VANBUSKIRK, Gerald M. "Barney" (1929-2009)

VANBUSKIRK, BRASS, ANDERSON, ROGERS, JARCHOW, KIES, FARR, THURMAN, KRUSE, LOCKHART

Posted By: Pat Ludeke (email)
Date: 6/30/2013 at 10:49:46

Gerald "Barney" M. VanBuskirk, age 80, of Klemme, died on Saturday, October 10, 2009, at the Rehabilitation Center, Hampton, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Services were held at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, October 17, at the Klemme United Methodist Church. The Rev. Cindy Morrison officiated. Interment was in the Ell Township Cemetery in Klemme, with full military honors provided by the
Klemme Military Unit.

Gerald M. VanBuskirk, the son of Lloyd and Annie (Brass) VanBuskirk, was born on July 27, 1929 in Twin Lake Township, rural Hancock County, Iowa. He
attended the Belmond High School and graduated in 1947. Following his education Barney enlisted in the United States Armed Services, serving in the
Air Force from July of 1948 through July of 1949. He was honorably discharged as a sergeant. Barney was later re-enlisted for a second tenure of service during the Korean Conflict in July of 1949 and was honorably discharged in July of 1955.

Barney was united in marriage to Neva Ann Anderson on February 6, 1955, at the Klemme United Methodist Church. The couple's union was blessed with two daughters, Kathy and Paula and a son Gerald, Jr. Barney's work life included
many years as a self-employed, professional long distance and regional truck driver. He had also spent many years providing for the needs of his family as a farmer. He enjoyed the hard work and reaping the fruits of his labors in working the land. He had also been a salesman for many years, where his salesmanship and knowledge of his trade often came with the acknowledgement that "Barney could sell ice to an Eskimo!" He definitely used the gift of conversation and his innate abilities to communicate with both friends and acquaintances to its fullest.

Barney was a man who loved a good adventure, whether it was a cruise in one of his beloved fast cars when he might be known to light up the pavement under his wheels, a fishing excursion with one of his buddies, or a trucking journey
across the country where the "Crapshooter", as he was known on the CB radio, would provide for the needs of his family. His wife, Ann would often ride shotgun with him on the road.

In more recent times his love of exploring new things continued to flourish when his children brought him a computer, which at age 80 he decided was a great place to spend time playing games such as solitaire which was a favorite.

Barney also enjoyed the simple things in life, such as teaching the grandkids to play solitaire and cribbage, family get-togethers which most certainly would have to include the traditional games of "Pepper" and "Buck Yuker". He also enjoyed times spent playing cards with his buddies and working in his flowers. He cherished his grandchildren and loved to spend time with them whenever possible. They always had a special place in "Grandpa Barney's" heart. He and Ann also enjoyed their many so-called adopted family in the community.

Barney was a past member of the Masonic Lodge in the various places the family had lived and was an active member of the American Legion Post in Garner.

He is survived by his wife and life partner of nearly 55 years, Ann VanBuskirk of Klemme; his daughter, Kathy and her companion, Bob of Rogers, Arkansas and her children and their families, Tanya and husband, Allen Jarchow and children, Allison and Abigail, Nicole and husband, Dan Kies and their children, Raven, Alexis and Austin, Jeanie and husband, Ken Farr and their children, Zain and Isaiah and Rick Thurman and his children, Kelsey, Jake, Ashley and Luke; his daughter, Paula and husband, Gary Kruse of Minot, North Dakota and their children and families, Mandy Kruse and Trent, April and Raymond Lockhart and their children, Kristen and Diamond and Kelly Kruse; and a son, Gerald VanBuskirk, Jr. of Klemme and his daughter, Jessica VanBuskirk;
four sisters; and one brother and many extended family.

Barney was preceded in death by his patents; three sisters; and two brothers.