Alvina Sellers
by Barbara Mussman

June 4, 2003

Clarion’s Iowa Hat Lady, Alvina Sellers, 87, died on Sunday, June 1, 2003, at Rochester, Minnesota, following a short illness.

Visitation was held from 5-7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Willim Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at the First Lutheran Church, Clarion at 1:00 p.m., on Thursday, June 5. Lunch will be served at the Heartland Museum, Clarion, following the committal service in the Evergreen Cemetery.

“Clarion lost a great ambassador,” said City Administrator, Vicky Boyington. Larry Guth echoed that sentiment. “She was one of the best ambassadors for Clarion,” he said. “Wherever she went she promoted Clarion.”

She went a lot. Alvina Sellers began giving her hat programs in 1968. She said she was shy and had to be asked three times before doing the first program for a neighborhood club. Thirty-five years and about 5,600 programs later she was anything but shy.

“She was always positive, full of energy and she had a lot of spirit,” said Guth. “Who else could have pulled off that rah, rah, sis boom bah, at the Homecoming parade?” Alvina donned her Clarion High School cheerleading outfit every fall for the parade and pep rally.

“I remember the first time we watched the Homecoming parade here,” said Steve Burkheimer. “We were just amazed to see Alvina with the cheerleaders. She had such spirit.”

Alvina traveled from Los Angeles to New York City and from North Dakota to Texas to give her programs, visiting over 20 states. She gave her final program, number 5,636 on Saturday, May 17, in Rochester, Minnesota. She always traveled by car, first with her husband of 63 years, Lewllien (L. W.), and following his death in 1998, by herself with her sister-in-law, Elaine Tesdahl or with friends. Miriam Jensen was one of her more recent traveling companions.

“I learned so much from Alvina. She had such a quick wit and a terrific memory,” said Jensen. “We had so much fun. When you travel with a celebrity you feel so special."

“She often drove to the event and I would drive home. She always wanted to get there early. I kidded her that if she didn’t slow down her next hat would be a patrolman’s hat,” Jensen said. “Finally she started letting me drive both ways. I’d unload the hats and unload her, park the car and then come back and carry the hats in. One time I carried in a football helmet three programs in a row and she didn’t ever use it in the program. It was too tight for her hair. So I just said, ‘Alvina, why don’t you quit bringing this heavy old thing?’ So she did. I’ll miss her terribly.”

Special events for Alvina always included the Festival in the Park and the Iowa State Fair. She was a regular on the stage at the Variety Theatre and in the State Fair Parade. A special trip for her came when the David Letterman Show called the Variety Theatre at the Iowa State Fair. They were looking for someone with vim, vigor and vitality. They got the Hat Lady. She and L. W. flew to New York for the show and the hat which Letterman gave her was a special one in her collection of over 6,000 hats.

The Clarion community recognized the value of Alvina and her hat collection and on June 1, 2002, Alvina’s Hat Parlor opened at the Heartland Museum. The Victorian Hat Shop and Parlor house some of Alvina’s collection and provide visitors with a videotape presentation by Alvina. Her spirit may be wearing a hat and giving presentations in heaven now, but fortunately we can still view her presentation at the Museum.

Alvina Ruth Tesdahl, was born on November 17, 1915, on a farm north of Holmes in Wright County, Iowa. She was the daughter of Henry and Anna Larson Tesdahl. Following the death of her mother, Alvina helped raise her two younger sisters, Margaret and Mim and brother, Rich. She attended a rural school in Norway Township, north of Clarion and graduated from the Clarion High School in 1932. She later taught students in the same one room schoolhouse she attended as a child.

On August 17, 1937, Alvina married L. W. Sellers. They made their home first in Austin, Minnesota and later on farms north of Clarion and south of Eagle Grove. In 1950, they moved to the Fry family farm in Wall Lake Township south of Clarion.

Alvina was named a Master Farm Homemaker in 1967. She served as a 4-H Club Leader for 15 years, receiving the Wright County 4-H Alumni Award in 1975. She was a Life Member of the Associated Country Women of the World.

Alvina was an active member of the community. She served as Chairperson of the Wright County Farm Bureau Women. She received the AAUW Woman of the Year Award in 1997 as well as the Outstanding Long-Term Service Award from the Clarion Chamber of Commerce in 1998.

She as a member of the Friendly Neighbor Club, Christian Women’s Club, Hospital Auxiliary, Federated Club and Wall Lake Monday Club. She was a member of the Clarion School Board for ten years. Alvina was a member of the First Lutheran Church, Clarion and served as Sunday School Superintendent, Teacher and FLCW President. She was the first woman Deacon in her church.

Alvina was preceded in death by her husband, L. W.; a granddaughter, Jackie Denise Sellers; and sister, Margaret Armstrong.

She is survived by her daughter, Dr. Sandra Sellers Hanson of New York City; son and daughter-in-law, James and Joan Sellers of Clarion; grandsons, Jason Sellers of Scottsdale, Arizona and Jay Sellers of Bloomington, Minnesota; sister, Dr. Mim Ballou and husband, Phil of Marco Island, Florida; brother, Rich Tesdahl and wife, Elaine of Clarion; as well as many nephews and nieces.
© Wright County Monitor 2003

Ransom Allen

Ransom Allen, 85, of Clarion, passed away on Thursday, June 5, 2003, at the West View Care Center in Britt.

Funeral services were held on Monday, June 9, at the Willim Funeral Home in Clarion with Rev. Tim Platt officiating. Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery.

Ransom Lloyd Allen, was born on March 5, 1918 near Clarion, the son of Ira and Hazel (McOullugh) Allen. He attended country school south of Clarion.

Ransom was married to Evelyn Jensen on May 1, 1941, in Fort Dodge. The couple lived in and around the Clarion and Humboldt areas. In March, 1953, Ransom and his family moved to Kanawha and farmed there until his retirement in 1981, moving then to their home in Clarion in December, 1981. He was a member of the Clarion Church of Christ and the NFO.

In January, 2003, he became a resident of the Concord Care Center at Garner and in May was transferred to the West View Care Center at Britt.

Survivors include his wife, Evelyn; three daughters, Beverly and her husband, Duaine Nelson of Britt, Donna and her husband, Mike Ables of Kanawha and Maxine and her husband, Mike Kalkwarf of Garner; four sons, Ronald and his wife, Sharon of Superior, Wisconsin, Roger and his wife, Judy of Britt, Keith and his wife, Kelly of Belmond and Mark and his wife, Jill of Belmond; 20 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; three brothers, Manson, Leo “Mac” and Merle of Eagle Grove; two sisters, Ester Johnson of Fort Dodge and Florence Staelens of Port Byron, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Ray; and three sisters, Evelyn Soren, Myrtle Hawkins and Leona Barnes.
© Wright County Monitor 2003

Elda Grace Mosher

June 19, 2003

Elda Grace Mosher, 78, of Clarion, died on Saturday, June 7, 2003.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 10, at the United Church of Christ Congregational in Clarion. Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion. The Willim Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Elda Grace Mosher, the daughter of Joe and Grace Koppenagle Bayliss, was born on September 2, 1924 in Irondale, Minnesota. She lived there until 1942, when she moved to Belmond.

While in Belmond, she met Robert Mosher, Jr. and they were married on September 5, 1942 in Princeton, Missouri. The family lived and farmed in Wright County most of their adult lives.

Elda is survived by her husband, Robert; two sons, Ronald and wife, Joyce of Des Moines and Rich and wife, Sharon of Melrose; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Lela Philaja of North Branch, Minnesota.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Roger; one sister; and three brothers.
© Wright County Monitor 2003

Tillie Bernice Akers

June 19, 2003

Tillie Bernice Akers, 95, of Clarion, died on Monday, June 9, 2003.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, June 12, at the Holmes Lutheran Church. Interment was in the Holmes Lutheran Cemetery. The Willim Funeral Home of Clarion directed the services.

Tillie Bernice, the daughter of Ole and Marie Jakobson Tysdal, was born on February 29, 1908 in De Kalb, Illinois. She attended rural school in Iowa and finished her education in Galt.

On October 27, 1925, she was united in marriage with Louis W. Akers at Linn Grove. The family lived and farmed in the Dows area until 1944. From that time until 1948, they owned and operated a hardware store in Albert City. From 1948 to 1958 they owned and operated the Greyhound Bus Depot-Service Station and cabins east of Clarion. In 1958, they moved to Eagle Grove where they operated a star mail route and also Iowa Parcel Services. Bernice also worked at the Friendship Haven Nursing Home in Fort Dodge as an aide for several years.

Tillie is survived by two sons, Daryl and wife, Darlene of Mason City and Jon of Henderson, Nevada; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; brother, Anton Tysdal and wife, Marge of Berthoud, Colorado; and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Louis; one daughter, Bernadine; and three brothers, Melvin, Selmer and Joe.
© Wright County Monitor 2003

Marie Clair Rubendall

June 19, 2003

Marie Clair Rubendall, 85, died on Wednesday, June 11, 2003.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 14, at the Clarion Church of Christ, Clarion. Rev. Tim Platt officiated at the 1:00 p.m. service. Interment was held in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion. The Willim Funeral Home of Clarion was in charge of the arrangements.

Marie Clair Jansen, was born on August 24, 1917 in Mesita, Colorado, the daughter of John and Maude Jansen. She was raised and educated in Mesita, graduating from the Mesita High School in 1935.

Marie was united in marriage to George R. Bisbey, Jr. in 1935 at Alamosa, Colorado. To this union one son, Gary, was born in 1941. George passed away in February 1942.

She was united in marriage to Arnold G. Rubendall in February 1943, in Colorado. To this union one son, Jack was born in 1943. Following the end of World War II, the couple moved to Clarion.

Marie was employed by Shupe’s Hardware Store for many years and later by Gary Hill at the Sears Store in Clarion.

Marie was a member of the Clarion Church of Christ and played the piano for the children’s programs. She was also a very active member of the Clarion Senior Citizens.

Marie is survived by two sons, Gary and his wife, Gloria of Burleson, Texas and Jack and wife, Kay of El Paso, Texas; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, George and Arnold; and two brothers, Lester and Glen.
© Wright County Monitor 2003

Elmer S. Erickson

June 26, 2003

Elmer S. Erickson, 88, of Clarion, died on Tuesday, June 17, 2003.

Funeral services were held on Friday, June 20, at the Church of the Nazarene in Clarion. Pastor Lee Gamblin officiated at the 10:00 a.m. service. Burial was in the Holmes Lutheran Cemetery. The Willim Funeral Home of Clarion was in charge of the arrangements.

Elmer S. Erickson, was born on March 4, 1915 at Holmes, the son of Tobias and Anna (Olson) Erickson. He attended country school.

On April 17, 1938, Elmer was united in marriage with Agnes J. Espeland in Eagle Grove. After the couple were married, they lived near Hardy where Elmer worked for his parents on their farm.

After a few years at Hardy, Elmer and Agnes moved to a farm north of Holmes, and began farming on their own. In 1943, they moved to a different acreage south of Holmes and continued farming.

In 1956, Elmer and Agnes started Erickson Manufacturing where they produced farm related items and soon after, a large production facility was constructed on the farm where the couple lived. Together, Elmer and Agnes operated the business until they both retired in 1980.

Elmer was very active in the Church of the Nazarene.

Elmer is survived by his two children, Elaine Wilson and husband, Maurice and Stanley Erickson and wife, Paula all of Eagle Grove; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Agnes; one daughter, Anita Maasdam; one sister, Selma; and two brothers, Oscar and Ernest.
© Wright County Monitor 2003

Faith Elaine Knutsen

July 3, 2003

Faith Elaine Knutsen, 96, of Clarion, died on Wednesday, June 25, 2003, at the USA Health Care Center, Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Monday, June 30, at the First Lutheran Church in Clarion. Rev. Gary Boen officiated at the 11:00 a.m. service. Burial was in the Union Cemetery, Humboldt.

Faith Elaine Wilcox, was born on June 16, 1907 at Humboldt, the daughter of Levi and Mildred Maye (Oaks) Wilcox. She received her education at Humboldt and graduated from the Humboldt High School in 1925. She attended college in Superior, Wisconsin and following her education became a school teacher.

Faith and Hermie Knutsen were united in marriage on April 16, 1933. The couple made their home at Clarion where she taught in country schools in the area. For many years, Faith served as a Social Worker for the Department of Human Services in Wright County, retiring in 1969. Her husband Hermie, died in 1988 and she continued to maintain her home until becoming a resident of the USA Health Care Center in Clarion.

Faith was an active member of the First Lutheran Church, Clarion.

She is survived by her son, Kay of Victoria, British Columbia; daughter, Karmen Friedrich and husband, David of Rockford, Illinois; and four grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and three brothers, Richard, Duane and Raymond Wilcox.
© Wright County Monitor 2003