ARLO ACKERMAN
Arlo Ackerman, age 66, of Buffalo Center, IA died Sunday, January 2, 2004 at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City, IA.
Funeral services will be held Friday, January 7, 2004 at 10:30AM at First Reformed Church in Buffalo Center, IA. Rev. William Peake will officiate. Burial will be at a later date in Eureka, South Dakota. Visitation will be Thursday, January 6, from 5-7PM at Winter Funeral Home in Buffalo Center and one hour prior to the services at the church Friday morning.
Arlo Dennis Ackerman, son of Ernest and Rosina (Boschee) Ackerman was born July 5th, 1938 in Artas SD. He lived on a farm where he attended "country" school. Arlo moved to Eureka where he worked as a mechanic.
In May of 1961, Arlo married Beverly Carson of Iowa. They made their home in Eureka, SD. Arlo moved back to the family farm after the death of Beverly in 1968.
On June 1st, 1968 Arlo married Sandra L. Gunderson in Williston ND. They had two daughters, Marsha (Mantock) and Jennifer. They made their home on the farm until 1997 when they moved to Aberdeen SD. They lived in Aberdeen until the death of Sandra in 2002. Arlo continued to live in Aberdeen and was a truck driver.
On July 3rd, 2004 Arlo married Glenda Kramer in Buffalo Center, IA. They made their home in Buffalo Center where Arlo was a truck driver for the State Line Company.
Arlo was a member of the Eureka Reformed Church, First Reformed Church of Aberdeen, and the First Reformed Church of Buffalo Center. Arlo enjoyed talking to people. Often, he would be seen at local restaurants catching up on the news of the day. He also enjoyed music and at the end of his life, one of his joys was learning how to dance.
Arlo passed away on January 2nd at the Mercy Hospital in Mason City, Iowa. He was 66 years old.
Grateful for having shared his life were his wife, Glenda Kramer, his daughters: Marsha Mantock & husband Todd of Indianapolis, IN, Jennifer Ackerman of Sioux Falls, SD, Brenda Worrell & husband Bill of Sioux City, IA, and Dawn Isder & husband Joe of Round Lake MN. His sister, Nancy Schabel & husband Willis of Eureka SD. His mother-in-law Margreta Steen of Buffalo Center IA, and six grandchildren: Conner, Marissa, Justin, Trenton, Jessica, & Trevor.
Arlo was preceded in death by his father, Ernest Ackerman, mother, Rosina Ackerman, wife Beverly Carson, wife Sandra Gunderson, and his infant daughter, Cathie Jo Ackerman.
Russell Charlson
Russell Charlson, age 86, of Britt, formerly of Buffalo Center, died Saturday, February 05, 2005 at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.
Funeral services for Russell will be 1:30 PM Wednesday at the Buffalo Center United Methodist Church with Rev. Lois Abel. Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery.
The visitation is from 4:30 to 7:30 PM Tuesday at Winter Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Buffalo Center and 1 hour before the service at church.
It’s time to write the summary of Russell Charlson’s life. Just the thought is enough to make me put the paper away and say I’ll do it another day, but then when will I have more time than a snowy January day.
The first 48 years of my life I lived 4 miles east and 2 ½ miles south of Buffalo Center. Kayser Country school just a half mile away was where I received the first eight years of education. Quite different memories than you always went to town school. Carrying water, swapping lunch, walking to school and that outside can are only a few memories. Being outwitted by the big kids, until later we were the big ones. Writing 7th and 8th grade exams was a special challenge feared by all. Next on to high school in Buffalo Center and being lucky enough to join the class of 36. We always were a close class and have remained so through the years, complemented by many reunions to keep us in touch.
After graduation I continued farming with my parents until they retired in 1948 and we continued farming 50-50 until 1963 when we began farming on our own. In 1966 we moved 1 mile east and 2 ½ north of Buffalo Center. The following year we built a ranch style home, which we are still enjoying.
Lydia Limberg and I were married November 18, 1948 on her grandmother’s birthday. We have one son Joel Russell who also received his education in good old Buffalo Center. Joel received his Bachelor of Science degree at Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, Iowa. Joel also attended Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. He is now working as a chemist in toxology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where he has been since 1978. We feel fortunate he is located only 100 miles away from us and has a good job he likes and is rewarding to him in many ways.
In 1968 when Joel was in high school Joel and Lydia found summer work in a factory in Blue Earth canning corn. When school started for Joel, I finished out the season for him. I soon found out factory work was not my cup of tea.
Our livestock farming and retirement years have had many joys. Nearly yearly we have traveled in the states including a week in Hawaii, a Caribbean cruise, and trips to England, Mexico, and Canada. We’ve kept home base in good old Iowa with its change of seasons. Iowa has been good to us and we’ll support it while we can.
Summer brings goldfinch to enjoy from our dining room windows. Garden vegetables, raspberries, strawberries, apples and hopefully soon pears are plentiful. We are thankful for the opportunity to care for them and enjoy eating them together. We generally have a dozen cats to keep us mouse free and keep the birds in the trees and out of the berries. Fishing in the beautiful lakes of Minnesota either by the afternoon or farther up north by the week is Lydia’s and my idea of a perfect way to relax with friends. Winter months when we’re home are spent playing cards; we have a 500 card club in the neighborhood and enjoy eating out in one of the good restaurants in the area. We’re active in our church and of course anytime of the year a visit to Joel or having him home is special.
We’ve had good and sometimes not such good health. The not so good, farmer’s lung, encouraged early retirement at 62 and the good health many years of pain free life. We have much for which to be grateful and Thank God for a special life filled with many blessings.
In October of 2002, Russell and Lydia moved to Britt, IA and resided at Summit House. Lately, Russell was receiving care at Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City where on Saturday, February 5, 2005 passed away with his family by his side.
Cherishing his memory is his wife, Lydia of Britt; his son Joel of Rochester; a sister Blanche Benson and her husband Victor of Forest City; and by his nieces and nephews.
Russell was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Bliss Charlson (July 1964) and Alma Drugg (January 1955); a sister Vivian (September 1986); and his brother Carroll (July 1987).
PEARL HERTZKE
Pearl Hertzke, age 89, of Lakota, IA, died Tuesday, January 25, 2005 at the Lutz Wing Nursing Home in Fairmont, MN.
Funeral services will be held Friday, January 28, 2005 at 10:30AM at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lakota. Rev. Marino Melstead will officiate. Burial will be at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Lakota. Visitation will be Thursday, January 27 from 5-7PM at Winter Funeral Home in Buffalo Center and one hour prior to the services at the church Friday morning.
Pearl Esther (Wirtjes) Hertzke, the daughter of John and Laura (Scott) Wirtjes, was born August 15, 1915 in Kossuth County, IA. She grew up on a farm with her sisters: Mabel, Clara and Irene, and her brother, Jack. Pearl attended and graduated from Ledyard High School. Following training at Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, IA, she began teaching in a small rural school.
On August 12, 1936, Pearl married Raymond Hertzke. In 1941, they established Hertzke’s Grocery and despite time and child care restraints, Pearl spent many days and nights working side by side with Ray for 25 years. Upon retirement, they enjoyed traveling and gardening, and always offered and helped their children with business and home projects.
Pearl and Ray had six children: Keith, Shelda, Illona, Neil, Nyla and Bruce. A devoted mother, Pearl cared for her family and others with calm dignity and graciousness. Her children and grandchildren benefited from her loving support and encouragement, knowing that she would help with school projects and be there for special events. Preparing for the holidays, birthdays, and family gatherings brought her much pleasure and there were always baked goods and fresh garden vegetables to share. Even the birds and little animals benefited from her concern and care.
Her devotion to family and community resulted in on-going service activities at church and community functions. An avid reader, Pearl served on the Lakota Library Board. She loved nature, flowers and trees, and as an officer and member of the Lakota Garden Club, Pearl enjoyed pursuing community beautification efforts.
Pearl passed away on Tuesday, January 25, 2005 at the Lutz Wing Nursing Home in Fairmont, MN at the age of 89.
Left to cherish her memory are five of her children and their families: Keith and Karen Hertzke of Fairmont, MN; Shelda Beener of Coralville, IA; Illona and David Boekelman of Lakota, IA; Nyla and Paul Vanourny of Marion, IA and Bruce and Jan Hertzke of Forest City, IA. 15 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and a sister, Irene Petersen of Granada, MN.
Pearl was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Raymond; and infant son, Neil; an infant grandson, Brian; two sisters: Mabel and Clara, and her brother Jack.
JENNIE B. RICKS
Funeral services for Jennie will be 10:30 AM Saturday at the First Reformed Church in Buffalo Center. Burial will be in Olena Mound Cemetery.
Visitation is Friday from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the funeral home and will continue 1 hour before the service at church.
Jennie Bertha Ricks, daughter of Herman Gruis Sr. and Grace Meinders, was born March 26, 1920 on the Gruis Farm in Grant Township south of Buffalo Center, Iowa. She was baptized at Ramsey Reformed Church near Titonka. Jennie received her education in the Grant Country Schools and went to work after the 8th grade.
Jennie was united in marriage to Edger Ricks at the Ramsey Reformed Church parsonage by the Rev. Snuttjer on January 21, 1947. Together they farmed southeast of Buffalo Center and raised their children, Elaine, Edwin, Ron and Delores.
In 1968, Jennie moved into Buffalo Center. She was a faithful member of First Reformed Church, active in Ruth Circle and Guild. She kept busy by working at Green Giant in Blue Earth, the Buffalo Center Hospital, baby sat and cleaned several homes in Buffalo Center. In later years, Jennie was also active with the Senior Citizens group. Other things that kept her busy was quilting, gardening, reading, crochet and working with beads.
Jennie passed away on Thursday morning, February 3, 2005 at the Titonka Care Center at the age of 84.
Cherishing her memory will be her children: Elaine Michaelson and husband Howard of Buffalo Center; Edwin and his wife Judy of Prairie City; Ron of Buffalo Center; Delores Phipps and her husband Harry of Ogden. Also 10 grandchildren, one brother Herman Gruis Jr. and his wife Dorothy of Buffalo Center, a sister-in-law Lydia Gruis of Waukon and by several nieces and nephews.
Jennie was preceded in death by her parents, husband Edgar in 1964, one brother Ben Gruis, and three sisters: Wyana Harms, Dorothy Rippentrop-Hippen and Jennie Gruis in infancy.
GAIL J. POTTER
Gail J. (Swalve) Potter, age 46, of Thompson, died Saturday, April 02, 2005, at Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, Iowa.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, April 5, 2005, at United Methodist Church in Buffalo Center with Rev. Lois Abel officiating. Burial will take place at Graceland Cemetery in Buffalo Center.
Visitation will be on Monday, April 4, 2005, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Winter Funeral Home, 414 1st St. NW in Buffalo Center, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday.
Gail Jean Swalve was born March 18, 1959, in Winnebago County, Iowa, to parents Lewis John and Beverly Ann (Fox) Swalve. She attended school in Thompson and Buffalo Center, graduating from Buffalo Center High School.
Gail worked at various places over the years including Winnebago Industries in Forest City, Duncan Heights Care Facility in Duncan, and most recently, Byerly’s Inc. in Lake Mills. She also provided childcare while she lived in Garner, Iowa.
On April 13, 2002, Gail was united in marriage with Dennis Potter at the United Methodist Church in Buffalo Center. The couple made their home in Thompson, Iowa.
Gail will be remembered always for her kind, fun-loving, and generous spirit. She took great pride in her family, especially her grandson, Isaiah. She forever had a place for children in her heart, whether it was caring for others, being a 4H leader, or being there for her daughter and her step-children.
Survivors include her husband, Dennis of Thompson, IA; daughter Stephanie Swalve and Dan Krein of Thompson; grandson, Isaiah Oudekerk; her dad, Lewis Swalve and his wife, Donna of Hayfield; step-daughter, Amanda Potter of Lake Mills; step-son, Steven Potter of Cedar Falls; six brothers, Kevin Swalve, Morgan Adams, Merlin Swalve, Rex Swalve, Raymond Swalve, and Lyman Martinson; three sisters, Kim Swalve, Jill Fox, and Beth Zitzow; grandparents, Vivian and Earl Fox, Jr. of Forest City; a step-grandmother, Virginia Neeley of Buffalo Center; and several nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Beverly Martinson; a granddaughter, Jasmine Oudekerk; her in-laws, Tom and Ann Potter; and her grandparents, George and Gesina Swalve, Leroy Adams, and Hugh Neeley.
DARRELL GJERSTAD
Darrell Gjerstad, age 57, of Howard Lake, Minnesota, formerly of Buffalo Center, Iowa, died on Sunday, January 9, 2005, at the Buffalo Hospital in Buffalo, Minnesota.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, January 13, 2005, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Buffalo Center, Iowa, with Mr. Perry Aalgaard officiating. Burial will take place at Olena Mound Cemetery, Buffalo Center, Iowa.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 PM on Wednesday, January 12, 2005, at the Winter Funeral Home, 414 1st St. NW, in Buffalo Center, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.
Darrell Clarence Gjerstad was born June 27, 1947, at Buffalo Center, Iowa, to parents Clarence and Ann (Deling) Gjerstad. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith, and attended school in Buffalo Center.
On October 29, 1966, Darrell was united in marriage with Muriel Donnelly at the United Methodist Church in Buffalo Center, Iowa. This loving union produced three children: Kristen, Daniel, and Timothy. Darrell worked as an auto mechanic for Forest City Ford and as a tractor mechanic in Swea City, Iowa. Their family lived on a century farm in rural Buffalo Center, Iowa, until 1986, when they moved to Delano, Minnesota. Darrell also worked as a Ford mechanic in Plymouth and Waconia, Minnesota, recently retiring to Howard Lake, Minnesota. In Howard Lake, Darrell enjoyed spending time with his loving wife of 37 years; he loved to fish, garden, and spend time with his grandchildren.
Darrell is survived by his wife, Muriel of Howard Lake, MN; daughter, Kristen Heenan and her husband, Mark, and their sons, Michael, Aaron, and Matthew, all of Blue Earth, MN, son, Daniel Gjerstad and his wife, Stacy and their children, Tiffany, Ashton, Madison, Peyton, Emily, Daniel, and Catherine, all of Otsego, MN, son, Timothy Gjerstad and his wife, Star and their children, Devon, Gweneth, and Nicholas, all of Big Lake, MN, and grandson, Derek Gjerstad of Lake Mills, IA; his mother, Ann Gjerstad of Buffalo Center, IA; brother, Norris Gjerstad and his wife, Dana of St. Boni, MN; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence; and by his grandparents.
