Gerald M. VANBUSKIRK

VANBUSKIRK, BRASS, ANDERSON, JARCHOW, KIES, FAR, THURMAN, KRUSE, LOCKHART

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 10/29/2009 at 08:00:36

Gerald "Barney" M. VanBuskirk, 80, Klemme, died October 10, 2009 at the Rehabilitation Center of Hampton. Services were held October 17 at the Klemme United Methodist Church. Interment with military honors was in Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme. Gerald, the son of Lloyd and Annie (Brass) VanBuskirk, was born, July 27, 1929 in Twin Lake Township, Hancock County. He graduated from Belmond High School in 1947. Barney served in the United States Air Force where he attained the rank of sergeant. He served from July 1948 through July 1949, and re-enlisted in 1949, serving during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged in July 1955. Barney married Neva Ann Anderson on February 6, 1955 at the Klemme United Methodist Church. For many years Barney was self-employed as a professional truck driver. He also spent many years farming, enjoying the hard work and reaping the fruits of his labors. He had also been a salesman, where his salesmanship and knowledge often came with the acknowledgment that "Barney could sell ice to an Eskimo!". He definitely used the gift of conversation and his innate ability to communicate with both friends and acquaintances to it's fullest.

Barney loved a good adventure, whether, it was a cruise in one of his beloved fast cars, a fishing excursion with one of his buddies, or a trucking journey across the country. He was known as "Crapshooter" on the CB radio, and Ann would often ride shotgun with him. He loved exploring new things, and his children brought him a computer at age 80. Barney also enjoyed teaching his grandchildren to play solitaire and cribbage, family get togethers (which would include the games of Pepper and Buck Yuker), playing cards with his buddies, and working with his flowers. His grandchildren had a special place in his heart. He and Ann also enjoyed their "adopted family" in the community. Barney was a past member of the Masonic Lodge and was an active member of the American Legion Post in Garner.

Barney was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters; and two brothers. He is survived by his wife, Ann, of Klemme; his daughter Kathy (companion Bob) of Rogers, AR and her children Tanya (Allen) Jarchow and children Allison and Abigail, Nicole (Dan) Kies and their children Raven, Alexi, and Austin, Jeanie (Ken) Farr and their children Zain and Isiah, and Rick Thurman and his children Kelsey, Jake, Ashley, and Luke; his daughter Paula (Gary) Kruse of Minot, ND and their children Mandy Kruse and Trent, April (Raymond) Lockhart and their children Kristen and Diamond, and Kelly Kruse; his son Gerald VanBuskirk, Jr. of Klemme and his daughter Jessica VanBuskirk; four sisters; and one brother.

20 October 2009
Belmond Independent - Iowa