HAL LAVERNE CADWELL

Hal Laverne, son of Otis "Lew" and Blanch (Nellis) Cadwell, was born February 2, 1919 on a farm near Botna, Iowa. He attended country school near his home and then Hal graduated from Manilla High School in 1936. Following graduation he farmed with his family near Botna.

Hal was drafted into the United States Army in 1942 and served in the artillery as a cook on the front lines in the European Theater during World War II. He was awarded the Bronze Star.

On November 17, 1943, Hal was united in marriage with Helen Bidlack at Rockport, Missouri. After his honorable discharge in 1945 he returned to the Manilla area and he and Helen were the proud parents of five children. They farmed around Manilla, finally settling on their own farm northeast of town in 1953. Helen died suddenly and unexpectedly on March 12, 1986.

In March of 1988, Hal was united in marriage with Darlene Boeck Schrum. They made their home in Manning 16 years and then at Swan House in Carroll for five years. They enjoyed being with both their families and traveling. Darlene died in May of 2009.

Hal was a farmer who took the business of farming very seriously. He was a lifelong learner and an avid investor. His passion for farming and investing gave him great pleasure. Over the years he was active in the Masons, served on the Manilla School Board of Directors and was a loyal member of the United Methodist Church. Hal also belonged to the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He enjoyed his years on a bowling team and thoroughly enjoyed supporting the Manilla High School sports teams.

When Hal's health began to fail he became a resident of the Manilla Manor Nursing Home where he died on Saturday, July 3, 2010 at the age of 91 years, 5 months and 1 day.

Preceding him in death are his parents; two wives; three brothers Rae Cadwell as a child, Robert Cadwell and Ross Cadwell; and two sisters Edith and husband Roy Weible and Letha and husband Paul Abel.

Hal is survived by his five children: Bonnie and husband David Bartels of West Des Moines; Leonard Cadwell and wife Lana of Manilla; Dean Cadwell and wife Valerie of Urbandale; Verne Cadwell and wife Denise of Montezuma and Cindy and husband Dave Peterson of Tulsa, Oklahoma; 18 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; brother Vyrl Cadwell and wife Edith of Manilla; sister-in-law Evelyn Cadwell of Spencer; Darlene's children: Sharon and husband Keith Kelderman of Manning; Stan Schrum of Manning; Steve Schrum and wife Marilyn of Nevada; Sue and husband Dave Rauch of Manning; Sandy and husband Dale Moeller of Leon; Skip Schrum and wife Coleen of Alta and Sheila Schrum of Des Moines; 14 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Arrangements entrusted to Ohde Funeral Home

Funeral services were held Thursday, July 8, 2010, 10:00 AM at the United Church of Manilla, Manilla, Iowa. Rev. Dave Peterson officiating. Music "I Can Only Imagine," Josh Peterson; "Jesus Savior Pilot Me," "In The Garden," congregation "In Memoriam," composed by Josh Peterson, Helen Wiese, accompanist. Casket Bearers; David Bartels, Nathan Bartels, Jeremy Cadwell, Rodney Cadwell, Nick Cadwell, Ben Cadwell, Jake Cadwell, Mike Cadwell, Joshua Peterson, Jason Peterson, Adam Bexten, Aaron Bexten, Andrew Bexten. Honorary Casket Bearers; Shari Lohrmann, Emily Gernander, Andrea Hake, Laura Nelson, Bethany Peterson. Interment with Military Honors American Legion Post 132 "The Star Spangled Banner," Ashlwy Lohrmann, vocalist, Nishnabotna Cemetery, Manilla, Iowa.