Harry William Furnas

FURNAS, HIDLEBAUGH, WELLONS, GOLBERG, GRIFFIN, CHRISTENSEN, HEWETSON, MEINEN, GORDON, GROVES

Posted By: Skipton
Date: 9/3/2012 at 22:40:22

Harry William “Bill” Furnas, 86, a lifelong resident of Letts, Iowa, passed away at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics on Tuesday, August 21, 2012, after a short illness.

Funeral services were Friday, August 24, 2012, at 12:00 pm at the Stacy-Lewis Home for Funeral and Cremation Services in Columbus Junction. Commissioned Lay Pastor, Marsha Gerot of the Letts United Methodist Church officiated. Immediately following the services, burial was in the Letts Cemetery with military rites by the Allen Wright Hanft American Legion Post 100. Following the committal services a time of refreshments and fellowship was held at the Letts United Methodist Church. Visitation was held on Friday, August 24th from 10:00 am-12:00 noon at the funeral home. A memorial has been established for the Letts United Methodist Church or the American Heart Association in Bill’s name. Sympathy notes may be left to the Furnas family at www.lewisfuneralhomes.com.

Harry William Furnas was born July 16, 1926, at the family home in Letts, Iowa, the son of Maud E. (Hidlebaugh) and Harry William Furnas, Sr. He married Marjorie I. Wellons in 1946. They had two children. He later married Pauline Colberg Griffin in 1977, she preceded him in death. Bill served as an armed guard on a Liberty ship in WWII. After leaving the Navy, he had worked as a steamfitter until his retirement. Bill was a 50-year member and a 3rd degree Master Mason. He was also a member of the Letts United Methodist Church, VFW, American Legion and the Loyal Order of the Moose. He enjoyed his family, spending time around the house, working in his yard and traveling.

He is survived by his children, Linda (Thor) Christensen of Muscatine and Jerry (Kathy) Furnas of San Diego; two grandchildren, Terri (Tom) Groves and Dana (George) Gordon; five great-granddaughters; one great-great-granddaughter; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, Pauline, deceased in 2006, Bill was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Frances Hewetson and Annetta Meinen; and two infant granddaughters, Abigail and Adeline Gordon.