GEORGE AUGUST ERPS

George August Erps was born November 9, 1928, the son of Edward and Malinda (Meggers) Erps. He died Thursday, November 9, 2006, at his home in Denison, Iowa at the age of seventy-eight.

George was born in Manning, Iowa and grew up in Botna. He received his education in a rural school southwest of Botna. After completing his education he worked for numerous farmers until 1943 when he moved with his family to Manning, Iowa.

On December 29, 1954, George was united in marriage to Leona Klocke. The couple made their home in Manning and were blessed with the birth of six children. They moved to Denison in 1964 and George worked various jobs until he became an independent truck driver hauling garbage and also helping farmers. In 1961, George started working at the Iowa Beef Plant in Denison where he retired after thirty years of service. After his retirement, Leona and George delivered the Denison Newspapers for fifteen years until George became ill and was unable to drive.

In George's spare time he enjoyed playing cards, fishing, spending time with friends and traveling to see his family. His most loved past-time was dancing and it broke his heart when he was no longer able to dance.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two infant children, Patricia and Dennis, one grandson, Zackary Erps, his parents-in-law, sister-in-law, Vangee Cox, and three brothers-in-law, Joe Klocke, Louis Klocke and Clarence "Doc" Sporrer. Survivors include his wife, Leona of Denison; two daughters, Linda Custer and her husband, Craig of Puyallup, Washington; Georgia Woodard and her friend, Russ of Dow City; two sons, Leroy Erps of Puyallup, Washington and Lyle Erps and his friend, Diane of Denver, Colorado; four grandchildren, Brandi Marshall and her husband, Charles; Chase Custer and his friend, Misty; Jennifer Custer, and Kirsten Erps; two great-grandchildren, Gauge and Makenzie Custer; sisters-in-law, Mary Klocke of Dedham; Leana Kalkhoff and her husband, Donald; Elaine Sporrer, all of Templeton; Luella Klein; Carol Hoffman and her husband, Eugene, all of Carroll; Kathleen Irlmeier and her husband, Donald of Audubon; brothers-in-law, Harry Klocke and his wife, Lorraine of Templeton; Cecil Cox and his friend, Gladys of Harlan; other relatives and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Denison, Iowa. Fr. Paul Kelly served as Celebrant of the Mass with interment at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Manning, Iowa. Jean Cornelius provided the organ accompaniment for St. Rose of Lima Choir singing, "How Great Thou Art" and "On Eagle's Wings". Lector was Eddie Klocke; Eucharistic Ministers, Imelda Langel and Lorraine Klocke and Altar servers were Katie Thaman and Codie Fineran. Pallbearers were Robert Hoffman, Dave Grundmeier, Jerry Behrens, Gene Meggers, Keith Sporrer and Eddie Klocke. A Legion of Mary Rosary was held at 4:00 p.m. and a Vigil Service at 6:00 p.m., Sunday at the Huebner Funeral Home in Denison. The family invited everyone in attendance at the service to join them in fellowship and lunch at the Parish Center, served by the Altar Society. The Huebner Funeral Home in Denison was in charge of arrangements.