Earl McCaustland July 25, 1930 – Nov. 9, 2019

Earl McCaustland, 89, passed away unexpectedly on November 9, 2019 at his home surrounded by family. A memorial service will be held at the United Church of Monticello, at 4:00 p.m. on Friday November 15 with a reception following. Visitation with the family will be from 1:00-4:00 pm prior to service. 

Earl was born July 25, 1930 in Lime Springs to Earl and Lovira (Sanborn) McCaustland. He graduated from Lime Springs high school and continued his education at Luther College where he played football, and then transferred to UNI to earn his teaching certificate. After two years of teaching in Wyoming, Iowa he enlisted in the US Air Force, serving four years in Japan during the Korean War. Upon his return he attended UNI, earning his bachelor’s degree followed by a Master’s Degree from the University of Iowa. On June 3, 1956 Earl was united in marriage to Norene Norgaard in Harlan at the Immanuel Lutheran Church. Earl and Norene made their home in Monticello where they raised their family. Earl was a teacher, coach and driver education instructor at Monticello High School for 35 years. He was a former president of the Lions Club, and he was an active member of the United Church of Monticello. Earl took his responsibility as a citizen seriously by being well informed and exercising the right to vote. In his free time, Earl enjoyed fishing at his beloved Blanche Lake, gardening, reading, watching sports, but most of all spending time with his family. 

Earl is survived by his wife of 63 years, Norene; his sister Norine (Kenyard) Smith of Great Falls, Mont.; his sister Verna Lewison of Anamosa; his sister Lynda (Paul) Boyle of Dummerston, Vt.; son Douglas (Karla) of Minnetonka, Minn.; daughter Kristen (Christopher) Wilbricht of Belleville, Wis.; son Matthew (Staci) of Rockford, Minn.; eight grandchildren, Jackson and Stella Harrison, Kamdyn Dean, Nicholas (Karin), Tyler and Abigail Wilbricht and EJ and Mason McCaustland and nine nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Earl was preceded in death by his infant sister Belva Ann, his brother-in-law Paul Lewison and his nephew Craig Smith. 

Memorials may be directed to the United Church of Monticello and the American Cancer Society/Hope Lodge in Iowa City.