Edith Viola Abrahams
Published May 4, 2005

Edith Viola Abrahams, 92, of Mason City, formerly of Northwood, died Monday, April 25, 2005, at her home in Mason City. Funeral services were held on Friday, April 29, 2005, at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Bolan, with Reverend Robert Cumings officiating. Burial was in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood. Visitation was held on Thursday at the Conner Colonial Chapel, 1008 First Ave. South, Northwood, and one hour prior to service time on Friday at the church. The family of Edith Viola Abrahams has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church in Bolan, or to Hospice of North Iowa in her memory.

Edith Viola Abrahams was born on June 5, 1912, in Linden, Iowa, the daughter of Thomas E. and Pearl B. (Dunn) Adams. She graduated from the Blooming Prairie High School in 1932. Edith was united in marriage to Bernhard "Ben" A. Abrahams on September 23, 1933, in Owatonna, Minnesota. He preceded her in death in 1977. The first years of their marriage they lived in Ellendale, MN before moving to the Carpenter and Bolan area where they farmed for 12 years. The family moved east of Northwood in Worth County and they continued to farm until 1958. Edith worked at various restaurants in the Northwood area, and also worked for 13 years as a laundry assistant at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood. She enjoyed sewing, writing letters, and visiting with people, but her great love and enjoyment was her family, and all her grandchildren. Edith loved her church and was a very active member of the Trinity United Methodist Church and the ladies aid in Bolan.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Betty Tesch and her husband Carl of Lincoln, NE, Vernon A. Abrahams and his wife Glenyce of Clear Lake, David Abrahams and his wife Phyllis of Northwood, Mary Montgomery of Mason City, Shirley Johnson of Mason City, and Duane Abrahams and his wife Karen of Northwood, 14 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, as well as other relatives and friends.

Besides her husband Bernhard, she was also preceded in death by her parents, four children, Sharon, Barbara, Roger, and Margaret, two great-grandchildren, Anna and Jordan, one sister, and four brothers.

Bertha M. Virchow
Published May 4, 2005

Bertha M. Virchow, 87, of Austin, MN, died Thursday, April 28, 2005, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Home, Austin. Funeral service were held Monday, May 2, 2005, at First Lutheran Church, Glenville. Vicar Christopher Mill officiated. Interment was held in the Greenwood Cemetery, Glenville.

Bertha was born in Pine River, MN, on February 4, 1918, the daughter of Swan and Margrethe (Aacrid) Ness. She attended country school in Pine River, MN. Bertha was married to Arley R. Virchow on May 18, 1941, in Myrtle, MN. She had lived in Pine River, rural Gordonsville, and retired in Glenville. She was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Myrtle before joining First Lutheran Church, Glenville. She was a circle member and enjoyed quilting with the ladies. Bertha worked hard farming along side her husband, Arley, She also worked for many years at Land-O-Lakes. Bertha had been a Red Cross Blood Donor for many years. Bertha enjoyed gardening, canning, crocheting, fishing and camping. Her greatest pleasure was the time she spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. In her spare time she did a lot of crafting and enjoyed playing bingo.

Bertha is survived by her children: Ann Virchow, Austin, Ruth (Joe) VanHooser, Austin, James (Linda) Virchow, Iowa Falls; eight grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; sister: Judy Carlson, Pine River; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Pearl (Gaylen) Mittag, Albert Lea, Vern Virchow, Glenville; nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bertha was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, Charles; six sisters and one brother

Wallace Frank Ellwood
Published May 4, 2005

Wallace Frank Ellwood, age 58, of Coon Rapids, MN, passed away April 9, 2005, from a motorcycle accident. Funeral service was held, April 29 at 11 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 11115 Hanson Blvd. NW, Coon Rapids, MN, Interment was Friday, at Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood, IA.

Wallace was born in Vallejo, CA, to Richard & Violet (Malzac) Ellwood. He served in the Army, toured Vietnam War. Member of the National Guard, American Legion, VFW, Faith Lutheran Church, International Painters Union, St. Paul Painters Union #51, Minneapolis Local #386, and Duluth Local #106.

He’s survived by loving wife, Marilyn; daughters, Alyssa (& fiancé Tom Bergman) of Moorhead, Holly (Enwall) & boyfriend Erik Mortenson of Eagan, and Jennifer (Michael) Wietman; granddaughter, Kirsten; mother, Violet Talbot of Duluth, MN; brothers, Donald (Jean) of Brooklyn Park, William of Eveleth, Charles (Theresa) of Duluth; sister, Florence (Larry) Pierce of Duluth; father-in-law, Laverne Diedrich of Northwood, IA; sisters-in-law, Carolyn (Richard) Byrne of Sioux City, IA and Kathy (Jim) Berg of Northwood, IA; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by father, Richard Ellwood; brothers, Richard and Ralph; 2 stepfathers and mother-in-law, Margaret Diedrich.

Anna O. Gunderson
Published May 4, 2005

Anna O. Gunderson, 100, Lake Mills, died Thursday, April 28, 2005, at the Lake Mills Care Center in Lake Mills. Funeral Services were held Monday at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Leland, Iowa, with Rev. Randy Baldwin officiating. Visitation was held Sunday at Mittelstadt Funeral Home in Lake Mills and again one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Burial will take place at Winnebago Lutheran Cemetery in rural Leland, Iowa.

Anna Olive Kloster Gunderson, the daughter of Jonas and Trina (Lyngaas) Kloster, was born December 17, 1904, at the home of her parents near Scarville, Iowa. She was baptized at North Prairie Lutheran Church and was confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran in Scarville. She attended country school in Winnebago County. Anna worked around Scarville and Lake Mills. On September 1, 1927, she married Arthur Gunderson of Leland, at Scarville. The couple was blessed with two children, Arlene Knudtson of Northwood, IA, and Gerald Gunderson of Bagley, WI. They lived on farms near Leland until they retired. Arthur passed away on April 27, 1979. Anna loved to crochet and made many doilies for family and friends, and loved working with her house plants and outdoor flowers in the summer. Anna entered the Lake Mills Care Center on January 7, 2000, and remained a resident there until she passed away on April 28, 2005, at the age of 100 years, 4 months and 11 days.

Survivors include her son, Gerald and his wife, Marlene, and daughter, Arlene; sisters, Olga Hermanson of Lake Mills, IA; Martha Knutson of Northwood, IA; and Inga Bolstad of Forest City, IA; one brother Charles Kloster of Austin, MN; sister-in-law, Alvira Kloster of Lake Mills, IA; grandchildren, Sherry (Neil) Christ, Sandy (Randy) Sime, Gary (Vicki) Knudtson, Tammy (Steve) Krauter, Scott (Tina) Gunderson; great-grandchildren, Jason (Meredith) Christ, Nic Christ and friend Linda Kane, Craig Christ, Katie, Angie and Bryan Sime, Kirby (Dawn) Knudtson, Heather (Matt) Dingbaum, Heidi Knudtson, Nicole and Zachary Krauter, Jami, Jeremy, and Megan Gunderson; great-great-grandchildren, Paige, Teyannah, Raevyn, Khiya Knudtson, Kadyn Dingbaum, and Ethan Christ; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Arthur; son-in-law, Harlan Knudtson; brothers, Andrew, Arthur, Carl, Oliver and Gordon; sisters, Jorgina Peterson, Jenette Ashpole, Cora Thorson and Gilma Kloster; sisters-in-law, Ann Gunderson, Thelma Kloster; and brother-in-law, Marlin Gunderson.

Patricia “Pat” J. Grundmeier
Published May 11, 2005

Patricia “Pat” J. Grundmeier, 81, Northwood, died Saturday, May 07, 2005, at the Mercy Medical Center North Iowa in Mason City. Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Friday, May 13, 2005, at the Conner Colonial Chapel, 1008 First Ave. South, Northwood, with Reverend Robert Cumings of the Bethel United Methodist Church officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Manning Cemetery, Manning, Iowa. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the memorial service at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood.

Patricia “Pat” June Grundmeier was born August 26, 1923. As a child she grew up and attended school in Manning, IA. She married Grant Grundmeier on January 25, 1941. Grant and Pat moved to Northwood in the early 50’s where they operated the Grundmeier Hatchery and later Grundmeier Photography. Together they enjoyed cooking and spending time with their family.

Pat is survived by her two sons, Gary of Kansas City, Missouri; Patrick and his wife Roz, Gilbert, AZ; daughter, Sigrid of Phoenix, AZ. She is also survived by her four grandchildren, Michele, Donelle and her husband David, Ryne and his wife Irene, and Lisa; and two great-grandchildren, Elle and Jayde.

She was preceded in death by her parents, infant daughter Peggy, and husband Grant, in 2003.

Pat appreciated the many acts of kindness from her friends in the community. The family especially appreciates mom’s long time friend Kathy Berg.

Maxine Gayle Philipps
Published May 11, 2005

Maxine Gayle Philipps, 95, affectionately called "Auntie", formerly of Marshalltown, died Friday, May 06, 2005, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood. Funeral services were held Monday, May 9, 2005, at the Lane Memorial Chapel in Marshalltown, Iowa, with Reverend Robert W. Luebbert of the Northwood Baptist Church officiating. Burial was held in the Riverside Cemetery in Marshalltown. Visitation was held at Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood, and one hour prior to service time on Monday at the Lane Memorial Chapel. The family of Maxine Gayle Philipps has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood in her memory.

Maxine Gayle Philipps was born on May 5, 1910, in Marshalltown, the daughter of John and Jessie (Raber) Robb. Maxine graduated from Marshalltown High School the class of 1929. She was united in marriage to Henry M. Philipps on May 28, 1944, at the First Baptist Church in Marshalltown. He preceded her in death in 1984. Maxine and her husband owned and operated the Philipps Food Market in Marshalltown, and before and after their ownership she was employed by several offices which include Western Grocery Company, Freers Ice Cream Company, Lennox Industries, and the Coca-Cola Company all in Marshalltown. Maxine was employed for 18 years as office secretary for the Riverside Cemetery in Marshalltown until her retirement in 1982. Maxine had been a resident of the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood since 1997. She enjoyed office work and had an excellent memory with mathematical figures. Maxine also enjoyed reading, needle work, loved animals and loved to visit with family and friends. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Marshalltown, Northwood Baptist Church, Central Chapter #67 Order of the Eastern Star, 50-year member of the Rebecca Lodge, Business and Professional Women, Ladies of the Moose, and the White Shrine.

Left to cherish her memory is her sister, Lois Welsh of Northwood, two stepsons, Theodore Philipps and his wife Laura of North Bend, OH, and Donald Philipps and his wife Sue of Milwaukee, WI, five nieces, Audrey Robinson and her husband Bill of Marshalltown, Katherine Audley of Lemon Grove, California, Cris Wells and her husband Dr. Laurence Wells of Peoria, AZ, Dr. Gayle King and her husband Dr. Robert King of Green Valley, Arizona, and Jean Marie Robb of Marshalltown, three nephews, Gene Robb and his wife Eleanor of Marshalltown, Dr. James Welsh and his special friend, Margie Rosch of Northwood, and Dr. John Welsh and his wife Carol of Sierra Vista, AZ, as well as other relatives and friends.

Besides her husband, her parents, a stepson and stepdaughter, and a brother, Jess Robb in 1991, also preceded her in death

Ira Joseph Melaas Jr.
Published May 11, 2005

Ira Joseph Melaas Jr., 72, of Rock Island, Ill., died suddenly Monday, May 2, 2005, at Trinity Medical Center, Rock Island, of heart failure.

Mr. Melaas was born June 15, 1932, in Des Moines, Iowa, a son of Ira Joseph and Madelia Kalsem Melaas. Joe married Alice Logemann of Northwood Iowa, June 12, 1956, in Crailsheim, Germany. He graduated from Luther College in 1954 and from Valparaiso University School of Law, Valparaiso, Indiana, in 1959. Joe practiced law in Decorah with the Miller & Pearson law firm from 1959 until 1964, and in Rock Island from 1964 until the present, semi-retiring in 1997. He was a member of St. James Lutheran Church, Rock Island, was a past president of the church council and was currently chairman of the church's endowment committee. He served on the founding Board of Directors for the Norwegian American Museum. He received the Distinguished Service Award from Luther College in 1979. Joe enjoyed playing tennis, fishing, going to auctions and spending time with his family. He was an avid Cubs and Hawkeye fan.

Survivors include his wife, Alice; daughters and sons-in-law, the Rev. Dr. Barbara Melaas-Swanson and the Rev. Wayne Melaas-Swanson, Port Byron, Ill., Kristine Melaas Merkel and Keith Merkel, Marshfield, Wis., and Kari Jo Melaas and Tony Owings, Minneapolis, Minn.; and grandchildren, Daniel and Kirsten Melaas-Swanson, and Emily and Hanna Merkel.

He was preceded in death by his infant son, Thomas Joseph, in 1964.

Leo O. Gardalen
Published May 11, 2005

Leo O. Gardalen, 81, of Clear Lake died Monday May 2, 2005, at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa, Mason City, IA. Funeral Services were held Thursday May 5, 2005, at Zion Lutheran Church, 112 N. 4th St., Clear Lake with Reverend Dean Hess officiating. Interment will be at the Clear Lake Cemetery with Military Honors by the Clear Lake VFW. Visitation was held on Wednesday May 4th at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. 4th St. Clear Lake. Memorials may be made to the Leo O. Gardalen Memorial Fund.

Leo was born October 3, 1923 the son of Oliver & Anna (Anderson) Gardalen, in rural Dows, IA. Following graduation from Popejoy High School in 1941, Leo farmed with his family. Leo was united in marriage to Esther Martin, July 7, 1945, at the Little Brown Church at Nashua, IA. Leo served in the US Army during WWII in the CIC. Following the service he returned to rural Dows and farmed the family farm. They moved to a farm south of Ventura in 1956 and farmed there for 22 years then moved to another farm north of Ventura retiring in 1998 and moving to Clear Lake. Leo enjoyed being outdoors gardening, doing yard work, his cats, fishing and going to coffee at the Lake Stop. Leo was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and the Clear Lake VFW.

Leo is survived by his wife Esther Gardalen of Clear Lake; three children, Marlyn Gardalen and his wife Mary of Ft. Dodge, IA; Marlys Johnson of Northwood, IA, and Marcia Monson of Clear Lake, IA; two brothers, Harley Gardalen of Popejoy, IA, and Lloyd Gardalen and his wife Leona of Broomfield, CO; seven grandchildren, Ross and Ryan Gaetzke, Abby and Mark Gardalen, Jennifer Johnson, Cristina and Cortney Monson.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters Selma Erickson and Edna Hartkopp, three brothers Lester, Donald and Floyd Gardalen, granddaughter Teresa Gardalen and son-in-law Mark Monson.

Beverly Jean Helgeson
Published May 18, 2005

Beverly Jean Helgeson, 65, of rural Kensett, passed away Wednesday, May 11, 2005, as a result of a vehicle accident in rural Fertile. Funeral services were held Monday, May 16, 2005, at the Elk Creek Lutheran Church, 4108 Killdeer Ave., Kensett, with Reverend Allan J. Stoa officiating. Burial will be in the Elk Creek Lutheran Church Cemetery. Visitation was at the Bride Colonial Chapel, 110 East Spring Street, Manly. The family of Beverly Jean Helgeson has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Elk Creek Lutheran Church in her memory.

Beverly Jean Helgeson was born on May 20, 1939, in Mason City, the daughter of Everett and Edna (Entner) Boutelle. She was raised and educated in the Kensett and Osage areas. She was a lovely child full of energy who loved being outside doing whatever her father and grandfather were doing. She also helped her mother with the cooking and housekeeping, but would jump at the chance to go out and help her grandfather. She was a very intelligent and beautiful young lady. She graduated from Osage High School in 1956, at the age of 16, a full two years ahead of her peers. After graduation she worked as a telephone operator for Bell Telephone in Mason City. In 1960, she injured her head while traveling with her family near Plymouth, Iowa. She was admitted in Mercy Hospital for a couple of days, and it was at this time that she first spotted Roger. She told her friends he was the most handsome man she had ever seen. Roger was in the hospital with a broken leg. She stopped and talked to him and this started a courtship, which lasted nearly 42 years. While other people had hobbies, took vacations, Beverly just wanted to spend her time by Roger's side taking care of the animals, the farm and raising their family with the man she adored, respected and loved more than anything else. Beverly started working at the Post Office in June of 1979, during the Worth County Fair, where she continued to work for 26 years. She was a member of Elk Creek Lutheran Church, the church circle, and was a Sunday school teacher for many years. She was also a member of the Rural Carrier's Association. Beverly was very active in the scouting, 4-H and various school organizations. She loved her animals, gardening, and bird watching, but above all she loved and adored her family.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband Roger Helgeson of Kensett, two sons, Steven J. Helgeson and his wife Sally of Clarion, Dr. Rodney D. Helgeson of Louisville, KY, one daughter, Lori J. Peters and her husband Mike of Lansing, IA, her mother and stepfather, Edna Boutelle Seamann and her husband Heinz Seamann of Davenport, IA, seven grandchildren, Brittany and Brandon Helgeson, Shaun McBride Peters, Joseph "Joey" Helgeson, Caelan McBride Peters, Connor Helgeson, and Makayla Peters, one brother, Robert Boutelle and his wife Nancy of Walcott, Iowa, many nieces and nephews, as well as other relatives and many friends.

An infant son, Timothy, her father, Everett Boutelle, and her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Lu Lu and James Helgeson, preceded her in death.

Harlan Bennie Smith
Published May 18, 2005

Harlan Bennie Smith, age 86, of Pequot Lakes, MN, and formerly Northwood, passed away Friday, May 13 at Whispering Pines Good Samaritan Center in Pine River, MN. A visitation was held on Sunday, May 15, at Kline Funeral Home, Pine River, MN. Funeral services were held at on Tuesday, May 17, at Conner Colonial Chapel, 1008 First Ave. South, in Northwood, with Pastor Frank Milo officiating. Burial was held in Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood. Visitation will be one hour prior to service time on Tuesday at the chapel.

Harlan Bennie Smith was born on December 20, 1918, in Montezuma, IA, the son of Ben and Mary Smith. Upon the death of his parents at age 4, his Aunt Sadie and Archie Duffus raised him. For the past 15 years, Harlan has lived in Pequot Lakes. He lived in Nisswa for 10 years prior to moving to Pequot Lakes. His early years were spent in Garner and Northwood.

He is survived by his son, Stephen J. Smith (Elizabeth) of Whittier, NC, daughter, Patricia S. Miller of Key Biscayne, FL, grandsons: Derrick J. Miller and Kirk S. Miller.

He was preceded in death by his lovely wife of 67 years, Stella (Huso) Smith, brother, Herman J. Smith, and sisters, Aleta Dahl and Pauline Smith.

Updated by Chuck Prickett 5/19/2005

Carolyn Diane Davis
Published May 25, 2005

Carolyn Diane Davis, 61, of Kensett, died Friday, May 20, 2005, at the Heritage Care Center in Mason City. Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 24, 2005, at the Deer Creek Lutheran Church, rural Carpenter, with Reverend Lance Kittleson officiating. Burial will be in the Deer Creek Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Carpenter. Visitation was held on Monday at the Conner Colonial Chapel, and one hour prior to service time on Tuesday at the church.

Carolyn Diane Davis was born on June 23, 1943, in Iowa City, Iowa, the daughter of Leonard and Dorothy (Collins) Larson. She was baptized into the Lutheran faith on March 5, 1944, in Mason City, by the Reverend Alvin Rogness and reaffirmed the faith of her baptism through confirmation on June 22, 1958, in the Deer Creek Lutheran Church, rural Carpenter by Reverend Henry Erickson. She attended and received her education in the Carpenter Community School and earned her GED. in 1989 from NIACC in Mason City. She was united in marriage to Dennis Lee Davis on December 17, 1960, in the Deer Creek Lutheran Church, rural Carpenter. He preceded her in death on February 10, 2004. Carolyn worked in the Health Care Field for nursing homes and in the In Home Health Care for several years until her retirement due to ill health in 2003. She enjoyed reading, cooking, sewing, and crocheting, but her great love and enjoyment was her family and grandchildren and spending time with them. She was a member of the Deer Creek Lutheran Church and the church circle, rural Carpenter, and a grief-counseling group at Hospice of North Iowa in Mason City.

Left to cherish her memory are her children; Richard Davis and his wife Wendy of Northwood, Brenda Davis-Hinz and her husband Kevin of Mason City, Lisa Davis and her husband Erik Grossbach of Minnesota City, MN, Dyan Braun and her husband Douglas of Northwood, and Barbara Caruso and her husband Andy of Ankeny, Iowa, eight grandchildren; Richie Davis and his wife Sara of Waldorf, MN, Raymond Davis of Mason City, Elizabeth Braun of Northwood, Wolf Davis-Grossbach of Minnesota City, MN, Kathleen Hinz of Mason City, Hunter Davis-Grossbach of Minnesota City, MN, Emma Caruso of Ankeny, Iowa, and Eveleth Davis-Grossbach of Minnesota City, MN, one great-granddaughter, Adalynn Davis of Waldorf, MN, as well as several nephews, and other relatives and many friends.

Besides her husband, a son Daniel Davis, her parents, and a brother, Roger Larson, also preceded Carolyn in death.

Johnnie C. Bitker
Published May 25, 2005

Johnnie C. Bitker, 90, born on April 30, 1914, in Lucan, MN, died April 20, 2005. Visitation was held on Monday April 25 with a funeral service at South Lawn Mortuary. Burial followed at South Lawn Cemetery

He retired in 1981 from Duval MN.

Survived by his loving wife of 62 years Marian; children, Ula (Jim) Barritt, Barry (Pat) Bitker, Leslie Bitker, Lyle (Kathie) Bitker, Joan (John) Moore, Marylou (David)Weis, Tena (Rick) Stark and Klara Bitker; sister, Geraldine Kaloplastos and ten grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son, Steven J. Bitker and brothers and sisters.

Updated by Chuck Prickett 5/26/2005