Clayton County Register

By Pam Reinig

Register Editor

If there was ever a shop that perfectly mirrored its owner’s personality, Elkader Floral is that shop. The store’s inventory is a creative blend of fresh and silk floral arrangements, plants, home decor, and unique gift items, including many with spiritual themes. Each business day, there’s a cheery, humorous or thought-provoking message chalked onto a board in the shop’s front window.

On October 8, 2015, at 8 a.m., a wonderful wife and mother, Ruth Delores Sorensen, died in Hood River, Oregon at her home. She was a product of the Depression, strong and resilient. Her hometown was small, Elkader, Iowa, on the Turkey River. Sleigh rides, strap on skates, hearty lunches at noon, all were a part of Ruth’s childhood. She was a New Year’s baby, born January 1, 1924. Her father, Edward Burlingame, who at one time lived in Montana and rode on the prairie with American Indians, owned a general store, and knew how to pinch pennies. Elizabeth Burlingame was a fabulous cook, untiring church volunteer and warm, loving mother.

By Pam Reinig

Register Editor

Don’t waste your breath trying to sell Dr. Donna Lawlor on the pleasures of living in Northeast Iowa: She was sold long before she started practicing medicine here in mid-August.

CMS (Retired) Michael J. Roach, 84, of Elkader, died Saturday, October 3, 2015, at his home. He was born June 10, 1931, in Elkader, to Leo M. and Julia (Quinn) Roach and grew up in rural Elkader. Mike received his education at the rural school where his mother taught and later went to St. Joseph Catholic School, graduating with the class of 1949. As a youth he was active in the Worthwhile 4-H Club and baseball and high school basketball. He attended college for 2½ years. He served in the Iowa National Guard for 1½ years before he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1952, where he proudly served his country for more than 28 years. He served two tours of duty in Japan and two tours in Korea along with many other bases throughout the years.