Harold Blaine Krile

Harold Blaine Krile, the son of Walter William and Thelma Evelyn (Slay) Krile, was born July 16, 1926 in Truax, Iowa. He attended high school in Parkersburg and Sioux Rapids, graduating in 1943. He attended Buena Vista College in Storm Lake for a year and a half before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1944. Harold served 23 months in the Pacific as Petty Officer, Third Class, aboard the light cruiser U.S.S. Nashville, which was General MacArthur's Flagship. He was released to inactive duty, returning to Iowa to attend Buena Vista College another semester. He then moved to Spencer and worked for the U.S. Postal Service, until being re-called to active duty 1952 during the Korean Conflict. He served in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Edisto for another 13 months in the Arctic Circle, attaining the rank of Radarman, Second Class. Upon discharge in 1953, he returned to the U.S. Postal Service, working 33 years until his retirement in 1981. He married Betty Ann Hurt in Spencer on January 1, 1955. Following their marriage, they lived in Spencer until 1980, when they moved to Des Moines to live for 15 years. In 1973, the Kriles purchased property and built the office space known as the Krile Buildings in North Spencer. In 1994, he returned to Spencer where he pursued his business of office rentals. Harold was a member of the Four Nubbins barbershop quartet, which he organized in 1947 with his brothers. The quartet became widely known for their entertainment, traveling extensively for 28 years. In the early years, the quartet sang on a gospel-request program on radio station KICD. They entertained audiences in 40 states and were invited to participate in two U.S.O. Tours to Cuba and Japan. The quartet competed in six international contests and won the Central States Championship in 1966 in Kansas City, Missouri. He was a member of the American Legion for 64 years and a life member (65 years) of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America (S.P.E.B.Q.S.A.). He sang in the choir and served as trustee at First Baptist Church for several years. He was a member of the Garden Club of Clay County and a member of First Baptist Church in Spencer and Evangelical Free Church in Johnston, Iowa. Harold played basketball through his school years and even while serving in the Navy. He played for the semi-pro Spencer Cardinals baseball team and participated enthusiastically in co-ed teams until his 65th year. He always enjoyed watching sports and was a staunch supporter of the Iowa Hawkeyes. He also enjoyed listening to and singing along with gospel music. Mr. Krile went to be with his Lord on September 17, 2011 at the age of 85. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister-in-law. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Betty; son Shawn from Minneapolis, Minnesota; daughter Kelley Robbins and husband David from Winfield, Illinois; grandchildren, Kevin, Patrick and Christopher Krile, Aidan and Anne Robbins; brothers Robert (Sharon) and Paul; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

SERVICES

OFFICIATING

CASKET BEARERS

VISITATION

MUSIC

INTERMENT