BUCKNELL, Cletus LeRoy 1926-2008

BUCKNELL, MEEK, HAVIG

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 1/20/2009 at 11:29:08

BASSETT, IOWA -- Cletus L. Bucknell, 82, of Bassett, Iowa, died on Sunday, December 28, 2008 at his home.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, December 31, 2008 at Messiah Lutheran Church, in Charles City, Iowa, with Reverend Jane Keel as officiant. Burial was in Sunnyside Memory Gardens, Charles City. Casket bearers included: with Mike Bucknell, Shane Testroet, Jason Bucknell, Adam Hull, Joshua Lockey and Kevin Bucknell. Honorary casket bearers inlcuded: Kimberly Chambers, Marty Testroet, Heather Thompson, Amy Krueger, Jennifer Bucknell, Jacob Bucknell, Trisha Bucknell, Tonya Niehaus, Dan Lockey, and Jesse Houser.

Cletus LeRoy Bucknell was born on December 7, 1926 in rural Floyd County, Iowa, the son of Arthur and Annie (Meek) Bucknell. He attended school in rural Floyd County, and enlisted in the Navy in 1945 and received his honorable discharge in 1947.

On May 7, 1949, he was united in marriage to Gloria M. Havig in Austin, Minnesota. Clete farmed in rural Floyd and Chickasaw Counties before going to work for John Deere Tractor works in Waterloo, retiring in 1978. Clete was a devoted husband, wonderful father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He had many friends who he cherished, and loved playing cards and going for coffee. He always had a hug and a smile for everyone especially the little ones.

Cletus is survived by his six children: Dave (Judy) Bucknell of Ionia, Sueanne (Michael) Testroet of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Daniel (Sandra) Bucknell of Sumner, Iowa, Lou Brennan of Charles City, Iowa, Kathleen Bucknell of Elma, and Dennis Bucknell of Bassett, Iowa; 16 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; three sisters: Doris Aird of Charles City, Lois Waid of Floyd, and Irma Kay of Manchester.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 54 years, Gloria; a brother, Loren; two sisters, Iola Cummings and Elma Belknap.

The Ionia Funeral Home in Ionia was in charge of funeral arrangements -- (641) 394-3635.