businesses in the surrounding area. In 2001 they moved to an apartment in Lake Mills and in September of 2004 Clarence entered Lake Mills Care Center, Lake Mills, IA. He enjoyed visiting with family and friends and always had a good story to tell. He played banjo and guitar, went fishing when he could, and listened to the Twins baseball games whenever possible.

Clarence is survived by his wife, Irene Sorbo, their five children, Senora (Dean E) Holstad of Lake Mills, IA, Gaylord (Vivian) Sorbo on The Family Farm, Northwood, IA, Clarine (Ayodeji) Coker of Council Bluffs, IA, Clifford (Sue) Sorbo of Newton, IA, Linda (Bill) Ward of Lake Mills, IA. 19 Grandchildren, Michael (Ellen) Holstad of Thompson, IA, Diane (Ross) Honsey of Emmons, MN, Randy (Dorene) Holstad of Lake Mills, IA, Connie (Ronald) Arispe of Clear Lake, IA, Lori (Terry) Peterson of Hugo, MN, Danny (Jennifer) Holstad of West Branch, IA, Gustavus (Jill) Sorbo of Mankato, MN, Sonja (Yurry) Alamsya of Forest City, IA, Richard Sorbo & fiancé Shannon Steffen of Lakefield, MN, Otis (Melissa) Sorbo of Waldorf, MN, Ayodeji (Ado) Coker of Brooklyn, NY, Christianah Coker & fiancé John Jackson of Atlanta, GA, Olusegun (Shawntelle) Coker of Nashville, TN, Oluseyi Coker of Kanawha, IA, Ololade Coker & fiancé Abiodun Oluyomi of Iowa City, IA, Eric (Aaren) Sorbo of Newton, IA, Melissa (Sean) Wiechman of West Des Moines, IA, Suzanne Sorbo of Houston, TX, Kevin (Mary) Peterson of Joice, IA, 26 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great Great Grandchild. One brother Glenn (Mary) Sorbo, Northwood, IA, brother-in-law Glen (Margaret) Bendickson, sister-in-law Jeanette Harmon, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and sister-in-law, Alfred and Arlene Sorbo, brothers-in-law, Endre, Harlan & Elthon Bendickson, & one son-in-law, Dennis Peterson. Memories of Clarence will be cherished by a multitude of family & friends.

Joshua Cale Schroeder
Published January 5, 2005

Joshua Cale Schroeder, 27, Northwood, died on Dec. 28, 2004, at University Hospitals, Iowa City, IA. Funeral service were held on Monday, Jan. 3, 2005, at 10:30 a.m. at the Northwood United Methodist Church, Northwood, with Rev. Wendi Gillan officiating. Burial was held at Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood. Visitation was held on Sunday, Jan. 2, 2005, at Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood.

Joshua was born on Sept. 9, 1977, in Clinton, IA, to Ronald and Brenda (Merkel) Schroeder. He graduated from Mason City High School in 1999. Joshua worked at Opportunity Village in Clear Lake, Iowa.

Joshua is survived by his father Ron Schroeder (Peggy) of Clinton, Iowa; mother Brenda (Jim) Meland of Northwood; sister, Lindsay Meland of Northwood; step sisters Marcy Huizenga of Wyoming, Michigan, and Sarah Riedmann of Clinton, Iowa; maternal grandparents, Don and Pat Merkel of LeClaire, Iowa; paternal grandmother Betty Schroeder of Clinton, Iowa; aunt, Carolyn Christner of LeClaire, Iowa; uncle DeWayne Merkel of LeClaire, Iowa and uncle Roger Schroeder of Clinton, Iowa; and numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Homer and half brother Samuel.

Charles “Skip” Buchanan
Published January 12, 2005

Charles “Skip” Buchanan, 65, died on Crooked Lake, WI, on Jan. 4 while snowmobiling. Funeral services were held at Ewen Untied Methodist Church with Pastor Ted Trudgeon officiating.

Skip was born on April 20, 1939, to Eleanor Oakland Buchanan and Robert Buchanan. He was baptized Oct. 3, 1939, at Gordonsville Methodist Church. He graduated from Northwood High School and worked at Streeters until 1967. He then moved his family to Colorado where he started his own business as a contractor. In 1985 he relocated to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where he owned and maintained Lac La Belle Resort. He considered himself a Jack-Of-All-Trades but was considered by everyone a Master Carpenter. Skip was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and working with his hands as well as being around family and friends.

He is survived by mother, Eleanor Buchanan and children Cyndi, Chris, Doug, LeAnn, Charles and Jacob. His grandchildren include Nicole, Kirsten, Stephanie, Ryan, Cassandre, Brittanie, Colette, Alex, Nathan, Gabrielle, Hannah, Oscar and Sadie.

He was preceded in death by father, Robert Buchanan.

Joseph H. Bergen
Published January 12, 2005

Joseph H. Bergen, age 65, of Minneapolis, died unexpectedly on January 7, 2005, at his home in Minneapolis. Services will be held at 12 noon on Thursday, January 13, 2005 at Lakewood Chapel, 3600 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis. Memorials are preferred to donors choice.

He was born February 1, 1939, and grew up in Northwood. Joe had a rich life. He traveled the world and was a lifelong student of languages. He enjoyed music, art, good wine and food and most of all a diversity of good friends.

He is survived by a brother Dr. Richard Bergen (Judith), Austin, MN; sisters Ann Osten (Thomas), Spokane, WA; and Susan Bergen, Minneapolis; nieces Katie McLagan (Matthew) and nephews Thomas Bergen (Beth), Mark Bergen, and Edward and Robert Osten.

Carroll Dean (Sam) Schmidt
Published January 12, 2005

Carroll Dean (Sam) Schmidt, 71, of Manly died Thursday, January 6, 2005, at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City, surrounded by his family. Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m.. Monday at Bethel United Methodist Church, 403 E. South Street, Manly, with Rev. Robert Cumings, officiating. Burial was in Manly Cemetery, Manly, where full military honors were conducted by members of Edward Tosel Post # 110, Manly.

Carroll Dean Schmidt was born November 14, 1933, at Northwood, a son of Fred and Alma (Olson) Schmidt. He graduated from Northwood High School in 1952, joined the Army in 1953, serving 2 years in the 432nd Engineers Battalion in Germany as a heavy equipment operator. He married Wanda Marie Reynolds on Nov. 23, 1957, at Mason City. Sam and Wanda began their family in Mason City before moving to Manly in 1969, where they have resided ever since. Sam worked at Libby -Owens-Ford, Mason City from the day it opened in May 1967 until the day it closed in November 1991. Known as "Smitty" at LOF, he took early retirement when the Mason City plant closed. He chose to continue working at Fleet Guard before retiring to his garage in 1995. Sam was a Minnesota Vikings fan who enjoyed playing cards with his family and friends, wood-working in the garage, fishing, buying anything for a buck at local auctions, family celebrations in Carpenter and spending time with his grandchildren.

Left to cherish his memory are his five children, David Schmidt, Mason City; Theresa Corell and her husband Ron, Manly; Carrie Schmidt and Jennifer Schallock, Charles City; Tracy Schmidt, Clear Lake; and Cristy Cooper, Manly; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; eight grand-dogs; dear friend, Julie Neuberger, and son in law, Scott Cooper. Sam was known as "Grandpa Sam" to many.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Wanda, two sons, Donny and Dean, his brothers; Harold, Ralph, Russell, and Roger, and his sisters, Betty Butler, Ruth Wedgewood, and Dorothy Gentz.

Inez I. Ott
Published January 12, 2005

Inez I. Ott, 82, of Waterloo, died Monday, Jan. 3, 2005, at Covenant Medical Center. Service was held Friday, Jan. 7, 2005, at Zion Lutheran Church, with burial at Concordia Cemetery.

Inez was born April 4, 1922, in rural Worth County, the daughter of Clarence A. and Mandeline Hoel Brunsvold. She married Dale H. Ott Aug. 23, 1947, at Concordian Evangelical Lutheran Church, Worth County. Inez was a graduate of Kensett High School and Luther College. While at Luther, she was editor of the Luther College Chips. Shortly after graduation, she taught in the Hartley School District. Along with being a loving compassionate mother to her five sons, she was a substitute teacher for the Waterloo District. Inez was an active member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, where she helped with vacation Bible school, was a member of the Ruth Circle and was also church librarian. She also volunteered at Allen Hospital.

Survivors include her husband; five sons, David L. of San Antonio, TX, Gregory D. (Suzan) of Sheridan OR, Brian A. (Valerie) of Elk Run Heights, Steven W. of Waterloo and Jeff O. (Julie) of Peoria, ILL; 15 grandchildren, Lindsey, Michael, Trevor, Tiffany, Lukas, Ryan, Derek, Taylor, Andrew, Kristin, Brianne, Tarrin, Jessica, Zachary and Jordan Ott; and a sister, Sylvia (Emerson) Evans of Northwood.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Brenda Faye Buck
Published January 19, 2005

Brenda Faye Buck, 39, 609 N. 3rd St., Clear Lake, IA, died Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2005, at Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa, Mason City, IA. Funeral services were held Monday, Jan. 17, 1:30 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 112 N. 4th St. Clear Lake, IA with Lay Assistant Richard Scott officiating. Visitation was held Sunday from 4 until 7 p.m. at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel. Interment was held Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Clear Lake Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Brenda F. Buck Memorial Fund.

Brenda was born July 26, 1965, in Mason City, IA, the daughter of Rogar and Marilyn (Urbatch) Cooper. She graduated from Northwood-Kensett High School in 1984. Brenda worked at the Mile Post 194 Truck Stop in Clear Lake as a waitress. Brenda married Joseph Buck on May 18, 1990, at the Lakeside Church, Clear Lake, IA. She worked at Opportunity Village and was currently working for AEA 267 at Educare & Gerard of Iowa as a Para-educator. She also worked part time at Players in Clear Lake. Brenda was always there for her friends and was known as a social butterfly. She loved crafts and fishing with her husband. She treasured every moment with her family and friends. She helped with Toys for Tots and was a bell ringer for the Salvation Army. Brenda was a member of Zion Lutheran Church.

Brenda is survived by her husband Joe Buck, Clear Lake, IA; two sons Benjamin and Brody Buck, Clear Lake, IA; her mother Marilyn Cooper, Kensett, IA; sister Annette Cooper "Net", Clear Lake, IA; Aunts, Uncles, Nieces and Nephews; a special Angel friend Kathy Toye Prins, Rock Falls, IA; and a host of other special friends.

Brenda was preceded in death by her father Rogar Cooper, mother-in-law Carole Buck, paternal grandparents Emery and Velma Cooper, and maternal grandparents Eldred and Lucille Urbatch.

Margaret J., Nydegger
Published January 19, 2005

Margaret J., Nydegger, 86, of Manly died Sunday, Jan. 16, 2005, at The Homestead Assisted Living Residence, Mason City. Funeral services were  held 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2005, at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd St NE, Mason City, with Rev. Robert Cumings, officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City. Visitation was held from 11:30 a.m., at the funeral chapel. Memorials may be given to the Bolan United Methodist Church or Hospice of North Iowa.

Margaret Josephine Nydegger was born April 14, 1918, at Mason City, the daughter of Joseph and Agnes (Kratoska) Ditzler. She married Walter Nydegger in 1940; he preceded her in death in 1968. In 1973, she married Elmer Williams; he preceded her in death in 1991. Margaret attended Mason City schools and was a graduate of Mason City High School. For several years she worked at Hermanson Dairy, Mason City. Later she resumed her education, attending Mason City Junior College, earning a teaching certificate. Margaret taught kindergarten for 27 years at Grafton and St. Ansgar schools. During this time she earned a bachelor's degree from Drake University. A licensed pilot, Margaret loved to travel and enjoyed dancing. She was very active in her later years, learning to downhill ski at the age of 60. She taught English in Japan for a short time. Margaret was active in the Bolan United Methodist Church, Bolan; and held memberships in the Ninety-niner's, a women's aviators group, and North Iowa Canoeing Club.

She is survived by two sons, Joseph (Linda) Nydegger, Bolan; Jerry (Kathy) Nydegger, Redwood Falls, MN; five grandchildren, Lori (Scott) Willert, Bolan, Larry (Michele) Nydegger, Ellendale, MN, Loren (Renee) Nydegger, Staples, MN, Mike (Irma) Nydegger, Iowa City, and Michelle Nydegger, St Cloud, MN; four great-grandchildren, Kelsie, Cole Anna and Daniel; one brother, Walter Ditzler, Tucson, AZ.

She was also preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Robert Ditzler.

Updated by Chuck Prickett 1/20/2005

Stephen Carlyle Schutz
Published January 26, 2005

Stephen Carlyle Schutz, 54, Northwood, died Monday, Jan. 17, 2005, as a result of a semi tractor-trailer accident in Chicago, Illinois. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, 2005, at the First Lutheran Church, 309 North 9th Street, Northwood, with Reverend Wayne Hagen officiating. Burial was at the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood.

Steve C. Schutz was born on March 15, 1950, in Northwood, the son of Orville Carl and Olga (Nelson) Schutz. He attended and received his education in the Northwood-Kensett Community schools, graduating from Northwood-Kensett High School class of 1969. After completing his schooling he worked at Decker's Meat Packing Company in Mason City, Winnebago Industries in Forest City, and as a farm hand for David A. Nelson in Glenville, MN. From 1988 until 2004 Steve was an independent trucker for Umthum-Decker's Trucking in Fort Dodge, and until the time of his death he worked for Ruan Trucking in Mason City. He was united in marriage to Barb Broitzman on August 29, 1970, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Myrtle, MN. He enjoyed going to NASCAR races, sports, camping, and snowmobiling, but his great love and enjoyment was his family and many friends. He was a member of First Lutheran Church in Northwood, Northwood Men's Club, and Fence Stretchers Snowmobile Club in Northwood.

Left to cherish his memory are his children; Jolene Schutz of Northwood and her fiancé Cody Hickle of Manly, and Dan Schutz of Northwood; three sisters; Judale Mills and husband Robert of Northwood, Lanelle Lawson and husband Joe of Lake Mills, and Nalda Zipse and husband John of Northwood; a brother, Dennis Schutz and special friend Terri Olson of Northwood; several nieces and nephews as well as other relatives and many friends.

His parents, and two brothers, Phillip and Glennys Schutz, preceded him in death

Floyd Patrich Ingersoll
Published January 26, 2005

Floyd Patrich Ingersoll, age 83, of Kensett, IA died Monday, Jan. 17, 2005, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, IA. Memorial service was at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20, 2005, at the Bethany Lutheran Church, Kensett, with Rev. Allan J. Stoa officiating. There was no visitation.

Floyd P. Ingersoll was born on Dec. 28, 1921, to Floyd Elmer Ingersoll and Ellen (Gill) Ingersoll in Worth County, IA. He attended school in Waverly, IA. He served in the South Pacific with the 43rd Engineers during WWII. He married Virginia Dilts on Apr. 20, 1946, in Kensett. Floyd was employed at Armour Food Co. for 30 years in Mason City. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed gardening in his retirement.

Survivors include his wife Virginia of Kensett; daughters, Pam Ingersoll of Mason City, Vera Hagen and husband John of Northwood, Holly Nelson and husband Dennis of Mason City, and Snelly Ingersoll of Eaton CO; one granddaughter Tiffany Hagen Koenig of Des Moines; Siblings, Bernardine Abel Vestal of New York, Gerald Ingersoll of Snowflake, AZ, John Ingersoll (Wilma) of Waverly, and Mary Brown of St. Louis, MO; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents

Virgil J. Ryan
Published January 26, 2005

Virgil J. Ryan, 71, of Albert Lea, died on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2005 at the Albert Lea Medical Center. Funeral services were held Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2005, at St. Theodore's Catholic Church. Father LaVern Trocinski was the officiator. Burial was held at Hillcrest Cemetery.

Virgil was born on Oct. 29, 1933, in Geneva, MN, the son of Norval and Grayce (Johnson) Ryan. He attended and graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1951. On June 4, 1955, Virgil was united in marriage to Shirley Larkin at Queen of Angels, Austin, MN. He was employed at Hemingway concrete for 17 years and then Brua Masonry. Virgil loved playing and watching all types of sports. He enjoyed bowling, golf, playing cards, pool and softball where he was inducted into the Softball Hall of Fame. He also was an umpire for fast pitch softball for both men and women. Virgil also worked and managed the Moose Lodge and the Union Center. In his later years he enjoyed watching his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren participate in their various sports. Virgil delivered meals on the go and was recently the secretary. He also worked for the Wells Super Value as a stocker and carry out person. Virgil was a member of the Moose, Elks, Eagles and St. Theodore's Catholic Church where he served as a Eucharistic Minister. Virgil was well known for his ability to tell stories and was doing that until God took his hand.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley, daughters; Vicky and husband Dave Book, Albert Lea, Cheryl and husband Jerry Wilma, Winona and son Jeff and wife Steph Ryan, Winona. Grandchildren; Amy and husband Bruce Mandler Heather and husband Bryan Lande, Bridget Wilma, John Wilma, Anthony Wilma, Scotty Ryan, Joe Ryan, Nick Ryan, and Alex Ryan; two great-grandchildren; Felicia Mandler and Alexis Mandler. Sisters; Norvaleen and husband Mic Mandt, Albert Lea, Marcella "Sally" and husband Merle Aase, Northwood, Janet and husband Andy Anderson, Sun City, AZ and Gloria and husband Donald Hagen, Northwood. Several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Virgil was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law, Richard Mandt and great-granddaughter, Ashley Mandler.

Joseph Myran
Published January 26, 2005

Joseph Myran, 86, of Glenville, died on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2005, at the Albert Lea Medical Center. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Myrtle. The Rev. Jeff Wallager officiated. Interment was in Greenwood Cemetery in Glenville. Military honors were accorded by area servicemen’s organizations.

Joseph John Myran was born on Aug. 25, 1918, in Minneapolis, the son of Mary Warzecha. He lived in Minneapolis for two or three years where his mother married his stepfather, Carl Myran. During his youth, Joe lived in Manchester, Pierz, and back in Manchester again. Joe served in the US Army during World War II. On May 12, 1946, Joe was united in marriage to Marie A. Madsen in Northwood. They moved to Albert Lea, and then Hayward, before buying their farm near Glenville. Joe enjoyed music, and played the concertina in his family dance band, the Joe Myran Band. He was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

Survivors include his son Dean and his wife Khadija of Rosemount and their daughters Bellkeyce, Khansaa, Saraa and Asmaa; daughter, JoAnn Myran Wahl of Burnsville and her children Lucy and Andy; and son, Don and his wife Lisa Myran of Albert Lea and their children Ariel and her husband Robert Goettel, Keri and her fiance Seth Stadheim and their daughter Vayda; Joe’s sister, Irene Schuety, and his brother Phillip; nieces and nephews.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Marie, an infant son, James, his sister Inez, and his brother Carl.

Updated by Chuck Prickett 1/27/2005