Milvern Irwin BARZ

BARZ, HARTBECK, HOLM, JOSTEN, VERDOORN, NOONAN, FOSNESS, RUCKER

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 7/10/2010 at 12:04:31

Belmond Independent, Iowa
April 5, 2006

Milvern Irwin Barz, 86, Klemme, died March 31, 2006 at Muse Norris Hospice in Mason City. Services were held April 3 at Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ in Klemme with Rev. Donna Buckman officiating. Burial was at Memorial Park in Mason City. Milvern was born July 27, 1919 on a farm east of Klemme, the son of Albert and Esther (Hartbeck) Barz. He graduated from Klemme High School in 1936. Milvern married Mary Jane Holm on June 14, 1946 at Garner. They farmed the homestead east of Klemme that Milvern had helped build with his father. Their operation had included raising crops and a wide array of livestock. Milvern loved life on the farm, caring for the animals and working the land. In addition, he was employed as a machinist at Winnebago Industries from 1970-1984. They lived on the farm until moving into Klemme four and one-half years ago. In September 2005 they moved to Prairie View retirement community in Garner.

Milvern received great satisfaction from time with his family and friends. His family will remember his unending patience, especially when it came to time spent with the grandchildren. Milvern and Mary Jane were very active in their church. Milvern served numerous times on the Immanuel Reformed Consistory and served many years as Sunday school superintendent, as Sunday school teacher, and participated in the adult Bible study. Milvern and his wife were actively involved in the operation of Slippery Elm Golf Course for 18 years. While Mary Jane managed the clubhouse, Milvern served as treasurer. He also served on the Ell Township Board of Trustees for many years, including time as treasurer. In earlier years Milvern shared his singing talents through quartets at funerals. He loved to dance, play cards, tour the country side, dine out, and watch sports.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Ethel Josten; and brother Edward. Survivors include his wife; son David (Jane) of Tripp, SD; daughter LuAnn (Mike) Verdoorn of Clear Lake; grandchildren Bradford (Lisa) Barz of Sauk Rapids, MN, Rebecca Barz of Sioux Falls, Elizabeth (Ryan) Noonan of Sioux Falls, Mary Barz and fiancee' Matt Fosness of Brookings, SD, and William Rucker of Clear Lake.