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Noreen H. McMahon Barkema

1922 - 2005

 

Noreen H. Barkema

Mason City - Noreen H. Barkema, 83, formerly of Mason City, died Monday (Nov. 7, 2005) at Belmond Health Care Center in Belmond.

Graveside services for Noreen and late husband, Leo, who died June 18, 2005, will be held 11:30 a.m. Thursday at Amsterdam Cemetery in Goodell, with the Rev. Mike Druhl of the United Methodist Church, Belmond, officiating. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of North Iowa.

Noreen H. Barkema was born Jan. 15, 1922 in Forest City, the daughter of Peter and Katherine (O'Conner) McMahon. She graduated from Crystal Lake High School.

Noreen married Leo W. Barkema in 1942 in Belmond. The were married for 60 years until his death in June of this year. She continued her education at NIACC receiving her associate degree, the attended Drake University, receiving her B.A. degree in guidance and counseling. She later in life attended the University of Northern Iowa, receiving her M.A. degree in library science.

She began her teaching career in rural Hancock County, teaching in rural schools before teaching in Klemme for a few years before coming to Mason City in 1961. She taught elementary school in the Mason City School District before becoming the director of media services for the school district.

Noreen enjoyed teaching her students and was a very dedicated teacher, her teaching career spanned 44 years.

She enjoyed traveling the United States, she also looked forward to spending the winters with her husband, Leo, in Sun City, Ariz.

Noreen is preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Katherine McMahon; husband, Leo; sister, Jean McMahon, and brother Jim McMahon.

Major Erickson Funeral Home, 11 N. Pennsylvania Ave. in Mason City is in charge of arrangements.

source: Globe Gazette, Mason City, Iowa, 9 Nov 2005, page A13, column 4
 

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