Ethel McLaughlin

Ethel B. McLaughlin, 86, of Clear Lake, passed away, Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center, Mason City.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 2, at Clear Lake Open Bible Church, Clear Lake, with Pastor Will Hunsaker officiating. Burial was at Clear Lake Cemetery.

Visitation was held from 5-7 p.m., Monday, July 1, at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Open Bible Church, Clear Lake, in Ethel’s memory.

Ethel was born July 10, 1937, in Thornton, Iowa the daughter of Abner L. and Edna C. (Steenblock) Meints. She attended Thornton Community Schools, graduating in the class of 1955.  

On September 17, 1955, Ethel was united in marriage to Loras “Pete” Peter McLaughlin at the St. Lawerence Catholic Church, Swaledale; to this union they were blessed with four children.  

While attending high school Ethel was secretary for the superintendent at the Thornton Community Schools; until she became a homemaker. Ethel and Pete made their home in Clear Lake, moving there in 1960.

Ethel and Pete were active in Country Mission Church in Burchinal. Later, they were active members at Clear Lake Open Bible Church. Ethel’s hobbies included antiquing, canning, baking, gardening and going to garage sales. She really loved flowers, especially tulips. Her greatest love was spending time with her family; she cherished all the school activities she attended for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  

Ethel is survived by her children, Debra (Greg) Copas, Kevin McLaughlin, Kelly (Lori) McLaughlin; former daughter-in-law Peggy (McLaughlin) Sona; grandchildren, Angie (Tony) Tieben, Allison (Grant) Grochow, Joe Copas, Kelsey (Nathan) Jones, Molly (Travis) Rowenhorst, Missy (Josh) Haberman, Nikki (Chris) Krambeer, Kyra (Ben) Bingaman, Kory McLaughlin and fiancé Chloe and McKenzie McLaughlin; 21 great-grandchildren; sister, Carolyn Wood; sisters-in-law, Dolores McLaughlin and Patty Meints; along with many nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Pete; son, Kyle McLaughlin; brother, Ivan Meints; daughter-in-law Michelle McLaughlin; sister-in-law, Dorothy (Alvin) Hobbiebrunken; brothers-in-law, Laverne McLaughlin, Loren (Margaret) McLaughlin; and nephews, Daryle Hobbiebrunken and Joe McLaughlin.

Ward Van Slyke is in charge of arrangements.