Gilbert Ingraham

Gilbert Ingraham, 100, of rural Laurel, left this earthly life on the evening of Tuesday, July 31, in the very home he was born in. His death came peacefully with his family at his side and while in care of the Iowa River Hospice. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 4, at the Laurel United Methodist Church with Pastor Marvin Siems officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Methodist Cemetery, northwest of Laurel. Visitation will be held from 5-8:00 p.m. on Friday at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown. Memorials may be directed to the Laurel United Methodist Church, Iowa River Hospice or the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph: 641-844-1234. Born on January 20, 1912, near Laurel, he was the son of Fred and Nellie (Starnes) Ingraham. He graduated from the Laurel High School in 1929. For four years, Gilbert dated the lovely young Wanda Schnathorst until the two were united in marriage on November 25, 1932 at Laurel. They made their home on the farm and did woodworking together to create family heirlooms or items sold to the public. Gilbert was a well-respected and trusted man who was ready to help anyone in need. He lived his life on the principles of morality and honesty and the teachings of Jesus. He was a faithful member of the Laurel United Methodist Church, the Methodist Cemetery Board and the Laurel School Board as secretary. Gilbert enjoyed a good game of Scrabble, watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy and was still doing home repair and driving up to this landmark age of 100. He treasured his family and enjoyed his career of farming all while in the comfort of bib-overalls. Left to cherish his memory is his daughter Donna (James) Wernberg of Rockford, IL, grandchildren: Jeff (Tammy) Muschick of Clemons, Jeremy (Stacey) Muschick of Nevada, Gloria (Mark) Sever of Martinez, CA, Jennifer (Allen) Baker of Waterford, WI, and Matt Wernberg of St. Charles, IL. Seven great-grandchildren: Brent (Staci) Muschick, Bruce (Melissa) Muschick, Bryce Muschick, Brandon (April) Muschick, Justin (Melissa) Muschick, Lucas Baker and Logan Baker; six great-great-grandchildren as well as his adopted Ingraham Daughter- Laura and many nieces, nephews and friends. In death, Gilbert rejoined his beloved Wanda who died in 1996, his daughters: Janet (the late Carl) Muschick and Nellie (Harry) Strong, and brothers: Gene (the late Ruth) and Donald (the late Bea).