Dean K. Farland

Dean K. Farland, 87, of Thompson, IA, died Monday, March 7, 2016, at his home in rural Thompson, IA after a courageous struggle with pulmonary fibrosis.

Funeral service will be 1:30 PM, Saturday, March 12, 2016, at Bethany Lutheran Church, 183 2nd Ave. E., Thompson, IA  50478, with Pastor Lynn J. Noel officiating.

Visitation will be 4 – 7 PM Friday evening at Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 902 East Main Street, Lake Mills, IA, 50450, and again one hour prior to the service at the church.

Burial will take place at Rose Hill Cemetery, Thompson, IA.

Dean K. Farland was born on May 29, 1928, in Swea City, IA, to Herman Silas and Anna Marie (Flatrud) Farland.  They later moved to Armstrong where he went to Country School and Junior High.  His family moved to the Leland area where Dean went to Thompson High School and graduated in 1946.

Dean was baptized on July 22, 1928, at the United Lutheran Church in Swea City, IA.  He was confirmed at North Prairie Lutheran Church on May 23, 1943.  On March 16, 1947, Dean Kermit Farland was united in Marriage to Ruby Pauline Durby at West Prairie Lutheran Church, Leland, IA, by Pastor Perry Sampson.  Together, Dean and Ruby farmed in the Scarville area for 1 year and then farmed and raised their family of 6 (Barbara, Bruce, Gary, Larry, Marcia, and Michael) in the same section near Thompson for 68 years until this week.  Farming was his passion.

Dean loved and was very proud of his family and his many friends.  He loved going to coffee at the Hometown Market and in surrounding towns.  Dean and Ruby vacationed in Mission, TX, for 23 years.  He enjoyed camping with Ruby and friends.  He enjoyed vacationing at Green Lake in MN during the summer, boating and teaching his kids and grandkids and many of their friends to water ski, and skiing himself into his 70’s.  He enjoyed his Iowa State and UNI kids and grandkids--and wore both caps proudly.  He enjoyed competing in tractor pulls and having his family cheer him on.  He really enjoyed attending sports of his kids and grandkids and also watching NASCAR.

Dean was a man of faith and raised his family in this faith.  He was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church for 60 years.  He loved getting his family ready for church and filling up the whole pew.  He also served on the Church Council.  He served on the Board of Directors (including president) of the Thompson Farmers Co-op Elevator for 27 years.  He was proud of being a Shareholder and helped build the Hometown Market and served on the Board up until recently.  He was also a member of Lion’s Club, Thompson Development Community Group, and Thompson Charities, Inc.

Dean is survived by his high school sweetheart and loving wife, Ruby, for 9 days short of 69 years; Children:  Bruce Farland (Forest City, IA), Gary Farland (Austin, MN), Larry Farland (Yuma, AZ), Marcia (Duane) Henke (Larrabee, IA), Michael (Lisa) Farland (Chanhassen, MN); 11 Grandchilden:  Sheila (Dennis) Atkinson and Jay (Jennifer) Sheldahl; Courtney and Parker (Kasslin) Farland, Kyle and Cory Farland; Whitney (Dan) Parsons; Kayla (Jared) Koch and Brandon (Shauna) Henke; Blake and Logan Farland; 6 Great-Grandchildren:  Emily, Noah, and Lani Rose Krull; Mason and Allison Sheldahl; Hadley Farland; and Great-Grandson on the way; Brothers: Marvyle (Ann) Farland, Keith (Mary) Farland; Sister: Arlys (Jerry) Krause; Brother-in-Law and Sisters-in-Law: Merle and Blanche Durby, Bethel Durby; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Dean was preceded in death by his Daughter, Barbara Sheldahl (passed away the same day-March 7th 25 years ago) and Barbara’s Husband, John N. Sheldahl; Parents, Herman and Anna Farland (Herman passed away March 6th 25 years ago at same age of 87); Palmer and Nettie Durby (Mother-in Law and Father-in-Law); Sisters-in-Law and Brothers-in-Law:  Dorothy and Al Guhl, John and Delores Durby; Marlo Durby; along with other relatives and friends.

You can contact the family with on-line condolences at:   www.mittelstadtfuneralhome.com

641-592-0221

 

Lake Mills Graphic

204 N. Mill Street
Lake Mills, IA 50450

Office Number: (641) 592-4222
Fax Number: (641) 592-6397

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