Earl L. Bartholomew

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Earl Bartholomew picDunkerton: Earl Bartholomew age 94 passed away peacefully at his home, Monday September 15, 2014. He was born September 15, 1920 in Dunkerton, the son of Dan and Iva (Jenson) Bartholomew, he attended school in Dunkerton graduating in 1938. Earl was a veteran of World War II he was an airplane mechanic in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Earl married Irene Smith in 1941 she preceded him in death in 1980, he then married Norma Goeller in 1987 and she passed away on August 5, 2014. Earl farmed in his early years and later was a rural mail carrier retiring in 1984, he was also a bus driver for Dunkerton Community Schools and he retired from that in 1994. He was also a longtime member of the Dunkerton Volunteer Fire Department, serving as chief for a period of time. Earl was also a member of the Peter Kress Post 636 American Legion for 64 years.

Survived by: four daughters; Marcia (Rich) Young of Dubuque, Elaine Clark, Jeanette (Jim) Grady both of Waterloo and Lois Bartholomew of Burlington WI, two sons-in-law; Roger Lenz of Webster City and John Riordan of Westgate,two step-daughters; Judy (Mel) Neil of Fairbank and Cindy (Tom) Hagenow of Readlyn, one step-son Jerry Goeller (Dawn Johnson) of Fairbank, one sister-in-law; Nonnie Bartholomew of Dunkerton, 24 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren and 16 step-great-grandchildren.

Preceded by: his parents, his first wife Irene and his second wife Norma, two daughters; Dee Lenz and Leta Riordan, one grandson, Casey Dangelser and one brother; Gordon Bartholomew.

Services: 10:30 am Friday, September 19, 2014 at First Baptist Church, Dunkerton.

Burial: Fairview Cemetery, Dunkerton with military rites conducted by Peter Kress Post 636 American Legion, Dunkerton.

Visitation: Thursday September 18 from 4-7 pm at Woods Funeral Home, Fairbank and for one hour before services, Friday at the church.

Memorials: In Lieu of Flowers to First Baptist Church or Peter Kress Post 636 American Legion, both of Dunkerton.

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Condolences for Earl L. Bartholomew

  1. Keith and I are sorry to read about your loss. Earl was such a kind,handsome man with alot of class. Keith enjoyed many years of bowling with him and the wonderful person he was. It is very difficult to loose a parent no matter what the circumstances. Our sympathy and prayers to all of you.

  2. Earl was a true gentleman, someone who really lived his Christian faith. He always had a smile, a warm handshake, and a comment that was genuinely interested in what was going on in your life. He will be missed by the Dunkerton community, and especially by us.

  3. Elaine, Jerry and family:

    I feel a great sense of empathy for the passing of Earl. I remember him very fondly during the years I lived in Dunkerton. He certainly was a true gentleman with a deep sense of ethical values that framed his life in the true sense of the word. May blessings richly flow as our heavenly Father wraps his arms around you and give you peace.

  4. Earl. Before we had telephone on the farm, you were the one who brought the world to us. Mail delivery was always an eagerly anticipated event. We did not have pagers, cell phones, email, Facebook, or Twitter — but we did have Earl – thank goodness. You were the mobile global messenger disguised as a U.S. Postman. The world has changed, but our affection for you and appreciation for your service to rural Iowa continues without end. To your family, we thank you for sharing this man who stood tall in his community.

  5. My prayers and sympathy for your loss of a great father and stepfather! I enjoyed knowing him and Norma when we lived in Fairbank. Super people! Treasure your memories and keep the best of them both alive in your own lives. Take care. God’s love and peace, Rev. Mary Green and Fritz Kruger.

  6. So sad to hear of the passing of Earl, worked with him at the Dunkerton Post Office, he was one great guy, always wanted to be like Earl, rest in peace you are the best of the best.

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