Irene Adelene Gullickson

February 11, 2003

Irene Adelene Gullickson, 89, on Northwood, died on Friday February 7, 2003, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Monday, February 10, at the First Lutheran Church, Northwood, with Rev. Allan Stoa officiating. Burial was in Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood. The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood, was in charge of the arrangements.

Irene was born on October 13, 1913 in Grove Township, Worth County, Iowa, to Andrew and Ida (Nieman) Hagen. She was baptized and confirmed by Rev. Herman Diers at the German Lutheran Church in Northwood. She attended country school through the 8th grade and graduated from the Northwood High School in 1931. Irene married Lester Gullickson on December 17, 1933. They were married for 68 years and lived on the farm north of Northwood the entire time.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Lester; parents, Andrew and Ida Hagen; and a daughter, Delores Nelson.

Irene is survived by one son, Kenneth Gullickson of St. Peters, Missouri; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and one sister, Evelyn Brunsvold of Albert Lea, Minnesota.
© Northwood Anchor 2003

Belva M. Hanson

February 18, 2003

Belva M. Hanson, 95, of rural Carpenter, died on Monday, February 10, 2003, at the Hampton Health Care Center, Hampton, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Friday, February 14, at the Deer Creek Lutheran Church, Carpenter, with Irmgard Ellingson officiating. Burial was in the Deer Creek Cemetery, Carpenter. The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood, was in charge of the arrangements.

Belva was born on December 17, 1907 in Mt. Carroll, Illinois, to Seth F. and Margaret (Rawlins) Kenyon. She graduated from the Leland High School in 1926 and then from nurses training at the Park Hospital, Mason City. She married Myron Hanson on June 24, 1936, at the Deer Creek Lutheran Church, Carpenter.

Belva was an active homemaker and farm wife after her marriage. She returned to nursing in 1965 at the Lutheran Retirement Home, Northwood. She enjoyed two trips to Europe, which included Scandinavia, Germany and England.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and six brothers.

Survivors include two sons, Lowell Hanson of Cottage Grove, Minnesota and Lyle Hanson of Tacoma, Washington; two daughters, Myra Peterson of Austin, Minnesota and Evelyn Cross of Hampton; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one brother, Rodney Kenyon of Dexter, Minnesota.
© Northwood Anchor 2003

Magdalin Haas

February 25, 2003

Magdalin Haas, 96, St. Ansgar, died on Monday, February 10, 2003, at the St. Ansgar Good Samaritan Center, after a bout with the flu.

Memorial services were held on Thursday, at the St. Ansgar Catholic Church, St. Ansgar, with Rev. Mark Reasoner and Rev. Scott Fleischer (Magdalin's great-nephew) officiating. Inurnment was in the St. Ansgar Cemetery. A special memorial service for Magdalin will be held on August 8, in St. Ansgar.

Magdalin Haas, P.R.N., was born on January 17, 1907 in Szulok, Hungary, the daughter of Stephen and Christine (Krainer) Haas. The family emigrated to America around 1915, entering through Ellis Island, New York. Stephen, arriving first, followed a while later by Christine and the two daughters, Mary Magdalena (Magdalin) and Julie. The family resided in Chicago, then moved on to St. Ansgar, where Stephen started a blacksmith business in the present Allstate Insurance building on the main street (Fourth Street) of St. Ansgar. They lived above the business.

After graduation from the St. Ansgar High School, Magdalin returned to Chicago and completed her nurse's training at the Washington Boulevard Hospital, now known as "Rush", in 1929. After graduation, she worked at several Chicago area hospitals, including the West Suburban Hospital in Oak Park. While in Oak Park, she lived several years with her brother-in-law's sister, Hertha Fleischer, also formerly of St. Ansgar.

Magdalin took on special nursing assignments as a 24-hour live-in nurse for seriously ill patients. She frequently would drop what she was doing and go wherever she was needed, many times caring for young children. To this day, several people across the country, adoring call her their "Aunt Magdalin." While Julie's husband, Al Fleischer served in WW II, Magdalin left Chicago to aid Julie who was pregnant with Phil and living alone in Wells, Minnesota. Later she returned to St. Ansgar, to be with their ailing mother, Christine in her final days.

Upon retiring from active nursing in Chicago in 1957, due to health reasons she lived in her mom's house in St. Ansgar. She became active in the St. Ansgar Catholic Church and helped start the Senior Saints Citizen Center in St. Ansgar.

She enjoyed taking care of her neighbor's children, gardening and going on long walks around town. She also enjoyed helping the elderly by getting their mail and food. She spent her final seven years at the Good Samaritan Center, where all the staff loved her pleasant, cheerful personality.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Julie; and her brother-in-law, Al.

Survivors include nephews, Ron Fleischer of Morro Beach, California and Phil Fleischer of St. Ansgar.
© Northwood Anchor 2003

Harley Ernst Walk

February 18, 2003

Harley Ernst Walk, 83, of Grafton, died on Tuesday, February 11, 2003, at his home. 

Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 15, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton, with the Rev. Wayne Ellingson officiating. Interment was in the Grafton Cemetery in Grafton.

Harley was born on July 11, 1919, on the family farm near Grafton, the son of Christian and Lora (Bruesewitz) Walk. Harley's grandfather built the house in which he was born and he lived there his entire life. He attended the Grafton High School and was salutatorian of his class. While in high school, Harley participated in basketball. He served in WW II as a field clerk in San Antonio, Texas. Harley was a life long member of the Grafton American Legion Post 616.

Harley married Viola M. Frisch of Grafton. To this union two children were born, Anne and Mark. Viola passed away in 1973. In 1974, Harley married Alphia Rachut. He was an early adopter of turkey farming in Grafton, where he and his brother, Lowell Walk managed the Walk Bros. Turkeys, until his retirement from farming in 1981.

Harley loved the Grafton life. He was a member of the St. Ansgar School Board during the time his children were in high school. For many years, he supervised the grilling of turkeys for Grafton Turkey Days. When he was not able to continue this task due to the success of the event and his age, he participated by helping. He loved fishing and was a skilled fisherman. He fished in Minnesota, Canada, and was fortunate to have fished at Yellowstone Lake in Wyoming and the Atlantic Ocean near Boston, Massachusetts. Harley was an avid "500" player and would play anytime given the opportunity.

Survivors include his wife, Alphia Walk of the Worth Living Center in St. Ansgar; one daughter, Anne Hammond and her husband, Harry of Boulder, Colorado and their children, David and Christopher; one son, Mark Walk and his wife, Tracy of Osage and their children, Allison and Stephany; three step-daughters, Mary Greenman and her husband, Al of Austin, Minnesota and their families, Darlene Zuehl and her husband, Verle of Northbridge, Massachusetts and their families, Betty Brumm and her husband, Stan of Eden Prairie, Minnesota and their families; one brother, Lowell Walk and his wife, Virginia of Grafton;and a special niece, Nancy Walk Severson of Grafton.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Viola; and a step-daughter, Shirley Fossey.
© Northwood Anchor 2003

Nadine Dahl Buchanan

February 18, 2003

Nadine Dahl Buchanan, 90, died on Wednesday, February 12, 2003, at the Lutheran Retirement Home, Northwood.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 15, at the United Methodist Church in Albert Lea, Minnesota, with Rev. Greg Ciesluk officiating. Burial was in the State Line Cemetery, rural Northwood.

Nadine Buchanan, was born in Wentworth, South Dakota, on February 13, 1912, to Oscar and Frona (Waters) Dahl. She was the youngest of three daughters. She moved with her family to Northwood around 1916 after yearlong stops in Winnebago and Albert Lea, Minnesota. She was educated in the Northwood Schools and graduated from high school in 1930. After teaching a year in rural school, she attended Hamilton College. She was then employed by the Kepler Law Office of Northwood for several years.

She married Wilbur Buchanan on August 28, 1938. They lived on the family farm near Gordonsville until 2000.

Nadine's great love has always been music. She was a pianist and organist for the Gordonsville Methodist Church for over 50 years. She provided music for SPIRE (Special People in Religious Education) in Albert Lea for many years. Nadine sang in the Worth County Women's Chorus and enjoyed square dancing. She held numerous offices in the church and circles and was involved in Sunday School for many years.

Nadine was a charter member of the Twenties Club and later belonged to the New Century Study Club, Green Thumb Garden Club and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

She was a proud grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved playing games and reading with children. She enjoyed traveling, reading and her flower garden.

Nadine was preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters, Alice Stahl of Northwood and an infant sister in Wentworth, South Dakota.

Survivors include her husband; daughters, Sharyl and husband, Einer Lunde of Northwood, Susan and husband, Gerald Lee of Albert Lea; son, Brent and wife, Nicola Buchanan of Gordonsville; 12 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

She touched many lives and will be sadly missed by family and friends.
© Northwood Anchor 2003

Gary D. Cole

February 18, 2003

Gary D. Cole, 60, died on Thursday, February 13, 2003, at his home in Plymouth.

Funeral services were held on Monday, February 17, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Grafton, with Rev. Wayne Ellingson and Intern Irmgard Ellingson officiating. Burial was in the Grafton Cemetery. The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood, was in charge of the arrangements.

Gary was born on September 21, 1942, to Floyd and Lydia (Borchardt) Cole and grew up on their family's farm near the towns of Plymouth and Grafton. He attended elementary school in Plymouth and graduated from the Grafton High School in 1960. He attended U.S. Trade Schools in Kansas City, Missouri, after graduating from high school. Gary joined and served in the Iowa Army National Guard during the early 1960's.

He married Charlotte Marie Borchert on January 1, 1965, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton, where they were both baptized and confirmed. They lived in Mason City before moving to his family's farm and their current home. During the beginning years of Gary's farming career, he worked for David Manufacturing, American Crystal Sugar and Massey Ferguson in Mason City.

Gary served on the Emmanuel Lutheran Church Board, St. Ansgar Community School Board and the North Iowa Co-op Elevator Board of Directors.

Gary loved being with his family and friends. Whether playing cards, doing activities or going on trips he always shared his practical jokes and good-natured mischief.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his father and mother-in-law; two sisters-in-law; and two brothers-in-law.

Survivors include his wife, Charlotte; son, Michael Cole and his wife, Nicole and their sons, Mitchell and Ryan of Grafton; daughter, Michelle Hill and her husband, Andy and their daughter, Hannah of Manly, Eugene Cole and his wife, Mary Pat of Mason City; brother-in-law, Stan Borchert and his wife, Kathy of Marshfield, Wisconsin; sister-in-law, Linda Patterson and her husband, Virgil of St. Ansgar; and nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and neighbors.
© Northwood Anchor 2003

Erthl Odella Bakken

February 18, 2003

Erthl Odella Bakken, 72, of Northwood, died on Saturday, February 15, 2003, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Friday, Februay 21, at the First Lutheran Church, Northwood, with Rev. Paul Holmer officiating. Burial will be in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m., on Thursday, at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood and one hour prior to the service time on Friday at the church.

The family of Erthl Odella Bakken has requested that memorial contributions be made to the First Lutheran Church in Northwood, or to ones favorite charity in her memory.

Erthl Odella Bakken, was born on May 20, 1930 in Belmond, Iowa, the daughter of Sylvan O. and Sadie (Nerem) Bakken. She was baptized into the Lutheran faith and reaffirmed the faith of her baptism through confirmation on October 7, 1945, by Rev. O.H. Hove in the Northwood Lutheran Church. She attended and received her education in the Northwood Public School system, graduating from the Northwood High School in 1948.

After completing her schooling, Erthl worked as a secretary for L.A. Baken Attorney at Law in Northwood, prior to working with the telephone company as a operator and later commercial clerk for 15 years in Northwood, prior to transferring to the NW Bell Telephone Office in Mason City until her early retirement in 1980 after 32 years of service.

Erthl enjoyed reading, music, working word puzzles and traveling. She along with her sister, Iola traveled extensively in the US, and made trips to Scandinavian countries, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Hungry, Czech Republic and cruised the Caribbean Islands and Hawaii. She also enjoyed visiting with people and eating out especially at the monthly gathering of the Birthday Club. Erthl also enjoyed doing volunteer work.

She was an active member of the First Lutheran Church and was very active in the Martha Circle in Northwood. She was also a life member of the Telephone Pioneers of America, life member and active officer for 51 years with the Smith-Perry American Legion Auxiliary Post 144 and Ladies Auxiliary of "Our Buddies VFW Post #6779 of Northwood".

Left to cherish her memory is a sister, Iola Bakken of Northwood; nephew, Jan T. Gerber and wife, Candace of Omaha, Nebraska; several cousins; a special companion dog, Twinkles and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Thor, Susan and Marie Nerem; paternal grandparents, Henry and Ida (Glassel) Bakken; parents, Sylvan and Sadie Bakken; sister, Shyrlamae T. Gerber; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
© Northwood Anchor 2003

Agnes Cleveland

February 25, 2003

Agnes Cleveland, 98, of Kensett, died on Tuesday, February 18, 2003, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

Funeral services were held on Friday, February 21, at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Kensett, with Rev. Selmer G. (Sam) Hernes officiating. Burial was in the South Shell Rock Cemetery in Northwood. The Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood, was in charge of the arrangements.

Agnes Cleveland, was born on December 7, 1904, the second daughter of Alvin and Oline (Olson) Ranum in Northwood. She lived most of her life in Northwood, Kensett, or rural Worth County. When their mother died in 1908, Agnes and her sister were raised by their maternal grandparents, the Honorable Herbrand Langeberg and Raghnild Mikkelson Olson. Agnes was a graduate of the Northwood High School Class of 1923, she also attended Waldorf College and went on to teach several years in rural Worth County Schools. Agnes also was a bookkeeper for the Boyette Construction Company during World War II and later was the Kensett Librarian.

She married Ole Cleveland in 1927 at the Elk Creek Lutheran Church, rural Kensett.

Agnes had a number of interests, being a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church in Kensett and active in its instrumental and vocal programs. Agnes was bilingual, English and Norwegian, and later in life also took an interest in Spanish, this due to several Latino friends. She was particularly proud of her heritage with its roots in the Valdres Valley and Hallingdal in south central Norway. She also had an interest in politics and always maintained that she voted for the person, and not the party, but family members are skeptical of that claim. She read widely, fiction or non-fiction. In her nineties, she also became an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeye basketball team and would have regular phone calls with her neighbor, Ida Dilts, discussing its fortunes. Agnes had a deep religious faith and it was this that sustained her on the occasions when she suffered the loss of close family members.

Left to cherish her memory are a son, Travis Cleveland and his wife, Rebecca of Dorchester, Iowa; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; two half sisters, Clarice Paulson of Mason City and Janice Meier of Gainesville, Florida.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ole Cleveland in 1968; two children, Harvey in infancy and daughter, Ruth Mathahs in 1984; sister, Randine Thronson; granddaughter, Rebecca Mathahs in infancy; and a great-grandson, Jack Cleveland.
© Northwood Anchor 2003

Esther L. Hansen

February 25, 2003

Esther L. Hansen, formerly of Northwood and the Marion, Iowa Hiawatha Care Center, died at Mercy Hospital on Wednesday, February 19, 2003.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Survivors include her children, Max and Bonnie Hansen of Marion, Iowa, Doris Bentele of Hibbing, Minnesota, Bill and Donnis Hansen, Jacksonville, Florida, Lawrence and Arlene Saniter of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; as well as nieces, nephews and friends.
© Northwood Anchor 2003

Gordon Wilhelm Aasgaard

February 25, 2003

Gordon Wilhelm Aasgaard, 96, of Lake Mills, died on Friday, February 21, 2003, at the Albert Lea Medical Center, Albert Lea, Minnesota.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Friday, February 28, at the Salem Lutheran church, Lake Mills, with the Rev. Roger Dykstra officiating. Burial will take place in the Salem Lutheran Cemetery in Lake Mills.

Visitation is from 5-7:00 p.m., on Thursday, at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home, Lake Mills and will continue one hour prior to the services at the church on Friday.
© Northwood Anchor 2003