Pauline Ovel

pauline ovel
Pauline Ovel of New Hampton, IA, died Saturday, October 14, 2023, at MercyOne New Hampton Medical Center. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 20, 2023, at Holy Family Parish, New Hampton with Rev. James Goerend celebrating the Mass. Inurnment will be held at St. Mary's Cemetery, New Hampton. Friends may greet the family from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. prior to the Mass at the church on Friday. Pauline Grace Theis was born on February 5, 1928, at Osage, Iowa, the daughter of Frances and Regina (Younker) Theis. She graduated from New Haven High School, New Haven, Iowa, and Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Pauline taught school in Lamont, Rockford, and Turkey Valley, Iowa. While teaching in Lamont, Iowa she met her future husband Walt Ovel at a dance, and they were married on February 3, 1951 in New Haven Iowa at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. The couple was blessed with five children; Randy, Nancy, Dan, Kevin, and Jeff. Walt and Pauline moved around the Midwest with the family as Walt grew his career in the lumber business, and the family settled in New Hampton in 1968. Walt and Pauline formed Ovel Forest Products in 1976 with two of their sons. She had strong business acumen and worked in the family business until 2020. While working in Ovel Forest Products Pauline also served as the Religious Education Director for St. Mary’s Parish, a position which she filled for 17 years, and also served as a Eucharistic Minister and Lector. Pauline and Walt enjoyed traveling to visit family, friends, and business associates, taking cruises, dancing, golfing, and being involved in politics. They hosted family and friends at their home where everyone was always welcomed. Walt passed away in 2005. Pauline was a kind and generous woman. She was a volunteer of Meals on Wheels and also volunteered as Activity Director at the Chickasaw County Home. Pauline was a member of Holy Family Parish, Rotary Club International, and the American Legion Auxiliary. She had an outgoing personality and enjoyed socializing with her friends. She especially cherished spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Pauline will be dearly missed by; her daughter, Nancy (Stan) Van Wyk of Marshalltown, IA, her sons Kevin (Mary Beth) Ovel of New Hampton, IA, and Jeffrey Ovel (Darce) of Decorah, Iowa, daughters-in-law Janet (Ovel) Hayes of Richfield, Minnesota, and Kim Ovel of New Hampton, Iowa. Grandchildren Jessica Johnson, Kristin Ovel, Lindsey Van Wyk, Ryan Van Wyk, Jon Ovel, Kaylee Ovel, Brad Kamrath, Brigette Kamrath, Natalie Albin, Travis Ovel, and Melanie Ovel and eleven great-grandchildren. Her sister Dolores Steffen and brother Dean (Bonnie) Theis and sisters-in-law Ellie Jones, Gladys Frey, and Pat Theis. As well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Walter Ovel, her parents, her sons Randy and Dan, and her grandson Bryce, her sister Catherine Marr, and her brother Don Theis. “The best part of life is not just surviving but thriving with passion and humor and style and generosity and kindness.”Maya Angelou

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  1. We are so sorry for your loss! Pauline was such a kind and wonderful soul! She will be deeply missed! Keeping you in our hearts!

  2. She taught some of my siblings and myself religion class in her home when I was high school age. Very sweet lady! Our deepest sympathies to her family. 🙏

  3. Our prayers and sympathy to all of Pauline’s family. Always enjoyed visiting with her.
    Such a nice person!

  4. My thoughts and prayers are with the wonderful Ovel family. I remember lots if fun evenings around your kitchen table with your mother providing us with delicious snacks. She was always so kind.

  5. I am so sad to hear of Pauline’s passing. She had always been a good friend as well as a cousin to me. So loved her. My condolences to all. Time goes too fast.

    Paula Theis Cole

  6. It was always a pleasure to share a conversation with Pauline. She was a kind and gracious lady and will be greatly missed. Our sympathy to all the family.

  7. I will always fondly remember crossing paths with Walt and Pauline in the lumber business. We always had a good laugh at the NE Iowa lumber supper. Rest is assured peace Pauline.

  8. Our sympathy goes out to the Ovel family. Pauline was a joy to work with for many many years. The Scott Post and Tie family will miss her. Our love to all of you during this difficult time.
    Shaunda Hite ( Scott)

  9. Judy Hoffman Duce Johnson Judy Taylor Jill Eike Janet Steege Jeanine Douglas Jeanette Heit Bob Kramer Michelle Grell LaRue Deb Courtney Larsen GeorgeJulie Hansen Freidhof Patricia Gilbert Paula Dahl Shirley Wagoner Nancy Benson Bette Oleson Infeld
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