Earl Iverson

Earl H. Iverson, 95, of rural Waterville, IA, died Tuesday, June 7, 2016, at his daughter's home in Waukon, IA. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 11th, at 11:00 AM at Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church in rural Waterville with Pastor Ken Kimball officiating. Burial will be at the church cemetery. Friends may call from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Friday at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon.

Earl Howard Iverson was born on August 5, 1920 on the rural Waterville, IA, farm of his parents, N. Herman and Josephine (Nelson) Iverson. He was baptized and confirmed at Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church where he was a life-long member and later served as Deacon. He attended the Waterville School and after finishing his education started farming by renting some ground from neighbors. For a couple of seasons he worked the grain harvest in the Dakotas to earn some extra start-up money and eventually he was able to buy a small farm in Paint Creek Township. Earl had an interest in horses his entire life and in April of 1950 he met Vivian Mildred Hartong at a saddle club trail ride. They were married on December 31st of that year at Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church.

Earl and Vivian farmed side by side operating a dairy herd and raising pigs, chickens, beef cattle and grain. Earl loved animals and was fond of his coon hounds. He was very well known for raising mules and had been featured in a number of articles and news videos as he was a regular participant in plowing contests and exhibitions throughout the Midwest. Earl often performed with his horse Judy, doing special tricks for the local kids. Earl was noted for his disposition and sense of humor. He was always up for a good story and his easy manner made him a friend of nearly everyone he met.

Survivors include his wife Vivian of Waterville; his children: Peggy Joy Iverson (Gary) Khan of Waukon and Scott Eric (Yanhui Yu) Iverson of Adel, IA; his grandchildren: Erika Iverson, Mark Fang, James Fang, Ben Iverson, Christopher Khan, Arthur Khan, and Vivian Khan; and a sister Darlene Cecchetti of Cheswick, PA. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son Steven; a sister Muriel Bakkum; and five brothers: Ordell, Arden, Irvin, Herman, and an infant brother.

Casketbearers are Rudy Hesla, Kent McCormick, Shawn Gibbs, Bob Schlitter, Joe Sweeney, Dakota Ness, Arthur Khan, and Ben Iverson.