TOMPKINS, Claire Albert (1922-2007)

TOMPKINS, BURNHAM, BOHN, BAHLMAN, BEAVER

Posted By: Pat Ludeke (email)
Date: 6/29/2013 at 00:20:14

Claire A. Tompkins, 84, of Garner, died on Friday, June 22, 2007, at the Westview Care Center in Britt, after dealing with the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

Funeral services were held on Monday, June 25, at the United Methodist Church in Garner, with the Rev. David Wagner and Jack Muster officiating. Music was provided by organist, Doreen Johnson. Special music was provided by Don Loman. Ushers were Marvin Schoneman and Jim Gatchel.

Casket bearers were Allen Tompkins, Larry Tompkins, Mike Beaver, Mark Hiscocks, Jerry Zwald and Jim Brooks. Burial was in the Concord Township
Cemetery in Garner. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be directed to the Hospice of North Iowa or the Garner United Methodist Church. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Claire Albert Tompkins, the son of Purd S. and Viola (Burnham) Tompkins, was born on November 10, 1922, at their farm home east of Garner. He graduated from the Garner High School in 1940 and married Bettylou Bohn on February 14, 1953.

Family was important to him and he was a major presence in the lives of his own children as well as those of his nieces and nephews. Claire enjoyed an especially close relationship with his brother, Dean, they shared their love of the outdoors through hunting and farming, which was a way of life more than just an occupation.

It gave him pleasure to share his talents with others, singing in the church choir, in a men's quartet, and solos for various functions, applying his woodworking skill and ingenuity to help with family hobbies and enjoying gardening after his retirement from farming.

Claire is survived by his wife of 54 years, Elizabeth (Bettylou) of Garner; and two children, Jay Tompkins of Dallas, Texas and Julie (Richard) Bahlmann of Des Moines; his brother's wife, Betty Tompkins and their children, Allen (Marian) Tompkins, Larry (Sandi) Tompkins and Beth (Michael) Beaver.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Ruth Tompkins; his brother, Dean Tompkins; and a niece, Barbara Tompkins.