Bernard L. Boone

Bernard L. Boone, age 98, of Sheldon, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at Sanford Sheldon Care Center. Funeral Services will be Friday, February 8, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. at the Calvary Baptist Church in Sheldon. Pastor Zac Patke officiating. Graveside Service will be Friday, February 8 at 12:45 P.M. at Newkirk Cemetery in Newkirk, Iowa. Visitation will be Thursday, February 7, from 2:00 to 8:00 P.M. with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the Andringa Funeral Home Sheldon Funeral Service in Sheldon. Bernard "Bernie" Lloyd Boone was born on June 21, 1920, near Boyden, Iowa. He was the son of Evert "Edward E." and Fredrica "Hattie" (VanderZwaag) Boone. He spent his youth on farms in the Newkirk, Hospers and Boyden areas. He lost his sight in the fall of 1924 after suffering a case of measles and having a mastoidectomy. In January of 1930, Bernie began his formal schooling at the Iowa School for the Blind in Vinton, Iowa. While at the school, he was involved in many musical activities, including piano tuning. In orchestra, he would frequently tease and pull the hair of the girl who sat in front of him. Little did he know how important Agatha would become in later years. During World War II, Bernie worked at May's Drug and later Freuhauf Trailer Company in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Bernie and Agatha reconnected during that time and on October 5, 1946, Bernie married Agatha "Geet" Eleanore Rindone at the First Baptist Church in Council Bluffs, Iowa. To this union were born five children, Audrey Ruth, Daniel Edward and Timothy Lloyd. Fredrica Rose and David Paul went to heaven as infants. Soon after their marriage, Bernie published an original composition, a song entitled, "When Spring Comes Again" under the pseudonym of Bernie Lloyd. It was played on some of the local radio stations in the northwest Iowa and Omaha areas. After short stays with Agatha's parents in Council Bluffs and on Bernie's parents' farm near Boyden, they moved to Sheldon in 1949 and he began his piano tuning business. He was quite successful on his own and from 1972 to 1997, he also did all the tuning for Midwest Piano and Organ Company in Spencer. Bernie was a ham radio operator for 70 years and was instrumental in keeping communications open into Sheldon during a severe ice storm in March 1954. In 1956, Bernie and Geet helped start Calvary Baptist Church in Sheldon. As a charter member of the church, Bernie remained active there all his life, at times serving as Adult Sunday School teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, deacon, soloist and choir member. He always did most of his own maintenance of home and property including the construction of a garage/shop combination. In April of 1997, Bernie suffered severe burns in a fire and was not expected to live. God was gracious to answer the prayers of many and give Bernie another 21 � years. After the fire he learned to use the computer with the help of a screen reader. He enjoyed keeping contact with his friends by email and even Facebook. Bernie and Agatha's story was featured on the Pacific Garden Mission's radio broadcast "Unshackled" in 2001. Agatha went to her eternal home on June 22, 2012 and Bernie stayed in their home until May of 2017 when he moved to Sanford Sheldon Senior Care. Those left to cherish Bernie's memory are: daughter, Audrey (Robert) Winter, Boyden, IA and children, Tobi (Josh) Mattingly, Sarah Lowrance and Scott Lowrance; son, Daniel (Lisa) Boone, Omaha, NE and children, Matthew (Kelsey), Nickolis (Hannah), Rebekah, Hannah; son, Timothy (Lissa) Boone, Belleville, IL and children, Jarrod (Andi) and Ashley; great-grandchildren, Brody, Peyton, Cooper, Chandler and Jayden; brother, Thel (Alma) Boone, Sheldon, IA; brother-in-law, Paul (Obie) Rindone, Council Bluffs, IA; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Agatha; two infant children; his parents; sister, Audrey and brothers, Erwin and Eugene. In Loving Memory Of Bernard L. Boone Born: June 21, 1920 Passed Away: February 2, 2019 Age: 98 years, 7 months and 12 days FUNERAL SERVICE Friday, February 8, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. Calvary Baptist Church, Sheldon, Iowa Family Prayer Service at 9:45 A.M. OFFICIATING Pastor Zac Patke MUSIC Organist: Sue Techen Accompanists: Amanda Henning and Janet Branson Congregational Songs During the service: "How Great Thou Art" Recessional: "Hallelujah Chorus" CD music Tim Boone playing Bernie's original published composition: "When Spring Comes Again" Quartet singing: "My Sheep Know My Voice" Pastor Zac Patke, Dan Morley, Ben Morley, Bruce Branson Trio singing: "Safe in the Arms of Jesus" Sue Techen, Sue Morley, Deb Mosier CASKET BEARERS Dan Boone Tim Boone Robert Winter Josh Mattingly Matt Boone Scott Lowrance Nick Boone Jarrod Boone INTERMENT 12:45 P.M. Newkirk Cemetery, Hospers, Iowa Following the Funeral Service, prior to Interment, the family invites all for fellowship and lunch at the Pizza Ranch in Sheldon. ARRANGEMENTS BY Andringa Funeral Home Sheldon Funeral Service Larry R. Andringa, Funeral Director