Earl Joe Mechaelsen

Earl Joe Mechaelsen

Earl Joe Mechaelsen, 82, of Kamrar, died Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at the Southfield Wellness Community.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 1, 2012 at the Community Church of Kamrar. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 until 8 p.m. Thursday, May 31, 2012 at the Community Church of Kamrar. Bruce-Graham Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Earl was born October 29, 1929 the son of Joe and Gertie (Greenfield) Mechaelsen in the family home in Kamrar. He was raised and lived his entire life in Kamrar graduating from Kamrar High School in 1947. On August 7, 1951 Earl was inducted into the United States Army serving as an MP until his honorable discharge on July 15, 1953. During his tour he achieved the rank of Corporal.

On February 14, 1954 Earl was united in marriage to Mary Lou Parrish. To this union three children were born. Earl was very involved with his children's activities of choice over the years making sure to attend and participate as often as possible. As his family grew with grandchildren Earl's dedication remained the same. He was a sports enthusiast and loved to attend the University of Iowa wrestling meets. His love of sports kept him active with all ages. Over the years Earl has held many offices and been involved in numerous committees and boards at the church. He also taught Bible School, Sunday School and was a 4-H leader for the Blairsburg Biting Bulldogs many years. He served on the Kamrar United Coop board as well. Earl was a member of the Community Church of Kamrar. On August 7, 1951 Earl was inducted into the United States Army serving as an MP until his honorable discharge on July 15, 1953. During his tour he achieved the rank of Corporal.

Those thankful for having shared in Earl's life include his wife, Mary Lou of Kamrar, children, Tim (Rhonda) Mechaelsen of Kamrar, Amy (Roger) Ratcliff of Webster City, David (Tammy) Mechaelsen of Melrose, MN, one sister, Margaret (Cleo) Brekke of Stanhope, brother, Alfred Mechaelsen of Kamrar, sister in law, Nancy (Gus) Dermand of Webster City, brother in law, Mike Parrish of Fort Dodge, seven grandsons, Brandon, Brad, Brett Ratcliff, Nate (Maria) Mechaelsen, Derek, Josh and Joe Mechaelsen, two great grandsons, Maddox and Miles, and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Mechaelsen was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters in law, Kay Mechaelsen and Audrey Parrish.

Fort Dodge Area Funeral & Cremation Service, Bruce Funeral Home