Art Townsend

Arthur "Art" Franklin Townsend, age 80 of Blakesburg, passed away Thursday, May 30, 2013, under the care of Monroe County Hospice at his home in Blakesburg. Art was born September 30, 1932, to Arthur Raymond and Clara Elizabeth (McAllister) Townsend in Blencoe, Iowa. He married Laurine Shelangoski on June 6, 1953 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Fairfield. Art graduated from Blakesburg High School, class of 1949. He joined the United States Army and served during the Korean War. He later farmed in Blakesburg, and also worked at Morrell's in Ottumwa until they closed. Art was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Albia, Farm Bureau for more than 40 years and was president for 7 years, Lions Club in Blakesburg, Knights of Columbus Council #4167, Iowa State Extension Council, vice president of Monroe County Cattlemen's Association, and was also a 4-H leader. Art also served as the Urbana Township Trustee and was on the Weed Commission for a few years. In his free time, Art enjoyed being outdoors fishing and farming. Art is survived by his wife, Laurine Townsend of Blakesburg; his children, Vince (Meg) Townsend of Ottumwa, Steve Townsend of Blakesburg, Mary (Dale) Dohlman of Brighton, Vicki (Michael) Crabtree of Yuma, AZ, Stan Townsend (special friend, Missy Hitner), and Pat Townsend of Albia; ten grandchildren, Matthew, Lisa, Michelle, Bobby, James, Michael, Jamie, Zach, Samer, and Krista; seven great grandchildren, Makayla, Hunter, Lilyana, Clara, Noel, Riley, and Nathan; a sister, Faye (Dick) Mullinix of Red Oak; a brother, Donny (Merilly) Townsend of Blakesburg; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Michael; a daughter-in-law Roberta Townsend; a sister-in-law, Twyla Townsend; and several grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m., Monday, June 3, 2013, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Albia, with Fr. Michael E. Volkmer, C.PP.S. and Fr. Thomas Winikates co-officiating. Burial with military rites provided by the American Legion of Albia, Melrose, and Lovilia will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Albia. Visitation will be 12-8 p.m., Sunday, June 2, 2013, at Tharp Funeral Home in Albia with the family present from 6-8 p.m. Sunday evening. A rosary will be led by the Knights of Columbus Council #4167 at 6 p.m., with a Christian wake service beginning at 6:30 p.m., Sunday evening at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Monroe County Hospice or St. Mary's Catholic Church in Albia.

Art Townsend

September 30, 1932 - May 30, 2013