Obituaries : Leo G. 'Dutch' Bearbower

Dutch Bearbower

BRANDON – Leo Gaylor “Dutch” Bearbower, 94, of Brandon, died Friday, September 17, 2010, at Virginia Gay Hospital in Vinton due to complications of age.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 21, 2010, at the Brandon United Methodist Church with Pastor Lanette Sue Van officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 to
7 p.m. Monday, September 20, at Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home in Vinton and from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Interment will be in the Brandon Cemetery. Military rites will be performed by George G. Luckey American Legion Post 57 of Vinton and Iowa Military Funeral Honors of Iowa City.

Dutch was born January 16, 1916, on a farm south of Brandon, the son of Peter and Lucy Gaylor Bearbower. He was raised in Brandon and attended school there.

Dutch proudly served his country in the United States Army during WWII.

On July 15, 1945, Dutch was united in marriage with LaVonne J. Spars at the United Methodist Church parsonage in Brandon.

Dutch farmed in the Brandon area. He retired and went to work for Hawkbilt in 1972. He served on the Brandon School Board and was a member of the Brandon United Methodist Church. He enjoyed fishing, playing cards and board games, particularly Chinese checkers. For over 30 years, he and LaVonne spent time at their trailer in Prairie du Chien.

Dutch is survived by his wife of 65 years, LaVonne Bearbower of Brandon; three sons: Larry (Elaine) and Linn (Peg) Bearbower, both of Vinton, and Les (Jeannine Peyton) Bearbower of Brandon; 7 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother: Raleigh Bearbower; and three sisters: Margret Schoonover, Leola Stumma and Juanita Netley.

A memorial fund has been established.

Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home of Vinton is caring for Dutch and his family. Condolences may be left at www.vsrfh.com.