Bearbower, Linn G.

Linn G. Bearbower, 61, died peacefully at home Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012, due to pancreatic cancer. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012, at Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Vinton, with Pastor Mark C. Urlaub officiating. Committal services at the Brandon Cemetery will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 28, at Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home in Vinton and one hour before services at the church on Wednesday.

Linn was born March 27, 1951, in Independence, Iowa, the son of Leo G. “Dutch” and LaVonne J. Spars Bearbower. He graduated from Independence High School in 1969. On May 29, 1971, he was united in marriage with Peggy Watters at the American Lutheran Church in Jesup. Linn was a combine and planter mechanic for Case IH for over 30 years, working in Cedar Rapids, La Porte City and Blairstown. He had currently been working for Titan Machinery in Center Point. Linn greatly enjoyed his job, co-workers and customers.

Linn loved spending time with Peg at their cabin in Van Buren County. He also enjoyed “gravel travel,” fishing and golf. He was a member of the La Porte City Country Club.

His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren.

Linn is survived by his wife of 41 years, Peg, of Vinton; his mother, LaVonne Bearbower of Brandon; one son, Eric Bearbower and his fiancee, Amber Boyles, of Vinton; one daughter, Michelle Thomsen of Vinton; two brothers, Les (Jeannine Peyton) Bearbower of Brandon and Larry (Elaine) Bearbower of Vinton; and three grandchildren, Mattison Thomsen and Mikala and Ethan Bearbower.

He was preceded in death by his father.

A memorial fund has been established.

Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home is caring for Linn and his family.

Condolences may be left at www.vsrfh.com.

Published Aug. 26, 2012 in The Gazette