LeLand Dwain Bethards 1924-2011

BETHARDS, MARQUIS, BREMER, HATFIELD, RUMLEY

Posted By: Curtis (email)
Date: 7/2/2011 at 12:36:25

DEATH NOTICE:

(The Leon Journal-Reporter Leon, Iowa June 15, 2011)

BETHARDS, Dwain, 86, of rural Garden Grove, Iowa, died on Thursday, June 9, 2011 at the Decatur County Hospital in Leon, Iowa. Funeral Services were held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 14, 2011, at Slade-O'Donnell Funeral Home in Leon. Burial followed in the High Point Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the High Point United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his children: Ron Bethards and Randy Bethards both of Garden Grove and Terri Hatfield of Leon. Eleven grandchildren and one great grandchild. Brother Denzle Bethards of Garden Grove and sister Mary Ann Rumley of Osceola.

Obituary -

(The Leon Journal-Reporter Leon, Iowa June 15, 2011)

LELAND DWAIN BETHARDS ... Leland Dwain Bethards, age 86 of rural Garden Grove, Iowa, was born December 10, 1924 near Woodburn, Iowa in Clarke County. He passed away after a prolonged illness on June 9, 2011 at the Decatur County Hospital in Leon, Iowa with is family at his side.

Dwain was the oldest of three children born to John E. and Elsie Marie [Marquis] Bethards. He moved near High Point in Decatur County in 1937. In 1943 he graduated from Garden Grove High School after riding his bicycle to attend his freshman and sophomore years. He served in the United States Navy during World War II. When he returned he married his sweetheart, Lois Maxine Bremer, on September 12, 1946. Dwain used his mustering out pay from the Navy to help buy his farm near Woodland in 1947, which was his home for the next 64 years. He was proud of all the improvements he made to his farm. He particularly enjoyed raising hogs. He enjoyed working throughout his life and the rewards of his tireless efforts. He had many jobs in addition to his first love of farming. He taught country school at Elm, Riddle, and Gnatt Ridge Schools in Decatur County. Former students returned to visit him many years later. Dwain and his brother worked with their father drilling wells. He also worked part time at the ASCS office, was town assessor, and worked as feed salesman for MoorMans for over twenty years, which was a great satisfaction to him. Dwain was a product of the Great Depression, his careful lifestyle reflected the lasting impression it made on him.

Dwain, Lois, and their family were active members and worshiped regularly at the High Point United Methodist Church. He was Sunday School Superintendent for many years. He particularly enjoyed the activities at church and often socialized with other church members after services. His most enjoyable pastime was attending family and community reunions, spending time in conversation.

Swain enjoyed children and was a 4-H leader. He liked playing cards with family and community friends. He loved country music and enjoyed watching country music performances on TV by the hour. Sometimes, he traveled to shows with friends as a special treat.

Dwain's first responsibility and highest priority was providing for his family. He and Lois were wonderful parents. Dwain's faith, honesty, integrity, and persistence are personal traits his family will never forget. He leaves his children, Ron and Quita Bethards of Alamo, Texas, Randy and Jan Bethards of Garden Grove, Iowa, and Terri and Jerry Hatfield of Leon, Iowa; 11 grandchildren; one great grandchild; brother Denzle and Betty Bethards of Garden Grove; sister Mary Anne and Eugene Rumley of Osceola, Iowa; other relatives; and many friends. Preceding him in death were his parents and his wife of 63 years, Lois, on November 10, 2009.