BACK, Graydon B. (1918-1989)

BACK, KERN, JOHNSON, TOSEL, BALEK, BUSEMAN

Posted By: Hancock Co Genealogical Society
Date: 10/6/2025 at 20:53:52

Graydon B. Back
1918 - 1989

Services for Graydon B. Back, 70, Klemme, who died Saturday, June 24, 1989 at Mercy Hospital in Mason City, were held Tuesday, June 27, 1:30 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Klemme with Rev. Jerry Robertson officiating.

Music was provided by organist, Margaret Katter, who accompanied soloist Clay Kilgore.

Casket bearers were Al Denny, Ed Lenz, Gary Alberts, Milvern Barz, Elmer Wessels and Larry Langlitz.

Burial was at the Ell Township Cemetery in Klemme with Tenold Funeral Homes in charge of arrangements.

Graydon Burrell Back, the son of Herman and Flora (Kern) Back, was born September 21, 1918 at Blairstown, IA. He attended country school and graduated from Klemme High School in 1936.

He worked on the farm following graduation until WW II. He attended airplane mechanic school and Boeing 13-29 school. He served overseas with the 20th Air Force in the Marianas Island. He served the Army Air Corps from 1941 until 1945.

May 27, 1949, he married Doris Evelyn Johnson at Klemme. Graydon operated a petroleum tank truck until 1962, worked for Klemme Co-op Elevator in the fertilizer department until 1970 and was manager of the Goodell Branch until retirement in 1980.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church, served as trustee, was a member of the Klemme Fire Department, was on the town council and was Commander of the American Legion.

He is survived by his wife, Doris of Klemme; two daughters, Mrs. Steven (Becky) Tosel and Mrs. Terril (Mary) Balek, both of Mason City; six grandchildren, Kim, Keri, Katie, Krista Balek and Tim and Dann Tosel; one sister, Mrs. Franklin (Marilyn) Buseman of Belmond; and two brothers, Lynford of Klemme and Wilford of Cape Girardeau, MO.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother, Richard; and two grandsons, Nicholas and John Tosel.

source: Leader, Garner, Iowa, 5 Jul 1989, page 6, column 2