Patriotic songs celebrating the 2025 Fourth of July

I added quite a few more 1942 Monitor articles down below, along with corresponding information for some of them...so if you are my age and older, you should be able to connect to some of the Manning people and places mentioned.

I've scanned a lot of WWII War Ration stamps and booklets from many different Manning family collections over the decades, but I had never seen this order form before - it never dawned on me to look for something like this, but so glad that I now ran into a form to go along with the war ration stamps in the future Manning Veterans book.

I'm sure most people today who are younger than me have no idea of the challenges and difficulties their ancestors/relatives had in the US during WWII, let alone in our past history.
People whine and gripe and complain about all kinds of things today but if they had even the slightest clue as to how good we have it today...they would keep their mouths shut or at least not bitch about everything under the sun, and maybe even be proud of our country.

March 12, 1942, Manning Monitor

From the Donna (Winsor) Schwiesow collection - her grandmother Ottillie Jensen's stamps.

I did a quick search to see if I could find Harry Diamond online.
After seeing over 100 results, I gave up right away to try to find the Harry Diamond who lived in Manning at one time.

FRED HOSTETTER

Funeral services will be held here at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Presbyterian Church. Burial will be in Garfield Cemetery, Lytton, under direction of the Farber and Otteman Funeral Home of Sac City.

Mr. Hostetter, who was employed for several years by the Dixon Lumber Company in Sac City, is survived by his wife, Verna; a daughter, Mrs. Fred Schwartz, Jr., Sioux City; one grandchild; and three sisters; Mrs. Ernest Kullberg and Mrs. Myron Johnson, both of Odebolt, and Mrs. Wayne Vogt of Nebraska.

Son of Fred A. and Jennie (Heinken) Haustetter, he was born May 30, 1906, in Mountain Lake, Minnesota.
Carroll Daily Times Herald, January 5, 1972

Note: Fred was the manager of the Green Bay Lumber Company in Manning in 1942 through 1944.
His daughter, Verna, attended Manning Grade School from 1942 through 1944.

Albert Ewoldt Now At Tacoma
Above is Pvt. Albert H. Ewoldt, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Ewoldt of near Manning, in Crawford County. He is now stationed at Tacoma, Washington with Hq. Bty. 41st T.A. Bn., with the Army.
Albert went into the service on June 23, 1941.
March 12, 1942, Manning Monitor

Justeen Schwieso

Justeen Maree Schwieso was born on October 12, 1988, the daughter of Jeff Schwieso and Nancy (Fogleman) Muhlbauer in Manning, Iowa. She was baptized and later confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Manning. Justeen graduated from Manning High School with the Class of 2007 and went on to pursue higher education at Buena Vista University, earning her bachelor's degree. Always driven to help others, she later completed her master's degree in social work, graduating in 2021.

Justeen shared her life with Brandon Long, and the two were engaged in 2018. Justeen was blessed with a daughter, Emma, born on December 2, 2008. In 2015, Brandon joined with loving and raising her. They made their home in Manning, where Justeen was a devoted mother and partner.

Professionally, Justeen found her calling in the field of mental health. She spent many years serving clients at Plains Area Mental Health. After earning her master’s degree, she became a licensed psychotherapist and stepped into a leadership role as the team lead for the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program, continuing her mission to support and uplift those in need.

Outside of work, Justeen enjoyed quiet moments spent crocheting and reading. She especially treasured time with her family and friends. Halloween was her favorite holiday, a love she shared with Emma, often bonding over scary movies and festive traditions. Her heart was also full of love for her furry companions.

Justeen passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on Monday, July 7, 2025, at her home in Manning at the age of 36 years, 8 months, and 25 days.

Justeen is survived by her spouse, Brandon Long of Manning; daughter, Emma Pryor of Manning; parents: Jeff (Karen) Schwieso of Alexandria, Minnesota, and Nancy (Steve) Muhlbauer of Manning; siblings: Shannon Walters of Manning, Mitchell (Jessica) Walters of Aspinwall, Caden "Twosky" Muhlbauer of Manning and Rylie-Shea Muhlbauer of Kansas City, Missouri; step-siblings: Nick Muhlbauer of Elkhorn, Nebraska, Jason (Amanda) Michels of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Nathan (Becky) Michels of Bellevue, Nebraska and Derek Michels of Alexandria, Minnesota; parents-in-law, Sheryl and John Koester of Manning, and Ron Long of Breda; sister-in-law, Kayla Miller (Jeremy Wulf) of Manning; many nieces and nephews; and other family members and friends.

Her Celebration of Life will be held by the family and church from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 11, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Manning. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for a donation to be made in her name.

2007 former students: John Andersen, Travis Bauer, Ashley Benson, Elizabeth Davis, Erin Dishong, Cassandra Griffith, Brittany Hacker, Dallas Head, Nicholas Hodne, Travis Hough, Wendy Johns, Cody Kalkhoff, Renee Keast, Ciara Ladroma, Gregg Laidig, Robin McCarty, KaSandra Mesa, Candi Miller, Joshua Miller, Leslie Olwell, Carrie Patterson, Matthew Pedersen, Cody Petersen, Heather Peterson, Tiffany Polk, Rochelle Possehl, Jessie Raymond, William Riesenberg, Brad Riner, Christina Ruvoldt, Jakob Sachau, Aaron Schumann, Lanissa Short, Lukas Snyder, Lainey Stringer, Emilie Vogel, Keshia Whiteside, Sean Wiley, Arielle Willis, Jacob Willroth, Jonathon Willroth

2007 MHS yearbook

Ken Fogleman, Nancy Fogleman, Mae (Bogatzke) Fogleman

MRHC Addresses National Report: Reaffirms Financial Strength and Commitment to Community Care

In response to a recent politically driven report highlighting rural hospitals with a high percentage of Medicaid patients, Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) is offering reassurance to its staff, patients, and the communities it serves.

The report, circulated as part of a national policy debate around proposed Medicaid cuts, flagged MRHC based solely on its high Medicaid patient mix, placing the hospital in the top 10% of rural facilities in the country by this metric. While this designation may seem alarming, MRHC leadership emphasizes that it is not an accurate reflection of the hospital's financial health or operational viability.

"We proudly serve all members of our community, including many who rely on Medicaid," said MRHC CEO, Shannon Black. "That metric alone doesn’t tell the full story. MRHC is financially strong, well-managed, and not in danger of closing. We've long been proactive in monitoring healthcare policy changes, and we’ll continue to advocate for decisions that protect the patients and communities we serve."

Black stressed that the report was not based on recent performance or risk of closure but was instead used as a communication tool between lawmakers to support positions on national Medicaid policies.

"We understand that seeing our name on such a list may cause concern," Black added. "But inclusion in the report was not a reflection of financial weakness; it’s proof that we'e fulfilling our mission to care for all, including the most vulnerable."

Over the holiday weekend, Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand made time to visit MRHC in person to better understand the hospital's position and to discuss how the state can support rural healthcare providers navigating funding uncertainty. He toured the facility and met with leadership to learn more about the challenges and opportunities facing rural health systems.

"We appreciated the opportunity to share how MRHC is working every day to meet local health needs while remaining financially responsible and future-focused," said Black.

Key Takeaways for the Community:
MRHC is financially stable and operationally sound.
The hospital is not at risk of closure.
Leadership remains vigilant in monitoring state and federal policy developments.
MRHC remains committed to serving all patients, including those insured through Medicaid.
Open, honest communication remains a priority as MRHC continues to advocate for rural healthcare.

Puffball mushroom July 7, 2025

Almost as long as my foot

David John Sextro


Click to see the Sextro tribute

March 26, 1942 Manning Monitor articles

Major General Gustav Henry Franke

September 7, 1888 Manning - March 19, 1953 Washington, District of Columbia
Burial United States Military Academy Post Cemetery, West Point, New York
Section VIII Lot 196

Son of Gustav Henry Franke (May 7, 1852 - December 24, 1908) and Dorothea Pevestorf (November 10, 1850 - February 20, 1911)
Siblings: Alma Freelove, Amanda Schroeder, Helen Shepherd, Dorothy Franke

Wife: Mildred D. (McKee) Franke May 28, 1892 - June 22, 1976 South Carolina
Burial United States Military Academy Post Cemetery, West Point, New York

President Roosevelt sent his name to the senate in a list of 28 other army officers to be advanced temporarily to major general or brigadier general. Chennault has been on the air force retired list, with the permanent rank of captain. Whether the volunteer airmen he helped recruit in this country and has long commanded on the Chinese border also will be called into American Army service was not immediately disclosed at the war department. Chennault's home is Waterproof, Louisiana.
Those nominated to be Major Generals included Brigadier General Lewis B. Hershey, director of selective service. He is 48, and his home is Angola, Indiana.
Others promoted included Brigadier General Mark W. Clark, Indianapolis, Indiana, 45-year-old Chief of Staff of the Army ground forces, and three Brigadier Generals who recently were put in command of newly-organized infantry divisions.
The division commanders were Brigadier General Emil F. Reinhardt, Detroit, Michigan, commander of the Sixty-seventh Infantry Division; Ira T. Wyche, a native of Ocracoke. North Carolina, Seventy-ninth Infantry Division, and Gustav H. Franke, a native of Manning, Iowa, commander of the Eighty-first Infantry Division.
Shreveport Journal, Shreveport, Louisiana April 16, 1942

Manning Monitor
An official paper, The Stars and Stripes, edited somewhere in France, was sent last week by one of our Manning soldier boys, formerly Captain Gustav Franke, but now Colonel Franke.
The news of the rapid promotion of this young man will be pleasing news to his many friends here. Less than 25 years ago he was selling papers on the streets of Manning. Anyone with grit and energy can advance in America, the limit only being the inherent resources of the man himself.
Carroll Times Herald November 7, 1918

Gustav H. Franke
George W. Cullum, No. 4948, March 19, 1953
West Point obituary
Died at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, DC
On March 24, 1953, Major General Gustav H. Franke was laid to rest at West Point, that rock-bound highland home he loved so well.

Gus Franke entered West Point with the Class of 1911 and graduated 13th in that class. His military career, a highly successful one, was brought to a sudden close in 1942. Wearing the stars of a Major General, Franke was about to embark for combat at the head of the 81st Infantry Division when a heart attack felled him and forced his retirement from active military service. Undaunted he slowly fought his way back to good health, built a beautiful home on the shores of the Atlantic in Mrytle Beach, South Carolina, and became a tireless worker and leader in the affairs of that community. Then that other great killer, cancer, ended the life of this man who had marked himself as a leader in civilian as well as in military life.

Dynamic is a word that well befits Gus Franke. Always active, he played polo until past middle age and was a top-notch football official of the South Eastern Conference at the age of forty-eight. The maintenance of a high state of physical fitness was to him a duty he owed his country. The heart attack that forced his retirement followed a strenuous trip over the obstacle course at the head of elements of his division.

He was a man of strong convictions who could never compromise where principle was involved. A proposition was either white or black to him; there were no grays in his life. He loved a battle and pitched into the closest friend when he believed that friend to be in the wrong.

After his retirement, his interest in national affairs seemed to grow steadily, and he made use of his ability as a writer to express his views on various questions. His letters, which appeared frequently in the Charlotte Observer, give a vivid picture of a man who believed in hitting the line with everything he had.

Rugged people often have the faculty of making enemies. Gus Franke had a remarkable capacity for making friends that characterized his whole life. The Howitzer of 1911 said of him: "If all the exponents of good had the magnetism for his fellows that he has, there would be much less bad in the world". Without preliminary nominations, the Class of 1911 elected its first president in 1916. When the last votes had arrived from the Philippines Franke had received so great a majority as to make his election practically unanimous. He remained Class President until 1951, when on the occasion of our fortieth reunion at West Point he asked to be relieved of his duties.

The writer of this article was appointed to the faculty of Alabama Polytechnic Institute in 1948. General Franke had served there as Professor of Military Science and Tactics some 15 years before. I expected to find that older members of the Faculty would recall Franke favorably. Gradually I was to realize that this man in a period of four or five years had made his stamp not only on the college but on the town of Auburn as well. Never have I known people in so many walks of life speak with such admiration and affection of a man who had been so long gone from their midst. The solicitude of the people of Auburn for General Franke during his last illness was a tribute to a man who loved his neighbor.

But to have known this man at his finest, one must have seen him in his home. Gus Franke married Mildred (Mike) McKee of Washington, D.C. in the spring of 1912. Gus acted wisely, for in the remaining forty-one years of his life he found that this sweetheart of his youth never failed to be an inspirational helper, a wise counselor, a congenial companion and a devoted wife. The marriage was blessed by two daughters and a son, all of whom married early in life. Gus was proud of his lovely girls and of his son Gus Jr., Major of Field Artillery, who was twice decorated for bravery on the field of battle in the early days of the Korean War. He loved them and the nine grandchildren they brought him with a deep devotion, and the happiest days of his later years were those on which he gathered as many as possible of them around him in his home. One could not attend one of these reunions without feeling that a God-fearing man was receiving the crowning reward of a Christian father.

General Franke was a battle-tested veteran of World War I. He was a man whose professional competence was of the highest order. He was a born leader of men. There seems little doubt that, but for an unkind fate, his name would now be listed among the great military leaders of World War II. Yet he never complained of that fate, but kept on living his old unselfish life, preoccupied always with thoughts of his family and friends. Particularly was this true during the last year of his life, when he knew of the terrible malady with which he was afflicted. Even when informed that he had but a few days to live his thoughts were still of his fellow men. "No flowers," he requested his friends, "please send the money you would spend on them to the Damon Runyan Cancer Fund."

Truly a great man has gone to his Creator.
J.B. Crawford

Gustav Franke
December 31, 1908
Manning Monitor
GUSTAV FRANKE DEAD
Well Known and Popular Citizen is Laid to His Rest.
Last Thursday morning, December 24, 1908, the citizens of this little town and surrounding country were somewhat surprised to learn that Gustav Franke had passed away. While it was generally known that he was a very sick man and that there was some doubt of his recovery, still nobody thought of his time being so close at hand.

He commenced to suffer from a throat trouble in the early part of October and went to Rochester, Minnesota, on the 19th of October to consult Mayo Bros. there, who first pronounced it goiter, but on further examination found his trouble to be cancemonia of the throat. Mrs. Franke went immediately as soon as she found out he was so bad, and remained with him until he was brought home December 12. Everything, both there and here, was done for him that human power could do. His son, Gustav, who went to West Point Academy nearly two years ago, was notified and rushed at once to his father's bedside and remained constantly with him until the end.

Thus passeth away a good man; a man much loved and respected.

Gustav Franke was born near Sheboygan, Wisconsin, May 5th, 1852. He came to Chicago when only a boy and began to learn the tailor trade when eleven years of age. He was left an orphan at the age of thirteen, by the death of his father, his mother dying when he was three years old, and from that time on Mr. Franke looked out for himself. He learned his trade to perfection, so that he was one of the best tailors in the state of Iowa. He was married while in Chicago to Miss Dorothy Pevestorf, August 18, 1875, remaining there until the year 1884, when they moved to Manning, where they have resided ever since, and have been one of our best and most highly respected families. Most of their children have been born here and have grown up to young womanhood, and Gustav, their only son, to manhood, all loved and admired by everyone, so that when he came to have to face death he felt that his work had not been in vain. But now he is gone and has left his task for his good wife to finish.

Gustav Franke was a good husband, a kind and indulgent father; to his friends the soul of fellowship, but, the greatest of all, he was a man, and as a man it is that those who knew him best most love to contemplate him. He believed that the man who scatters flowers in the pathway of his fellowmen, who lets into the dark places of life sunshine of human sympathy and kindness, is following the footsteps of his Master. He was a man who acted from no motive but the best, and whose course never wavered. He was a character to remember with affection and to mourn with deepest sorrow. Death seized him in the midst of vivid interests of life. It seized him from a happy and devoted family, and consolation can be found only in trying to remember, not the loss, but the possession.

His moments on earth were full of activity and usefulness, and it is ended. We can only bow our heads and think of the widow and children. We can only bow our heads and wait; we must go on with the task, we human beings. We know not who falls next. But it takes more courage when a friend has fallen, a friend who was loved and needed and admired.

His funeral was held last Saturday at the Presbyterian Church, conducted by Rev. Heizer, assisted by Rev. Faust, of the German Lutheran church, of Westside. The church was packed to suffocation, many not being able to gain admittance. The floral tributes were the most beautiful ever seen at a funeral in this place.

Those who are left to mourn his loss are his devoted wife, six daughters and one son. The children are Mrs. Alma Freelove, Mrs. Alva Jensen and Misses Amanda, Hellen, Dorothea, Lulu and one son, Gustav. He was a member of the A.O.U.W., also of the Modern Woodmen of America. Members of the two orders accompanied the remains to the cemetery, where the chaplains read from the burial ritual and Rev. Heizer led in prayer. There was a large attendance from our midst and many from out of town.

We extend to the lonely wife and children our deepest sympathy.

The relatives from out of town were: Mr. and Mrs. A.L. Freelove, of Kenebeck, S.D.; Mrs. J.W. Jensen, Marathon, Iowa; Mrs. Rev. A. Schroedel, St Paul, Minnesota, a sister of the deceased; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hortsman; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hackmeister, and Chris, Fred and Henry Pevestorf, brothers and sisters of Mrs. Franke.

CARD OF THANKS.
To the various organizations, many friends and neighbors, we wish to extend our sincere thanks and heartfelt appreciation for so kindly assisting in the care of husband and father and for the wide sympathy so sweetly expressed through the beautiful flowers, loving messages and thoughtful service, in our sorrow.
Mrs. G. FRANKE AND CHILDREN.

December 31, 1908
A.O.U.W. Resolutions.
Whereas, The Master of Death passed our sentinel and invaded our chapter and severed a link from our golden chain, summoning from time to eternity Brother Gustav Franke,
Resolved, That we acknowledge the wisdom and goodness of our Supreme Grand Master and bow in humble submission; that as a token of our sincere friendship and sympathy in the dark hour of this great affliction, and as a pledge of our fidelity to the memory of our brother and his fatherless children we extend the fraternal right hand of fellowship, and with it the assurance that the great light given of God to man will guide him safely to that spiritual building eternal in the heavens there to dwell in peaceful happiness forever and ever.
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of our chapter and that copies be sent the families of our worthy brother.
B.L. JOHNSON, J.F. DETHLEFS, PAUL MOERKE, Committee

January 7, 1909
M.W.A. Resolutions.
Whereas, The Great and Supreme Ruler of the Universe, has in His infinite wisdom removed from among us our worthy neighbor, Gustav Franke, and Whereas, said neighbor was a good man, a loving husband, a kind father, an honorable citizen, loved and respected by all who knew him, therefore be it
Resolved, That the sudden removal of such a life from among us leaves a vacancy and a shadow that will be deeply realized by all the neighbors of Barber Camp No. 1771, Modern Woodmen of America, and will prove a loss to the community and public.
Resolved, That with deep sympathy for the bereaved relatives of the deceased, we express our hope that even so great a loss to us all may be overruled for good by Him who doeth all things well.
Resolved, that the chapter of our camp be draped for a period of thirty days; that these resolutions be spread upon the minutes at the meetings of the camp, a copy forwarded to the bereaved family and a copy thereof mailed to the Manning papers for publication.
Committee: PETER RIX, C.H. REINHOLDT, WILLIAM WILFONG.

March 26, 1942 Manning Monitor articles

I noticed my grandfather and dad were listed in this "birthdays" section of the Monitor.

April 2, 1942 Manning Monitor articles

I'm not having any luck finding Ray's parents - where they are buried and his mother's full name.

Raymond B. Neal
January 20, 1916 - October 24, 1963

BURIAL Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia
Muster in January 1937 Marine Detachment, US Navy Yard, Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Platoon Sergeant USMCR

Graduated from Manning High School in 1934.

Ray Neal Re-enlists In U.S. Marines
Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Neal have received word that their son has been re-instated in the U.S. Marines.
Raymond, a former Manning High School athlete and graduate, is now stationed at Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The service is nothing new for Ray, who enlisted in the Marines soon after his graduation, for a four-year period. For some time he found employment as a civilian after his release and then decided to re-enlist in the service.
April 2, 1942, Manning Monitor

Some of the married names:
Jean (Firth) Kuhn
Marjorie (Kuhn) Kusel
Ruth (Kuhn) Metcalf
Elaine (Roggish) McCrory
LaVonne (Genzen) Gehlsen
Helen (Kuhn) Weible
Selma (Ross) Hopkins
Rozora (Kuhn) Schroeder
I'm pretty sure it is Margaret (Stang) Kuhn
Doris (Ramsey) Rutz
Ruth (Struve) Gerkin
Geraldine (Lamaack) Schroeder

I already had one version of his obituary.
I then noticed I didn't have quite a few of his children's obits and had some success in finding them.

Charles Clement Sullivan

PVT 1CL, 157 Transportation Guard Service

Dr. Charles C. Sullivan, Carroll county coroner and osteopathic physician, died suddenly of a heart attack in his car about 11 o'clock Wednesday morning, June 6, 1945, as he was returning to Carroll from Manning.
Son of Patrick and Mary (Driscoll) Sullivan, he was born January 21, 1890, in Newell, Iowa.
He was married to Celesta Kelley in 1924.

Children Were With Him
Two of his children, Shannon and Michael, were with him and a friend of Shannon's, Zita Smith of Manning, who had planned to visit in the Sullivan home.
Mrs. Sullivan stated that Dr. Sullivan was about two miles out of Manning, when he mentioned feeling ill and drew his car up to the side of the road.

Moved to Carroll in 1943
Dr. Sullivan was 55 years old in January. He had practiced osteopathy in Carroll since September, 1943, when he moved there from Manning where he practiced 16 years.
Survivors include his wife and three children. He was a brother of Mrs. T. E. Brinkman of Carroll.

Dr. Sullivan was a member of the Manning American Legion post and had served overseas in World War I.
The Rosary will be prayed at the Sullivan home in Carroll this Thursday evening at 8 o'clock.
Funeral services will be held, from the Catholic Church at 9:30 o'clock Friday morning in charge of the Rev. Father Poeckes, with burial in the Mount Olive Catholic Cemetery, in Carroll. Pallbearers will be John R. Hansen, Louis E. Schelldorf, Lou Bohnsack and Dr. William H. Fink of Manning, and Arnold Witt and William Schmich of Carroll.

Crystal Theater

John Kruse 507 Main Street

Started by Albert Puck and later joined by his son, Willis Puck - Warren & Ken's grandfather/father

Orval Fink's father - at 317 Main Street

Orin & Raymond Pratt - 318 Main Street

George Wenzel - 405 Main Street

Managed by Herb Groteluschen - 324 Main Street

Not sure who owned/managed this store in 1942 - 319 Main Street
Possibly Raymond Sander managed in the 1940s and then Labert "Bud" Stahl purchased the business in 1961.

All of the Ehrichs mentioned in these next 2 articles are my relation - my mother was Dorothy Ehrichs
Mother taught several of these students listed, such as her brother, Gene, and also LeRoy Dammann, Roy Schilling...

Aspinwall news

Herman & John Frahm - 215 Main Street
Frahm Motor Company, carried the J.I. Case farm implement franchise from 1942 until the late 1950s.

March 19, 1942, Manning Monitor

423 Main Street

Manning Sale Barn - previously called Manning Sale Pavilion
Located on the north side of Third Street just west of the Great Western RR tracks.

Emma, Lonnie, Warren, Grover Bartels

Emma (Kelting) and Grover Bartels

I hope to work on her story and get it featured in the Monitor and on my web page fairly soon, but it always takes time to edit and proof read things like this and then get the approval for the final version from the family.
Here are 2 photos of Esther - one from her time here in Manning in the early 1940s and the other one when I interviewed her a few months ago.

Esther Ruth Halverson
March 4, 1924 - April 8, 2025

Esther Ruth Halverson, age 101, of Carroll, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at St. Anthony Nursing Home in Carroll.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Monday, April 14, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church in Carroll with Rev. Terry Plocher officiating. Music for the service will be by Nancy Davis and Jake Gute. Burial will be in the Carroll City Cemetery. The funeral service will be livestreamed on the First United Methodist Church YouTube Channel at Carroll FUMC Video.

Visitation will be held on Monday morning from 9:30 A.M. to 10:15 A.M. at the First United Methodist Church prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the First United Methodist Church in Carroll.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Carroll and online condolences may be left for the family at www.dahnandwoodhouse.com.

Esther was born on March 4, 1924, in Akron, Iowa, and she was the daughter of Henry A. and Emma (Gillman) Stryzewski. She attended the Akron Community School and graduated from the Akron High School. She then attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, receiving her bachelor’s degree in music. In 1950, she was united in marriage to John J. Rogers, and they were blessed with one daughter, Ann. Esther was employed as the vocal and music instructor at the Manning, Coon Rapids, and Bayard School District for several years. Esther also was the publisher for the Coon Rapids Enterprise for several years. John passed away in 1960 and she was later married to William L. Chambers in 1965 and he passed away in 1979. In 1982, she was married to Donald W. Forrest, and he passed away in 1984. She later found love again, marrying Donald Halverson on May 1, 1994. The couple made their home in Carroll, Iowa. They enjoyed many wonderful friends, games of bridge, and travel experiences. Their favorite trips included winters in Arizona with friends and a trip to Israel, where Esther and Don were baptized in the Jordan River.

Esther was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Carroll where she was very active in the church including directing the church choir. She also directed the church choirs at the Presbyterian Church in Carroll, St. John’s Lutheran Church in Carroll and the Methodist Church in Coon Rapids. She organized the Carroll Community Chorus in 1976 and directed that group for several years. She organized various small vocal groups in the Carroll community, including. a women’s triple trio, the Noteables, where she made lifelong close friends. She was also a member of P.E.O. since 1952. Esther loved cooking, baking, and gardening. But most of all she cherished the time with her friends and especially her family.

Esther wanted to teach instrumental music but was told that it was not suitable for young ladies to teach instrumental music, and that she should teach vocal music.

She could not afford to have her laundry done at college, so she mailed it home to have her mother do it. Her mother returned the clothes, along with fresh bread and butter, and once a pheasant.

Esther biked across the Canadian Rockies with three teacher friends on one-speed bikes. They slept on the ground, were sniffed by a bear, woke up next to a rattlesnake nest, and had their pictures taken with the movie star Randolph Scott.

Esther is survived by her daughter Ann Chambers (Kent Nellis); step-sons: Myron (Joani) Halverson, Mark (Debbie) Halverson, David (Mary) Halverson, Doug (Karla) Halverson, and Dierk (Barbara) Halverson; grandchildren, John Davin Nellis and Caroline Nellis; numerous step grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Paul (Ardelle) Halverson; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husbands: John J. Rogers, William L. Chambers, Donald W. Forrest, and Donald G. Halverson; her parents; stepdaughter Linda (Karlton) Fullenworth; brother Ralph (Blanche) Stryzewski; sister Phyllis (Glenn) Kask.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at St. Anthony Nursing Home in Carroll, Thomas Rest Haven in Coon Rapids, Regency Park Nursing and Rehab Center in Carroll, and the staff and volunteers at St. Anthony Hospice for all their care and support for Esther.

Claus H. Bunz wrote on Esther's guestbook at Dahn & Woodhouse April 11, 2025
I was a pupil of Esther during the time she taught vocal music in the Manning public school system. During that time I was also a member of the choir at Zion Lutheran Church which she directed. I learned a great deal about music from her. She made participating in music something that was joyful as well as fun. I extend my deepest sympathy to her family and pray for our Lord Jesus Christ's Blessings on all of you.

For those of you who are occasional visitors to the Manning Exchange - please make sure to click on the "archived articles" section where previous featured stories are kept.

1 example from the Logeland Studio wedding packets.

There are still quite a few Logeland Studio wedding packets available.

Click to read about this important project.
It will help to financially support the Manning Veterans' history book project.

"Let it be known that he who wears the military order of the purple heart has given of his blood in the defense of his homeland and shall forever be revered by his fellow countrymen."
George Washington, August 7, 1782

Just as a reminder: the Manning History book committee continues to work on a Manning area Veterans' history book project.
For those of you who are Veterans or have/had Veterans in your family - will you come forward?
The history book committee will do their best to get as many pictures and information about the 1000+ Manning Veterans but we can't do it all by ourselves.

How many small communities do you know have published 5 history books? The first one was the History of Manning 1898, then the 1981 Manning Centennial book, next the 2006 Manning Quasqui book, and most recently the 2009 Manning School history book. Probably the last book to be published will be the upcoming Manning Veterans' book - unless someone comes forward in the next generation to take over these projects after I'm gone. Will you help with the Veterans' history book project? If you are a Manning connected Veteran or are presently serving and do not submit your military connected pictures and infomation you probably won't be in this once-in-a-life-time Manning Veterans' history book. With a limited number of volunteers we can only do so much on our own but will try to get pictures of as many Veterans as we can. There are over 1000 Manning Veterans so we have a long ways to go before the book can be published.

Manning Veterans are slowly coming forward and below is another example. We hope to eventually get more pictures and information for Mike to put in the book but for now this is what I have to show to you.

Amos Rutz WWII

One thing that many Veterans and people who are submitting information have not fully understood is that this next Manning history book is specifically a Veterans' only book. It won't be like the Centennial or Quasqui history books were, where there is a Veterans' section along with other community aspects. We are aiming for a 2-volume book (around 1090 total pages) which will really be unique!!!
This book will be ALL Veterans' information (and the post auxiliaries) - hence it won't be a "Name, Rank, and Serial Number" only history but we want a complete history for each Veteran.
For instance - below is Louis Boell's picture and the information that was published in the Veteran section of the 1982 Aspinwall Centennial history book. It has the basic information but we are looking for more and I spoke to Louie by phone and he sent more pictures and information - also for his brothers.

To see what Louis submitted click on the link underneath "Are you a Manning Veteran" shown below.

Note: we also want some family background such as parents and grandparents. All too often you will only see just the Veteran's name with their basic military information but without the family connections it will be difficult for future historians and genealogists to know for sure who this person belongs to.

Please e-mail me about your Veteran questions manningveterans@davidkusel.com

The United States flag
is proudly displayed here and NO other flag is as IMPORTANT!

1 Manning citizen served in the War of 1812
106 served in the Civil War
1 served in the Indian War
5 served in the Spanish American War
350+ served during WWI
650+ served during WWII
87+ served in the Korean war era
65+ (more names need to be found) served in the Vietnam era
55+ (many more names need to be found) served from 1975 to present

29 paid the ultimate price with their lives defending the U.S. Flag

Click to see the tutorial

If you simply don't want those old family pictures you inherited please don't throw them - send them my way.
A lot of times I can recognize a face or location in those old pix.

One thing to keep in mind while you are looking for pictures - if they are glued in old scrap books please do NOT try to pull them out or cut them out. I can scan the whole page of the scrapbook and crop out the pictures you want to use in the book. If you attempt to forcibly remove the pictures you will probably damage them and when I scan them that damage will probably show up. This means I'll either have to use my graphics program to touch up the damage which can take a lot of time, or if they are badly damaged I just may not even take the time to scan them.