Earl Moore

Earl J. Moore, 92, of New Albin passed away peacefully Thursday, February 20, 2014 at Thornton Manor in Lansing. Mass of Christian Burial was held Thursday, February 27 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, New Albin, with Rev. John Moser as the Celebrant. Burial followed at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, New Albin.
Earl Joseph, the son of Leonard and Josephine (Schauls) Moore, was born January 29, 1922 on the family farm on the “Sand Cove” in rural New Albin. He graduated from New Albin High School in 1938. Earl was united in marriage with Kathryn “Kay” Bridget Welsh June 12, 1944 at St. Mary Lycurgus Catholic Church, Waukon. Kay preceded him in death March 15, 2012.
Earl eventually took over the family farm and he and his wife, Kay, raised their six children on the farm. Earl had a passion for his family, farming, traveling, dancing and baseball. On the farm, Earl raised Angus and Charolais cattle, pasturing them on his father’s farms in the Winnebago Valley.
He spent many years working with his dad, L. F. Moore, and neighbors maintaining the Upper Iowa River to prevent the yearly floods in the 1950s. The highlight of this effort was obtaining the money from Washington, D.C to straighten the Upper Iowa River in 1957-58. There was no major flooding from that time until 2008. Earl also worked to fund the New Albin Landing in the Minnesota slough. He took Congressman Len Wolf in his boat to tour the landing site.
Earl sold Archer Petroleum for more than 30 years and after retiring from farming, he continued to stay busy with selling Watkins feed and working at Wonder Wash in La Crosse, WI.
Earl and Kay traveled within and outside the U.S. Highlights of their travels included trips to Washington, D.C., where they were honored to meet JFK, and seeing Pope John Paul II at Living History Farms in Des Moines. They also journeyed around the country in their RV, made trips to Hawaii and Ireland, and attended many of their grandchildren’s sporting events. Family often accompanied them on their trips as family was at the center of their world. Their son, Kerry, was a pilot and flew them on many of their trips.
Earl especially had a love for baseball; playing competitively until he was in his mid-30s and later watching several of his grandsons play. It was not unusual to hear Earl chattering during the baseball games, especially if he didn’t agree with “blue.”
It was very hard on Earl when Kay passed away, they were an inseparable pair.  From working hard, farming and raising their family, to gardening and dancing, they did everything together. They especially loved dancing and frequented Howie Sturtz Orchestra dances. Earl was extremely close to his brother, Arnold, and his family, and the Patsy and Mary Welsh family.
Earl is survived by his children, Sheryl (Joel) Gilbertson of Melrose, WI, Mary Jo (Ron) Moore of Cedar Rapids, Marlene (Roger Valley) Duffy of Lansing, Don (Marilyn) Moore of Eitzen, MN and Remi (Marti) Moore of Lansing; one daughter-in-law, Robyn Moore of Lakeville, MN; 25 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his sister-in-law, Dolly Moore of Starkville, MS; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Leona Welsh of Caledonia, MN, Robert and Mary Lou Cota of Harpers Ferry, Lloyd and Betty Welsh, Essie Welsh and Sarah Welsh, and Jerry and Marilyn Welsh, all of Lansing, Bernard and Carolyn Welsh and Robert Heffern of Waukon, and Robert and Ida Gonsalves of San Jose, CA; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife, Kay, Earl was preceded in death by an infant son, Joseph; his son, Kerry Moore, who died in 2004; his parents; his brother, Arnold Moore; a son-in law, Kenneth Imhoff; his sisters- and brothers-in-law, Robert Welsh, Billy Welsh, Daniel Welsh, Cliff and Alice Armstrong, Bernadine Heffern and Jean Welsh; and a niece, Sheri Payne.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be sent to the Kee High Baseball/Softball Complex Project, care of  Jake Imhoff, New Albin Savings Bank, or to a charity of choice.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Lansing assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.graufuneralhomes.com.