Burch, Harley H. 1899-1976

BURCH, ROYCE, OTCHECK, FUERST

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 3/16/2010 at 08:33:50

HARLEY BURCH SERVICES HELD

Funeral services for Harley H. Burch, 76, of Brooklyn were held at 2 p.m. Monday at the Grace United Methodist Church, Brooklyn.

Mr. Burch died Friday evening, Jan. 9, in Grinnell, following a lengthy illness.

The Rev. Fred Pierce officiated at Monday's services. Burial was at the Brooklyn I.O.O.F. Cemetery, with the Nevenhoven Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

The son of Amory Howe and Ida May Royce Burch, he was born Feb. 21, 1899, in Pleasant Township. He received his education in rural county schools.

On April 12, 1925, he was married to Elvera Otcheck in Grinnell.

Mr. Burch was first employed as a salesman for the Chevrolet garage in Grinnell, later moving to Brooklyn where he and F.E. Eichhorn owned and operated the Chevrolet garage from 1929 to 1937. From 1939 to 1960 he operated the Burch Real Estate and Insurance Agency in Brooklyn.

He was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church and had served as trustee and treasurer of the church. He was a former member and president of the Brooklyn Commercial Club. He served on the Brooklyn City Council for 14 years and as mayor for two years. He was also a member of the I.O.O.F. Lodge.

From 1940 to 1974, Mr. Burch was a member of the board of directors of the Poweshiek County Savings Bank. He was also a former member of the board of directors of Grinnell Federal Savings and Loan Association, as well as the Brooklyn Municipal Gas Board and the Brooklyn Municipal Light Board. During World War II, he was chairman of the Rationing Board.

Mr. Burch is survived by his wife, Elvera; one brother, Ellsworth Burch of Davenport; and a sister, Mrs. John Fuerst of Malcom. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister.