grave import

Obituary

James R. Distelhorst, 79, of Salem, died Saturday, October 10, 2009, at Pleasant Manor Care Center in Mount Pleasant. Born June 6, 1930, in Burlington, he was the son of William and Mildred Gysin Distelhorst. On November 26, 1953, he married Janet Rehm at her parents' home in Burlington. Mr. Distelhorst worked for Sherman Smith Engineering in Burlington as a land surveyor for 23 years. He joined the U.S. Army in 1953 for a two-year tour. In 1967, he and his wife acquired their farm in Henry County, where he farmed and raised livestock until his retirement in 1993. He was the project leader for the first two Habitat for Humanity houses built in Salem. He worked hard and knew how to have a laugh. He was a Christian who attended the First Baptist Church in Mount Pleasant. He enjoyed being outdoors, working in the timber, looking for mushrooms, deer hunting, wood working, gardening, canning, and the Burlington Bees games. Survivors include his wife; one daughter, Cindy Frary of Mount Pleasant; one son, Rick Distelhorst of Washington; two grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; one brother, Donald Distelhorst of Burlington; nieces; and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, one sister, and three nephews. Visitation will be from 1 to 7 p.m. Monday at Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel in Mount Pleasant. There will be no family visitation. The memorial service for Mr. Distelhorst will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church in Mount Pleasant, with the Rev. Regan Stoops officiating. Inurnment will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery in Burlington. Memorials have been established for Salem First Responders or First Baptist Church.