Harlan W. Bigger

NORA SPRINGS Harlan W. Bigger, 79, of Nora, died Wednesday, June 22, 2011, at the Nora Springs Care Center. Memorial services will be held 3:00 PM on Monday, June 27, 2011, at First United Methodist Church, 119 South Georgia Avenue, with Rev. Jim Stiles officiating. Per Harlans wish, he was cremated and will have no viewing. Inurnment will be held in Elmwood St. Joseph Cemetery . SpringsOn Sunday, June 26th, a free-will benefit luncheon for Harlan will be served in the Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church in Mason City from 11:00am-1:00pm. Memorials may be directed to the Harlan W. Bigger Memorial Fund in care of the family.

Harlan was born April 28, 1932, in Ruthven, Iowa, the son of Elzie and Eva (Parker) Bigger. He graduated Silver Lake High school in 1950 before earning a BA from the University of Northern Iowa (Cedar Falls) and a MA from the University of Northern Colorado (Greeley). Harlan also did some post masters work towards a Ph.D. at the University of Iowa, University of Maryland and Mankato State University. He was stationed in Germany while serving two years in the Army during the Korean War. Harlan taught school and coached for approximately 50 years at Rockwell, Iowa (6), Mankato State College (3) and the rest at Mason City High School. During that time he also officiated baseball, softball, basketball and football games. He retired from teaching in 1995. He enjoyed playing golf, bowling, and taking care of Squirrel Haven, his four acre home.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Rita; children, Terry Schultz, Brett (Anita) Bigger, Jeaneal (Patrick) Weeks, and Michael (Denise) Bigger; grandchildren, Isaiah and Kiley Bigger, Brad and Angela Bigger, Evan and Tarah Schultz, and Marshall Weeks.

Harlan was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Bradley; brother, Elden.

Memorials:
Memorials may be directed to the Harlan W. Bigger Memorial Fund in care of the family.

Cemetery:
Inurnment will be held in Elmwood St. Joseph Cemetery.

Service:
Memorial services will be held 3:00 PM on Monday, June 27, 2011, at First United Methodist Church, 119 South Georgia Avenue, with Rev. Jim Stiles officiating.