Sheldon Book, age 84, of Odebolt, passed away December 26, 2009, at Horn Memorial Hospital in Ida Grove, IA.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 1, 2010, at Faith Lutheran Church in Odebolt with cremation following the service. Visitation was held from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, December 31, 2009 at the Farber and Otteman Funeral Home in Odebolt.

Sheldon Lavern Book was born on March 29, 1925, in Shelby County, IA, to parents Vincent and Helga (Jensen) Book. He was baptized in Avoca Lutheran Church at the age of ten, and was confirmed in the Manning Lutheran Church with Reverend Johann Ansorge. Sheldon enlisted into the Army in 1949 and served our country for 2 years. Sheldon worked at the Audubon Creamery east of Irwin for 26 years, and also farmed his dad's farm in Grey, IA for two years. He then moved on to Portland, Oregon and worked for North West Natural Gas Company for 31 years. In 1950, Sheldon married Velma Breining and to this union one daughter was born, Cynthia Hope. Sheldon was blessed with two grandchildren: Aleta Neher and Corrina Westfall; and one great grandchild Zoe Neher.

In 1968, Sheldon married Clara Clark from Nevada. She passed away on December 4, 1999. Sheldon then moved to Iowa in 2000 to be near his sister Ruby and brother Lloyd. In February he rented a house in Odebolt from John and Cindy Davis, and in November he moved to Odebolt Nursing and Rehab Center. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Odebolt. His hobbies were going to senior citizens dances, fishing for catfish, playing cards and enjoying pie at Ruby's house. He will be dearly missed by all those that knew and loved him.

Those left to cherish his memories are two granddaughters: Aleta Neher and Corrina Westfall; one great-grandchild Zoe Neher; two sisters: Ruby Lorenzen of Odebolt and Pearl (Bob) Tasone of Portland, OR; two brothers: Lloyd (Karen) Book of Denison, IA, and Ron (Monica) Book of Marsing, ID; special friend Janis Boock of Battle Creek, IA; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Preceded in death by his parents: Helga and Vincent Book; wife Clara; daughter Cynthia Hope Westfall; one brother Virgil; and sisters: Garnet and Opal.