Francis Wenthold

Francis Joseph Wenthold, 88, of Ossian, Iowa died Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at his home.  Francis was born March 26, 1932 to Henry and Margaret (Kleve) Wenthold in Festina, Iowa. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Festina. Francis farmed with his brother Ed until he joined the United States Army in 1952, and served in the Korean War.

Francis was united in marriage with JoAnn Huinker on September 1, 1956 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Ossian, Iowa. Six children were born to this union. Francis was the owner and operator of Wenthold Repair shop in Ossian, where he did welding and tractor repair for 40 years. Among the things he built were a portable welder on the back of a pickup to use for Farm Calls, and a wood burning stove to heat the Shop.  He also did radio and T.V. repair part-time. Francis was an EMT and one of the founding members of the Ossian Ambulance Service, and was on the Board of Directors of the Coffee Group at Darwin Linderbaum’s.   He was also a Sergeant of Arms in Ossian Legion for sixty years. Francis loved all children, and they loved him, too. He was always the first to volunteer to hold, walk with or sing Bay-oh to any baby.  In his spare time, he was an avid fisherman, the envy of many because he always sat in the right place in the boat to catch the big ones - and it didn’t matter if you traded spots.

Surviving Francis are his wife, JoAnn, of Ossian, Iowa; six children, Roxanne (Wayne) Huinker of Decorah, Jay (special friend, Barb Cook) Wenthold of Waukon, Tammy (Mike) Einck of Festina, Terri (Lynette) Wenthold of Ossian, Todd (Kathy) Wenthold of West Union and Paul (Helen) Wenthold of West Lafayette, Indiana; nineteen grandchildren, Julie (Drew) Rotschafer, Emily Huinker, Lisa (Jason) Rude, Rebecca (Rick) Feauto, Karla (Kevin) Moran, Kassidy (Mattea) Cook, Christian Wenthold, Darren (Darcy) Einck, Wade Einck, BreAnne (Chris) Orr, Logan (Sara) Einck, Francis (Laura) Wenthold, Olivia Wenthold, Michael (Gretchen) Wenthold, Alexandra (Gavin) Wicks, Molly Wenthold, Samantha Wenthold, Gregory Hicks-Wenthold and Joseph Hicks-Wenthold; in addition to 30 great-grandchildren, his siblings, Gregory Wenthold of Ossian, Ray (Marsha) Wenthold of Decorah, Ron (Marlene) Wenthold of Ossian, Norine (Robert) Drahozal of Cedar Rapids and Margaret Hanken of Ossian; and brothers-in-law Bill (Phyllis) Huinker of Postville and Tom (Joyce) Huinker of Festina.

Preceding Francis in death were his parents, Henry and Margaret Wenthold; siblings, Edwin Wenthold, Rita Wiltgen, Thecla Ott, Agatha Burke, Linus Wenthold and Evelyn Wiltgen; and a grandson, Corey Wayne Huinker.

Visitation will be held from 3-5 pm on Sunday, October 25, 2020 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Ossian, Iowa. There will also be a one hour visitation before Mass at the church on Monday.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 am on Monday, October 26, 2020 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Ossian, Iowa with Rev. Donald Hertges as the Celebrant.

Burial with Military Rites followed at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Cemetery in Ossian, Iowa.

Due to Covid-19, we ask that everyone continue social distancing and wear a mask if planning to attend.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ossian Ambulance Service.

Schmitz-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Ossian, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.