McLaughlin, Gene (1932-2010)
MCLAUGHLIN, LUNDGREN, WOLF, DE ROOS, SASSMAN
Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 7/21/2010 at 04:30:43
Gene McLaughlin - Jan. 7, 1932 - July 14, 2010
Gene McLaughlin, age 78, of Marathon, Iowa, died July 14, 2010, at St. Luke's Lutheran Home in Spencer, Iowa.
Gene McLaughlin, the son of Fred and Bessie (Lundgren) McLaughlin, was born in Marathon, Iowa, on January 7th, 1932. His family consisted of three brothers and one sister – Joe, Glen, Don and Mary. His youth was spent in Marathon growing up on the family farm and attending Marathon Community School. He graduated from the Marathon High School in 1949.
Following graduation, Gene was employed by the Citizens State Bank in Marathon. He then moved to Storm Lake and worked at Commercial Trust and Savings Bank in Storm Lake as a cashier. He entered the U.S. Army and served his country during the Korean Conflict from 1952-1954. Returning to Marathon in the spring of 1954, he began farming the family farm 1½ miles southwest of Marathon.
On March 22nd, 1958, Gene married Nita Wolf at the United Methodist Church in Marathon. They became parents of three children – Robert, Paula and Jon. During these years, he enjoyed farm and family related activities and responsibilities. He had a diversified farm including dairy, livestock and grain.
In November 1978, Gene joined the Citizens State Bank of Marathon as Vice President and Cashier and served in that role until retiring in 1994. During this time, he enjoyed gardening, wood working projects and traveling. He loved spending time with his family, as well as enjoying the freedom and beauty of living on the farm.
Music was an important part of Gene’s life, and he sang for many years in the Choraliers (an area music group) as well as for church and social functions. His involvement with the Masonic Lodge held special meaning for him, and serving at Masonic funerals was a personal commitment he valued.
He was a 50 year member of the United Methodist Church, the American Legion, the Masonic Lodge, and the Order of the Eastern Star. Gene loved the land, and along with his family, he celebrated the farm's becoming a Century Farm in 1999. Gene and Nita celebrated 50 wonderful years together in March of 2008.
He is survived by his wife Nita; his children Robert McLaughlin of Onawa, Iowa; Paula and Kevin De Roos of Zeeland, Michigan; Jon and Christine McLaughlin of Cincinnati, Ohio; in addition 7 grandchildren – Jennifer, Tim, and Jacob McLaughlin, Lindsey and Kelsey De Roos, Laura and Samuel McLaughlin. Additional surviving loved ones include Glen and Mary C. McLaughlin of Lakewood, CO; Mary L. and Larry Sassman of Bondurant, IA; Don and Sharon McLaughlin of Fertile, IA; Janet McLaughlin of Marathon, IA; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Preceding him in death are his parents Fred and Bessie McLaughlin and his brother Joe McLaughlin.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 19, 2010, at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Marathon. Visitation will take place on Sunday, July 18, 2010, from 6-8:00 p.m. at the Sliefert Funeral Home in Albert City, Iowa, where the family will be present the entire time. The Laurens Grace #519 Masonic Lodge will conduct a Masonic service at the funeral home at 7:30 p.m. Burial will be in the Poland Township Cemetery in Marathon, Iowa. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Albert City is in charge of the arrangements.
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