OLTHOFF, John I. 1917-2014

OLTHOFF, BEHRENDS, MOMMER

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 3/18/2015 at 11:12:59

John Irvin Olthoff, 97, of Wellsburg, passed away on Thursday, July 17, 2014 at the Unity Point Health Center Allen Hospital in Waterloo, IA. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 19th at 11:00 A.M. at the Wellsburg Reformed Church, 617 E. 4th St., Wellsburg, IA. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow services at the church cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family who will donate to a charity of their choice at a later date.

John was born on June 22, 1917 in Grundy County, Iowa, the son of Odie & Sadie (Behrends) Olthoff. He grew up on the family farm just south of Wellsburg. On June 29, 1943, John was united in marriage to Deloris Mommer at the Wellsburg Reformed Church Parsonage. The couple welcomed two sons into their family. John farmed on the family farm until 1982, when he retired and moved into town.

He was a member of the Wellsburg Reformed Church, where he served as a church Elder & Deacon, was a member of the Grundy County ASCS Committee where he served as chairperson for many years and was past President of the Wellsburg school board. John enjoyed golfing and traveling. He loved farming and it became a very important part of his life but his true joy in life was his family.

John is survived by his sons Curtis (Kay) Olthoff of Iowa City, IA & Craig (Nancy) Olthoff of Prairie City, IA; grandchildren Kelli Olthoff, Jeff (Mackenzy) Olthoff, Chris (Kami) Olthoff, Jamie (Robert) Baxter & JT Olthoff; great-grandchildren Andrew & Jacob Olthoff and Chloe & Carter Olthoff.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 47 years, Deloris; his sister Minnie Smit.

Through John's generosity, the decision was made for him to become a donor through the Iowa Donor Network where his gift will help others.

--Abels Funeral Homes (www.abelsfuneralhomes.com)