August 2026

Tue
25
Aug

PHYLLIS A. LUNDBERG

A funeral service for Phyllis was held on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church in Humboldt. Burial was held in Oakland Cemetery in Forest City.
Phyllis Anna Lundberg was born on June 21, 1931, in Garner, the daughter of Henry and Helena (Schlawin) Boland. She graduated from Klemme High School in 1949 and went on to attend Waldorf College in Forest City, graduating in 1951. She later continued her education at Luther College in Decorah.
Phyllis had a lifelong love for learning and children, which led her to a rewarding career in education. She taught school in Forest City, Reinbeck and Mason City, spending much of her career teaching kindergarten and second grade. She especially loved working with young children and was known for her patience, compassion and caring nature. She took great pride in helping her students learn and grow and touched the lives of many children throughout her years as a teacher.

Thu
20
Aug
Wed
19
Aug
Thu
13
Aug
Wed
12
Aug
Tue
11
Aug

Adversity inspires Abby Larson’s career

Opens Honeycomb Speech and Language Therapy

By PHIL MONSON
Nearly 10 years ago, Humboldt’s Abby Larson, the former Abby Wickre, faced a life-threatening accident that shapes who she is today.

The adversity she faced has only strengthened her resolve as she serves others.

Larson recently opened her own business, Honeycomb Speech and Language, PLC, on the top floor of the newly-remodeled Edward Jones building in downtown Humboldt.

“I am enjoying being back to smalltown life and I am thrilled to be able to serve the community I grew up in as I put down roots here with my own family,” Larson said.

She has arrived, but it’s been a long, hard journey.

Tue
11
Aug

DELPHIAN LUANN STENSLAND SANDVIG

Del was born in Badger, and passed away peacefully in Johnston, after a brief illness.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, John Sandvig; parents, Osmund and Ella Stensland; grandson, Luke Sandvig; brothers, Vern (Ag and Noreen) Stensland, LeRoyn (Gloria) Stensland and Darryl (Joan) Stensland; sister, JoAnn (Joe) Halverson; in-laws, Louise (Clifford) Larson, Edith (Elmer) Saboe, Irene (Bert) Norem, Bertha Sandvig, Judith (Delmar) Hill, Stanley (Faye) Sandvig, Martha (David) Carson, and Arthur (Mary) Sandvig; Aunt, Clara Fevold.
Survived by daughter, Jane (Barry) Fisher; sons, Doug (Tammy) Sandvig, Steve Sandvig, Kent (Julie) Sandvig; grandchildren and great grandchildren, Matt (Samantha; Austin, Jackson and Ella) Sandvig, Ben (Trisha; Chelsea and Tyler) Fisher, Jon (Shanna; Leonard) Fisher, Lili Sandvig and Luci Sandvig; and nieces and nephews.

Mon
10
Aug

JAMES J. GOODELL

James Jay Goodell, 61, of Des Moines passed away on Thursday, June 18, 2026 in Des Moines.
Jay was born July 24, 1964 to James Eugene Goodell and Helen Ann (Sawyer) Goodell at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Dodge. He was baptized and confirmed at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Humboldt.
He attended the Humboldt School system and graduated in May of 1983. He attended Iowa Central Community College, Fort Dodge and earned an AAS degree in horticulture and farm operations. He continued his education at Northwest Missouri State University Maryville, MO earning a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Design. He was the landscape designer at Drake University for 20 years and received recognition for his work for the University in September of 2004.

Mon
10
Aug

LEROY A. JORGENSEN

LeRoy Alfred Jorgensen, son of Alfred and Leona (Pralle) Jorgensen, was born on Dec. 25, 1940, in Hampton. He attended St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Latimer through the eighth grade and graduated from Franklin Consolidated High School in 1959. He continued his education at Ellsworth Community College before earning his bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University in 1963.
On Dec. 30, 1961, LeRoy was united in marriage to Janice Steding in Coulter. Together they built a life centered on faith, family and service, sharing more than 64 years of marriage.

Thu
06
Aug

Wildcat football team prepares for 2026 season


Humboldt head football coach Derrick Elman (center) gives instructions during pre-season camp on Aug. 5. Humboldt's fall practice begins on Aug. 10. The Wildcats open their season at Spencer on Sept. 28. Independent photo.

Humboldt football coach Derrick Elman and his staff hosted camp for grades 7-12 the week of Aug. 3-7 at the practice field.

Humboldt will begin fall practice on Monday, Aug. 10, for the upcoming high school season. The Wildcats will play at Spencer in their season opener on Friday, Aug. 27, 7 p.m. Humboldt will compete in a scrimmage at Fort Dodge on Friday, August. 21, inside Dodger Stadium. The Wildcats play at Clear Lake on Sept. 4 before hosting their home opener on Sept. 11 against Carroll. They host Ballard Huxley for their annual homecoming game on Sept. 18.

Look for the in-depth preview on the upcoming season in the Aug. 27 issue of the Independent. Subscribe today for print/digital access by selecting the link on this page to get started.

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