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.

Raul Saldivar

 

Cindy Peterson called today to tell me that Raul Saldivar passed away on Monday, August 19 of a massive heart attack at his residence in Magnolia Park. I looked for an obituary but all it said was he was born in 1934 and was 89 years old. We remember Raul well, I would meet him lots of times in the park somewhere or he would be sitting on a bench in front of the office or riding his bike around. I remember him saying it's okay to go to Mexico but you just make sure you are out of there before dark. I remember taking this picture, he wouldn't take his hat off and it made no difference to me. We think we remember him telling us he worked in Nebraska and Jim thinks Raul told us that he was born in the Rio Grande Valley. He was a very nice man and we liked him a lot. I do appreciate Cindy letting me know so that I could let you all know.

Another Birthday

 I had a call this evening from Elaine Misfeldt and she told me that JoAnne Keyser, who I'm sure many of you remember, is having her 90th birthday on August 17. Joanne and her husband Jerry lived back on Cummings and she also worked at the flea market. I remember her well because when Jim and I went down to pick up our first RV, a Trek which Chet and Irma had found for us, she and Jerry went out of their way to be nice to us. It was in the summer and most winter Texans were long gone and they went out of their way to be helpful.

Her address is PO Box 185, Callaway Nebraska 68825 and I'm sure she would appreciate hearing from her former Magnolia friends.

Other than that, I have no other news. Summer is winding down, here it is August already. It's been very hot and sticky the last several days but tomorrow is going to be much cooler with rain in the forecast.

Our Amish neighbors have their roadside produce stand open for business so we have had our first meal of sweet corn and actually, our second meal too. It's so good and the season is so short that we enjoy it at every opportunity. It's almost time for Jim to harvest his honey. He's hoping for another good year but it's a bit early to really know what is out there. We plan to take two cases south with us as there have been many requests for Jim's honey as it's much better than what you will find in the store.

As always, if you have news, please let me know.

The Memories linger on...

 I found some pictures I thought I had lost so decided to share a few of them before I forget where I found them.

Going fishing was a common activity for some of the guys. This is Dave Bruun in case you want to know.

And then... 2014

Short walk down memory lane

 

Fred and Friend

Mary B. Either putting them up or taking them down.

Gonzales Burgers on Silver Street in Donna Texas.

Another Birthday

 I received a message today asking me to let you all know that we have another important birthday coming up among our Magnolia family (at our ages, all birthdays are important). On July 13 Elaine Misfeldt will turn 85. It would be nice if  we could fill her mailbox with birthday cards and wish her well. Her address is 612 7th St NE #1, Pipestone MN 56164. I chatted with Elaine just before LeRoy's birthday and she sounded just like I was sitting across the table from her in Allen Hall in Magnolia. It was nice talking with her. Mark your calendars and get those cards in the mail! 

Here it is almost the 4th of July, time does fly by. I know it sounds trite, but it's true. It seems like we just got home from the valley at the end of March and here it is the end of June. We are in an area where strawberries are grown at this time of the year. You can pick your own at some places or buy them ready picked. We bought an ice cream bucket full (that's how they are sold here) from one of the many Amish roadside stands in our area. The cost was $10 and they were worth every penny of that. I made a pan of Better Homes and Gardens Rich Strawberry shortcake recipe, we ate that up so I made another pan full (9 inch layer cake pan) and we ate that up and now the berries are gone too. We are thinking maybe we'll get another bucket full on Monday (no Sunday sales at the Amish places) and have some more shortcake. It's such a short season and there is nothing like fresh strawberry shortcake! Yum!!

Other than that I have no other news of any importance. Remember, if you have something to share, please let me know and I'll be happy to put it on the blog.

Enjoy Summer!!

This and That

 I know it's been a long while since I posted anything but it's getting harder and harder to find anything to write about. I do think there will perhaps come a time when the blog will be ended, or at least new posts will no longer be made. 

Up here in West Central Wisconsin we have had days and days of heavy rains and tonight the meteorologists are talking about the possibilities of very strong winds even derechos which I think are becoming more common. I know a few years back Iowa was hit with one of these. We are keeping busy with mowing our lawn because even though it has not been overly hot it has been wet so the grass keeps growing. 

We enjoy watching the wildlife out our windows including a couple of does with fawns, one has one fawn and another has twins. They race around like crazy on the lawn just like a bunch of little kids playing. They are fun to watch! We haven't planted a garden for many years but we do plant tomato plants. Jim started them after we got home and we planted them outside a couple of weeks ago. We like the cherry tomatoes so have red and yellow. We have lots of plants so most likely if the weather cooperates we should have a bumper crop.

I thought I would share a couple of photos with you of some of our wildlife. These were all taken out our living room windows. 

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Rose-breasted Grosbeak, male

Indigo Bunting

Red-headed Woodpecker

LeRoy Misfeldt Birthday date change

 Elaine called the other day and told me that the actual date for LeRoy's birthday is May 30, not May 31. Just a reminder to get those birthday cards in the mail and I sure hope a lot of you remembered Mabel Zoet's birthday yesterday. Every once in a while recent photos of both these long-time Magnolia residents will show up on Facebook and they are looking great.

Have a safe and wonderful Memorial Day weekend!!

Another Birthday edited

 I had a nice note today from Mabel Zoet and she told me she too is going to be 90 and her birthday is May 22. I remember Nelson and Mabel well, Nelson performed the auctioneer song many times for the enjoyment of Magnolia residents. So folks, I ask you to not only remember LeRoy Misfeldt on May 31 but Mabel Zoot on May 22. Both of these folks will be 90 years young and it'd sure be fun to send them both birthday cards. As I stated for LeRoy, let's try for at least 90 cards for each of them. 

When Nelson and Mabel left the park they lived in Wyoming MI but when I looked her up I found an address of 5683 Leisure South Dr SE  Kentwood MI 49548 which I am assuming is current.  I just found a different address for Mabel and don't know which is correct. 301 44th St SW, Grand Rapids Michigan 49548-4107

Please, if you are able, greet them on their birthdays!!

Birthday News

I had a really nice message from  Susan Van Houweling and among other things she told me that LeRoy Misfeldt is going to be 90 on May 31. I remember LeRoy and Elaine very well and I'm sure you do too. How about if we all send him a birthday card for this special occasion. Not everybody makes it to the 90 year milestone. The address is 612 7th NE #1, Pipestone MN 56164. Wouldn't it be great if somehow we could get at least 90 birthday cards from former Magnolia friends. Let's do it!!

The Older I Get...

 ...the more difficult it is to keep up. Not just with blogs, but with everything. Despite that, I still feel these are the best years of my life. 

I find that when we come South we become wrapped up in park activities. Never saw that coming! I made a promise to myself when we came to Trophy that I would not become so immersed in too many areas of the activities. I have held to that but am still busier than I want to be at times. We do not seem to do much outside the park...like visit our Magnolia friends

I do frequently have a mental touch with the former Magnolia people, most often when looking at my photos. Good times, good people!

Our lives are made up of pool, both of us and trivia for me. I sometimes think of stopping trivia but there are fifty-plus people who would be very disappointed. Butch also plays golf. I have a walking partner. At 7 each morning we check the outdoor temp and if it is in excess of 50 degrees we walk for 2 miles. We use both Winter Ranch and Trophy Garden.

Here are some Magnolia Memories for you.

Spring

 I know it's been a while since I last posted and to be honest, I'm not sure if anyone reads this anymore or not but I think a few do so I will keep posting periodically to this blog.

We left the RGV March 28 and in three days we were back home here in Wisconsin. As usual, Spring has been rather fickle since we arrived home. Up here, it was the winter that wasn't, because they had very little snow and it really wasn't very cold. Since we've been home, it's snowed and it's been far colder than we were used to down in Texas. Neither Jim or I like it and it seems like we just can't get warm. We got used to the great weather we had all winter down south so this is a bitter pill to swallow. The last few days have been somewhat warmer and a bit rainy and windy. We are lucky though when we see the tornado destruction that took place yesterday in numerous states. I certainly hope none of you were affected by the severe weather outbreak the last few days and perhaps ongoing even as I type this.

It has warmed up sufficiently that the grass has gotten green, is growing and will need to be mowed very shortly. Once we start mowing it's an ongoing thing probably well into October although as fall approaches the grass does slow down in its growth. I see tulips, daffodils and rhododendrons blooming all over in our area. At one time I had hundreds of tulips but the deer found them tasty and the squirrels thought they should all be dug up. That was enough of that!! The problem with all of those flowers is, yes they are so pretty in the spring but after they bloom for a short time, that is it and they are done until next year. I'm looking for new ideas for flowers that will bloom most of the summer. I have had a wildflower garden for several years and while it is pretty for quite a long time, at the same time it is also very messy looking and drives me crazy. I am going to till it up and plant perennials that bloom most of the summer and that I can weed around, or at least that is the plan.

The only Magnolia people that I still hear from are the ones in Trails End, where we are, and those over at Roadrunner where there is another contingent of former Magnolia people. Through Facebook I do have contact with a few others but contact is minimal. Lots of good memories though from those years. We did not drive into Magnolia at all this season but did drive by several times. It looks quite dreadful. I wonder how the inside of the buildings are where we all spent a lot of time, probably as dreadful as the rest of the park looks. There are a very few of our former neighbors at Magnolia who are still there which most of us find interesting.

As I say every time I post something on this blog if you have news to share please let me know.

This and That

Today is Tuesday, March 26 and day after tomorrow we will be heading back home to Wisconsin. It has once again been a very busy winter and the time has gone by very quickly. It seems like we just got here and now it's time to pack up and head north.

Back home it was the winter that wasn't, that is until the last several days. Wisconsin did get snow but I don't believe as much as some other areas did. I just looked at the weather and it appears that the temps will be in the 40s and I do know that the snow turned to rain so I'm thinking there can't be too much snow left.

Our little group of Magnolia people here at Trails End. for the most part are doing well. I believe Ron and Chris Pearce will be living here full time but I'm not 100% sure about that. We get together some Sunday mornings for snacks and chit-chat and it's always nice to see everyone. I run into Don Harper most mornings when I'm out on my morning walk and he's out walking his dog. I always ask him "what's new" and usually his response is nothing or words to the effect. 

We'll pack up the car tomorrow and head out as soon as it's light Thursday morning. Our first night out is usually Henderson TX but that may change, depends on where we are and how tired we are. The second night should be Marion IL and the third night we should get home. Of course that's if all goes as planned and we don't get delayed anywhere. Who knows, sometimes traffic is stopped because of an accident up ahead. Then all plans will be changed.

As I always say, if you have news or information to share, please do let me know and safe travels to those of you heading home.

This and That

Time is flying by it seems at a record speed. It seems we just got here, actually around the 1st of November and here it is almost March. We will stay until the end of March or thereabouts as we like to be home around April 1.

I've been busy this whole season, what with one thing or  another. We are still remodeling the mobile home we purchased in December of 2022 but are almost done. We are waiting for the roofer to come to put on a new metal roof which hopefully will happen before we head back north. The winter had been very dry until last weekend when we got around 4 inches of rain here in Weslaco which was so badly needed.

There are quite a few Magnolia people here and it's always nice to stop and chat a minute with them. This park has lots of Canadians in it and we've met some very nice folks here.

We've been birding a few times and plan to go a bit more often now. I am working on the park directory and now also do the monthly newsletter, both of which I do enjoy. We shoot pool on Friday evenings, mixed doubles, much like we used to do in Magnolia and we do not play with who we came with but draw cards to find our partner. It's a great way to meet new people and get to know them. Darlene Jansen plays as does Terry Froseth, Pat & Mike Jordan, Don & Marty Harper and Jim and I, along with others from the park. It's fun!

I seldom hear any other news from Magnolia people and as I've said before we do wonder about them. We drive by Magnolia and it sure doesn't look like it once did. Kind of sad.

As I say every time I post, if you have something to share, please let me know.

I'm going to share just one photo I took a couple of weeks ago and it is of an Audubon's Oriole.

Do You remember Edna?

Do You remember Edna?

Edna Anderson has been trying to rid the west side fence of sandburs. She has spent endless hours digging away at them. Edna used to be a resident of the park but had to move due to the number of pets she adopted. She still lives nearby.

I have a suggestion if you would like to take a stroll through the good old days of Magnolia. On this page you are reading this, scroll to the bottom and on the right side you will see a list of the years. Click on any of them and have a look around. The one above happens to be from 2004. Have fun!

Winter in the Rio Grande Valley

 What a difference from the last time I posted. We once again got extremely cold down here in the RGV. This time was not as bad as the "Big Freeze" in February of 2021 which lasted almost a week with no power but that time we were in the 5th Wheel and had a generator and we were snug as two bugs in a rug! This time it got down in the upper 20s and about 2:30 this morning our neighbor's generator which he installed last year, came on. I thought wow, we have power, I wonder why they don't. Well, silly me, yes we had power B U T. . . down here it is called 1/2 power and at home we would call it a brownout. We had power for the lights and TV but that was it - no coffee maker, no stove, no microwave and most importantly, no furnace, thus no heat. We are all electric here. As it turns out there were very few homes that had lost half their power. A transformer on our end of the street had a wire hanging down off of it so two streets were affected, our street and the one in back of us. All homes affected were in a relatively small area but we were one of them. AEP came in and fixed the problem and about 10:30 this morning the furnace was humming away. It did take a long time to heat the house and everything in it, back to a comfortable temperature but tonight everything is just fine and has been ever since it came back on.

Ron and Chris Pearce both have covid and Darlene had it a short time ago. Everyone (not us) went to the New Years Eve party and that turned out to be a super-spreader so lots of sick people in the park. Once in a while we will run into former Magnolia people and it's always nice to see them. Barb & Butch Brooker  who live over at Trophy Gardens in Alamo went square dancing and ran into Mary and Dave Bruun  and Barb had posted a picture of them on her blog. It was nice to see and did remind us of the "good old days" when we all were part of the Magnolia family.

Lots going on in our park this week, a big shuffleboard tournament which has had to change the days due to the extreme cold, a Welcome Back dinner tomorrow night put on by Encore, the corporation that owns this park and many more, and then a big shuffleboard dinner Sunday night which will have lots of guests. Everyone keeps busy that's for sure.

I hope all is well with all of you and as always, if you have news to share do let me know. I hear from quite a few prior Magnolia people quite often including Mabel Zoot and Edna Walker, just two of them I'll mention. We do wonder about others that no one seems to have any contact with. Lots of good memories, that's for sure.

Do keep in touch, it's always nice to hear from you.

Summer in January!!

 It got pretty warm here today, I believe our thermometer read 89 degrees this afternoon, had to turn the air on. We really haven't had to use the air or the heat too much this season. When we first got here in early November we had the A.C. on once in a while and then we needed the heat once in a while but most days we just turn the ceiling fan on and we're comfortable. It was extremely windy here today too which is not too uncommon down in the Rio Grande Valley. 

We went to Mexico last week and on the walk back over the international bridge from Progresso we encountered lots of immigrants who were camped on the side of the bridge that returns to the states. These are not people who are trying to sneak in and enter illegally but they are people who appeared to be from European countries looking to escape Ukraine and other countries where living is very tough. There were lots of families with children, some folks were sleeping in their tents and others were just gathered together talking. We could hear them and most everyone who has encountered them suspect some are from Russia, and other countries in that area just overhearing the languages spoken among them. I noticed that someone had placed ziplock baggies with toothbrushes and other hygiene items for them to use. They were evenly spaced all along the railing all the way to the middle where there is now a checkpoint at the US border and we had to show our passport to get through. We, who live in the United States sometimes forget how fortunate we are because in spite of the issues we all face, nothing is comparable to what people in some other nations are going through.

Last week the parrots decided to visit and they settled in trees right next to our house. How lucky is that! It was great fun, I took lots of photos and here are just a few. Remember how they used to visit us in Magnolia. It was fun then and it's still fun. They make so much noise you can't miss them when they are overhead.