Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
George Brighton Obituary
George Wayne Brighton was born Feb. 22, 1924, in rural Leland, the son of James and Rose (Baker) Brighton. His mother died when he was 7 years old and his father died by the time he was 10. He was then raised by his brother, Stanley, and his wife, Pheobe. He attended one semester at Waldorf College in Forest City after graduating from Leland High School in 1942. He volunteered for the Army in 1944 and was in the infantry in northern Germany during World War II.
George was ordained as a United Methodist Minister and joined the Iowa Conference of the United Methodist Church. During his 35 years of ministry, he served congregations in Royal, Moneta, Everly, Varina, Albert City, Thornton, South Marion (rural Stratford), Stanhope, Kamrar, Klemme, Liberty (rural Klemme), Lake View, Wall Lake, Graettinger, Livermore and LuVerne. Following his retirement in 1987, he continued to serve as a fill-in minister for area churches, with a special relationship to the Varina Methodist Church.
He married Norma Johnsen on April 20, 1958. They had three children, David, Marcia and Mark. When George retired, they moved to Norma's hometown of Newell. George was an avid gardener. He loved home improvement projects and occasionally kept chickens for the fun of it. He published two autobiographical books, "Growing Up in Winnebago County" and "Tales of War."
George was preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother, nine brothers and two sisters.
He is survived by his wife, Norma, his children, David and Becky Brighton of Fort Dodge, Marcia Brighton and Jeff Brebner of Newell, Mark and Amy Brighton of Hinton; his six grandchildren, Kolin Brighton of Cedar Rapids, Valerea Brebner of Fort Dodge, Katie Brighton of Cedar Rapids, Zachary Brebner of Newell, Laura Brighton and Kyle Brighton of Hinton; and two sisters, Marjorie Wangen of Hayward, Minn., and Beverly Nedved of Mason City; and many nieces and nephews.
Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home, Newell, www.fratzkejensen.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George Brighton
4 Entries
Arlys Arnold
May 15, 2009
I knew Rev. Brighton when he served the Klemme-Liberty congregations. I also have fond memories of being a camp counselor at Clear Lake's Methodist Camp under his leadership. He will be missed.
May 14, 2009
My family and I always looked forward to renting his cabin in Okoboji every summer. He always kept it at an affordable rate ($10 a day I believe) and without his generosity our single parent family wouldn't have had a vacation. Thanks for the fine childhood memories pastor!
Scott Darnell
Westminster, Co (Formerly of Thornton)
Eldon Gast
May 14, 2009
I remember Rev. Brighton's bubbly enthusiasm, and sense of humor when he was at Klemme.
Jane McClure
May 14, 2009
Your Klemme friends are sorry for your loss. We posted a link to Rev. Brighton's obituary on the klemmehigh.com news blog. We are thinking of you at this sad time.
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in George Brighton's name
Memorial Events
for George Brighton
How to support George's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor George Brighton's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
