Omar L Burkgren

Omar L. Burkgren, 97, of Mason City and formerly of Fort Dodge, passed away Saturday May 14, 2016 in Mason City under the care of Hospice of North Iowa. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at Grace Lutheran Church with Rev. Matthew Manz officiating. Burial will be at Lost Grove Township Cemetery, Harcourt, with military rites presented by American Legion Peterson Post #431. A visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at the church. Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home is serving the family. Omar is survived by his daughter, Linda Kay Godfrey and husband, Robert Godfrey of Mason City; son, Brian Omar Burkgren and wife, Mary Jo of Nora Springs; Swedish daughter, Kerstin Malmgren of Tyreso, Sweden; grandchildren, Jeffrey (Destiny) Burkgren and great-grandson, Lennon and a baby girl on the way; step-grandchildren, Michael and wife, Robin Godfrey; Jeremy and wife, Jennifer; step-great grandchildren, Anna; Mia; Jessica; Jordan, Jonah; Julala; brother, Robert Burkgren of LaPorte City; sisters, Wilma Aspholm of Manson; Kathryn Zoss of Des Moines; and Irma Licht of Fort Dodge. He was preceded in death by his wife, Katheryn; parents, Obed and Inez (Carlson) Burkgren; and three brothers, Marvin; Calvin; and Donald Burkgren. Omar Lawrence Burkgren was born September 5, 1918 in rural Harcourt. He was raised in the Dayton area and attended school in Dayton, graduating in 1936. After graduation, Omar enlisted in the United States Army in 1942. He was united in marriage to Katheryn Anderson on December 24, 1944 in Berkeley, CA. Omar was honorably discharged in 1945 from the Army. He then lived in various Iowa towns. Omar created his home in Estherville for 23 years before moving to Clear Lake for three years. He then resided in Fort Dodge. In 2008, Omar and Katheryn moved to Mason City to be closer to their family. Omar held management positions at various grain elevators throughout his life. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church and was part of the Friendship Club. Omar was very involved with the community. He volunteered for 15 years in Law Enforcement at the Sheriff's Office. Omar also was a member of the American Legion and Northwest Iowa Svenska Klubben. He was part of the Fort Dodge Area Gardeners and above all, Omar treasured time spent with his family. Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family. Visitation Wed, May 18, 2016 at 9:00 am Grace Lutheran Church Service Wed, May 18, 2016 at 11:00 am Grace Lutheran Church