Good-bye 2020 and WELCOME, to a brand new year!

 

Raymond Yoder Obituary

 I received word that Ray Yoder has passed. Ray was a quiet unassuming man who lived with his wife Waneta back on Pecos and in the last few years lived either in a nursing home or assisted living, I'm not quite sure which. I know that when Ray lived in the park he would always smile and greet me when we would meet.

Raymond L. Yoder, age 75, of Donna, Texas passed away on Tuesday, December 22, 2020. Raymond was born July 13, 1945 to Fannie Mast Yoder and Calvin C. Yoder.

Raymond was a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Raymond is survived by his wife of 56 years, Waneta B. Yoder; son Jerry L. Yoder (Sandra); and son Norman L. Yoder (Yadira). Raymond leaves behind 6 grandchildren, Ashley, Jennifer, Aaron, Raymond Bradley, Crystal, Evan and 2 Great grandchildren Nolan and Wyatt. Raymond also leaves behind 9 brother and sisters Henry, Edna, Sarah, Lester, Ervin, Calvin Jr., Weldon, Erma, and Fred all who will miss him dearly.

Raymond was preceded in death by mother Fannie Mast Yoder and father Calvin C. Yoder, brother Chris, sisters Verna and Irene.

Memorial Service will be announced at a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.heavenlygracergv.com for the Yoder family.

· FAMILY

·   Fannie Mast, Mother (deceased)

·   Calvin C. Yoder, Father (deceased)

·   Waneta B. Yoder, Wife

·   Jerry L. Yoder (Sandra), Son

·   Norman L. Yoder (Yadira), Son

·   Raymond leaves behind 6 grandchildren, Ashley, Jennifer, Aaron, Raymond Bradley, Crystal, Evan and 2 Great grandchildren Nolan and Wyatt. Raymond also leaves behind 9 brother and sisters Henry, Edna, Sarah, Lester, Ervin, Calvin Jr., Weldon, Erma, and Fred all who will miss him dearly.

 

Christmas in Magnolia Park in Happier Times

Just for fun I looked back at all my Christmas photos from Magnolia in previous years. They bring back lots of good memories of people and events. As I looked through them I couldn't help but notice that some of these people are no longer with us but when I asked Jim if I should include any pictures of people who have passed, he said, "they were part of Magnolia too" and I think he's right. These pictures bring back lots of memories of good times and good people and I remember the fun we had together. They are only a very small sampling of Christmas in Magnolia Park.

From our house to yours, no matter where you are, we wish you a Very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with good health and happiness in these very uncertain times. 

The Best Gift

 

  This Christmas remember the Spirit of Christmas and keep it dear. And make the very first gift you give the greatest one: Give the gift of love.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, love is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things…. So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians Chapter 13

May you and those you love have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS filled with love and joy – and the true spirit of Christmas.

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

Barb and Butch Brooker

Winter in the Rio Grande Valley

 I haven't posted much on the blog lately because frankly there really isn't much to post any more. We went over to Magnolia with Chet & Irma the other day. It's really pretty sad. Mostly stuffed full of all the very large mobiles that have been brought in and very crowded. Irma is taking care of helping Jan Brom sell her unit over on Aspin so has been over to Magnolia several times. Yesterday she and I went over again and the few people who are there were setting up in Allen Hall to begin selling items starting with the Christmas "stuff". The only people left on the board who are in the park are Pat Kent and Margaret Schmaltz and they are pretty much in charge right at the moment. I believe Jana, who took Irma's place as secretary will be coming after Christmas. Today there were park wide patio sales but it was a dreadful day with cold temps and rain all day long so not sure how many people actually showed up. I know we stayed inside pretty much all day. Tonight we watched the McAllen Holiday Parade which was virtual and it was shown on TV. Kind of fun, lots of big balloons and even fake snow falling down, fireworks too. I took a bunch of pictures with the phone and posted some of them on my Facebook page.

There are going to be a few more Magnolia people moving over here to Trails End and Dick & Leslie Cleaveland along with Ray and Lil Droogsma have moved over to Casa del Sol. When we went into Allen Hall it certainly brought back lots of memories of all the good times we had in there over the years.

The park we are in this year seems to be okay and the people are very friendly, in fact a lot like Magnolia even though it is much bigger. From where we are parked, it is about 1/2 mile up to the place where the dumpsters are (that means 1/2 mile back too. Our spot is so well lit with a big light right behind us that I don't think our Christmas lights are going to show up very well but we'll put some up anyway. We have a grapefruit tree and an orange tree right here that we can pick from if we want. It's actually pink grapefruit which is usually pretty good but we haven't tried them yet.

I believe most people down here really are trying to be very careful. The stores require masks and it is enforced which is so nice to see.

In a normal year this is a very busy park and there are still activities going on, even with the covid situation. They make charity quilts and I looked in on that and met a few ladies. Chris P. and Irma were there too helping with the tying. There seem to be quite a few birds around which of course I like and it is in a great location. It has just been sold and will become an Encore Park (think Victoria Palms) so it will be interesting to see what happens here in the future and what happens to the rates.

There are a few jams being held in the Valley with extra precautions being taken. Some parks are having drive-in movies outside - golf carts and chairs, all the while social distancing as well as other activities. If you think there is nothing going on down here you would be wrong, it's just different but I do believe the end of this is in sight with the promise of the vaccines coming in the near future. It would seem mind boggling to think about trying to get the whole world vaccinated but it would seem that's about what it will take, or at least the majority.

Even as I write this I can hear the rain once again coming down but tomorrow it is supposed to be better, I think the rain will be done and the temps should go up. Unfortunately there is quite a severe drought down here so the rain is really badly needed. I'm sure what came down all day didn't amount to a whole lot so it will still be too dry.

If you are trying to decide if you should come to the Rio Grande Valley this year there are still lots of things going on, most people are trying very hard to comply with the mask requirements and at least for us Wisconsinites, the positivity rates down here are quite a bit lower than they are at home.

Stay safe, wherever you are and if you are traveling, safe travels!

Happy Thanksgiving Y'all!

 

Marie Flood Obituary

 I have heard that Marie Flood has passed. When I receive more info it will be posted.

I found Marie's obituary and you can see it by going to this link.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/la-feria-tx/marie-flood-9914090

This and That

 I posted two obituaries this evening so do scroll down and read them but I also wanted to tell you that I heard from Dale Eichor and he has recovered from his brain surgery of a few months ago and was told that he can resume all normal activities. That is indeed some good news when lately all we have heard is gloom and doom and we are happy for him. He didn't think they would be going to Texas this year but who knows, maybe he and Caroline will get sick of winter in Iowa and head out.

I asked about Fred Rabe and was told that he is doing very well so I'm taking that as he has outwitted the Covid virus. Good for him!

Susan Van Houweling has made it safely to the valley from Iowa and will be living in her motor home over at Trails End. I'm thinking that maybe Trails End should be called "little Magnolia." I'm just kidding but there are quite a few former Magnolia residents there now and we will be joining them next week. We plan to leave here on Saturday as the weather looks good, first night Litchfield IL, second and third nights Forrest City AR, fourth night Henderson TX and last night in Alice Texas. We should get into Trails End mid-morning on Thanksgiving day if all goes as planned. We like to spend two days at an RV park in Forrest City as it gives us a chance to de-winterize and put stuff away. The first night in Litchfield we won't even put the slides out but we will in AR.

We are looking forward to being a Winter Texan and hope that all goes well.

Robert Hendry Obituary

I received word from Mabel Zoot that Bob Hendry has passed. We remember Bob and his wife Rose who used to live in Magnolia Park on Pine Street, a few houses east of the pool hall. There unit was pulled out years ago and they have been gone from the park for many years.

Robert A. Hendry

Croswell - Robert Alexander Hendry, 88, of Croswell, passed away November 12, 2020. He was born April 24, 1932, in Detroit, and was adopted by Alex and Cleo Hendry. He married Rose McLane on October 20, 1951.

Bob was a proud member of the United States Army and was a sniper in the Korean Conflict. He was a member of Community of Christ (RLDS) Church, and served as an ordained Elder, and for many years as Pastor. Bob was the caretaker of the Blue Water Reunion Grounds for 20+ years. He worked tirelessly on behalf of Outreach International. Bob loved dancing, roller skating, playing cards, swimming, traveling (to all 50 states), and especially walking every day. Another of Bob's favorite things to do was to faithfully donate over 20 gallons of blood, with Rosie.

He is survived by three children; Cleo (John) Barrett of MI, Laurie (Tim) Decker of MI, and Crystal (Bill) Embry of MO; grandchildren; John and Jared Barrett, Rachel Green, Harmony Crocker, Christopher Decker, Julia Schubert, Billy Embry II, Rebecca Vipperman, and great grandchildren; Olivia and Annabelle Barrett, Henry and Jack Crocker, John Patrick and Brooks Barrett, Ben, Elliot and Torin Embry, Jackson, Jace, and Janessa Schubert.

Bob was preceded in death by his loving wife "Rosie," of 65 years, daughter, Jody Lynn, grandson, Timothy Decker, and brother, Dick Hendry.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Inurnment will be in Croswell Cemetery.

Family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations/memorials be given to Outreach International.

Jowett Funeral Home is privileged to serve the family.

Joseph Urias Obituary

 

Obituary of Joseph S Urias

    Newton lost a beloved member of our community on October 19th, 2020 when Joseph Sostenes Urias (Joe)  passed away at Prairie Hills Senior Living in Des Moines. 

    Joe was born on August 5, 1930 in Newton Iowa to Sostenes and Avelina Urias of Sinaloa and Chihuahua, Mexico. He was very proud of his Mexican heritage, being a first generation Mexican-American. He graduated from Newton high School in 1948 with honors. He worked at Maytag for his entire career, working his way up from the Porcelain Department to a Senior Buyer. While working at Maytag he acquired his bachelor's degree in Business Administration at Drake University. Although he excelled in his career, his devotion was to his family. He married the love of his life, Lucy, in Newton on April 11, 1958 and together they built a family. Joe was a loving father who was proud of his children and always encouraged them to dream and to work hard to do whatever they desired. Joe could often be found dancing with his wife Lucy, or with his children and grandchildren. He also spent many years performing and directing plays at the Newton Theater, coaching little league, camping, bowling and golfing. He was a committed member of The Moose Lodge for over 50 years, earning the highest honor in the organization, the Pilgrims degree. He was also a member of the Elks, and the Westwood golf course. He valued his catholic faith and was a long time member of Sacred Heart Church. 

    He is survived by his children, Mike (Annie) Urias, Ronald Dean (Sally) Urias, Teresa (Kent) Shirley, Chris (John) Heck, and Joe A. (Monica) Urias; his twenty-two grandchildren; forty-two great grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; and his brother Sostenes Urias Jr. Joe was preceded in death by his wife Lucy; daughter, Pat Urias Parker; his granddaughter, Toni Botello; a great granddaughter, Morgan Malloy; his parents Avelina and Sostenes Urias; brothers Emigdio “Mickey” , Siolo, Jim Urias; and his sisters Mary Gonzalez and Dorothy Lockwood. 

    

Joe Urias Passed Away

Sandy Williams contacted me through Facebook about Joe. Whenever you have news of our old Magnolia friends you may contact either me or Deon and we will post it on this site to share with all. The largest majority of former Magnolia people are in Trails End and having most of you in one spot should make it easier to keep track. 

Barbara Brooker (keep.movin.on@gmail.com)  This is still the easiest and most reliable way to get in touch with me.

You can find Joe's obituary at https://pencereese.com/tribute/details/1583/Joseph-Urias/obituary.html#tribute-start

Update

 My piles of "stuff" are getting bigger! We plan to leave here on Saturday Nov. 21 weather permitting. I wish it would stay this nice and warm until then but Tuesday it will be back to winter-like temperatures. I have just heard that there are going to be a few more former Magnolia Park residents heading over to Trails End which is where we will also be this winter. We are looking forward to seeing everyone again even though we will all be wearing masks and wish everyone safe traveling. Barb and Butch Brooker have made it back to Trophy Gardens safely and are getting settled in.

Our Covid numbers here in Clark County are steadily mounting with more deaths every day and positive cases rising. It is scary. We do try to be very careful the little bit we get out and plan to continue that way.

One more thing, for those folks who have asked many times if we ever got our $200 deposit back, the answer is now yes. I almost fell out of my chair I was so surprised but we received a check about a week ago. I had written another letter to the owners/managers or whatever they are and I guess that finally did the trick. If you will recall, our spot was taken away from us by placing mobiles on it and there really wasn't another spot that we would fit in. Case closed!!

Stay safe everyone, wear your masks (I've been busy making a whole bunch of them as there isn't much else to do), use your wipes or hand sanitizer and be careful!

See you soon.

This and That

 It's a good thing we have a couple of bedrooms in which to pile "stuff" as I am slowly getting the piles together of things that need to go in the RV. We won't be leaving for a while yet although Wisconsin Covid numbers are skyrocketing so we stick pretty close to home except for getting groceries once in a while. It is rather hard to believe but in the City Hall in Neillsville where many people will be voting next Tuesday, at least some of the workers do not wear masks. I don't understand why they don't and then they wonder why the numbers are so high. Our local school K-5th went virtual as did schools in surrounding cities. I would hate to be a parent of youngsters right now, wondering if the kids are going to be home or in school, wondering how safe they are, and everything else that goes along with the current situation.

Enough about that!

We decided that this year we would give Trails End a try along with all the other Magnolia people who are there. We have managed to secure a spot that we would fit in and are looking forward to being closer to Chet & Irma as well as to the other ex-Magnolia residents. Along with us there are a few more who are making the move to Trails End. It will be somewhat difficult to get to know new people because as I understand it we will be wearing masks which is the way it should be. I believe all the Winter Texan parks are doing their very best to keep their residents safe. 

We are already sick of winter as we have had lots of cold weather and snow already which is way too early to say the least. It is supposed to warm up next week.

Safe travels to those who are on the road or who will be shortly. 

Jay Kelly Obituary

Jay David William Kelly was born In Butte Montana to Jay and Marie Kelly. The oldest of three children, his love for adventure and the outdoors made Butte the perfect place to start. During his early years, Jay played youth hockey and for a short time, was coached by the legendary daredevil Evel Kneivel, which would become just one of the many sources of pride for his only son Jeffery. He graduated from Butte High in 1960 and immediately after graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Following basic training, he was stationed at Offut Air Force Base in Omaha Nebraska. As with any, the comradery with his fellow airmen had put him attending a fellow airman’s wedding in the small town of Atkinson Nebraska. This wedding would mix the plaster which cast the statue depicting the remainder of his life when he asked a former Hay Days Princess to dance with him. During that dance he learned her name was Joyce Gilbert. Cupid surely had danced along with them because two months later the two former strangers became husband and wife on December 26, 1964. Jay and Joyce’s son Jeff was born the following year on September 5th, just two days after Jay’s birthday.

Following his honorary discharge from the Air Force in 1965, the newlyweds moved to rural Holt County Nebraska. Jay worked at the P&P feed lots north of Atkinson while his wife Joyce took care of the duties at home. During this time, Jay had revisited his passionate love for music and began playing guitar. Soon he joined a small band with Alvin Krysl and G.L. (Tom) Schaaf called the Country Cousins. The group played dances in the Atkinson area until Jay formed another band called The Purple Sage Band. Jay taught his wife Joyce to play bass guitar with this group so the two of them could be together in both marriage and band. The couple later met the members of a group called Tequila Sunrise who were looking for a guy who could sing and play guitar. Fate sent Jay Kelly to them because he had the uncanny ability to both, bonused by the addition of Joyce on bass guitar. This musical group was a long-running entertainment staple in the central Nebraska area for 18+ years to come. Jay’s love for music also later led him to become a teacher of guitar and fiddle by giving lessons to youngsters in the Atkinson area.

The Kelly family had moved from country to town residing in a quaint little corner house located in Atkinson in 1973 which became their permanent home. Jay began working on the Fred Horne ranch located north of Atkinson, often being joined during the summer months by his son Jeff. Jay’s abilities to work with tools and his knowledge of building and fixing things again became an asset when he started doing contracting work around the Atkinson area for over a decade. Jay always strived to do the job right, no matter how much extra work it was. He was a perfectionist through and through.

Later in life, Jay and Joyce began attending country and bluegrass music festivals and with Jay’s amazing ability to play almost any instrument, he taught himself how to play the fiddle and a legacy was born. Jay became one of the most demanded fiddle players at these festivals because he could “just play anything”. His abilities later landed him spots in both the Old Time Fiddler’s Hall of Fame of Iowa and The Country Music Hall of Fame of Iowa. To this day, he is the only person inducted into both of these prestigious academies.

During the years, Joyce and Jay became a constantly seen couple at countless music festivals, never far apart on the grounds of any event. They spent the winter months in Texas during the remainder of Jay’s life, playing music with many new friends all along the southernmost tip of United States. Jay so loved his musical family and the feeling was mutual with hundreds of their friends – he always had a tune running through his head, always.

Jay passed away on October 8th, 2020 at CHI Health Center in Kearney due to medical conditions complicated by the indiscriminatory Covid-19 Virus. He is survived by his wife, Joyce and Son Jeff (Kathleen), his sister Rose Marie and nephews David, Ricky and Wayne; Sister-in-Law Mickey (Butch) Braun of Atkinson, nephew Michael (Alison) Braun, niece Michelle (Tom) Laetsch; Sister-In-Law Julene Simonds (Dennis) of Lincoln, nieces Heather (Ryan) Kness and Amy Simonds. Jay also considered his “Music Family”, the people he’d met at the musical events, as extended relatives and treated them as members of his own family. Jay always welcomed anyone with kindness, hospitality and song.

Jay is preceded in death by his father Jay, his mother Marie, his younger brother Oscar Kelly and cousin Halsey. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there will be a public memorial service held at a later date when it is safe for everyone to gather. Funeral arrangements and inurnment by Seger Funeral Home in Atkinson with burial at Woodlawn Cemetery in Atkinson.

 

Edith Bauer, 1932 - 2020

 I received word today that Edith Bauer passed this morning. I have many good memories of Edith as she sang in the Choraliers and I got to know her quite well. She was a nice lady and wintered in Magnolia Park for many years. She was Max Pierce's sister and until this year Max & Mary also wintered in Magnolia Park. She will be missed by many. If you would like to send Max & Mary a card their address is 2329  IL Rt 78S, Stockton IL 61085. You can also go to the Hermann Funeral Home site in Stockton and leave a message of sympathy for the family there. 

Edith Bauer, age 88 of Stockton, IL passed away Sunday, October 25, 2020 at FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport. She was born January 24, 1932 in Stockton to the late Leland and Florence (Parker) Pierce. Edith married Lendelle Bauer on December 9, 1950 in Stockton. Lendelle passed away February 10, 2002.

 

She was a member of Unitarian Universalist Church in Stockton where she was very active throughout the years and would often play the piano and organ. She was also a member of the Eastern Star. Edith was a 1948 graduate of Stockton High School and received her teacher’s license from Dekalb Teachers College. She had taught at the Willow Country School House before getting married and teaching at the Missouri Military Base. She was a lab technician at the Whey Plant for Kraft Foods and had helped her husband on the farm. She enjoyed wintering in Magnolia Park in Donna, TX, listening and playing music, helping her husband on the farm, and most importantly, spending time with her family.

 

She is survived by her daughters, Coral (Paul) Loebel of Beaver Dam, WI and Carmen (Tom) Calderon of Stockton; her sons, Kevin (Anki) Bauer of Stockton and Wade Bauer of Stockton; her brothers, Leland Jr. (Bud) Pierce of Stockton and Max (Mary) Pierce of Stockton; her sister, Mariam Blair of Stockton; her grandchildren, Klinton Bauer, Taylor Westaby, Allie Gagnon, Kirsten Bushek, Nicole Williams, Zachary David, Kailyn Bauer and Dawson Bauer; her great grandchildren, Casey, Tyler, Abigail, Aadilynn, Anestyn and Sebastian. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two sisters, Elizabeth Herring and Linda Lloyd; and her special friend, Don Mueller.

 

The memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. at the Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton. There will be a visitation before the service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Ladies Union Cemetery in Stockton. 

 

This and That

 It is difficult to find news to post so if anyone has something to share, please do let me know. I did have a message from Beverly Lokensgard-Clarkson (Connie Dziuk's sister) (they both used to live in Magnolia Park and now are both over at Roadrunner Park). Beverly let me know that Bob Englehart and Dawn are now living over there and his brother Randy's trailer is set up over there too.

This morning I had a message from LeRoy and Elaine Misfeldt letting me know that Joe and Linda Bleess stopped in to see them. They are going to stop in Sioux Falls and then on to Texas. As I think I've said earlier, their unit in Magnolia was sold and pulled out and Joe and Linda purchased a place over at Siesta Village.

Pat and Mike Jordan as well as Marty and Don Harper have made it safely down to the valley, both couples over at Trails End. 

The weather has cooled down considerably from the 90s it was earlier in the week but I don't know how long the cooler weather will stick around. I'm sure it must be a relief from those hot temperatures which people from the mid-west haven't seen for quite a while. The high here today in Central Wisconsin was about 34. It is supposed to warm up next weekend and perhaps even reach the 40s! 

I have not had any further news about Fred but will post if I hear something. In the meantime, keep him in your prayers and send him cards. I posted his address in the last post that I made.

Magnolia will be very much different this year for those few folks who are left and I do have to wonder if perhaps there won't be a few more who will pull out. Time will tell.

More Covid 19 News

 I had a text from Chris Pearce and I'm sorry to say that she told me that Fred Rabe has tested positive for the Corona Virus and is very sick but not in the hospital. He is at home and his daughter Kay is taking care of him. I know Fred would appreciate prayers and get-well cards from his Magnolia friends. His address is Fred Rabe, 106 Bryant Circle, Clyde TX 79510. We have to all remember to try to stay safe from this very nasty virus. Wear your masks, wash your hands, use wipes and social distance. Every little thing we can do helps. Here in Wisconsin the numbers and deaths keep going up and up. It is scary to say the least.

Ron and Chris Pearce, Terry Froseth and now Chet & Irma Johnson have all arrived safely back in the Rio Grande Valley and they are all living at Trails End. Don & Kathy Ferrell got back to Rio Valley Estates a couple of weeks ago. Chet & Irma, with their son Tom driving them, just arrived this afternoon. They left Wisconsin Monday morning, ran into snow and a delay just north of Des Moines but after that had pretty good weather. They got out of Wisconsin just in time as we had quite a bit of snow yesterday with more on the way for the weekend. Winter has arrived very early this year but then, it seems maybe that goes right along with the kind of year that 2020 has been.

I think there are more Magnolia residents perhaps on the road or will be shortly, most of whom will be going to Trails End.

I had heard that Carpenter Bob Engelhart and Dawn Orozco had wanted to move out of Magnolia and weren't being allowed to but now today I heard that they are gone as well as Bob's brother Randy. Sooner or later we will know if that is all rumor or if it is true.

If you have news you would like posted, let me know. Safe travels as the seasons change and be careful!

Jay Kelly - September 3, 1943 - October 08, 2020

Jay Kelly of Atkinson Nebraska passed on Thursday, October 8 after contracting the Corona Virus. He and his family thought he was out of the woods but as is so often the case, he ended up with pneumonia. Jay is survived by his wife Joyce, one son Jeffery Kelly and his wife Kathleen, and one sister Rose Kelly. Memorial services will be at a later date.

Jay was a wonderful musician who played a "mean fiddle" as well as being an outstanding guitar player. He was well known in the Rio Grande Valley and in the last few years he had his own bluegrass band which one of the pictures below shows. He and his band raised money for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

Jay and his musical talents will be missed by all who knew him but not just for his music but because he was a good and decent man, always willing to share his knowledge and never too busy to answer questions.

These are some pictures that I have taken of Jay over the years while in Magnolia Park.

 

More Sad News

 It is with much sadness that I have to tell you that Jay Kelly passed away this morning about 10:00. We thought he was well on the road to recovery because he had his Monday morning fiddle tune which due to Covid 19 he had not been able to do for a couple of weeks.

He apparently walked to the post office yesterday and was very tired when he got back home. He got progressively more ill and as they live only a couple of blocks from the hospital Joyce drove him to the ER last evening. After more tests and xrays of his lungs he was admitted to the hospital. His lungs were full of pneumonia which is so characteristic of this virus. Just when you think someone is getting better things can quickly take a turn for the worse. I have gotten this info second hand but I think for the most part it is pretty accurate.

Jay was great musician and a very good friend. He will be missed by many.

When I get more info and an obituary I will post it here.

One final thought, this virus is NOT a hoax, it is serious, very serious. Wear those masks, socially distance, wash your hands and do everything you can to stay safe no matter where you are.

Anita Nelson 1926 - 2020

I have received word that Anita Nelson passed on Sunday, October 4. From what I've been told, Anita will be cremated and there will be no public services. I was not able to find an obituary, just the death notice.

Anita and her husband Dick were very long-time residents of Magnolia Village and for many years she was the "card lady." Every time a card needed to be sent Anita would take of it. She will be missed.

I'm sure Dick would appreciate hearing from all his Magnolia friends. His address is 3707 E Business Hwy 83, Lot 353, Donna TX 78537.

 

Dale Eichor Update

 I had an email from Dale & Caroline this morning and Dale is reporting that they had gone back to Des Moines for a post op visit. He had another CT scan and the neurosurgeon told them that it looked just the way it should and Dale is recovering nicely. He also has now driven and is feeling good about that. Somehow it seems when one can get themselves from one place to another without depending on another you surely feel that you are well on the road to a full recovery.

Dale wants to thank all of his Winter Texan friends for the cards that he received. As I've said many times before, Magnolia residents were and to a great extent, still are a family. Those of us who lived there for so many winters are still connected and it is so nice to stay in touch.

This upcoming season will certainly be different from any in the past. As I understand it, Covid numbers in Hidalgo County are going down. That is certainly different than how it is up here in the upper Midwest. Our numbers are climbing dramatically especially among the young adults.

If you are planning on going south this winter, pack those masks, take wipes because they are in very short supply in the Rio Grande Valley and stay safe. I'm not sure about the status of paper towels and toilet paper down there right now but when Chet & Irma get there they will let us know how it is. When we travel Jim uses a glove to fuel. We only have to fuel twice as we leave home with full tanks. We have a transfer tank in the back of the pickup so we fuel somewhere just south of St.Louis if we go that way, or southwest of Effingham IL if we go that way and then in Henderson Texas. We can make it to the Valley with maybe a quarter tank to spare. Restaurants are open and I think masks are REQUIRED everywhere. It really is only a tiny hardship to wear masks and it does seem to go a long way toward protecting everyone. 

Stay safe, travel smart and if you have news to share please let me know so I can put it on the blog.

Magnolia Photos

 I was sent some photos from Magnolia and I thought I would share them with you. I also want to mention that Jay Kelly has COVID and I know we all send him best wishes for a speedy recovery and hope that Joyce doesn't also get it. We just can't be too careful.

This is how Peach Street now looks. There is a new mobile where Marge Soole's unit used to be, then you can see Peggy & Donn's mobile, and next to them are four of the new mobiles that have been brought in. The trailer that used to belong to Al Gehman is gone. There is nothing where Butch and Barb used to park nor where Jay & Joyce usually park. You can also see the pigeons that are collecting food that has been put for them.

This shows the empty lot where Larry Josie and Cathy Toms unit sat (formerly Nelson & Mable Zoot). I believe their mobile went to Leisure World and I do wonder if they will even be able to get out of Canada this season what with the virus and the border situation between us and them. You can also see one of the new units which is on the spot that Edna and Jerry Walker's mobile used to be.

This is the new playground which as you can see is up right tight to Pat & Barb Kent's mobile.

This is what is left of the fence separating Magnolia from the lot that is on the corner which belongs to someone else.

Edythe A. Larson Obituary

 

Edythe A. Larson

July 19, 1945 ~ September 18, 2020 (age 75)

Obituary & Services

Obituary

Edythe A. Larson, 75 of Coon Valley, died Friday September 18, 2020 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.  Edy was born July 19, 1945 to Vilas and Loula (Powell) Hanson.  She grew up in Coon Valley and graduated from Westby High School in 1963.  Edy married Jon Larson on March 7, 1964.  They lived on the family farm outside of Coon Valley and raised 3 children.  In later years she worked at Vernon Memorial Hospital as a PT assistant which she loved very much.  After she retired, they traveled to warmer climates during the winter months. 

Survivors include her husband, Jon; 3 children, David (Sue) Larson, Darren (Jodi) Larson, and Debby (Jeff) Kragt; 4 grandchildren, Jessie Larson (Ethan Baker), Mitch Larson, Katie Larson and Nick Larson; a special cousin, Susie Knutson and a longtime friend and neighbor, Terri Schultz.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

A visitation will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday September 23, 2020 at the Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley.  Burial will follow in the Coon Valley Lutheran Church Cemetery.  Memorials may be given to the Coon Valley Lutheran Church.  Condolences may be given at selandsfuneralhome.com. 

To send flowers to Edythe's family, please visit our floral store.

Edy Larson

 Word has been received that Edy Larson has passed away. More info will appear as I find it.

Condolences can be sent to: 

Jon Larson

Apt #108

504 Salsbery Circle

Hillsboro, WI 54634

Update on Dale Eichor

 I had a note from Caroline Eichor again today and she tells me that Dale came home from the hospital on Tuesday and is doing well. That is very good news and we wish him a very speedy recovery.

The weather here in Central Wisconsin has turned cooler and there is even a frost advisory out for this evening. Fall is here and I am looking forward to the leaves turning. Of course, with leaves turning, comes leaves falling and following that is raking, just one of those things we do in preparation for the upcoming colder months. We mowed today and most likely will mow just once more, especially if it freezes hard very soon. The soybean fields are turning golden in color and the corn ears are hanging down, more sure signs of the end of the growing season nearing the end.

I walked up the road to our Amish neighbors to see what they have in their roadside stand. I brought home some very nice tomatoes and a nice squash. They have their sweet corn sign covered up so I'm thinking that is getting in short supply.

The Covid numbers have taken a sharp uptick here in Wisconsin with lots of young people testing positive. Our local school also has had at least one positive case and it just doesn't look like it is going to be drastically better any time soon.

Wear those masks, wash your hands and social distance! Won't we all be glad when we don't hear any of those words anymore!! I know we will.

Safe travels to those who will be on the road soon.

News from the Eichors

 I had a note from Caroline today telling me that Dale is in the hospital in Des Moines. He is recovering from surgery to remove fluid from between the skull and brain. He had apparently fainted a couple of weeks ago when at a tire shop and hit his head on the concrete floor. He went to the ER but they found nothing. It took a couple of weeks to show up. The neurosurgeons worked him into their schedule and he is doing good. He calls Caroline every day from the hospital as the hospital isn't open to visitors yet. He expects to be home in a few days and I'm sure he would appreciate cards.

I normally don't put people's address on the blog but actually you can find it on line so I guess I am not putting anything out there that's not readily available. I don't put email addresses on line but that is in the last directory so if you'd like to email them you can find it there.

Dale Eichor, 2010 N 24th Pl, Fort Dodge IA 50501

Jerry Walker Memorial Service

 A date has been set for memorial services for Jerry Walker September 25th (Fri). Visitation 10.00 am to 11:00 am. Service at 11:00 am. Will be held at Pearson Funeral Home located at 701 7th St , Corning , IA Feel free to share post or pass verbal word. If anyone in need of motel rooms you can contact Corning Hotel at ph no 641 418 8190. Graveside services will be at McCracken Cemetery Oct 2 (Fri) at 10:00 am , McCracken, KS. One of the closest motels in area is Green Acres in La Crosse, KS ph no 785 222 2532. Lunches after both services. Any questions contact Edna Walker. Her phone number and email are in the last directory.

September Thoughts

 It's hard to believe that it is the 2nd of September already. Time has flown by in spite of all the restrictions that are in place to try to keep us all safe. We have made a few trips to a couple of neighboring cities to buy groceries that aren't available in Neillsville and to visit Menards or Fleet Farm once in a while.

We are waiting to have our house shingled. We have done it ourselves before but have decided that perhaps we are a tad to old to be climbing around on the roof tearing off shingles and putting down new ones. It would take us a long time and the professionals will do it in a day and a half at the most and it will be all done, good as new which of course it will be.

Jim's project for the summer was to keep our numerous Baltimore Orioles fed. He is in charge of dispensing the grape jelly and thus far he has emptied 102 jars. That's more than 200 pounds of grape jelly that we have gone through this summer since the orioles arrived in May. The sparrows also like the jelly as well as a few of the other birds but it's been mostly the orioles that have consumed it. The last few days it has slowed way down and there are only around 10 orioles left and I'm sure they will soon be gone too. Time for them to head south. Our weather has been typical Wisconsin summer weather. Some days hot and humid and for a lot of the summer very dry. We have been very lucky as we have not had any really severe weather unlike some of the other areas of the country including Iowa. They sustained a really terrible storm and it will be a long time before things are completely cleaned up. The farmer's corn crops were hit very hard with an unbelievable amount of dollar loss to the entire state. Many Magnolia residents and former residents over the years have lived, or do now live in Iowa and we feel for them.

I have a feeling that this winter in the Rio Grande Valley will be much different from previous years with a lot fewer Winter Texans. I have heard and read, that for the most part, the Canadians will have to stay home. From what I understand, and I certainly could be wrong, the problem for them would be getting health insurance to cover them while out of the country. Way back in February or March when this all started I thought it would all be gone by now, but it certainly isn't and I imagine it won't be until there is a reliable vaccine or at least a reliable drug to fight Covid 19. Who would have ever thought it. In some ways it reminds me of the time when polio was a problem. I remember sitting on the curb on one side of the street that we lived on and my best friend who lived across the street sat on the curb on her side of the street and we would yell across the street at each other, just two little girls trying to have fun without being able to play together.

We do plan to head south this winter and hope to see some of you here and there.

Be careful, wear your masks and stay safe.