KEOTA — Douglas Wayne Erwin, age 77, of Keota, died Friday, August 7, 2009, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City.
Doug was born March 23, 1932, in Adel, Iowa, to James and Lorene (Butler) Erwin and graduated from Washington High School in 1952. He then served as a heavy equipment operator in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. On June 9, 1956, Doug married Claudine Heisdorffer at St. Mary Catholic Church in Keota. Doug worked for R.V. Burch Construction and Quad City Construction. He and Claudine also owned and operated several businesses, including the Long Branch and Dodge House. He was a member of Holy Trinity Parish and a past member of the Keota Volunteer Fire Department and American Legion. Doug especially enjoyed ten years of driving a school bus for the Mid-Prairie School District and thoroughly enjoyed all the students and their activities.
Survivors include his wife: Claudine of Keota; four sons: Randal and wife Vicki Erwin of West Chester, Ronald and special friend Denise Schumacher of Cedar Rapids, Reginald and fiancee Dee Knop of West Des Moines and Russell "Gus" and wife Bonnie Erwin of Urbandale; one granddaughter: Michelle Erwin of West Chester and sister: Lora Van Lent and husband Joseph of Des Moines. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers: James and Ira Lee Erwin.
Mass of the Resurrection was held Aug. 10, 2009, at Holy Trinity Parish – St. Mary Catholic Church in Keota, with Father Charles Fladung officiating. Burial was at Holy Trinity Cemeteries – St. Mary Cemetery. Visitation and wake service were Aug. 9 at Powell Funeral Home in Keota.
A memorial fund has been established for Hospice of Washington County, Keota Volunteer Fire Department or Keota Q.R.S. Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Keota is caring for Doug and his family. Condolences may be e-mailed at www.powellfuneralhomes.com under obituaries.
