Joseph Barnes

Joseph M. Barnes, 94, of Mason City, IA, died Monday, March 16, 2015, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, March 20, 2015, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 N. Pennsylvania Avenue with Pastor Kathy Graves officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM on Thursday, March 19, 2015, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, followed by Military Honors conducted by the Mason City Veterans Association at 6:00 PM. Interment will take place at 10:00 AM on Friday at the Alden Township Cemetery in Alden, IA. Memorials may be directed to the Joseph Barnes memorial fund in care of the family. Joseph was born July 26, 1920, in Wapello, IA, the son of Marion and Ella (Drake) Barnes. He graduated from Wapello High School in 1938, and continued his education at Cornell College, American Institute of Business and Drake University before he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. On February 19, 1943, Joe married Ardeth A. Lettow in Clayton, MO. Joe was called to active duty in January of 1943. He was sent to Navigation School where he earned his wings and commission as a Second Lieutenant in May of 1944. Joe flew 35 combat missions (Sweat ‘N Duck). He was interviewed to become the personal navigator of General Twining stationed in the Pacific Theater of Operations, however; Joe wanted to return home to his family so he turned down the opportunity. Joe proudly served his country during WWII until his honorable discharge in October of 1945. He remained in the Air Force Reserve until 1952. He worked for Bankers Trust in Des Moines, IA as Operations Manager of the Trust Department. While living in Windsor Heights, IA, Joe and Ardeth helped establish the Windsor Heights Lutheran Church. In 1962, the family moved to Mason City where Joe became employed with First Interstate Bank (United Home Bank) as Senior Vice-President and Trust Officer until his retirement in 1986. Over the years, Joe served on many civic boards including Kiwanis and Kiwanis International, Mercy Hospital, KCMR, Performing Arts Series, High Twelve, Wartburg College Parents Committee, Iowa Trust Association and United Way. He was also a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, St. James Lutheran Church and Windsor Heights Lutheran Church (Charter Member). Joe enjoyed spending time with his family, golfing, fishing, traveling and sports. He also enjoyed a good martini. Joe is survived by 2 daughters: Ranae A. Stinson of Mason City, and Melinda Barnes Hoke and husband Jared P. Hoke of Marine on St. Croix, MN; 3 grandchildren: Alexander M. Hoke, Evan J. Hoke and Charlotte A. Nielsen; and 2 great grandchildren: Bradley T. Nielsen and James R. Berry. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife in 2005.

Cemetery:
Interment will take place at 10:00 AM on Friday at the Alden Township Cemetery in Alden, IA.

Memorials may be directed to the Joseph Barnes memorial fund in care of the family.