Obituary of John Henry Bell

John H. Bell, 90, of Dyersville, Iowa died Thursday, September 30, 2010 at Oak Crest Manor, Dyersville, Iowa. John was born on January 26, 1920, in Dyersville, Iowa, the son of Clarence and Olive (Schnier) Bell. He served in the US Army from 1941 until 1946 during WWII, having served in New Guinea for much of that time. He married Marian Anstoetter on June 22, 1946, in Farley, IA. Together they farmed west of Dyersville until retiring in 1984, when they moved to Dyersville. He occupied his time and talent on several community and civic organizations such as American Legion Post 137, Dyersville Farmers' Community Fire Department Board of Directors, Xavier School Board, Keystone AEA Board of Directors, Dyersville Golf and Country Club, the Dyersville Lions Club, and the Dyersville City Council. He enjoyed playing golf, watching and discussing sports, and a good poker game. Survivors include his wife, Marian, children: Ann Millenkamp of Dyersville, Donna (Peter) Motta of Cortlandt Manor, NY, Larry (Karen) Bell of Dyersville, Kathy (Mick) Coleman of Burnsville, MN, Jan Craiker of Springfield, VA, Jeff (Liz) Bell of Falls Church, VA; 19 grandchildren: Shelly (Tracy) Irwin, Molly (Cal) Halstead, Mike (Donna) Millenkamp, Bill (Susie) Millenkamp, Tony Millenkamp, Jennifer (Tim) Conklin, John (Sarah) Motta, Jim (Chrissy) Motta, Jason (Christine) Motta, Brain Bell, Colleen (Adam) Humphrey, Patrick Bell, Sarah Coleman, Sr. Maris Stella (Rose) Coleman, Karen Coleman, John Coleman, Sam Craiker, Grace Craiker and Jack Craiker, 24 great grandchildren: Jack & Sammy Jo Irwin, Anna, Will, Max & Carly Halstead, Grace, Maggie, Grady & Emma Millenkamp, Jack, Ellie Mae, Trudy & Johnny Millenkamp, Abigail & Tanner Conklin, Jack, Caleb & Anna Motta, Kiersten & Kaelyn Motta, Drew & Trent Motta, Christian Humphrey, siblings: Jim (Helen) Bell of Dyersville, Edith Kedley of Dubuque, Tom (Jeanette) Bell of Dyersville and Kay (Vern) Gansemer of Sussex, WI; brothers-and-sisters-in-law: Don (Laura) Willenbring of Farley, Arlene Bell of Dyersville, Betty Bell of East Dubuque, IL, Charlie (Dori) Anstoetter of Dubuque, Esther (Fran) Joyce of Rapid City, SD, Jerry (Moni) Anstoetter of Farley, John (Joan) Anstoetter of Dubuque, Millie Koehler of Decatur, IL, Janaan (Ken) Krapfl and Shirley (Clete) Maiers of Dubuque. He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 siblings: Rose Mary Willenbring, Herb Bell and Louie Bell; brothers-and-sisters-in-law: Orland Kedley, Sr. Marirose Anstoetter, RSM, Alice (Gene) Wieser, Ken Koehler, Bernie Anstoetter and Don Anstoetter. Friends called from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. Monday, October 4, 2010, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa where a parish scripture service was held at 4:00 p.m. and an American Legion service was held at 7 p.m. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, October 5, 2010, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville, Iowa with burial in the church cemetery where military rites were accorded by American Legion Post 137. Officiating was Rev. Dennis Quint. Mass server was Sam Craiker. Lectors were Colleen Humphry, Sarah & Karen Coleman. Giftbearers were Shelly Irwin, Molly Halstead, Jennifer Conklin and Grace Craiker. Eucharistic ministers were Dave Bell, Dan Willenbring and Cookie Scherrman. Music was performed by St. Francis Xavier Resurrection Choir and the Handmaids of the Heart of Jeses, Sr. Maris Stella (Rose Coleman). Pallbearers were Mike, Bill & Tony Millenkamp, John, Jim, & Jason Motta, Brian & Patrick Bell, John Coleman and Jack Craiker. The family would like to thank the caring staff at Ellen Kennedy Living Center, Oak Crest Manor and Hospice of Dubuque for their excellent care. Information available and condolences accepted at www.kramerfuneral.com.