Shirley Ann Swenson, 77, Northwood, died Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, at her home. A funeral service for Shirley will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, at the First Lutheran Church, 309 North Ninth Street, Northwood, with Pastor Karen Rossing Grandall officiating. Burial will be in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood. Visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. on Wednes­day at the Conner Colonial Chapel, 1008 First Ave. South, Northwood. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to service time on Thursday at the church. Should friends desire, memorial contributions should be made to Hospice of North Iowa, First Lutheran Church or to the charity of your choice in her memory. Shirley Ann Swenson was born on Oct. 23, 1934, in Northwood, the daughter of Morris and Inez (Gordon) Bakketun. Shirley was baptized on Dec. 9, 1934, and reaffirmed the faith of her baptism through confirmation on Sept. 26, 1948, at the First Lutheran Church in Northwood. She received her education in the Northwood Community Schools, graduating from Northwood High School in 1952. Shirley also graduated from Mason City Junior College (N.I.A.C.C.). She was united in marriage to Leland “Lee” Swenson on Feb. 22, 1958, at the First Lutheran Church in Northwood, and to this union four children were born. After their marriage, Shirley worked as a play­ground supervisor for the Northwood-Kensett Community School, at Craig Ensign Law office and for 18 years with the Iowa Department of Revenue. Shirley was a very devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with her family, playing Bridge and 500 cards, beating her husband Lee at Cribbage, golfing and reading and was an avid Minnesota Twins fan. She was a member of First Lutheran Church, the church circle, former Sunday school teacher and Boy Scout and Girl Scout leader, Twenties Study Club, and was a resident ad­vocate on the care review committee at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood. Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Leland “Lee” Swenson of Northwood; her children, Scott (Teresa) Swenson of Iowa City, Laurie (Roger) Harris of Northwood and David (Michelle) Swenson of Eau Claire, Wis.; six grandchildren, Kristine Swenson of Cedar Falls, Kelli Welsh of Mankato, Minn., Jacob Swenson of Platteville, Wis., Allison Swenson of Eau Claire, Wis., Conner Harris of Northwood, and Laura Swenson of Eau Claire, Wis.; and her sister, Mary Henry of Boise, Idaho; as well as many other extended family members and friends. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; son, Steven Lee Swenson, who died in infancy; and her brother, Lyle Bakketun, who died in infancy. The family of Shirley Ann Swenson truly appreciates the staff from Hospice of North Iowa, for the excellent care that was given to Shirley and her family.

Marcella "Marcy" Olson, 70, of Apple Valley, passed away Sunday. She was born Feb. 28, 1941, in Albert Lea, Minnesota, to Irving and Gilma (nee Hanson) Hendrickson. Marcy grew up in rural Northwood on the family farm, was baptized and confirmed at Deer Creek Lutheran Church, Carpenter, Iowa. Her grandmother Lena was a member of the initial Confirmation class, 1885, in the old church, while Marcy was a member of the first Confirmation class of the new church, June 10, 1955, Rev. Olaf A. Langhough performing the confirmation. She was a 1959 graduate of Northwood High School, and 1961 graduate of Waldorf College, Forest City. Marcy worked in the Mission office of The American Lutheran Church headquarters in Minneapolis from 1961-1972, when she married Ronald on April 15. Marcy is survived by Ronald, her husband of 39 years; daughter, Karin (Christopher) Harrison; son, Nathan; sister, Ivadene Dale; and brother, Horace (Ann) Hendrickson. She will be forever loved and treasured. A Gathering of Friends and Family was held at 10-11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 13, at Grace Lutheran Church of Apple Valley, 7800 County Road 42, followed by Memorial Services at 11 a.m. Inurnment will be in London-Deer Creek Cemetery, Northwood, Iowa, at a later date. Memorials preferred