John Bernard Shurr

Rock Rapids, Iowa John Shurr, age 95 formerly of Rock Rapids, IA died on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at the Parkview Manor Nursing Home in Ellsworth, MN. Memorial service will be 2:30 p.m. Friday, January 31, 2014 at the Jurrens Funeral Home in Rock Rapids, with Reverend Marcia Sangel officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until time of service at the funeral home. John B. Shurr was born March 17, 1918, and lived 95 years, 9 months, and 28 days. He was born on the farm in Kanaranzi Township, Rock County, MN, to George and Daisy (Walker) Shurr. He attended area country schools and graduated from Magnolia High School. He went to Mankato State College where he met Bernita Bell. John and Bernita were married August 27, 1940, at her parents farm near Walnut Grove, MN. For the next 69 years they lived at Lone Tree Farm, rural Ellsworth. The past four years they lived together at Premier Estates in Rock Rapids, IA, and Parkview Manor in Ellsworth, MN. John was a life-long farmer, working and living 91 years on the farm homesteaded by his grandparents. He took over the family farm in 1943 (at the age of 25) when his father suddenly died. Long after retirement he remained active in the farm operation, marketing his share of the crop until they moved to town. He was a sports fan who played baseball and softball in his early years and followed the Twins and Vikings later in his life. He was well read and continued his self-education with a particular interest in world history, philosophy, and religion. He was a member of Ellsworth Congregational Church and Stateline Presbyterian Church. John was survived by his wife of 73 years, Bernita of Ellsworth. Other survivors are son, George (Margaret) Shurr of Ellsworth; two grandchildren, Sharla (Matt) Krell of Vermillion, SD; Robb (Joelle Wisler) Shurr of Nederland, CO; and four great-grandchildren, Paige and Jack Krell and Grayson and Nora Shurr. We are grateful for his quiet kindness, unassuming friendliness, humility, and Irish sense of humor. He was preceded in death by his parents George and Daisy, an infant brother, sister Harriett Riedell of Mankato, MN, and his son Bob. In lieu of flowers Rock Rapids Public Library and Ellsworth Parkview Manor are memorial suggestions.