Lois Mary Michaelis

April 17, 2008

Lois Mary Michaelis, of Albert Lea, Minnesota, passed over into her eternal home on Tuesday morning, April 8, 2008, at the Good Samaritan Center in Albert Lea. She was 93 years old.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, April 12, at the United Methodist Church, Albert Lea. Interment was in the Graceland Cemetery. Visitation was from 4–6:00 p.m., on Friday, at the Bonnerup Funeral Service, and one hour before the services at the church.

Lois was born in Mankato, Minnesota, on November 4, 1914, to Gordon and Martha Wilson. She was the middle child of two other siblings. There was a brother, Clyde Wilson now deceased and also a sister, Inez Sullivan also deceased. She graduated from the Mankato High School in 1933 where she began her retail career.

It was at this time that she met and married her husband, Waldo Michaelis who was the manager with the A & P Grocery store chain. As a result of his job, they were transferred to many cities before finally settling in Albert Lea, Minnesota. This is where she served many years in the retail business first working at the Piggly Wiggly Grocery Store and then becoming the manager of the Catalog Mail Order Dept in the Sears and Roebuck Store.

One daughter was born to this union, Karen Arett also of Albert Lea. She and her husband, Jerome (Jerry) Arett have two sons, Scott and his wife, Mary in DePere, Wisconsin and Shane in Chicago, Illinois. Scott and Mary have three children, Kylie, Ashlyn & James who will greatly miss their great-grandma, who was known as GG to them. She is also survived by a niece, Candace and her husband, Steve Richmond of Mankato, Minnesota, who have two daughters, Alissa and Megan. One of the most important survivors is her cat, Indigo whom she adored.

Lois was an avid Minnesota Twins fan and also would never miss a sporting event that her grandsons were participating in. She received a plaque in 1990 from the basketball team stating she was Albert Lea's No. 1 Sports Fan. She was extremely proud of this honor. Lois had a great zest for life and will be fondly remembered.
© Northwood Anchor 2008

Todd Conklin

April 17, 2008

Todd Conklin, 44, of Rockwell, died at his home, on Thursday, April 10, 2008n from cancer.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., on Sunday, at the Rockwell United Methodist Church, with Rev. Jim Scherb presiding with Rev. Tony Nester of the Trinity Methodist Church in Waverly assisting. Interment was in the Rockwell Cemetery. Visitation was from 4–8:00 p.m., on Saturday, at the Rockwell United Methodist Church, Rockwell.

Todd Douglas Conklin, was born on July 6, 1963 in Charles City, a son of James and Beverly (Taylor) Conklin. Todd was raised in Waverly and graduated from the Waverly Shell Rock High School in 1982. After High School he attended NIACC studying diesel mechanics. In 1983 Todd began to work for UPS and has worked for them since.

Todd married Valerie Venz on January 11, 1992 at Magen’s Bay Beach, St Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. They were blessed with two daughters, Megan and Paige. They have made their home near Rockwell since 1998.

Todd is a member of the Rockwell United Methodist Church and the Rockwell Lions Club.

He was always willing to help a friend and was a hard worker who enjoyed a ‘job that was well done.’ He enjoyed camping and canoeing and loved to make others laugh.

Todd is survived by Valerie and their daughters, Megan and Paige; his parents, James and Beverly Conklin of Waverly; brothers, Mark (Nancy) Conklin of Waverly and Bob (Sue) Conklin of Green Bay, Wisconsin; Val’s parents, Al and Renee Venz of Northwood; brothers-in-law, Al (Jen) Venz of Farmington, Minnesota and Chad (Tanya) Venz of Mason City; and several nieces, nephews and great friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Retz-Grarup Funeral Home.
© Northwood Anchor 2008

Betty Lou Hanson

April 17, 2008

Betty Lou Hanson, 82, of Northwood, died on Friday, April 11, 2008, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

A funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, April 14, at the Deer Creek Valley Lutheran Church, Glenville, Minnesota, with Reverend Ronald Myers officiating. Burial was in the London Deer Creek Cemetery, rural Northwood. Visitation was held from 4-7:00 p.m., on Sunday, at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood. Visitation was also held one hour prior to the service time on Monday at the church.

Betty Lou Hanson, was born on November 3, 1925 in Northwood, the daughter of Jacob C. and Pearl L. (Primrose) Kimm. She attended school in Northwood, graduating in 1943. She was confirmed in the Lutheran faith in the Northwood Lutheran Church. Betty graduated from the Hamilton Business College in 1945, and worked at Hart Motors in Mason City.

She was united in marriage to Harold Hanson of rural Northwood on November 10, 1946. In 1950, they purchased a farm northeast of town, where they lived and farmed until 1984, when they moved to Northwood. In 1964, Betty began work as a receptionist/ legal secretary for the Baken & Greve Law Offices in Northwood, and continued working for John Greve until her retirement in 1990.

Betty was on the Lutheran Retirement Home Auxiliary Board for 10 years, serving as a secretary and vice-president. She was a volunteer at the Lutheran Retirement Home for over 30 years, and received the Iowa Association of Homes and Services for the Aging State Volunteer of the year award in 2002. Betty was very active in the Deer Creek Valley Lutheran Church, serving as a Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent for 13 years. She was also active in circle and Ladies Aid, having held several offices in that organization as well.

Grandma Betty was well known for her chocolate chip cookies at the Lutheran Retirement Home, Northwood-Kensett High School, and several college campuses. Betty enjoyed reading, baking, needlework, and spending time with her family.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Dr. David (Karen) Hanson of Mason City and Kathy (Jim) Hanson of Northwood; grandchildren, Luke, Anna, and Joy Hachfeld of Mason City, Jake (Tristan) Hanson and Jim (Becky) Hanson of Northwood and Beth Hanson of Pella; great-grandchildren, MacKenzi and Madalynn Hanson and Merrin Hanson of Northwood; a special cousin, Marilyn Frimml of Cedar Rapids; brother-in-law, Paul Hanson; and brother and sister-in-law, Marvid and Ruth Davidson of Northwood; sisters-in-laws, Rebecca Weeg of Shoreview, Minnesota and Rosine Johnson of Kent, Ohio; and many nieces and nephews, as well as many extended family members and friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Harold who died on April 6, 1997; her parents; infant sisters, Maxine and Nadine Kimm; brother, Neal Kimm; sister and brother-in-law, Hazel and Keith Sanborn; and brothers-in-law, Warren Weeg and David Johnson.
© Northwood Anchor 2008

Leonard Eugene Pillatzki, Jr.

May 1, 2008

Leonard Eugene Pillatzki, Jr. 57, of Northwood, died on Saturday, April 12, 2008, in Gilead, Maine, as a result of a semi-tractor trailer accident, due to poor weather and road conditions.

Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m., on Friday, April 18, at the First Lutheran Church in Northwood, with Reverend Robert W. Luebbert of the Northwood Baptist Church officiating. Burial was in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood, with military graveside honors conducted by members of "Our Buddies" Veteran of Foreign Wars Post #6779 of Northwood. Visitation was held from 4-7:00 p.m., on Thursday, at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood.

Leonard Eugene Pillatzki, Jr., was born on October 28, 1950 in Ortonville, Minnesota, the son of Leonard Pillatzki, Sr, and Lorraine (Slaughter) Pillatzki. He received his grade school education at the St. Mary's Catholic School in Ortonville, and received his junior and senior high school education in Willmar, Minnesota.

Leonard worked for Knigge Roofing in Willmar, Minnesota and for Pearson Roofing in Denver, Colorado. Leonard than started his own roofing company which was named after his two sons in Denver, J & I Enterprising. Leonard moved back to Minnesota and did residential roofing on his own and also installation of windows and doors. Leonard went to work driving truck for Lenneman Transport and several others and finally as a owner/operator for Tuff Trucking out of Madison, South Dakota.

He was united in marriage to Sharon Lynn Biederstedt on April 10, 1992, in Litchfield, Minnesota. Leonard was inducted into the U.S. Army on March 12, 1969, in Minneapolis, Minnesota and served overseas in Viet Nam with Co D. 20th Eng. Bn., 3rd Army Division and was honorably discharged on November 18, 1971 at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky.

Leonard enjoyed hunting, carpentry, fishing, and watching western movies, but his great love and enjoyment was his wife, children, grandchildren, and all his family.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Sharon Pillatzki of Northwood; his children, Joshua (Becca) Pillatzki and Isaac (Anissa) Pillatzki, all of Denver, Colorado, Laura (Keith) Fritz of Northwood, Cindi (Doug) Jensen of Benson, Minnesota, Tami (Eric) Hanson of Northwood and Matthew (Mandy) Urban of Northwood; seven grandchildren, Evan Fritz, Madison Hanson, Xavier Pillatzki, Ella Fritz, Ashlyn Pillatzki, James Urban and Declan Pillatzki; three step-grandchildren, Emily, Libby, and Katie; brothers and sisters, Mike Pillatzki of Willmar, Minnesota, Betty (Willis) Iffert of Willmar, Minnesota, Diane (Jim) Aeikens of Morris, Minnesota, Kevin (Susan) Pillatzki of Willmar, Minnesota, Roger Pillatzki of St. Cloud, Minnesota and Sharon Pillatzki of Morris, Minnesota; many nieces and nephews and many extended family members and friends.

His parents preceded him in death.
© Northwood Anchor 2008

Laura Ida Beyer

May 1, 2008

Laura Ida Beyer, 94, of St. Ansgar, died on Tuesday, April 15, 2008, at the Stacyville Community Nursing Home.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, April 19, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar, with Rev. Dr. Byron Northwick officiating. Burial was in the St. Ansgar Cemetery, St. Ansgar. Visitation was held one hour prior to the services at the church.

Laura Ida Beyer, was born on March 13, 1914 in St. Ansgar, Iowa, to Emil and Anna (Nack) Beyer. She was raised in North Dakota. Laura worked vegetable fields, in several restaurants and enjoyed making pies, and also did childcare. Laura was united in marriage to Julius Beyer in October of 1934 in Canada, and they resided on a farm in Mitchell County, until moving to St. Ansgar in 1944. She resided there until entering the nursing home in 1998.

Laura enjoyed her flowers and buds, and doing crafts with plastic canvas. Her favorite was snowflakes and confirmation crosses. She always enjoyed watching her neighbor children play.

Laura was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Julius in 1980; one son, Arnold in 1993; one sister, Mabel Schultz; and five brothers, Lawrence, Alvin, Clarence, Walter and Ernest.

She is survived by two sons, David (Bonnie) Beyer of St. Ansgar and Wayne Beyer of Fort Walton Beach, Florida; three daughters, Julia Rex of Stacyville, JoAnn Schiemann of Northwood and Bonnie (Roy) Grimm of Riceville; nine grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar was in charge of the arrangements.
© Northwood Anchor 2008

Arcley A. Johnson

May 1, 2008

Arcley A. Johnson, age 99, of Northwood, died on Saturday, April l9, 2008, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood, Iowa.

Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., on Tuesday, April 22, at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood, Iowa, with Rev. Barbara Wills officiating. Burial was in the State Line Cemetery, Northwood. Visitation began after 12 noon Tuesday, at the funeral home. Memorials are to be directed to the Northwood United Methodist Church.

Arcley A. Johnson, was born on November 3, 1908, in Shell Rock Township, Minnesota, to Ross and Mabel (Gullickson) Buchanan. She attended rural school in Freeborn County, Minnesota and graduated from high school in Northwood, Iowa in 1925. After attending Iowa State Teachers College, Cedar Falls, for two years she became an elementary education teacher in Minnesota, Iowa and California for 25 years, plus many years as a substitute teacher. Many of the children she taught kept in contact at Christmas and throughout the years. In 1966 she received her B.A. Degree from Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa.

Teaching was an important part of her life but she was also active in the United Methodist Church, Eastern Star, P.E.O., Inter Se and Twenties study clubs and other professional organizations.

She is survived by her children, Mary Warren and her friend, Ron Fuller of Sylmar, California and Barb Halland of Cloquet, Minnesota; step-daughters, Mary Ellen Orth of Ventura and Jean Johnson Torgerson and her husband, Gerald of Mason City; step-son, Hal Johnson and his wife, Dianne of Northwood; one brother, Bruce Buchanan of Glenville, Minnesota. She is also survived by her grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

Arcley was preceded in death by her parents; son, John; one sister, Arlene Olson; brother, Wibur Buchanan; and husbands, Leo Stanek, John S. Veenker and Dr. Harold Johnson.

The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
© Northwood Anchor 2008

Beverly Jean Roe

May 8, 2008

Beverly Jean Roe, 73, of Fort Dodge/St Ansgar, died on Tuesday, April 29, 2008, at the home of her son, Steven Roe.

Visitation was held on Saturday, May 3, from 2-4:00 p.m., at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home in Northwood, Iowa. A Fellowship/Visitation was on Sunday, May 4, from 1-3:00 p.m., with a memorial service following at 3:00 p.m., at the Trinity United Methodist Church, Fort Dodge, Iowa, with Pastor Steve Peters officiating. A private family burial in St Ansgar Cemetery will be held at a later date.

Beverly Jean Pike, was born on October 8, 1934 in Deer Creek Township, Worth County, Iowa. She attended school in Otranto, Iowa and high school at St Ansgar, Iowa. On April 4 1954, she was united in marriage to Richard L. Roe, of Radcliff, Iowa. In 1994, Beverly took up residence in Fort Dodge. She spent time either in Fort Dodge or in Northwood.

Beverly enjoyed spending time with friends and family, and going on the Green bus tours where she could meet new people.

Surviving are her children, Richard L. Roe Jr. and his wife, Josephine of Laredo, Missouri, Steven Roe and his wife, Debby of Fort Dodge and Jeffery Roe and his wife, Jennifer of St Ansgar; her sister, Virginia Watkins of Yorbalinda, California; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and several nephews and a niece.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Ruth Pike; and her husband, Richard L. Roe.

Memorial donations may be made to the wonderful staff at Trinity Hospice or Trinity United Methodist Church in Fort Dodge. The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood is assisting the family with the arrangements.
© Northwood Anchor 2008