Murvel Barness

Murvel D. Barness, 75, of Waukon, IA, passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday, October 11, 2018. Memorial services with military honors will be held Monday, October 15th, at 11:00 AM at St. John's Lutheran Church in Waukon with Pastor Wayne Ellingson officiating. Friends may call from 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Sunday at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon.

Murvel Duane Barness was born on June 23, 1943, in Decorah, IA, the son of John and Gladys (Kleppe) Barness. He attended Ossian Public Schools and was baptized and confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church in Ossian, IA. Murvel enlisted in the United States Army at 18 and proudly served his country from 1962-70. He attended basic training at Fort Carson, CO, and was later stationed in Korea, Japan, Fort Sill, OK, and Fort Hood, TX. He earned the rank of Staff Sergeant and was a veteran of the Vietnam War.

After receiving an honorable discharge from the Army, Murvel returned home to Ossian to work on his family farm. He also worked as a carpenter, milk hauler, and later continued his career at Bruening Rock and Northern Engraving. In 1964, he married Margaret Thiel; they later divorced. In 1994, Murvel married Cindy (Palas) O'Neill. He enjoyed fishing, playing cards, making kumla and lefse for his family, and loved woodworking--especially for his grandchildren.

Murvel is survived by his wife Cindy of Waukon; his four children: Debra (David) Panka of Prairie du Chien, WI, Troy (Amy) Barness and Kris (Tina) Barness, both of Ossian, and Gary (Nick Wallin) Barness of Calmar, IA; stepchildren: Tyler O'Neill of Waukon and Tiffany (Matt) Heuer of Mason City, IA; 12 grandchildren: Nicholas, Nathan, Kaitie, Samantha, Daphne, Jonathan, Bradan, Brock, Brody, Andrew, Emma, and Ainsley; two great-grandchildren: Nora and Otto; three siblings: Sharon Butterfield of California, Joyce (Rick Villemaire) Barness of Florida, and Janet (Mike) Gerleman of Creston, IA; a sister-in-law Shirley Barness of West Union, IA; and his best buddy Toby.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Gordon, Lloyd, and Clifford Barness; and brother-in-law Keith Butterfield.

Honorary casketbearers are Gordalana Neubauer, Barbara Schroeder, Lee Barness, Brent Butterfield, and Ben, Brian, and Cory Gerleman.