|
Bert Duane Ashburn was born on February 24, 1939,
the third of 8 children at the family’s home in Lamoni, Iowa,
to James Monroe Ashburn and Velva Louise Ashburn.
At the Age of 17 He moved to Ames Iowa, where he quickly found a job installing sheetrock. Frequenting the local Dairy Queen Ice-cream shop, for Strawberry milk shakes, he met the love of his Life Kathryn D. Cheville. And on June 1, 1958, after an 18-month engagement, Bert married his Dairy Queen girl. For the next 64 years they would go back to Dairy Queen for a Strawberry Shake.
Shortly after they Married, Bert started a business installing sheetrock with Warren Moore, who became one of his lifelong friends. He was also able to work with his brothers during this time. The couple have 4 Adult children. Christine, Sheryl, Angela, and Rodney, 11 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
In the early 1970’s and into the late 1980's, he began driving a Semi-truck over the road and operating heavy Equipment. Bert had a fantastic memory. And was able to point out homes he had sheet rocked over the decades with his brother Richard, or "leveled the ground for that highway over there" through a swamp.
In 1994 He and Kathryn, along with their daughter Angela and her husband, purchased 6 acres of wooded land in Boone County. After working every day before sun up, he would come home, clear the land and teach his wife and daughter what he needed them to do for the next night. All 3 of them prepared the land for moving their homes in, in just 2 1/2 short months.
Bert was a caring, loving, loyal and honest man. He was immensely proud of his Family, especially his son Rodney, who retired From the Army after 26 years of service. He had a wonderful and ornery sense of humor, participating in more than his fair share of shenanigans.
He Retired in 2001, from official employment, however, he still woke up before the birds and kept very active. When He was not working Bert loved reminiscing with his grandchildren. He enjoyed talking to friends and family on the telephone, Camping, Fishing and Hunting and preserving vegetables in the fall. He called his brother-in-law Fritz to catch up on the farming gossip. And talked extensively about his friends and family. He helped everyone but rarely asked for help in return.
Bert Passed away peacefully surrounded by family, In the Arms of his Loving wife on December 28, 2022, at the Hospital after a short illness.
|
