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Harry Myrtue

Harry Myrtue

Harry W. Myrtue, age 104, of Smithland, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, September 28, 2016, at the Maple Heights Nursing Home of Mapleton, Iowa.

A funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, October 04, 2016, at the United Methodist Church of Smithland, Iowa. Pastor Karen Handke officiated the service, with the committal services following in the Little Sioux Township Cemetery of Smithland, Iowa.  The Armstrong – Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton, Iowa is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online to www.armstrongfuneral.com.

Harry W. Myrtue the son of Anton and Fannie (Burns) Myrtue was born on January 14, 1912, two days after the coldest day in Iowa, on the family farm in Little Sioux Township, Smithland, Iowa.

Harry attended Parkhill Independent country school and continued his education at Oto High School. He rode a horse the 4 miles to school and with perfect attendance he graduated with the class of 1930. After school Harry baled hay with his truck and delivered fuel to local farmers.

Harry started his own business in the thirties and hauled fuel from refineries in Kansas and Oklahoma to Sioux City, Iowa. On December 31, 1936, Harry married the love of his life Maurine Cory. The couple were blessed with six children: Margaret, Russel, Donald, Floyd (passed in infancy), Charles, and Dean.

In 1943 he went out of business and went to work for Cudahy packing house in Sioux City Iowa. Saving every penny Harry worked to buy his farm located in Smithland in 1944. Harry farmed the rest of his time until they retired to town in 1987.

Harry enjoyed farming, playing euchre, watching baseball, reading, visiting, following the local news and politics, and spending time with his family.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Russel and wife Betty Myrtue of Kenner, Louisiana, Donald and wife Lorna Myrtue of Lebanon, Oregon, Charles Myrtue of Smithland, Iowa, and Dean and wife Karla Myrtue of Hornick, Iowa; eight grandchildren and two step grandchildren; six great grandchildren and four step great grandchildren; extended family and friends.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Fannie Myrtue; wife, Maurine Cory; daughter, Margaret Myrtue; infant son, Floyd Myrtue; four brothers, Frank, Cecil, Floyd, and Robert Myrtue.

Any memorials can be directed to the Smithland United Methodist Church in loving memory of Harry and Maurine.

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