Collum, Ambrose L. 1920-2010

COLLUM, LOHMAN, RATCLIFF, KESTER

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 1/26/2011 at 07:27:34

The Grinnell (IA) Herald-Register; April 26, 2010

AMBROSE L. COLLUM

Ambrose L. Collum, age 89, of Grinnell, died Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at his home.

A funeral mass was held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 24, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Grinnell with th Rev. Nick Adam presiding. Interment with military rites will be at Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell.

Memorials may be directed to the Ambrose L. Collum Memorial Fund. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.smithfh.com

Ambrose was born the son of John Edward Collum and Sophia Louise Lohman on Nov. 5, 1920 in Victor. He was raised in Newburg, and he graduated from Newburg High School in 1936 at age of 16.

He was united in marriage to Betty Ratcliff on Dec. 31, 1941 at St. Mary's Chatholic Church in Grinnell, and they had three sons, Daniel, James and Steven. He honorable served in the United States Navy during World War II as a Yeoman 1st class. Following his military discharge, he returned to Grinnell and he worked at Harry Ritter's and also at Thermogas as a salesman.

Ambrose was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and the Grinnell Eagles Club. He was a naturally-gifted athlete and he held a special love for boxing and baseball. When he could not play the game he enjoyed talking the game. His family recalled him as being meticulous, soft-spoken, easy-going, respectful and thoughtful.

Ambrose is survived by his wife of 68 years, Betty Collum of Grinnell; his sons Daniel Collum of Indianapolis, Ind., James Collum and Steven Collum, both of Grinnell; four grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and his sister, Patricia Kester of Grinnell.

Ambrose was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Bruce, Jack and Lawrence Collum.