Bernard McLaughlin

Bernard J. “Mac” McLaughlin, age 96, passed away peacefully at Longview Homes, Inc. in Missouri Valley, Iowa on December 19, 2011. Mac was born October 26, 1915 to Dean and Rose (Lovell) McLaughlin. He attended country schools then graduated from Woodbine High School. After high school, he traveled, ultimately being asked to take part in training camps for the New York Yankees and the Chicago White Sox. He was a pitcher. Mac was married to Joan Harmon whom he met in Kokomo, Indiana while serving in the Coast Guard. Their marriage of 66 years is a testament to their love and devotion to each other. In later years he would come in from a long day in the field and never be too tired to play baseball with his children. After the war, Mac began farming land between Logan and Missouri Valley. He lived on that farm with his wife and three children for over 60 years. Mac was devoted to his family and St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Logan for many years. Visiting priests and nuns were always welcome to stay at his house. He was involved for years in the REC, the ASC, the USDA Farm Service Agency, the democratic party and numerous other organizations. He was a fair and honest mediator for many boundary and land disputes. Mac never met a stranger and never failed to lend a helping hand to those in need. No one who knew him will forget the twinkle he always had in those bright blue Irish eyes. Survivors include: his loving wife, Joan McLaughlin; his three children: Phillip McLaughlin and Linda Lavis, both of Tucson, Arizona and Susan Lee of Omaha, Nebraska; five grandchildren: Angela Greenwald and husband Philip, Jason McLaughlin and wife Stephanie, Lisa Gerhard and husband Phillip, Mindy Dunn and husband Clint and Shawn Meeks and wife Shelly; 11 great grandchildren; one brother: Warren McLaughlin; many nieces, nephews and many friends. Bernard is preceded in death by his parents, Rose and Dean McLaughlin of Logan, Iowa as well as 6 brothers and sisters. Visitation with the family will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday with a Rosary at 7:00pm at the Hennessey-Aman Funeral Home in Missouri Valley, Iowa. The family would like to invite everyone to a time of lunch and fellowship at the church in Missouri Valley following the committal service. Military Honors will be conducted by the Julius F. Muller American Legion Post #337 of Missouri Valley. In Loving Memory Of Bernard J. McLaughlin Born October 26, 1915 Moorhead, Iowa Entered Into Rest December 19, 2011 Missouri Valley, Iowa Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 22, 2011 St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Missouri Valley, Iowa Celebrants Father Wayne Gubbels Father Mike Berner Organist Lyle Waterhouse Vocalist Dennis Alvis Music Selections “Be Not Afraid” “Wind Beneath My Wings” “Precious Lord” “Amazing Grace” Casket Bearers Phil Greenwald Clint Dunn Jason McLaughlin Michael McLaughlin Rich Tweedy Randy Olson Final Resting Place Woodbine Cemetery Woodbine, Iowa Don’t Grieve For Me Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free; I’m following the path God laid for me I took His hand when I heard Him call; I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work or play, Tasks left undone must stay that way; I found that place at the close of day. If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy, A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss; Ah yes, these things, I too, will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow; I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow, My life’s been full, I savored much; Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief; Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me; God wanted me now, He set me free.

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