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Quality Funeral & Family Care

Main Location
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

Link to Past Obituaries

Pauley Jones Funeral Homes

"Avoca Chapel"

Florence M. Ohlinger - Age 91

Florence Mary Ohlinger, the daughter of George and Mary Siemer Arkfeld, was born on July 24, 1914, at Panama, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Panama. Florence attended school at St. Mary’s Catholic School graduating in 1933.

On August 20, 1935, Florence was united in marriage to Jacob Ohlinger at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Panama. Twelve children were born to this union. After their marriage, the couple farmed near Panama. In 1971, Jacob retired from farming, and they moved to Harlan, Iowa. Florence and Jake were privileged to have celebrated their 50^th Wedding Anniversary in August of 1985. Jacob died on November 4, 1987.

Florence was a member of St, Mary’s Catholic Church in Panama until 1971 and then joined St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa. She was a member of St. Mary’s Altar and Rosary Society, St. Mary’s Home and School Association in Panama, St. Michael’s Guild, President and Board Member of the Harlan Senior Center, and delivered Meals on Wheels. She enjoyed quilting and embroidering with her mother and playing cards with family and friends. She was an avid gardener and canned many items each year from her own garden. She was able to travel to Papua New Guinea three times mainly to visit her brother Archbishop Leo Arkfeld as well as a trip to Rome and Medujorge.

Florence died on Tuesday, January 3, 2006, at Myrtue Memorial Hospital in Harlan, Iowa, having attained the age of ninety-one years, five months, and ten days. In addition to her parents, and her husband, Florence was preceded in death by her sons, Cletus and Alvin, two grandchildren: Jennifer Buckley and Betty Fix, and her brothers and sisters: Lucille Arkfeld, Mary Arkfeld, Archbishop Leo Arkfeld, and Vince Arkfeld.

Survivors include her children: Theresa and her husband, Jerry Sonntag of Atlantic, Iowa; Fr. Vince Ohlinger, SVD of East Troy, Wisconsin; Raymond Ohlinger and his wife, Betty of Pocahontas, Iowa; Angie Wingert of Omaha, Nebraska; Jake Ohlinger and his wife, Kathy of Greenville, South Carolina; Jane and her husband, Richard Buckley of Glenwood, Iowa; Leola and her husband, William Royal of Harlan, Iowa; Robert Ohlinger and his wife, Luann of Wheat Ridge, Colorado; Rose and her husband, Dave Sternberg of Shelby, Iowa; Marge and her husband, Terry Ostgaard of Lincoln, Nebraska; thirty-eight grandchildren; fifty-three great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; brothers and sisters: Sally Kohles of Harlan, Iowa; Clem Arkfeld and his wife, Mick of Panama, Iowa; Rita and her husband, Johnny Kelley of Woodbine, Iowa; Sylvia and her husband, Jerry Bissen of Earling, Iowa; George Arkfeld and his wife, Josephine, of Oceanside, California; other relatives and many friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Saturday, January 7, 2006, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa, at 11:00 A.M. with Fr. Vince Ohlinger, SVD as the celebrant and Rev. Robert Hoefler as the concelebrant. Interment was in the Harlan Cemetery in Harlan, Iowa, with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren serving as Honorary Casket Bearers. Serving as casket bearers were Jim Ohlinger, Dr. Matt Sternberg, JJ Ohlinger, Matt Ostgaard, Dr. Brenda Buckley, Abby Royal, Rob Sonntag, Susan Reichart, Renee Wingert, Travis Ohlinger, and Mike Ohlinger.

Rita C. Ohlinger - Age 84

Rita Catherine Ohlinger, the daughter of August F. and Mary G. Kenkel Reinig, the oldest of eleven children, was born on January 17, 1921, at Panama, Iowa. She was baptized, received First Holy Communion, and was confirmed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Panama, Iowa. She attended school at Panama and completed third and fourth grade in one year, eventually becoming valedictorian of her class of 1938.

Rita worked in an Omaha defense plant during World War II. On April 17, 1945, she was united in marriage to John H. Ohlinger. They were blessed with six daughters and four sons. After their marriage, the couple farmed near Portsmouth, Iowa, until 1981, when they moved into Portsmouth. John and Rita shared fifty-seven years of marriage. John died in 2002.

Rita was active in many organizations in the church and community, such as the Rosary Society, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Portsmouth coordinator for German Colony Tours for twelve years, longtime 4-H leader and judge, Shelby County Historical Society, County on Aging, and the Quilting Club. She enjoyed being with her family and friends, cooking, gardening, quilting, taking pictures, clipping newspaper articles, and helping others.

Rita died on Friday, December 2, 2005, at Elm Crest Retirement Community in Harlan, Iowa, having attained the age of eighty-four years, ten months and sixteen days. In addition to her parents and her husband, Rita was preceded in death by a son, Stephen, grandchild, Joseph and her brothers and sister, August, Robert and Rosemary.

Survivors include her children: Marilyn and her husband, Bob Zotti (Bellevue, Nebraska); Carolyn and her husband, Larry Hein (Alvord, Iowa); Jane and her husband, Gary Book (Manson, Iowa); Emily and her husband, Bruce Alexander (Omaha, Nebraska); John R. Ohlinger (Ottumwa, Iowa); Richard Ohlinger and his wife, Mary (Portsmouth, Iowa); Rose and her husband, Tom Bruck (Avoca, Iowa); Alice and her husband, Lonny Janecek (LaVista, Nebraska); David Ohlinger and his wife, Beverly (Portsmouth, Iowa); twenty-four grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; her brothers and sisters: Tony Reinig and his wife, Mildred (Harlan, Iowa); Joe Reinig and his wife, Arlene (Portsmouth, Iowa); Alvin Reinig and his wife, Mildred (Harlan, Iowa); Theresa and her husband, Robert Krupicka (Council Bluffs, Iowa); Mary Slaven (Portsmouth, Iowa); Cecelia Tunnell (Orville, California); Catherine Schomers (Harlan, Iowa); Alfred Reinig and his wife, Betty (Kansas City, Kansas); Donald Reinig and his wife, Joyce (Hood River, Oregon); other relatives and a great many friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial was concelebrated on Monday, December 5, 2005, St. Mary Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Portsmouth, Iowa, at 10:30 A.M. with Rev. John Dorton as the celebrant and Rev. Ben Kenkel and Rev. Paul Monahan as the concelebrants. Interment was in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Portsmouth, Iowa, with Brian Hein, Dan Kohl, Brad Hein, Scott Ryan, Tim Book, John Ryan, Rick Ohlinger, Chad Bruck, Brett Ohlinger, and Alfred Ohlinger serving as casket bearers.

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.

Marilyn Ann Olsen - Age 69

Marilyn Ann Olsen, daughter of Paul and LaVerne (Mueller) Russmann, was born on September 27, 1936, in Walnut, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Walnut. Marilyn attended school in Walnut and graduated from Walnut High School and throughout her youth was active in 4-H. After high school, Marilyn attended and graduated from the Commercial Extension Business College in Omaha, Nebraska.

On September 29, 1956, Marilyn was united in marriage to Gene Olsen in Walnut, Iowa. Four children were born to this union. Marilyn worked for the Volunteer Bureau and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Omaha until 1957, when they moved to Hancock, Iowa. She babysat in her own home and later worked at Harold's Place in Hancock and finally at the AvoHa schools in Avoca from 1978 to her retirement in 1997. Even after her retirement, Marilyn continued working at the school as a substitute until 2006.

She was a devoted wife and loving mother who served as a Boy Scouts Den Mother and 4-H Leader while her children were young. She was a longtime and active member of the United Methodist Church in Hancock where she taught Sunday School and served several offices with the United Methodist Women's Auxiliary group. Marilyn was also a member of the Blazettes, the wives of the Hancock Volunteer Fire Department, the Botna Benders Club, the Wedded Band group of their church and a member of the Golden Spikes Camping Club. She loved spending time with her family especially square dancing with Gene and spoiling her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Marilyn died on July, 21, 2006 at Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa having attained the age of sixty-nine years, nine months and twenty-four days. She was proceeded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her husband, Gene Olsen of Hancock, Iowa; her children: Gene Olsen, Jr. and his wife, Teresa of Leon, Iowa; Ron Olsen and his wife Deb of Hancock, Iowa; Lonnie Olsen of Avoca, Iowa and Sherry and her husband Don Harwick of Treynor, Iowa; nine grandchildren; two great grandchildren; her sister, Lila and her husband Perry Kelley of Jacksonville, Iowa; nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services were held on Monday, July 24, 2006 at the Pauley Jones Funeral Home, Avoca Chapel, with burial at Oak Hill Cemetery in Hancock, Iowa. Pastor Judy Flanegin of the Hancock United Methodist Church officiated. Serving as Honorary Casket Bearers were Jill, Loni, Megan and Jessica Olsen and Crystal Harwick. Serving as Casket Bearers were Jay Olsen, Chad Harwick, Brad Olsen, Dana Nielsen, Perry Kelley and Joel Briggs. Lunch followed at the Hancock Methodist Church.

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.

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.

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.