This and That

 It's been a while since I've posted anything but I heard from Marty Harper and she told me Don is much better and he attributes his sepsis from a very small bite from a cat. Who knows, anything is possible and we are glad he is better. We are looking forward to seeing them in south Texas in just a couple of months.

I also somehow saw a post or communication from Tuffy Wolfrom that he has been fighting A-Fib which is nothing to fool around with. I hope he is on the mend. 

We have had our usual busy summer and right now Jim is busy extracting honey. He is too good a beekeeper and he has only 3 colonies but we have lots of honey to get rid of. We intend to bring 2 cases to the Valley with us and one of those is almost completely spoken for.

He planted several yellow cherry tomato plants and now we are inundated with these little tomatoes. They are much better than the red ones, at least in my opinion and the plants are hanging with them.

It has been extremely hot here in Central Wisconsin, 100 degrees yesterday and 96 today. Wednesday is supposed to be much cooler. We need rain badly but in spite of that there are some fields of beautiful corn and soybeans around the countryside. I don't know how they have even survived much less thrived without rain but they have. The morning dew has been very heavy so perhaps that has helped the crops. I for one am ready for fall, it's been a long, warm/hot, dry summer all around the area.

We are looking forward to another season in the RGV and I am eager to go birding down there where the wonderful birding areas are very plentiful.

If anyone has news they would like to share please do let me know and I'll be happy to post it.

Verla Mae Enestvedt Obituary, February 16, 1939 - August 6, 2023

 

A funeral service for Verla Mae (Hetle) Enestvedt was held on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Sacred Heart, MN beginning at 11:00a.m. A public visitation was held on Friday, August 11, 2023 at Opdal Church in rural Sacred Heart from 3:00-6:30p.m. Visitation continued Saturday morning at Our Saviors Lutheran Church from 10:00-11:00a.m. Burial took place at Opdal cemetery Saturday morning following the funeral service. A funeral luncheon was held at Our Saviors Lutheran Church following the graveside service.

Verla Mae (Hetle) Enestvedt was born on February 16, 1939 to Earl and Idelle (Volstad) Hetle in Echo, MN. Verla was raised in the river valley north of Echo, MN. She was baptized and confirmed at Rock Valle Lutheran Church. She graduated from Echo High School in the spring of 1957. She met Alan Enestvedt at a local dance. The couple fell in love and were married on June 29, 1957 at Rock Valle Lutheran Church. Together they raised four children on their farm south of Sacred Heart, MN. Being a farmer’s wife, Verla always kept everyone well fed with hotdishes like her famous scalloped potatoes.

Verla was a lover of all kinds of music.  She regularly attended dances with Alan and their friends and played the guitar with her dad every chance she got.  She shared her love of music with her children and grandchildren and could always be found with a tape recorder in the front row at musical competitions and events.  Verla loved to travel. Whether it was traveling the river-bottom road with Verne, spending time on Norway Lake with family, traveling to Texas with Alan for the winter or taking her bucket list trip to Norway with Alan; she loved to be on the move.  Verla kept active by participating in WELCA and her favorite social group, which started in the late 50’s as “The Charming Chicks,” still meets today.  Verla never met a stranger and gave a piece of herself to everyone she knew.

After living at Meadows on Main in Renville, MN for a number of years, Verla moved to Bethesda Grand, Willmar, MN where she died on August 6, 2023.

She is survived by her children, Steve (Fiance Rita Andre-Thomas) Enestvedt and his children Melanie (Mike) Gordon, Stephanie (John) Zetah, Carrie (Juan) Leal; Dean (Deb) Enestvedt and their children Stacy Knott, Chris (Whitney) Enestvedt and Cory (Emily) Enestvedt; Kathy (Mike) Knutson and their children Tom (Kristi) Knutson and Ben (and friend Myrna) Knutson; Lynn Enestvedt and her son Austin (Fiance Evonne Womack) Enestvedt; thirteen great grandchildren; nephew Bill (Stephanie) Schulte; niece Brenda Vazquez; nephew Darian Schulte.

Verla is preceded in death by her husband Alan Enestvedt; her parents Earl and Idelle (Volstad) Hetle; mother and father-in-law Alfred and Edna (Samuelson) Enestvedt; sister and brother-in-law Linda and Doug Schulte; brother-in-law Dennis Enestvedt.

Velma Jay 85th Birthday Party

Velma Jay, the "button lady" at the little market down Hwy 83 to the west of Magnolia Park, celebrated her 85th birthday earlier this month with family, friends and fun. She and her late husband, Dick resided on Lime Street for many years. Her '50s themed party, featured root beer floats, poodle skirts, penny loafers, bobby sox, saddle oxfords and much more. Some pictures are included here. Velma totally enjoyed the party and shared memories from yesteryear with childhood and high school friends. (Some memories recalled here had been long forgotten in her 85 years.

(Thanks to Cheryl Raleigh for providing this information.)

 

Update on Don Harper

 I heard from Marty today and she told me Don has been home for about a week but he has sepsis. He is very weak, needs to drink more and eat more plus rest. Sepsis is very serious and I certainly hope the doctors are able to speed him on the road to a full recovery soon. They don't know how he got it but sepsis is a bacterial infection. Please keep Don, and Marty too, in your thoughts and prayers. 

Update on Don Harper

 I had a text from Marty today and as she said, what a difference a day makes. They threw all kinds of antibiotics at Don and he is very much improved today. He most likely will be able to go home in a day or so but it doesn't hurt to keep him in your thoughts and prayers! 

If anyone has other news to share, remember, just let me know and I would be happy to put it on the blog. There are lots of folks we haven't heard from or about, for several years and we do wonder about them.

Beautiful weather today here in Central Wisconsin but the heat is coming back for the weekend, nothing like Texas though right now where it has been exceedingly hot for quite a while now.

Hope all is well with all who still follow the blog!

Don Harper in hospital

 I received a text from Marty Harper this morning asking me to let you know that Don was airlifted to a hospital in Waterloo Iowa. His blood pressure had dropped dangerously low and they are asking for your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. They aren't quite sure why it's so low and are thinking perhaps an infection somewhere but at this time haven't figured it out. Please do keep Don and Marty in your thoughts and send some prayers their way.

Ramona Weeks Obituary

 

Ramona Weeks, 90, of Creston, died Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at Creston Specialty Care in Creston. A Celebration of life memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. July 27, 2023, at Powers Funeral Home in Creston. The family requests casual dress for the service. Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery in Creston. Pastor Rick Titus will officiate. Visitation, with family receiving friends will be from 10- 11 a.m. prior to services on July 27, 2023. Memorials can be directed to the St. John’s United Church of Christ or the Creston Meal Site. Online condolences can be given at www.powersfh.com.

Ramona Pearl Weeks, daughter of Ray E. Clark and Laura Maxine (Rockwell) Clark Goltry, was born May 22, 1933, in Griswold, Ia. Ramona attended Reese #9 country school east of Griswold, later graduating from Griswold High School in 1950. Following graduation Ramona began working as a Nurses-Aid in the Shenandoah Hospital and worked there until 1953.

On November 9, 1953, Ramona was united in marriage to Max L. Weeks in Afton, Ia. at the Afton Methodist Church Parsonage. They settled in Red Oak, Ia., where she began working as a nurse’s-aid at Murphy Memorial Hospital, until 1957. They moved to Creston, and she continued her education at Southwestern Community College in Creston, graduating with an L.P.N. nursing degree in 1976. Following graduation Ramona began working at Greater Regional Medical Center for the next 20 years, retiring in 1996.

Ramona was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ Church in Creston, Women’s Fellowship, Franklin School Study Club and PTA. She volunteered for many years with Meals on Wheels, the Reads Program at Creston Community Schools, the Creston Blood Mobile, Greater Regional Hospice and spent many hours as a Greater Regional Medical Center Guide. Ramona was very active while spending winters in Texas with Max, attending many music jams and she loved being involved with the Rusted Relics car club and enjoyed many camping trips with her family.

Ramona is survived by her three sons, Barry (wife Carole) Weeks of Ryan, Ia., Joel Weeks of Ft. Dodge, Ia. and Jeff Weeks of Creston; seven grandchildren, Cashton Weeks, Colton Weeks of Creston and Charley Weeks of Des Moines, Trevor Weeks of Keota, Ia., Cooper Weeks of Ryan, Ia. and Gracie Weeks of Iowa City, Ia. and Kaylee (husband Alex) Cleveland of Wesley Chapel, Fla.; a great granddaughter Josie Cleveland and a sister Darlene (Goltry) Von Weihe (husband Marlyn) of Carson, Ia. Ramona is preceded in death by her parents, step-father Darwin Goltry, husband Max in 2010, a son Clark Weeks in 2012, and two brothers Gilbert Clark and George Clark.

Helen Alt Obituary

Helen L, Alt, 96, of Lena, IL passed away Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Walnut Acres in Freeport, IL.  She was born on March 20, 1927, to Frank and Leona (Southard) Fluechtling in Freeport, IL. Helen married Lester Alt on November 21, 1948 at the Salem Church of Christ in Eleroy, IL and together they had 3 children. 

Helen kept busy during her younger years taking care of her three children until she started at Kolb’s Cheese Factory in Lena, IL she then worked at Hanson Meats in Freeport, IL. She was there for a few years until she took a position at the Lena Winslow School District as a janitor and cafeteria lady where she worked until her retirement. 

Helen and Lester loved to travel together and took numerous trips to Donna, TX where they camped as well as a few trips to various places in Europe. She was a member at Salem Church of Christ in Eleroy. Most of all Helen loved to cook and spending time with her family whenever she could. 

Helen is survived by her 3 children- Gavin (Karen) Alt of Freeport, IL, Larry (Jenny) Alt of Lena, IL, and Lyle (Jean) Alt of Streamwood, IL; 9 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. 
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Lester in 2012, 3 siblings and 1 niece. 

A visitation and funeral service will be held at a later date.

A memorial has been established in her memory.

Down Memory Lane

 The date on this one is March 2012. I was going through old photos looking for one of my sis. You do know how easy it is to get off track but this one caught my eye.

Jo Brooker Passed

https://brooker3.blogspot.com/2023/06/jo-brooker-has-passed.html

Made by Janet Rader

Janet gifted me with her artwork so I have had it several years and I have had it displayed many times but not for the last 4 or 5 years. This Spring when we returned from Texas I placed it in this current location. I was surprised to hear of her passing because I thought she was doing well. When Butch and I celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary we took a cruise up the Mississippi so in getting there we came close to where she and Jim lived and stopped to see them. She was not well at that time, in fact, we thought perhaps she did not have much longer. That was 4 years ago as we will be celebrating our 64th anniversary this summer. We are all unique individuals but Janet was more unique than most of us. She will be remembered.

 

Janet Rader Obituary

I was told of Janet's passing this morning and since then have heard from so many people letting me know. I remember Janet well, she and Jim were an active part of Magnolia Park for many years and I always enjoyed shooting a game of pool with her. She had many friends and from the number of people who have already contacted me I know she will be greatly missed. I know many of you share with Jim and me in sending our condolences to Jim and his family. If you wish to send cards I believe Jim's address to be 3840 W 4th Street S, Newton IA 50208

Janet Marie Rader, 67, of Newton died on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at Grinnell Regional Medical Center. A private family graveside service will be held. The family will greet friends from 2-4 p.m., Friday, June 2, at the Izaak Walton League in Newton. 

Janet, the daughter of Fred and Pat (Clemens) Harrison, was born on November 16, 1955 in Newton. She lived most of her life in Newton except for a short time spent in Mississippi while she was growing up.  Janet graduated from Newton High School in 1974. After graduation Janet served her country in the U.S. Army.  On March 21, 1983, Janet was united in marriage with Jim Rader in Las Vegas, Nevada.  For over 20 years, she worked for the U.S. Post Office, retiring as head of maintenance. Janet and Jim enjoyed wintering in Texas. She also loved to golf and had two holes in ones in her lifetime. Janet also spent time doing craft projects and visiting with friends.

Janet is survived by her husband, Jim Rader of Newton; daughter, Roxanne (Terry) Roll of Kellogg; grandsons, Jason (Tasha) Nida and Michael Nida (Carissa Gail); and 12 great-grandchildren.  She is preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Michael Harrison and Rick Harrison

This and That

A sure sign of spring, our crab apple tree is finally blooming along with our regular apple trees. The flowering crabs are late this year but they finally are blooming everywhere. Some of the white ones, and white flowers really aren't one of my favorites,  are so full of blossoms that they are quite spectacular. The flowers don't last long and a good wind will scatter them far and wide.

Our spring in Wisconsin, and I believe in a lot of the mid-west, has been a long time in coming and we will have a few warm sunshiny days and then it's back to cloudy, chilly and rain. This week is the first that the farmers are really out working in some of the fields and it is getting quite late. Hopefully we will have a very late frost this year.

Three years ago we had a mound system put in and we have received a notice that it is time for it to be inspected and/or pumped. That happens every three years. The only problem is the tank is a very long way from the driveway so the pumper truck will need to go through the field to get to it and so far it has been way too wet. For those of you who don't know what a mound system is they are becoming very common here in Wisconsin and replace a conventional septic tank and drainage field which we had ever since 1973 when we built this house. Our soil is heavy clay and now days does not pass the perc test needed for the conventional system. Our neighbors, except for our Amish neighbors, have these systems too and so far ours has worked flawlessly and so far as I know, everyone else's has too.

Jim got his three colonies of bees last week so will spend the summer looking after them. Quite different from when he had 200 colonies and worked a full time job. Just the right amount, something to take care and when the season is over we end up with a supply of honey, actually if it's a good honey year, we should have enough honey to sell. Last season we took two cartons to the valley with us and sold it all.

We are looking forward to the Memorial Day weekend when we will get together with Chet and Irma and also Jim's younger sister Rita and Mort Morehouse who lived at 11 lime in Magnolia for a few years. It's always fun to get together, share good food and good conversation.

Once again, if you have news you would like to share, please do let me know and I will be happy to put it on the blog. We do wonder about many former Magnolia residents who we don't hear from  who were good friends with all of us. Those were special years when we were all one big family.

Edward Wolfington Obituary

 I received word from Judy Lowry of Ed Wolfington's passing. I remember him quite well and one year they were parked next to us on Center Street in Magnolia Park. He and Grace liked to attend jams and I  think were out at jams more than they were in the park so some of you may not remember him but most old-timers will I'm sure.

https://youtu.be/KCSu7SEY4jw

link to a tribute, not sure if it works but worth a try. 

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Edward Wolfington, 94, of Franklin, IN died at home surrounded by his family on March 4, 2023. 

Ed was born in Botna, Iowa on July 18, 1928 to Wilber E. Wolfington and Iva DeWitt. Ed was born at the beginning of the depression and like many other families of that time his family was confronted with difficult financial times.

When Ed was 4 years old he was faced with his first traumatic milestone of his life with the death of his father. Four years later Ed’s mother died from Typhoid Fever. Due to the death of both parents and the difficult financial times, it was determined that the three kids; his sister Betty, his half brother Gerald and Ed had to be split up. There were no family members that could take Ed, so he was scheduled to be sent to the Otterbein boys school. Fortunately, Ed’s Uncle Charles Clayton stepped in and allowed him to continue living with them even though his family really couldn’t afford it. The split of the three kids resulted in Ed never seeing Gerald again. However, Ed was able to maintain contact with his sister and they stayed close throughout her life.

Even with the difficult start in life Ed was able to create a good life. Ed met his future wife Grace Irene Allen from Paoli, Indiana immediately after reenlisting in the U.S. Air Force and they courted for 4-days before deciding to get married. While in the Air Force Ed traveled the world to places like Japan, Alaska, Mississippi, Washington DC, Las Vegas and many more. After Ed and Grace married they were able to travel together to many of these locations throughout the United States. Ed ended up serving a total of 6-years in the Air Force.

After his Honorable Discharge from the Air Force, Ed worked at Chrysler Motor company in Indianapolis and enjoyed raising his two girls, Paula and then Rita and later a son, Eddie. Ed was able to get a job with the National Weather Bureau as an electronic technician. Then they expanded their family once again with the birth of their third girl (Carla).

After retiring at the age of 55 from the National Weather Bureau Ed and Grace traveled the United States in a motorhome. Annual trips to Texas as well as many trips to different parts of the country, even driving the motorhome to Oregon to meet his deceased half-brother’s family. Ed and Grace eventually settled down in New Whiteland, Indiana and then Franklin, Indiana to enjoy the visits from his adult children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ed talked of their 72-years of marriage as full of fun and love. Ed talked of their travels and experiences of how they met and the interesting and fun things they did and things they saw.

Ed is survived by his loving wife Grace, daughter Paula Rullman, of Aurora, Indiana; daughter Rita (Tom) Brecklin of New London, Wisconsin; son Eddie (Bonnie) Wolfington of Naperville, Illinois; and daughter Carla (Jake) Small of Monrovia, Indiana. In addition they have seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. The entire family feels a void of emotional loss at his passing and pray for his afterlife with God.

Visitation was held on Thursday March 9, 2023 from 5:00 pm until the time of service at 7:00 pm at G. H. Herrmann Funeral Home at The Gardens of Olive Branch, 1605 S. State Road 135, Greenwood, IN.

A graveside service, to include military honors, was held on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 10:00 am at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, Greenwood, IN.

Ramona Weeks Fell

 I heard from Edna Walker yesterday and she thought some of you would be interested in hearing about Ramona Weeks. She is the widow of Max Weeks and many of you will remember both of them. 

Ramona took a nasty fall a couple months ago, she luckily didn't break any bones but had a slight concussion. After a brief hospital stay she was transferred to a rehabilitation center in Creston. She had been having some memory problems so they planned on transferring her to an assisted living facility. Because of her increased loss of memory she has ended up in the care center. Although confused much of the time she seems content. She knows people when they visit, just can't remember they were there. She calls Edna regularly. She is in Creston Special Care, 1001 Cottonwood, Creston Iowa 50801

If you remember her, I'm betting she would appreciate a card (even if she doesn't remember you, a card probably would brighten her day).

Still waiting for SPRING here in Wisconsin!!

Season Winding Down

 After a very busy winter, the season is winding down for us and many other Winter Texans. Some have left already and we will be heading out on Sunday morning to head back to Wisconsin and, yes I'm afraid, to winter. The temps aren't too bad, mostly in the 40s but unfortunately, it seems to be snowing almost every other day. The midwest can't complain though because when I look at California's weather that is a disaster. First snow and then rain, both in huge amounts. Most of us in the rest of the country have not had anything like the California weather to contend with and for that we are grateful, to say the least.

I talked with Chris Pearce this morning and her wrist is still giving her some trouble and she is not yet ready for the drive back to Wisconsin. I chatted with Darlene for a few minutes and she won't be heading out until around the 1st of May when her sister will come down to ride home to Minnesota with her. Dale & Caroline Eicher I think are leaving very shortly, or have already left. They told me and I can't remember for sure. They are not in this park but we do keep in touch through Facebook. Deral Rogers left for home Thursday I believe. Margaret Schmaltz has sold her mobile here and will be headed back to Minnesota at the end of the month. Most of the rest of the Magnolia people will be leaving in very early April. A lot of our Canadian friends are leaving very shortly also as most of them are limited by their insurance as to how long they can be out of the country. It seems the older they are, the more restrictive the insurance becomes.

We have been birding only three times because of redoing the mobile we purchased last season. We didn't get quite done but there isn't much left for next fall when we get back so next season we certainly plan to go birding often. I will have to be content with birding out the window at home. The orioles and hummers will be back the first week of May so we won't have long to wait. By then maybe it will have warmed up some.

Safe travels to everyone who is, or will be, on the road in the next few weeks and please, do keep in touch.

Gene Dobson

 Cindy Peterson called me today to report that Gene Dobson has passed away. I do not know any details but if I can find further information I will post it. Jackie's address is c/o Mandy Rust & Grandma Jackie, 3210 Merino Avenue, Oskaloosa IA 52577.

For the old-timers I have also found out that Harold LaPoint of Fall Creek Wisconsin passed away back in June of 2021. There may be a few people around who still remember him. We had met him once or twice but I don't believe he was living in Magnolia Park yet by the time we started Rving in 2006. Chet & Irma knew him well. 

That is about all the news I know tonight. It's going to be 100 degrees again tomorrow down here in the Rio Grande Valley. That's hot!!

Chris says Thank You!!

 Chris Pearce asked me this morning to please post on this blog her thanks for all the cards, help and well wishes that she has received. She told me to please especially thank Darlene Jansen for the immediate, and continued help that Darlene offered Chris and Ron when the accident happened and for quite a long while afterward. She was their chauffeur to and from the doctor over at Brownsville and I suspect "chief cook and bottle washer" for quite some time. Chris and Ron needed help, lots of help in fact and Darlene was there for them.

I have been busy working on the directory for Trails End and I have it almost ready for the pictures to be popped in and then I can take it over to the printer. We do it in color and it is really nice to have the color but much more expensive than our black and white Magnolia directories were. Those were $3.00 I think and this one will probably be $12.00 but it also has more pages as this is a bigger park.

I talked to Irma just a bit ago and they are bracing for the big snow storm in the upper midwest. Some areas have been predicted to get as much as 12-18 inches or more and central Wisconsin is one of those areas. Then the arctic cold is going to roar in but it won't last long as next week is supposed to be back in the 30s.

I happened to ask Don Harper how Fred Rabe is doing and Don does talk to him every once in a while. I believe he is living with his daughter. We do wonder about people with whom none of us have any contact. Lots of good memories from Magnolia Park!

As always, if you have news you'd like to share, please let me know.

This and That

 I just wanted to let you know that Chris is doing wonderfully well with her healing process and will be starting therapy to get get full use of her hand back. Darlene has been Chris and Ron's shoulder to lean on in this process and I know they appreciate it. I told her I wasn't going to mention her name but I think it is only fair to say that Darlene and Peaches (her dog) have been a rock to lean on and more and I know that Chris and Ron are so appreciative of that. Let's hope that no more mishaps happen. Yesterday when I chatted with the three of them I told Chris to behave herself especially when it comes to ladders!

We are experiencing a few days of wet, nasty cold weather. Yesterday was very warm and then about 3:00 in the afternoon the cold front blew in. Today it never got out of the 40s and that is how tomorrow and I think Thursday, are going to be along with showers. It has been very dry so the rain is badly needed. We are lucky as the ice will stay north of us this time but the Dallas/Ft. Forth area was very badly hit. Lots of ice and lots of accidents. It's a good time to stay off the roads as the people down here, with the exception of us Winter Texans have no idea how to drive on ice and it's "driver beware" because if anyone touches their brakes they will be in for a surprise. But, as I said that is all staying north of us thank goodness.

The weather this winter over all has been very pleasant, much like years ago when we first started coming to the RGV. Then the last several years the weather has been dotted with extremes including "the big freeze" of 2021 which none of us who were down here will ever forget. We have been assured that the power grid is stable and ready, we will see. So far, no outages which is good. When we are back home the power rarely goes out although earlier this winter it did go out due to heavy wet snow and trees coming down all over.

Not much else new that I am aware of. As always, if you have news you would like to share, please let me know so I can post it.

Chris Update

 A few more details. Chris was on a ladder putting Christmas stuff away and getting Valentine things out. The ladder went over with Chris on it, or so I've been told. She landed on her left side and is badly bruised. Someone said she also has broken ribs but not sure about that. Her arm or wrist was the most affected. I believe she has a radial fracture (closest to wrist) and she had surgery yesterday to repair that. By the way the terms fracture and broken are used interchangeably and mean exactly the same thing. I think she will be coming home today which will make Ron happy. I'm sure in a few days she would appreciate hearing from you. Her address here is 770 North Bermuda, Weslaco TX 78596. I believe her phone is the same as it was in Magnolia and if you don't have it, contact me and I will give it to you.