KOEHLMOOS, Orrie J. (1934-2022)

KOEHLMOOS

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 4/30/2023 at 19:32:36

Orrie James Koehlmoos
(September 11, 1934 - July 2, 2022)

Orrie James Koehlmoos was born on September 11, 1934, on the family farm in Germantown, Iowa. Shortly after high school graduation, Orrie set out to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams, but never lost his love of his hometown and community. The desire to work for himself led him on many adventures including selling insurance, collecting farmland, investing in cold storage, leasing office equipment, and owning convenience stores, car washes, and storage unit operations, among other businesses. He even briefly owned a bar in Kansas City. Selling clothing positively shaped Orrie’s life for many years. He owned several clothing stores with business partners and spent 25 years working for the H. D. Lee Company (Lee Jeans). Banking was the next industry Orrie would jump in to. He was instrumental in founding Community State Bank (now TruBank) in Indianola, Iowa. He served as chairman of the board of directors and helped expand the business with branches throughout central Iowa. He met his sweetheart, Beverly, on the Indianola square and married her in January of 1965. After a brief stint in Des Moines, Orrie and Bev built a beautiful life together in Indianola, Iowa, rooted in their Lutheran faith. They raised their three children, stayed active in their church (Redeemer Lutheran), and helped make the National Balloon Classic a great point of pride for the community. Orrie served on the Classic’s board of directors, serving one year as president. Since 1972, Orrie and Bev made West Lake Okoboji their family retreat—initially racking up quality time with their children and eventually with their grandchildren, as well. Together they made the lake and their home there a sacred place and spent many a summer day surrounded by family and friends enjoying the area. Orrie was captain of the family boat, driver of the tailgate van, manner of the grill, and maker of the homemade ice cream. He never turned down a homecooked meal. Orrie was a handyman, scotch drinker, stock market enthusiast, and his grandchildren’s biggest supporter. He loved to be with his family and watch them excel.
Services for Orrie James Koehlmoos, 87, who passed away Saturday, July 2, 2022, in Des Moines, will be held 7 p.m., Monday, July 18, 2022, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Indianola with visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. prior to services. Inurnment will be held at a later date in the IOOF Cemetery.
Orrie is survived by his children, Jill (Gary) Jacobsen, Amy (Kirk) Ridout, and Ryan (Carolina) Koehlmoos; his seven grandchildren, Anna (Ryan) Lamoureux, James (Sierra) McConnell, Gracie McConnell, Betsy Ridout, Meg Ridout, Brooke Ridout, and Korey Koehlmoos; great-grandchildren, Wells Lamoureux, and Kit Lamoureux; sisters, Lorraine Grothaus, and Roverda (Ron) Cullison. He is preceded in death by his wife, Beverly; parents, William and Metha Koehlmoos; brothers, Elroy, Leland, and Gerhardt Koehlmoos. Memorials may be given in his name to Redeemer Lutheran Church or the National Balloon Museum. [This memorial is provided by Overton Funeral Home, 501 West Ashland Ave., Indianola, Iowa, http://www.overtonfuneral.com/]