Holthaus, Joseph Gerald -- 1942 - 2006

KUENNEN, HOLTHAUS, PAVLOVEC, KLEVE, CLARK, BAUMLER, THUENTE, SMABY

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 10/9/2006 at 14:00:18

Joseph Gerald Holthaus, 63

Joseph Holthaus, of Ossian, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2006, at the Ossian Senior Hospice after a lengthy illness. He was 63.

A mass of Christian burial was held on Saturday, Sept. 2 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Ossian. The Cremation Society of Eastern-Western-Central Iowa and Schmitz Funeral Home of Ossian were in charge of arrangements.

A lifelong farmer, Joseph was born Nov. 23, 1942, in Decorah to Cyril and Edna (Kuennen) Holthaus. He graduated from St. Francis de Sales High School in 1960. On Aug. 28, 1965, he was united in marriage to Rita Pavlovec in Ft. Atkinson. They were the parents of six children.

Joseph was a member of St. Francis de Sales Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the Spillville Fireworks Committee. Joe was also a member of the South Winneshiek School Board for over ten years. An avid hunter (especially prairie dogs) and enthusiastic reader, he enjoyed his emails, loved his fireworks, and looked forward to coffee with his friends each morning. He especially loved spending time with his six grandchildren.

Joseph is survived by his wife, Rita; his parents Cyril and Edna Holthaus of Castalia, a son, Steve (Molly) Holthaus of Ossian; five daughters: Cheryl (Duane) Kleve of Atlanta, Ga.; Julie Holthaus of Ankeny; Sandy (Chris) Clark of Nevada; Karla (Brian) Baumler of Ossian; and Kris (Tim) Thuente of Decorah; one brother, Cleo (Linda) Holthaus of Castalia; one sister, Diane (Chris) Smaby of Cedar Rapids; and 6 grandchildren: Emily Elizabeth Clark of Nevada; Logan Joseph and Jordan William Baumler and Anna Grace Holthaus, all of Ossian; and Lindsey Ann and Hailey Jo Thuente of Decorah. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Postville Herald-Leader, September 7, 2006