EARLING, IOWA —   Henry R. Giasson, 87,of Earling, Iowa passed away Saturday, June 23, following a series of illnesses.

He was born in Lewiston,on Nov. 18, 1924, to Alphie and Eva Gagne Giasson. Henry was one of eight siblings. He attended St Mary’s School of Lewiston prior to being drafted into the Army in 1942, along with his brother, Roger. He served honorably from March 10, 1943 until Feb 17, 1946, with deployed service in the World War II European theatres of war. During World War II, he served in the Army Corps of Engineers in General Patton’s Third Army, and later as a Communications Courier, motorcycle mounted. His service campaigns included Normandy, North France, Rhineland, and Central Europe. Known major battles included, but were not limited to, the liberation of France, Operation Lorraine to cross the Siegfried Line (North France to the Rhineland), and the Battle of the Bulge (in the Rhineland.) Service awards received were the European African Middle Eastern (EAMET ribbon) and Victory medal. Several family members have followed in his model of service to their country.

Henry met Lucille Ferrero, who was studying nursing in his hometown, and they married on April 3, 1949. He worked in the trucking industry for Wings Express and Hemmingway Company and was an active member of the Teamsters Union. He continued trucking when he and Lucille moved to Florida. In his spare time, he loved to play in bands with his brothers, often celebrating many weddings. He could play any instrument by ear but preferred the piano and accordion. He still entertained members at Little Flower Haven well into his illness.

He is survived by his children, Angela Coyne and her husband, Donald of Lisbon, Joseph Giasson and his wife, Rita of Dunellon, Fla., Jacqueline Misenheimer and her husband, Bob of Poland, Henry Giasson Jr. of Panama, Iowa, and Dennis Giasson of East Providence, R.I. Also surviving are five grandchildren; one stepgrandson; seven great-grandchildren; and one sister, Lorraine O’Neal of Auburn.

He was predeceased by his wife, Lucille Ferrero; one sister, Germaine Nolin; and five brothers, Albert, Romeo, Roger, Marcel and Raymond.

For online expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopo.com.