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Quality Funeral & Family Care

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Pauley Jones

P.O. Box 70

1304 9th Street

Harlan, Iowa 51537-0070

(712) 755-3135
(800) 831-6805

Proudly Serving Southwest Iowa with locations in Harlan, Walnut and Avoca

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Pauley Jones Funeral Homes

"Avoca Chapel"

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Delores C. Obrecht - Age 86

Delores "Dee" Catherine Obrecht, daughter of Adolph and Theresa (Musich) Schmitz, was born on February 4, 1923, on a farm near Westphalia, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia and graduated from St. Boniface Catholic School in Westphalia with the class of 1941. After completing school, Dee began to work in Harlan and it was there that she met her future husband, Jerald.

On November 14, 1950, Dee was united in marriage to Jerald Woodrow Obrecht at St. Boniface Catholic Church. Five children were born to this union: Jerry, Judy, Joni, David, and Dan. After their wedding, Dee and Jerald made their home on the family farm for a short time before moving into Harlan. While in Harlan, Dee worked at Swanson grocery store and later at Super Value grocery store in the bakery and produce departments before retiring in 1983. Dee also owned and managed an apartment house in Harlan which she continued to maintain until her health began to fail.

In addition to being a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, she was also a member of St. Michael’s Guild and the Shelby County VFW Ladies Auxiliary.

Dee loved flowers and enjoyed visiting the Botanical Garden in Omaha, Nebraska. She also enjoyed spending time with her friends and family and being outside in her garden. She was known for her sense of humor and always had a joke to share.

Dee became a resident of Elm Crest Retirement Community in Harlan on July 13, 2009.

Dee died on Tuesday, August 4, 2009, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa, having attained the age of eighty-six years and six months. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Jerald; her siblings: Maryann Klein, Frank Schmitz, and Verdella "Dell" Schill.

She is survived by her children: Jerry Obrecht and his wife Birgitta of Marshall, Virginia; Judy and her husband Don Schomers; Joni and her husband Dean Schwery all of Earling, Iowa; David Obrecht and his wife Jerie of Harlan, Iowa; Dan Obrecht and his wife Maxine of Littleton, Colorado; fifteen grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; her sisters Verelda Schwery of Harlan and Theresa and her husband Gerald Goetz of Irwin, Iowa; nieces; nephews; other family members and many friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, August 8, 2009, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa, with Rev. Bob celebrating and Rev. John Dorton concelebrating the 10:00 AM service. Interment was held at the Harlan Cemetery with Kim Lomax, Christopher Obrecht, Stacy Schwery, Rob Farmer, Danielle Obrecht, Zach Obrecht, Michael Farmer, and Ross Obrecht acting as honorary casket bearers. Serving as casket bearers were: Alex Schomers, Jeremy Obrecht, Matt Schwery, Josh Obrecht, Kyle Schomers, Dawn Holles, and Deana Schwery.

Pauline C. Ohlinger - Age 85

Pauline Christine Ohlinger, daughter of John and Lena (Plambeck) Huebner, was born on May 5, 1922, in Harrison County, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Portsmouth, Iowa and attended St. Mary’s Catholic School through the twelfth grade.

On October 7, 1940, Pauline was united in marriage to Lawrence Ohlinger at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Portsmouth. Six children were born to this union: Ronald, Darrell, Kenneth, Janice, Larry, and Diane. After the wedding, Pauline and Lawrence lived on a farm outside of Portsmouth where she was a housewife and assisted Lawrence with farm duties. Due to Lawrence’s health, they moved into Harlan in February 1979.

After moving to Harlan, Pauline was employed at Variety Distributors for ten years until her retirement. During retirement, she enjoyed needlework, gardening, and caring for her grandchildren.

Pauline was a member of St. Mary Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Portsmouth until 1979 when she became a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan.

Pauline died on Monday, December 31, 2007, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa, having attained the age of eighty-five years, seven months, and twenty-one days. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Lawrence, her son Ronald, and her siblings: Clementine, Bill, Robert "Bud", Alma, and John.

She is survived by her children: Darrell and his wife Linda of Sparks, Nevada; Kenneth "Oly" of Harlan, Iowa; Janice McCoy and her fiancé Ron Hill of Osceola, Iowa; Larry and his wife Linda; and Diane and her husband Gerry Freml all of Harlan; twelve grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; her sisters: Helen Leinen of Des Moines, Iowa and Marian Pedersen of Superior, Nebraska; and one brother Harold Huebner of Portsmouth, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other family members, and many friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, January 3, 2008, beginning at 11:00 AM at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan. Celebrant was Rev. Bob Hoefler and concelebrant was Rev. Vince Ohlinger. Serving as casket bearers were Ty McCoy, Denny Andersen, Bill Royal, Leo Kloewer, Marty Huebner, and Brett Freml. Interment was at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Portsmouth, Iowa.

Muriel Frances Olsen - Age 90

Muriel Frances Olsen was born on October 8, 1916 in the Corley, Iowa area to Thomas and Martha (Rold) Christensen. She graduated from Harlan High School with the class of 1933 and attended Ottawa University in Kansas for two years. She taught in country schools in the Cuppy's Grove area.

Muriel was united in marriage to Erik A. Olsen on April 24, 1943 in Papillion, Nebraska. They made their home on a farm between Walnut and Avoca, Iowa and were the parents of four children. Muriel graduated from Dana College in May of 1965, and was a teacher for many years in the Walnut, Hancock and Avoca schools.

Muriel spent her last years living at Peace Haven Retirement Home in Walnut, Iowa, following the death of her husband Erik on June 17, 1997. On December 16, 2006, she entered Mercy Hospital and then moved to Woodlands Rehab Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa on December 22, 2006.

Muriel enjoyed reading, gardening, playing solitaire, working crossword puzzles and visiting with her many friends at Peace Haven. She especially enjoyed the visits she had with her former students. She was always very eager to attend activities which involved her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Muriel was an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca.

Muriel died at Woodlands Rehabilitation Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on Saturday, January 13, 2007, having attained the age of ninety years, three months and five days. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Erik, her infant daughter, Arlene and her sister, Arlene.

Muriel is survived by her children: a daughter, Helene Peterson and her husband Dick of Peoria, Illinois; two sons, Larry Olsen and his wife Sally of Treynor, Iowa and Harry Olsen and his wife Kay of Glenwood, Iowa; a brother, Doug Christensen and his wife JoAnn of Estherville, Iowa; eight grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren; two brother-in-laws, Ron Olsen and his wife Beverly and Stan Olsen and his wife Mary Ann, all living in Omaha, Nebraska; many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and former students.

Funeral Services were held on Wednesday, January 18, 2007 at 11:00 AM at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca, Iowa with Pastor Dennis Reich as the clergy. Serving as pall bearers were Tom Olsen, Time Peterson, Jeremy Olsen, Mike Whitaker, Jeff Olsen and Mike Peterson. Interment was held in the Graceland Cemetery, Avoca, Iowa.

Velma F. Olsen - Age 96

Velma Frances Olsen, the daughter of Walter Scott and Maggie Wilson LaMaster, was born on January 27, 1911 in Guilford, Missouri. At the age of 13 the family moved to Iowa and Velma attended school at Fairview No. 5 in Shelby County, Iowa and graduated from Harlan High School in 1930. After graduation Velma taught country school in Shelby County for six years.

Velma was united in marriage to Everett Olsen on November 23, 1935 in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. After their marriage they farmed northeast of Avoca for two years and then sold the farm and moved to Denver, Colorado where she was employed with Denver General Hospital. They later moved to San Diego, California where she worked in Aircraft factory during World War Two. After their retirement they moved to the Hancock area in 1968 to make their home. For several years they spent their winters in Texas.

Velma died on Monday, June 25, 2007 at the Salem Lutheran Home in Elk Horn, Iowa having attained the age of ninety-six years, four months and twenty-nine days. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Everett, two brothers Raymond and Lloyd and two sisters, Gertrude and Lois and a very good friend, Raymond from Salem Lutheran Homes.

Survivors include her nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, June 28, 2007 at 1:30 PM at the United Methodist Church in Hancock, Iowa with Rev. David LaMaster as the clergy. Serving as casket bearers were Ron Olsen, Carroll Olsen, Don Harwick, Lonnie Olsen, Gene Olsen and Bob Briggs. Interment was held in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Hancock, Iowa.

Anna Marie Olson - Age 65

Anna Marie Olson, daughter of Ira Chester and Martha Marie (Lane) Crane, was born on April 6, 1944, at the Denison Hospital in Denison, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at the Presbyterian Church in Vail, Iowa, and later joined St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Irwin, Iowa.

Anna Marie attended the local Milford Number Five Elementary School and graduated from Ar-We-Va High School in Westside, Iowa, with the class of 1962. After graduating high school, she attended business school in Omaha, Nebraska, and began working at an area Omaha bank.

Anna Marie was united in marriage to Henry Olson on September 14, 1968, at the Presbyterian Church in Vail. Two sons were born to this union: Henry and Paul. Anna Marie took great pride in raising her family and was actively involved in all their activities.

After her sons graduated, Anna Marie began working at Hy-Vee in Harlan, Iowa, and later worked in the activity department at the Salem Lutheran Homes in Elk Horn, Iowa. She was actively involved with her church, teaching Sunday school, and holding several offices in Saint Paul’s Lutheran women’s organization. She was also active in Farm Bureau and several neighborhood clubs. Anna Marie had a loving and outgoing personality and a laugh that, like her, was unforgettable.

Anna Marie died on Sunday, October 25, 2009, at Manilla Manor in Manilla, Iowa, having attained the age of sixty-five years, six months, and nineteen days. She is preceded in death by her parents; her sister Amy Meyer; an infant brother James Ira Crane; her brother-in-law Don Meyer; and her parents-in-law Clarence and Elise Olson.

She is survived by her husband Henry of Irwin, Iowa; their sons: Henry Olson of San Francisco, California; and Paul Olson of Perry, Iowa; her sister Eva Chamberlain of Tucson, Arizona; her sister-in-law Jolene Meyer; her two aunts Lois Petska and Betty Crane; her nieces and nephews: James Meyer, Larry Meyer, Suzanne Buntingh, Penny Hanson, Kenneth Hanson, and Jerry Chamberlain; many great-nieces and great-nephews; other family members and many friends.

Funeral Services were held on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Irwin, Iowa, with Pastor Ron Rasmussen officiating. Interment was held at Danway Cemetery in Polk Township, Iowa, with Jim Meyer, Dave Borkowski, Mark Larson, Eric Monson, Rowly Burton, and Robert Wiig serving as casket bearers.

Viola O'Neill - Age 91

Viola O’Neill was born on February 10, 1916, to Peter and Ane Marie "Mary" (Jensen) Petersen in Harlan, Iowa. She was the second of eight children born to that union. She was baptized and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, Iowa. She attended country school at Jackson No. 8.

Viola had moved to Denver, Colorado, and it was there that she was united in marriage to Charles O’Neill on February 10, 1954. They made their home in Denver until 1963 when they moved back to Harlan. Although they had no children of their own, the couple enjoyed spending time with their many nieces and nephews.

After Charles’s death in September of 1971, Viola remained in Harlan. Eventually, she moved to the Westridge Apartments and enjoyed spending time with the friends she had there, participating in the various activities put on by Westridge. She also enjoyed having her cat.

It was at her apartment that Viola died on Wednesday, October 31, 2007, having attained the age of ninety-one years, eight months, and twenty-one days. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Charles, her brothers Anton, Gaylord, Arnold, Harvey, Martin, and Warren Petersen, and her sister Nellie Fiscus.

She is survived by her many nieces and nephews, other family members, and friends.

A Memorial Service was held on Monday, November 5, 2007, at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa. Pastor Steven Chellew officiated the 1:00 PM service. Inurnment was held at the Jacksonville Cemetery in Jacksonville, Iowa.

Dennis G. Opheim - Age 61

Dennis George Opheim, son of Irvin George and Ione (Lieuwen) Opheim, was born on April 1, 1948, in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He graduated from Humboldt High School with the class of 1966 and continued his education at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, where he was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in teaching in 1970. After graduating from USD, Denny attended the University of Northern Iowa where he began graduate course work.

On April 20, 1974, Denny was united in marriage to Pamela Stoner in Humboldt, Iowa. One son, Joshua, was born to this union. After their wedding, Denny and Pamela made their home in Harlan where Denny taught social studies and history at the Harlan Community Middle School. After he left teaching, Denny worked at Handyman Supply before working at Farm Bureau as an insurance salesman.

In 1976, Pamela opened Present Trends in downtown Harlan where Denny joined her in 1983. To many customers, it was known simply as "Denny’s Store." Denny took great pride in owning the store and was always friendly and helpful to his customers. He enjoyed all the people of downtown, especially taking daily trips around the square and catching up on all the latest gossip at the local shoe repair store.

When Denny wasn’t busy working at the store, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandson Christopher. He also enjoyed camping and hiking and took several trips with his son, Josh, to Glacier National Park and The Boundary Waters in Minnesota.

Denny died on Monday, March 15, 2010, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa, having attained the age of sixty-one years, eleven months, and fourteen days. He is preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Pamela Opheim, of Harlan, Iowa; their son, Joshua Opheim and his wife Sarah of Ames, Iowa; his grandson, Christopher Opheim, of Ames, Iowa; his sister, Janet, and her husband Dan Peters of West Branch, Iowa; and his brother, Michael Opheim, of Humboldt, Iowa; other family members and many friends.

Funeral Services were held on Friday, March 19, 2010, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan, Iowa, with Rev. Steven Chellew and Rev. Bob Hoefler officiating the 10:00 AM service. Interment was held at the Harlan Cemetery with Joshua Opheim, Mike Opheim, Mike Stoner, and Dennis Stoner acting as honorary casket bearers. Serving as casket bearers were: Ben Stoner, Allen Schneider, Tom Merritt, Al Simdorn, Mark Stoner, Roger Rust, Cameron Stoner, and Jacob Stoner.

Genevieve Oppold - Age 93

Genevieve Oppold was the youngest of the twelve children of Theodore and Bertha (Huetteman) Stessman. She was born on a farm about one mile north of Panama, Iowa on July 30, 1914. Genevieve was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Panama. She attended St. Mary’s Catholic schools, graduating from high school in 1932. Genevieve attended Mt. St. Scholastica College in Atchison, Kansas and University of Iowa at Cedar Falls, Iowa. She taught school for nine years: three years in country school and six years in the Defiance Public Schools.

On August 17, 1942, Gen married Franklin Oppold of Panama at St. Patrick’s Church in Missouri Valley, Iowa. They established their home in Panama, where they lived until their deaths. Franklin and Gen had five children: Pat, Beth, Alice, Tim, Frank.

Gen was always very active in church and civic activities. She served on the first St. Mary’s parish council, on the school board, and on the regional school board. She was a member of the Community Club and the American Legion Auxiliary. In 1960, Gen was honored as Panama’s "Citizen of the Year." Her greatest interest was local history and genealogy. She served as chairman of the Panama Centennial History Book in 1984. In 2006, the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce honored Gen as the "Citizen of the Years."

Genevieve died on March 1, 2008, at Immanuel Fontenelle Home in Omaha, Nebraska having attained the age of ninety-three years, seven months, and one day. In addition to her parents, Genevieve is preceded in death by eleven of her brothers and sisters; her husband Franklin, in 2002; and her son-in-law, Jim Leuschen.

She is survived by her family: Mary Patricia Leuschen of Omaha, Nebraska; Beth Muenchrath and her husband Roger Erpelding of Des Moines, Iowa; Alice and her husband Earl West of Ashland, Nebraska; Tim Oppold of Panama and friend Debbie Garrett of Dunlap, Iowa; and Frank Oppold and his wife Joanne of Dunlap, Iowa. Genevieve was the proud grandmother of thirteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, March 5, 2008, with Rev. David Muenchrath celebrating the 10:30 AM service at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Panama, Iowa. Casket bearers were Ron Kohles, Duane Assmann, Dan Herbst, Paul Theulen, Pat Stessman, and Bob Huebert. Interment was held at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Panama.

Lorraine Osbahr - Age 60

Lorraine Christi Osbahr, the daughter of Hans and Lillian Boeck Bjerring, was born on September 26, 1946 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She attended country school and graduated from AvoHa High School in May of 1964.

Lorraine was united in marriage to Rodney J. Osbahr on October 10, 1964. To this union three children were born: Kimberly, Shawn and Ryan. Lorraine was the Owner of Special-Tees, a custom t-shirt printing company, for sixteen years. For the last eleven years she has been employed at CDS in Harlan, Iowa as a data entry specialist. Lorraine has been a lifelong resident of Avoca where she was involved with many organizations which include Trinity Lutheran Church, Avoca Historical Society, Federated Women's Club, where she served as past District Director, The Red Hat Society and co-chairman of the Red Cross Bloodmobile for twenty-five years.

Lorraine had many hobbies which included jewelry and bead work, needle work, playing cards, floral designs and wreaths, cooking and reading. Her proudest accomplishment was being a wife, mother and grandmother. Her joy of cooking led her to have two recipes published in the Red Hat Society cookbook.

Lorraine died at the Creighton Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska on Thursday, September 6, 2007 having attained the age of sixty years, eleven months and eleven days. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Gloria Sieh and two sisters who died in infancy.

Survivors include her husband Rodney Osbahr of Avoca, Iowa; her children: Kim Osbahr of Kansas City, Missouri; Shawn Osbahr and his wife Melody of Shelby, Iowa and Ryan Osbahr and his girlfriend Amber Wilmore of Council Bluffs, Iowa; two grandsons: Cole and Owen Osbahr of Shelby, Iowa; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Funeral Services were held on Saturday, September 8, 2007 at 11:00 AM at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca, Iowa with Pastor Dennis Reich as the clergy. Serving as casket bearers were Kevin Cordes, David Sieh, Allen Cordes, Todd Larsen, Alan Sieh and Bill Osbahr. Interment was held in the Graceland Cemetery, Avoca, Iowa.

Loren C. Ostebee - Age 85

Loren Clayton Ostebee was born on September 23, 1922, in Jefferson Township on a farm near Kirkman, Iowa to Lars and Charlotte (Nelson) Ostebee. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in rural Irwin, Iowa. After receiving his education at Danway School in Polk Township, he sold insurance until he started to farm south of Irwin.

After meeting on a train bringing them both home, Loren and Doris Anderson were united in marriage on March 19, 1950. They had one daughter, Marlene.

After retiring from farming, they moved to town and started painting homes for people. He also worked for Knight Enterprise before becoming self-employed, selling advertising products such as pens and calendars.

Loren was a member of the Golden Kiwanis and enjoyed having coffee with his friends. His family was important to him and one of his most enjoyable hobbies was telling stories to his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He also read his bible every day and went to bible studies.

Loren died on Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at St. Anthony’s Nursing Home in Carroll, Iowa, having attained the age of eighty-five years, ten months, and twenty-one days. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Doris, his sister Judy Christensen and his brother Magnus Ostebee.

He is survived by his daughter Marlene and her husband Norval Nissen of Carroll, Iowa, two grandchildren: Micaela and Shane; his sisters Inez Sorensen of Harlan, Iowa and Margaret Cook of Phoenix, Arizona; other family members and friends.

A funeral service was held on Monday, August 18, 2008, at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Pastor Steve Chellew and Pastor Heather Ploen officiated the 10:30 AM service. Honorary casket bearers were Verne Renze, Bill Shannon, Lyle Walker, Lowell Howe, Pastor Walt Bernard, Max Goodman, and Jerry Barker. Serving as casket bearers were Larry Christensen, Merlene Ostebee, Dan Lotenschtein, Tim Christensen, Dan Bishop, and Larry Hutchinsen. Interment was held at the Harlan Cemetery.

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