- Born on: November 23, 1942
- Departed on: August 30, 2006
Joseph Gerald Holthaus
Joseph Gerald Holthaus, 63, of Ossian, IA, died Wednesday, August 30th, 2006 at the Ossian Senior Hospice, after a lengthy illness. A visitation will be held on Friday, September 1st at St. Francis de Sales in Ossian, IA from 3-8 p.m. and on Saturday from 10-11 a.m., followed by a Catholic Mass at 11 a.m. A lifelong farmer, Joseph was born on November 23rd, 1942, in Decorah, IA, the son of Cyril and Edna (Kuennen) Holthaus. He graduated from St. Francis de Sales High School in 1960. On August 28th, 1965, he was united in marriage to Rita Pavlovec in Ft. Atkinson, IA. 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, IA, a son, Steve (Molly) Holthaus of Ossian, IA; five daughters: Cheryl (Duane) Kleve of Atlanta, GA; Julie Holthaus of Ankeny, IA; Sandy (Chris) Clark of Nevada, IA; Karla (Brian) Baumler of Ossian, IA; and Kris (Tim) Thuente of Decorah, IA; one brother, Cleo (Linda) Holthaus of Castalia, IA; one sister, Diane (Chris) Smaby of Cedar Rapids, IA; and 6 grandchildren: Emily Elizabeth Clark of Nevada, IA; Logan Joseph and Jordan William Baumler and Anna Grace Holthaus, all of Ossian, IA; and Lindsey Ann and Hailey Jo Thuente of Decorah, IA. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. A memorial has been established with the Ossian Ambulance Fund. The Cremation Society of Eastern-Western-Central Iowa and Schmitz Funeral Home of Ossian will be handling the arrangements. Please leave a message or memorial tribute to the family online at www.iowacremation.com under obituaries.
