Orlen Anderson Obituary

I received word today from Eileen Misfeldt that Orlen Anderson had passed. He and his wife Shirley lived in Magnolia Park for several years. I do appreciate that Eileen keeps me informed with information like this and it gives us a chance to chat a bit. She and LeRoy are doing fine and I enjoyed chatting with her. We talked about the "good old days" and agreed there will never be anything quite like what we had at Magnolia.! They do miss going south and I told her we do like our park Trails End a lot, of course that could be because so many of our Magnolia neighbors are also there!

Orlen Anderson, 92, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at his home at Prince of Peace Assisted Living.  Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 22, 2025, at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in Sioux Falls.  Interment will follow at Hills of Rest Cemetery in Sioux Falls.  Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 21, 2025, also at the funeral home.  

 Orlen was born in Madison, SD to William and Laura (Grove) Anderson on October 31, 1932.  He grew up on the family farm by Howard, SD.  Orlen graduated from Howard High School and worked on the farm for two years.

 On February 10, 1952, Orlen was united in marriage to Carol Ann Nelson at Oldham Lutheran Church in Oldham, SD.  They lived in Madison prior to moving to Sioux Falls where he worked at a commission firm for eight years.  Orlen then worked at the United States Postal Service for 32 years.  Orlen and his wife, Carol Ann were members of the Moose Lodge for 18 years.  On June 13, 1995, Carol Ann passed away.

 On October 23, 1998, Orlen was united in marriage to Shirley Tirrel at Ben Clare United Methodist Church in rural Valley Springs. Orlen and Shirley wintered in Donna, TX for 15 years.  Shirley passed away on May 28, 2018.

Orlen had the remarkable ability to remember dates and years of birthdays and anniversaries of all of his relatives as well as family friends.  He loved to share stories of his childhood on the family farm and how he lived with a married couple in Howard in order to attend high school.  Orlen was very proud of his Norwegian heritage and always looked forward to eating lutefisk and lefsa.

 Left to share his memories are his sons, Donald (Jean) Anderson and Richard (Debbie) Anderson; his daughter, Laurie (Scott) Timmer. Orlen was blessed with ten grandchildren, Rebecca (Tim) Petersen, Daniel Anderson, Heidi Galer, Michaela Anderson, Lucas (Alexis) Anderson, Elizabeth (Dave) Furlong, Benjamin (Jill) Anderson, Joseph (Amanda) Timmer, Kristina (David) Foster, and Andrew (Audrianne) Timmer as well as nineteen great-grandchildren.

 Orlen was preceded in death by his wives, Carol Ann and Shirley; son, Robert Anderson; parents, William and Laura Anderson; brother, Harvey Anderson; sisters-in-law, Lenora Anderson, Laurel Jensen, and Loretta Nelson; brothers-in-law, Orville Jensen, Verlynn Nelson, and Glen Pearson; nephews, Michael Nelson and Wayne Anderson; daughter-in-law, Pam Anderson; and grandson-in-law, Matt Galer.

 

Mary Pierce

 I am saddened to report that I have heard from Mike and Pat Jordan that Mary Pierce has passed. We remember Mary and her husband Max well. I always thought of Mary as the true definition of a "lady" and it seems she always had a smile on her face. She and Leslie C would handle the readings when Magnolia would have our annual Remembrance Service for those who had passed each year

Mary Lou Pierce, age 87, of Stockton, IL passed away Saturday, May 17, 2025. She was born on June 19, 1937 in Freeport, IL to the late Lyle and Daisie (Hardacre) Rife. Lyle passed away when Mary was young and her mother later married Wilbur Wright. Mary married her high school sweetheart, Max Pierce, on August 20, 1955 at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Stockton. 

She was a 1955 graduate of Stockton High School. Mary was an active member of the UU Church in Stockton. She loved bowling with the Motorettes, dancing with her husband, playing cards, gardening, cooking and wintering with her husband in Donna TX. Mary was exceptionally kind, a caretaker to the core. She was always thinking of others and everyone was welcomed in her home. 

She is survived by her husband, Max Pierce; her children, Vicki (Olivier Andreini) Selover, Crystal Pierce, Brian (Patti) Pierce, Rick Pierce and Diane (Dale) Heath; her grandchildren, Jefferson (Amanda) Selover, Regina (Derek) Butler, John (Natasha Hastings) Reiland, Jammie (Mark) Hannis, Jana Reiland, Tony Pierce, Karly (Larry) Gleeson, Jing Jing (Sitai Qin) He, Maria (Ragnar Stefánsson) Heath, Carissa (James) Armstrong, Vince (Chas) Heath and Alissa Adams; her 15 great grandchildren; and her sisters, Phyllis Gothard, Pat Phillips and Sharon (Stan) Cox. She was preceded in death by her parents; her son-in-law, Eugene Selover; her daughter-in-law, Jiao He; and her sister, Shirley Heller and brothers-in-law, Dalvin Heller, Gene Gothard and Don Phillips.

A memorial fund will be established in lieu of flowers. 

A celebration of life potluck will be held at 1pm on Sunday, July 6, 2025 at the Brian & Patti Pierce farm for friends and family.  

This and That

 It was suggested to me that I should post some of my bird pictures and wildlife pictures on the blog as many folks don't have Facebook which is where I usually post them and I like that idea so here are just a few I've taken since we returned home from Texas.

Virginia Stavrum Birthday

 I know it's been ages since I've posted anything so I'm glad I heard from Connie Dziuk today regarding her Mom's birthday.

Virginia Stavrum, who like so many of us, is a former Magnolia Park resident is having her 98th birthday on May 1. That is quite an achievement for anyone to reach.

It would be great if cards could be sent to her to help her celebrate such a milestone. Her address is:

Guardian Angels Care Center, Virginia Stavrum Room 305, 400 Evans Ave NW, Elk River MN 55330. Connie says that her Mom has some memory issues but otherwise is in good health. May 1 is not that far away so lets get those cards in the mail very soon!

The news from former Magnolia residents is getting less and less as the years pass. I am able to keep track of all of those who are in our park Trails End and we are in touch with a few others and sometimes see them in the Valley. It is always good to see old friends, which as I read what I just wrote could be a pun. Long-time friends and we are all getting older but you all know what I meant.

My computer seems to have a mind of its own because it keeps changing what I am typing. That is not a good sign! Our trip home was almost uneventful except for going through Kansas City at rush hour. We won't do that again! In fact, we will go back to our usual route which is straight down through Illinois, over to Little Rock and Texarkana and then south to the Rio Grande Valley. It is the most stress free that's for sure.

My computer is giving me a fight so I guess I'm done. Happy Easter to all and remember, if you have news to share, please do let me know.

Ron Pearce Obituary

 Ronald Earl Pearce, age 80, of Weslaco, Texas passed away on Thursday, December 26, 2024. Ronald was born on February 11, 1944 in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 60 years, Christine B. Pearce and his 3 sons Randy Pearce, Brian (Lisa) Pearce and Aaron (Diane) Pearce. Also left to cherish his memories are 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Ronald is preceded in death by his parents Roderick Pearce and Bernadette Kohler and his brother Tom Pearce.

Mr. Pearce had a big interest in houseboating on the Mississippi River. He spent his married life in Richfield, Wisconsin. He was an EMT and prior he was a credit manager.

Ron Pearce and Roy Benner

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

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

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

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

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

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

Christmas Day 2024

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

Shirley Truitt and Dick Truitt

Pat & Mike Jordan

Chris Pearce & Gail Lubinsky

Deral Rogers & Keith Gilbertson

Carmen Friesen, DeWayne Friesen and Darlene Jansen

Carmen said on her next birthday she will be 94!

Neil Houzenga Obituary (edited)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ron Wingert Obituary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This and that

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Raul Saldivar Obituary (Updated)

 

Obituary for Raul Saldivar, Sr.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dick Nelson

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

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!!