Michael Wayne COUNTRYMAN

COUNTRYMAN, BOLLES, JANSSEN, STUDER

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 5/27/2017 at 15:44:13

October 28, 1952 ---- May 22, 2017

Michael Wayne Countryman, age 64, of Kanawha, IA, died unexpectedly of natural causes, Monday, May 22, 2017, at Hancock Memorial Hospital, Britt, IA. Visitation and a celebration of Michael's life will be held from 5-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 24, 2017, at the Andrews Funeral Home, 516 First St. S.E., Belmond, IA. Pastor Brian Hoffman from the Kanawha Christian Reformed Church will be presiding. Full military honors will be provided following the visitation. Those wishing to express their sympathies through a card or memorial in Mike's memory may direct them in care of his family: Ellen Countryman, 226 West Third St., Kanawha, IA 50447.

Michael was born Oct. 28, 1952, at Sioux City, IA, the son of Donald and Winnie (Bolles) Countryman. He was baptized and confirmed at the Lutheran Church in Correctionville. He attended and graduated from Correctionville High School. Following his education Mike served his country in the service both at the conclusion period of the Vietnam War and continued for a number of years until 1976, when he was honorably discharged as a medical administrative specialist.

Mike was united in marriage to Ellen Janssen on Nov. 20, 1981, at Goldfield, Iowa. Throughout his entire life he was a hardworking and dedicated employee in a variety of companies and roles. Mike had been a bridge superintendent during times in Texas. He then spent many years in maintenance at Eaton Corp. in Belmond, IA, and Kiefer Built, Kanawha, IA, and more recently he was employed with Michael Foods, Britt, Iowa, where he was looking forward to retirement later this summer.

Mike had lived in various places throughout this life journey including Belmond, El Paso, Texas, Parkma, Wyoming, and Kanawha. Throughout his years he enjoyed the fruits of his labors, spending times with his wife, family and grandchildren, and friends. His pastimes and hobbies were many. In earlier years he loved to spend time both on his own and with his son building and restoring old trucks, cars, and muscle cars. Mike loved the excitement of NASCAR, and the solitude of camping. He was a terrific cook and known as "The Grill Master." Mike had a fondness for horses, was an avid Vikings fan, and looked forward to hunting excursions when the opportunity arose.

Those who had the privilege of crossing in his footsteps will reflect on his memory as a man who was known as a man of few words, but when he spoke he was usually spot on in his thoughts as he was able to take in everything that happened around him. His gentle demeanor and love for his family will be cherished as his legacy lives on in their hearts and minds.

Michael is survived by his wife, Ellen Countryman, Kanawha, IA; sons, Matthew (Deb) Studer, Goodell, IA, Marty (Tammy) Countryman, Kanawha, IA, Michael (Jennifer) Countryman, Anna, TX; siblings Donnie Countryman, Pennsylvania, LeAnn Countryman, Yankton, South Dakota, four grandchildren: Cheyenne, Skylar, Isis, Kratos; three step-grandchildren: Katie, Brandon, Zachary; 1 step-great-granddaughter Nebraska. He was preceded in death by his parents and other extended family and friends. Andrews Funeral Home, Belmond, IA.

Mason City Globe Gazette -- Iowa
May 24, 2017