Joel R. Middlen

Larchwood, IA

     Joel R. Middlen, age 99 of Larchwood, IA died on Tuesday, August 27, 2019 at Fellowship Village Care Center in Inwood, IA.

     Funeral service will be 10:30 AM, Friday, August 30, 2019 at United Church of Christ in Larchwood with Rev. Rob Horstman officiating.  

     Burial will follow at the Larchwood City Cemetery in Larchwood, IA.

     Visitation will be Thursday, August 29^th from 4:00 - 8:00 PM with the family present from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the United Church of Christ in Larchwood, IA.

      Joel Middlen the son of Max and Anna (Hohman) came into this world on February 24, 1920. He was raised on a farm West of Larchwood. He attended the public school and graduated from Larchwood High School. Joel was united in marriage to Adeline (Swenson) on December 28, 1944 in Sioux Falls, SD. The couple moved to the home place and farmed for 30 years. They were blessed with four children, Richard, Robert, Yvonne and Duane. They retired and built a home in Larchwood in 1974. They were also blessed with 20 years of wintering in Meza, AZ and memorable trips to Mexico, Germany, Hawaii, Switzerland and South Caribbean. Joel was an active member of the United Church of Christ. During his life membership he was active on the building committee, chairman of the council, name changes from Community to Congregational and currently United Church of Christ.

     One of Joel’s accomplishments was in the early 60’s, he was the chairman for the study group, examining the future for West Lyon School. For three years, he worked through the county superintendent, and was instrumental in the development of the West Lyon School, with great effort the area communities came together.

     Joel was active in 4-H, selling Farm Bureau insurance and Pioneer Seed Corn. He enjoyed camping, fishing, playing cards, making jewelry, painting, macramé chairs and wood carving. After Adeline passed away in 2006, he lived alone for 2 years then moved in with his daughter and son-in-law for 10 years, before going to Fellowship Village at the age of 97.

     Joel is survived by his children, Robert Middlen, Yvonne (Wayne) Poppens; Duane Middlen; and daughter-in-law, Mary Middlen; six grandchildren; five great grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; twelve step-great-grandchildren; two step-great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

     He is preceded in death by his wife, Adeline; son, Richard Middlen; granddaughter, Nicole Middlen; grandson-in-law, Levi Sandal; sister, Doris Koch; his parents, Max and Anna; brother, Orlon and infant brother.