Bernard Maeder

Bernard Frederick Maeder was born Nov. 9, 1921, near Corning, Iowa. He passed away on March 3, 2017, at his home at the age of 95 years, 3 months, and 22 days. He was the first born of five children to Edward LeRoy (Roy) and Lois (Frederick) Maeder.

Bernard was drafted into the U.S. Army Aug. 19, 1942. He left the United States April 20, 1944, for the European Theater of Operation and served in Scotland, England, France, Belgium, Luxemburg, and Germany until July 1945. He served in the Third Army under General Patton and was honorably discharged Nov. 1945.

Bernard married Margaret Toepfer Sept. 17, 1946, at St. Timothy's Catholic Church, rural Cumberland, Iowa, where he had been baptized and where they remained members. To this union seven children were born. They farmed in Adams County and purchased his grandfather Frederick's farm, which became a Century Farm in 1973, and his grandfather Maeder's farm, which became a Century Farm in 1993.

Bernard was a 4-H member in his youth and later served as a 4-H leader. In the 1960s he worked part time for Antrim Lumber Company doing carpentry work. Later he expanded his love for wood into woodworking and furniture making. Bernard served on St. Timothy Catholic Church Council and the Adams County Board of Review for 32 years. He was a Lincoln Township Trustee and a member of the Williamson American Legion. He collected antique tractors which he loved to restore and drive. Tractor rides were enjoyed by his family and the love of the farm endured.

Bernard is survived by his children, Dallas (Joan) Maeder, Mary (Monty) Boswell, Ronald (Carlene) Maeder, Shirley (Randall) Olive, Diane Stender, Linda (David) Beeman; 15 grandchildren, Mark (Deb) Maeder, Jim Maeder, Chris (Krista) Maeder, Jeff Boswell, Teresa (Jon) Koch, Andrea (Nick) Jordan, Jen (Chris) Cotham, Tera (Steve) Arquitte, Ryan (Rachael) Olive, Rachael Olive, Kaley Stender, Blake Stender, Anne Beeman, Luke Beeman and Kate Beeman; 15 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Eleanor Ogburn.

Bernard was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Margaret, on Nov. 22, 2016; daughter, Teresa Marie, in 1970; his parents; siblings Margaret Penfold, Edward Maeder, and Naomi Bench; and many other relatives.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 6, 2017, at St. Timothy's Catholic Church, rural Cumberland, Iowa.

A Rosary will be held at 5:00 p.m. with family visitation following from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 5, 2017, at Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic, Iowa.

Burial will be in Calvary Catholic Cemetery at St. Timothy's Catholic Church.