Harold David Wall

Harold D. Wall, age 94, of Storm Lake, Iowa died Tuesday, August 5, 2014 at the Lantern Park Nursing and Rehab Center in Coralville, Iowa. Funeral services will be Monday, August 11, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Storm Lake. Burial will follow in the Buena Vista Memorial Park Cemetery with full military rites in Storm Lake. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Harold David Wall was born November 28, 1919 in Maple Valley Township, rural Alta, Iowa in the family home. He was the son of Herbert G. and Cora (Buckingham) Wall. In 1927, when Harold was seven years old the family moved into Storm Lake. Harold attended school in Storm Lake and graduated from Storm Lake High School in 1937. That same year the family bought and moved to a farm just west of Storm Lake and Harold worked on the farm with his parents until he was called to military service in 1942. Harold served in the military Army branch from February of 1942 through January of 1946. He served in the states for three years lastly in Fort Dix, New Jersey, and served one year in the European Theatre during WWII in France and Germany. He returned to the states in January 1946. He was honorably discharged having attained the rank of T5 Corporal. While serving Harold was a tractor and truck driver and was a “setter” on a Howitzer and M1-90mm gun crew. After the war Harold returned to farming and bought his own farm close to his parent’s farm one mile west of Storm Lake. Harold took the short course in Animal Husbandry at Iowa State University. In January 1947, he was issued certification pilots license to operate a single engine private airplane having achieved a solo flight. Harold met the love of his life, Ellen Mae Zielstra in Storm Lake. Ellen worked at the grain elevator at the time. They married on January 16, 1949 in the home of Ellen’s parents on the farm in rural Clay County near Dickens, Iowa. They lived in Storm Lake for one year before moving to their home farm in 1950 where they lived for the next 47 years. Harold retired from farming in 1987 but continued to live on the homestead. Harold and Ellen liked to travel and spent their winters in Bradenton, Florida in the 80’s and then later spent several winters during the 90’s in Pismo Beach, California. They enjoyed traveling and had traveled to all 50 states. Harold and Ellen were avid bridge players and enjoyed playing contract bridge where ever they traveled. Harold and Ellen both achieved the status of Regional Master in duplicate bridge. Harold was also a pretty good Hearts player and could defeat his children and grandchildren in the game. Harold enjoyed raising feeder cattle and in 1953 he sold a lot of cattle that topped the market at the Sioux City stockyards. In 1956, Harold had a new home built on the homestead that he designed and felt good that he provided a beautiful new home for his family. Harold took an interest in the stock market and for several years to the end of his life he continued to manage his investments. Harold was also a Farmall tractor man. Ellen died April 12, 1997. Harold said that his thoughts were always to Ellen, “The woman who supported me and stood beside me. She was my inspiration and my confidant. She encouraged me and always supported me. Without her I would not have been successful, for it was from Ellen that I received much of my drive and desire...she is what I needed to be a whole person.” Harold enjoyed the people in his life. He was especially proud that he had all four of his children attend college. That was important to him. He was also proud of the improvements he made to his farm. Harold was a long time member of Farm Bureau, he was a member of Storm Lake Kiwanis and a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church in Strom Lake. Harold and Ellen sang in the church choir for a time. He is survived by four children: Kathleen E. (Wayne) Kramer of Slaughter, Louisiana; Kenneth (Susan Totten) Wall of Iowa City, Iowa; Russell G. (Susan) Wall of Johnston, Iowa; and Brenda J. Wall of Boone, Iowa; five grandchildren: Alexander Wall of Ithaca, New York; Brianne (Jarian Sky) Wall of Medford, Massachusetts; Abraham Wall of Kissimmee, Florida; Patricia (Thom) Hotka of Windsor Heights, Iowa and Hannah (David Calaci) Wall of Coralville, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert G Wall and Cora Buckingham Wall; sister, Olive Schroll; and his beloved wife Ellen. Memorials may be given to the United Methodist Church of Storm Lake.

Harold David Wall

November 28, 1919 - August 5, 2014