This blogs sole purpose has transitioned to one of keeping in touch with each other. Over the years it has been primarily for letting everyone know what is happening and also for promotion to add more folks to our Winter Texan family. The core of things has changed and we must change along with it. We still want to know what is happening with our friends no matter where they may be located. So continue to let us know where you are and what is on your plate.
Joe Stinchfield celebrated his 100th birthday in April but the party was held today. Here are a couple of photos showing Joe and Jan along with some of the party goers.
To reach 100 is truly a cause for celebration!
He was born on June 6, 1944 to Wesley and Alice (Anderson) Wolfe in Cornell, WI.
He grew up in Cornell and graduated from Cornell High School in 1962.
Outside of his professional life, Al was a man who found joy and fulfillment in the great outdoors. An avid hunter, he cherished the peaceful solitude of early mornings in nature, often sharing stories from his adventures. Golf was another of his passions — he loved the camaraderie of a day on the course. He had a deep love for traveling. Whether exploring new places or revisiting favorite destinations. He cherished spending time with his brothers, often working together on projects that brought them closer and created lasting memories
Al proudly served his country as a veteran, a commitment he carried with honor throughout his life. He was also a long-standing member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) for over 50 years and a licensed Master Electrician. Dedicated to his trade, Al shared his expertise as an electrical apprenticeship instructor at a local technical school, mentoring countless students and helping them build strong, successful careers. Through his service, profession, and passions, Al built a life defined by integrity, generosity, and lasting relationships—always reminding those around him to embrace life’s simple pleasures.
Known for his quick wit and caring nature, his home was always open to family and friends—a place where everyone felt welcome.
Allan is survived by his loving partner, Roxann Herold of Chippewa Falls; his children, Shelby Martin of Houston, MN, Christina Dziuk of Fond du Lac, WI, and Lane (Jeanie) Wolfe of Eau Claire; Grandchildren, Haley Dziuk, Brianna Martin, Jonathan Dziuk, Brett Martin and Maxwell Wolfe; Great Grandchildren, Sarvini Thandapani, Brexton and Beckett Martin; Siblings, William Wolfe, Peter Wolfe, David Wolfe, Bonnie Stordahl and Sharon Shier.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley and Alice Wolfe; Siblings, Wanda Randall and Virginia Walker; and Son in law: Shawn Martin.
A Memorial Service for Allan will take place on Monday, June 30, 2025 at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Chippewa Falls with Father Tom Oudenhoven officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with services starting at 11:00 a.m. Al will be laid to rest in Prairie View Cemetery following the service.
I just saw on Facebook that Abe Wolfe has passed. I can't find an obituary but Abe and Roxy were residents of Magnolia Park for several years. Abe was involved in music and often sang at the jams. If I do find an obituary, I will post it.
I have received word from Edna Walker that Paul Pfeiffer passed on May 11 and his wife Shirl also passed about a week ago.
I did find mention of an obituary but was unable to read it or share it. Edna told me that they were Magnolia residents when she and Jerry first went to the valley and they were involved in music and golf.
I did not know them as that was before our time but I'm sure some of you must remember them. They apparently lived in the Valley as a funeral home in Harlingen handled their services.
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 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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!!
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.
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.
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.
Gonzales Burgers on Silver Street in Donna Texas.
