Vearl L. Friend
May 11, 2014
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Service Details
Vearl L. Friend, 89, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 11, 2014. He was born April 7, 1925 in Trenton, Michigan, and lived most of his life in southeastern Michigan. After high school, he joined the U.S. Army to serve his country during WWII. Following that, he attended Detroit Bible College. The day after graduation he married his wife, Marilyn. He was employed at Chrysler Corp as a toolmaker and retired after 30 years. In 2009, he had a stroke and moved to Iowa to live near his daughter.
Vearl’s life was focused on serving God in all that he did. He served as deacon, Sunday school teacher, Sunday school superintendent, choir director, song leader in all the churches he attended, and was always available to help others with the many skills he possessed.
Vearl always kept busy. He built his own homes, devised improvements to help Marilyn, and worked on various projects for his children. He loved the outdoors; camping, fishing, gardening, and traveling our country with his wife to see all that God had created. He enjoyed family gatherings and being with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Most of all, he never ceased to be a student of the Bible.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of almost 63 years, Marilyn; his brothers, Royce (Beverly) Friend and Bill (Marilyn) Friend; his daughter, Janice (Jim) Goodwin; sons, Daniel (Connie) Friend, Steven (Kay) Friend, and Larry Friend; nine grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2014, at Hamilton’s Altoona Funeral Home, 105 4th Street SW. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, also at the funeral home, with burial following at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter.
Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Baptist Bible College, 1900 NW Fourth Street, Ankeny, IA 50023 or to the Christian Worship Hour, PO Box 2002, Aberdeen, SD 57402-2002.
Condolences for the family may be offered online at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Ron & Irene Graef
06/19/2014
To Marilyn and your dear family: In the last little while, so many of our most valiant warriors have been called home to Glory. In reality, it is what they have been looking forward to all of their Christian life, but it is still sad to see them have to leave us for even a brief time. Vearl was leading singing, deaconing, and superintending the SS when I was called to Evangel. He served in many areas, but always with absolute dependability and energy. Beyond the call of duty, we recall how he offered to put up the fence around our back yard, and did such a beautiful job. He is enjoying his reward for his unshakable faith in Christ and his life well lived. You can be justifiably proud of him. He will be missed.
Beth Friend Richardson
05/15/2014
Aunt Marilyn, Janice, Danny, Steve, & Larry, Sorry to hear of Uncle Vearl's passing. He lived to serve God and just knowing that he is with God now must put you all at peace. Blessings to each of you.
Charles and Mary Smalley
05/14/2014
Dear Marilyn and family,
Our heartfelt prayer the two of us send your way. The memories over the years return giving great gratifications of the sweet fellowship we were blessed with as we were privileged to have such a lovely Christian household to share with over the years. With deep love in Our Lords' blessed Name, Charles and Mary Smalley, (we would love to be at your side )
Dan and Margie White
05/14/2014
Dear friends we sorrow with you during your time of loss. So glad that we had the opportunity to meet your Dad and Mom, Dan. May God grant you peace and surety of His promises at this time.
Chuck & Ann Smalley
05/13/2014
The Friend family has been very important part of my life. Our families growing up together in Michigan, I remember a sleep over where we were able to play the old hymns on the player piano, and Mr. Friend joining in with us singing The Old Rugged Cross. I have so many wonderful memories of this dear man and family. I feel like a Uncle died, but am thankful knowing that we will meet again.
Chris and Gina Seabold
05/13/2014
We are very sorry for the loss of your loved one. Prayers and hugs for your family. Chris and Gina Seabold.
We are part of Jeff and Katie Braden's Church family.