Harold A. Potter

Sibley, Iowa Harold Potter, age 77 of Sibley, IA died Sunday, December 30, 2012 at Osceola Community Hospital in Sibley, IA. Funeral service will be 2:00 PM, Thursday, January 3rd at United Church of Christ Congregational in Sibley, IA, with Rev. Larry Laskie and Pastor Doug White officiating. Burial will follow at Holman Township Cemetery in Sibley, IA, with full military honors. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 2nd from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, with family present from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley. Harold Arlyn Potter was born July 24, 1935 at Worthington, Minnesota, the son of Harold E. and Dorothy E. (Emerson) Potter. He was raised in the Worthington area attending school and playing football in high school. On October 23, 1952 Harold entered the United States Navy. While serving on the USS Grady he worked as a boiler operator, fireman and welder. He received his honorable discharge on July 19, 1956 and returned home and was united in marriage to Anna Jean Van Beest on May 25, 1956 at the Church of Christ in Worthington, MN. They moved to Oakland, CA where he continued his education at Oakland Senior College and worked at a paper mill. He then began working for a Ford Dealership in the body shop department. While working there he continued his education through the Ford Motor Company School. In 1990 Harold and Anna Jean moved to Sibley, IA and Harold worked at Ace Hardware. On June 10, 2007 Harolds wife Anna Jean died after 51 years of marriage. After his wifes death he remained active in the community. He was a member of Christian Church of Worthington and was a member of the Osceola County Color Guard. He enjoyed model airplanes, electronics, hunting, fishing with friends and playing guitar at family get togethers. In early December he was diagnosed with cancer and was admitted to Osceola Community Hospital this past Friday, where he remained until December 30, 2012 when he died at the age of 77. He is survived by his four children, Siena Potter of Sibley, IA, Harold A. Potter of Manteca, CA, John M. Potter of Fremont-Newark, CA and Patrick H. (wife Patty) Potter of San Jose, CA; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; four sisters, Burdell ODarisen of Worthington, MN, Ethel Van Beest Linden, MI, Leah Hiereonimus of Worthington, MN and Janet Ward of Houston, TX; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Anna Potter; and parents, Harold and Dorothy Ethel Potter.