Ron Pearce and Roy Benner

 Many of us who were part of the Magnolia family are here in Trails End including Ron and Chris Pearce. Ron had been struggling for several years with declining health and he passed away Thursday morning, December 26, 2024. As of yet I have no further details or obituary but will pass the information along if it becomes available. If you would like to send Chris a card her address is 770 N Bermuda, Weslaco TX 78596. It is not necessary to add Trails End Resort to the address.

I also have received word that Roy Benner has also passed away and his obituary is below.

The family of Roy Benner sadly shares the news of his passing. After a long struggle of various difficulties, he passed at the age of 91 with his wife and daughters at his side on December 21, 2024. Roy was born in Howard City, MI to Leroy & Mable Benner. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, daughter Lauri Brower, son-in-law Howard Smith, grandson Daniel Jousma, and great grand daughter Breanna Otto. He is survived by Shirley, his loving wife of 71 years; daughters Deborah & Cal Karsten, Judy Smith, Christy & Marty Walker, Gale & David Draper, Kim & Gary Donker, 15 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, 5 great great grandchitdren and many nieces and nephews.

Roy served two years in the National Guard, was a talented cabinet maker and an avid sportsman who loved hunting and fishing. Roy and Shirley were always on the road going somewhere, taking the "girls" along with them until they no longer lived in their home. Then the two of them would hook up the Airstream trailer and start off on a journey to wherever the road would lead them. There were not many national parks they didn't visit, nor a state they didn't see. His camera was the eye to his soul, capturing family life and the beauty of God's nature. But, most important to Roy, was his family. As a loving husband and father, he made so many sacrifices to give them what they needed and lots of simple pleasures in life.

Roy, there are many precious memories we have; you have left our earthly life, but you will never leave our hearts. We will always miss you and always love you.

A celebration of life service will be held at Fellowship Reform Church of Hudsonville, 6610-36th Ave., Hudsonville, MI 49426, on Friday January 3, 2025, with visitation at 10:00am, service at 11:00am, and a luncheon to follow.

Christmas Day 2024

 Today in Trails End we got together for Christmas Dinner in our Main Hall. It is done differently here than when we were all  over in Magnolia. Here we sign up for different tables with 12 at each table and the first person on the list is the head of the table and they cook the ham or turkey for that table. Everyone else writes down what they are bringing to contribute to the meal. Pat Jordan took several pictures of those who were at their table which the others in this park call the Magnolia table. We sat at a different table and I know Don & Marty were at the dinner but I'm not quite sure where they sat. A nice time was had by all!

Shirley Truitt and Dick Truitt

Pat & Mike Jordan

Chris Pearce & Gail Lubinsky

Deral Rogers & Keith Gilbertson

Carmen Friesen, DeWayne Friesen and Darlene Jansen

Carmen said on her next birthday she will be 94!

Neil Houzenga Obituary (edited)

 I received word today from Irma Johnson that Neil Houzenga passed away on Thursday. Neil and Julia were long-time residents of Magnolia Park and I remember them well.

NEIL A. HOUZENGA, 91, of Clinton, IA, died Thursday, November 7, 2024, surrounded by his family, at MercyOne Genesis Davenport Medical Center in Davenport, IA.

His funeral service will be at 1:00 PM Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home in Fulton, IL, officiated by Pastor Andrew Foss of Grace Community Church in Clinton. A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Monday, November 11th at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, with an additional one hour of visitation on Tuesday before the funeral service, starting at noon. Interment will be at Fulton Township Cemetery. Memorials have been established to Honor Flight and Heartland Pet Welfare, Inc. in Savanna, IL.

Neil was born October 20, 1933, in Albany, IL, to John L. and Katie (Pessman) Houzenga. He was educated in the Mt. Hope School in rural Whiteside County, and was a 1951 graduate of Fulton High School in Fulton, IL. In those twelve years he never missed a single day of school. Neil served in the U. S. Army during the Korean War. On October 28, 1960 he married Julia J. Buxton in Fulton. From 1951 until 1959 he was employed at the Agrico Fertilizer Plant in Fulton. He then worked until 1965 for the Allen Printing Co. in Clinton, and then at the former Savanna Army Depot in federal service until his retirement in 1993. Neil enjoyed camping and wintering in Texas for 27 years. He was an avid NASCAR fan and loved riding his Harley. He was quite fond of his cat, Maggie Mae, but more than anything he loved spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife, Julia; one daughter, Kathy (Terry) Rickertsen of Bryant, IA; two sons, Tim Houzenga of North Liberty, IA and Scott (Rhonda) Houzenga of Dahinda, IL; four grandchildren, Tanner Rickertsen, Tyler Houzenga, Megan Houzenga, Josh Houzenga, and one brother, Harlan (Joyce) Houzenga of Fulton.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Andy Rickertsen.

If you'd like to send a card, Julia's address is: 2530 Friendship Trail - Unit 3105, Clinton IA 52732

Ron Wingert Obituary

Ronald  T. Wingert, age 90, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota died Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Avera McKennan Hospital surrounded by his family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, October 31, 2024 at St. Therese Catholic Church in Sioux Falls. Visitation will be 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 30 at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory, with a Liturgical Wake at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be in St. Michael Cemetery in Sioux Falls.

He was a loyal husband and father. Ron and Elaine shared 70 years of marriage.

Ron was born on November 8, 1933, to George and Lenore (Prues) Wingert in Canistota, SD. He grew up on a farm outside of Humbolt and graduated in 1951. He was in the Army and Army Guard.

Ron married Elaine Ruth Varns on August 24, 1954, and went on to have twelve children.

Ron spent most of his career with the United States Postal Service. (1965-1993) He and Elaine were long-time members of St. Therese Catholic Church. They were active members of the American Legion and Moose Lodge. When he wasn’t fixing and moving houses, he was gardening and having a beer with friends.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Elaine; children; Susan Widrig of Sioux Falls, son-in-law, Deral Rogers of Sioux City, IA,  Ann Johnson of Rapid City, Janet (Mike) McKenzie of Yankton, Thomas (Mary) of Sioux Falls, Charles, of Sioux Falls, Nancy (Ron) Seaman of Sioux Falls, Sharon Simonson of Sedan, MN, Julie (Paul McCollar) of Sioux Falls, Jenifer (Todd) Antrim of Sioux Falls, and Christine (Brad) Johnson of Sioux Falls, many grandchildren and great grandchildren; siblings, Mary Lou (Jack) Tunender of Sioux Falls, Eileen (Cecil) McCoy of Sioux Falls, Patricia Leber of Parker, and Francis (Tuny) Wingert of Sioux Falls.  

Ron was preceded in death by son, John, and daughter, Linda Rogers; sons-in-law, Vern Widrig, Bobby Johnson and Brian Simonson; daughter-in-law; Cindy Wingert; brothers, Gerald (Gayle), Alvin (Rose Marie) and brother-in-law, Ron Leber and many other family and friends.

This and that

 I know it's been quite a while since I last posted and it does seem as though all I've put on lately are obituaries.

I have no Magnolia news at all but thought I would chit-chat a bit about "this and that". We have had an interesting summer weather-wise as it rained almost non-stop for what seemed like months and now the faucet has been turned off. In other words, we could use some rain as we go into the fall season. Our Amish neighbors kept us supplied for several weeks with delicious sweet corn but I think that season is about over as they have their corn sign covered up. They do have lots of other produce though and it's very convenient to take a short walk up the road and pick up whatever vegetable or melon we may want and their prices are right!

The grass has certainly slowed down and we'll only have to mow a few more times I would think, especially if it doesn't rain. A few trees are starting to show some fall color but I would say we are a long way from peak color. We have not had any freeze yet although our buildings have had frost on the roofs a few times. 

I have been working on a quilt top which I thought I would have done as it's for a bed in Texas but so far that hasn't happened. Too many other things going on!

All of our summer birds have headed south so the view out the window is not so interesting. We do have quite a few deer including does with either one or two fawns and also a small buck, maybe two as it's hard to tell at this point if we see the same one or a different one. Their antlers are not impressive, at least not at this point.

Jim is done extracting honey and we will be taking two cases with us down to Texas, that's 24 jars and 16 of those are already spoken for. If you regularly get honey from us and haven't reserved a jar yet and you would like some you have to let me know.

That's all the news from Central Wisconsin and I hope all is well in your neck of the woods!!

Raul Saldivar Obituary (Updated)

 

Obituary for Raul Saldivar, Sr.

Raul Saldivar, Sr., 89, beloved husband, father, brother, and grandfather, passed away on Monday, August 19, 2024 at his home in Donna, Texas. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 30, 2024 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Minden with Fr. Maurice Current officiating. Interment will be held later that day at 1:30 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Cemetery near Axtell. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with Rosary service at 6:00 p.m. Memorials in Raul’s honor are kindly suggested to the family for later designation. Arrangements are under the care of Craig Funeral Home in Minden.

Raul was born October 10, 1934 in San Benito, Texas to Santos Serna and Augustine Saldivar. Raul was united in marriage to Julia Alvarado in 1956 and together they built a life and family. They settled in Axtell where they raised five children: Raul Jr., Rene’, Rolando, David, and Mary.

Raul worked for the Axtell and Funk Co-op until his retirement. He was an avid sports enthusiast and played softball as a pitcher in the Axtell and Funk leagues. He had a generous spirit, enjoyed fixing bikes and donating them to children in need.

Raul will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. His laughter, kindness, and love for life will forever remain in our hearts.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children: Raul (Ellen) Saldivar, Jr. of Omaha, Rene’ (Cindi) Saldivar of Kearney, Rolando Saldivar of Omaha, Mary Saldivar of Phoenix, AZ; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; siblings, Jose Saldivar of San Benito, TX, Robert Saldivar, Sr. of Houston, TX, Jesse (Chris) Saldivar of San Benito, TX, Augustine Saldivar, Jr., of Mercedes, TX, Gilbert Saldivar of Harlingen, TX, Alicia (David) Duran of Dallas, TX, and Martha (Gilbert) Anzaldua of Harlingen, TX; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his son, David Saldivar in 1981.

Dick Nelson

 I heard from Darlene Jansen today that Dick Nelson has passed away. From what she knew, he had fallen about a week ago. I have looked everywhere for more information on Dick but could find nothing. Dick and his wife Anita were long-time residents of Magnolia Park. They lived on Pecos and I remember them both very well. Dick was an excellent pool shooter although in later years he didn't play much. If I find more information I will post it.