Richard "Dick" Orthaus

Richard "Dick" Orthaus age 87 of New Hampton, IA, died Friday, October 27, 2023, at Colonial Manor in Elma. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 4, 2023, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in North Washington with Rev. Jim Goerend celebrating the Mass. Interment will be held at St. Mary's Cemetery in North Washington with Evan Boos, Ross Elford, Ashley Elford, Vincent Kolles, Jackson Kolles, Ken Orthaus, Jim Orthaus, Ron Orthaus, and Jason Orthaus serving as pallbearers. Friends may greet the family from 9:00-11:00 a.m. prior to the service Saturday, November 4, 2023, at the church. Richard "Dick" Orthaus, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2023, at Colonial Manor in Elma, IA. Born on January 30, 1936, Dick lived a life filled with love, service, and dedication to his family, his country, and his community. Dick received his education at St. Mary's School in North Washington, IA. After high school graduation, he enlisted in the Army in 1955, serving his country for two years. His service led him to Germany in 1956, but not before a chance meeting and a memorable first dance with Phyllis Blong in rural Iowa. This encounter sparked a love that would last a lifetime. Their early courtship was marked by daily letters to each other and continued until Dick returned home in 1957. On April 12, 1958, Dick and Phyllis were married at St. Luke's Catholic Church in St. Lucas, IA. As newlyweds, they moved to Rochester, MN, where their five children were born. Dick's career spanned the grocery business, working at Red Owl and Piggly Wiggly, and then the 7up Bottling Company. In 1971, the couple moved to the Orthaus family farm near North Washington, IA, where Dick took pride in many years of farming. Dick's later years saw him working at Featherlite. He and Phyllis also had an antique business and traveled the Midwest, participating in numerous antique shows. A man of many interests, Dick loved playing cards, woodworking, trout fishing, and golfing. Above all, Dick was a man of faith and family. He loved family reunions and always had a story to tell. His family fondly remembers his ability to strike up a conversation with anyone, reflecting his loving, kind, and friendly nature. His love and thoughtfulness for family and friends was evident in everything he did, and his memory will continue to inspire those who were fortunate to know him. Dick is survived by his wife of 65 years, Phyllis; daughters, Kim (Duane) Boos of Lake City, MN, Gina (Mark) Ebhardt of Lewisville, TX, and Faye (Brett) Elford of Red Wing, MN; son, Dee Jay Orthaus of Decorah, IA; grandchildren, Evan (Maddy) Boos, Jackson and Vincent Kolles, Ryan (Heather) Ebhardt and Brett Ebhardt, Ross and Ashley Elford; great-grandchildren Olivia and Layla Boos; brothers, Tom (Marilyn) of Marion, IA, and John (Eileen) of Des Moines, IA; sisters, Sister Kathleen of Dubuque, IA, Joanne (Dick) Gleason of Gilbertville, IA, and Linda (Bill) Noehl of New Hampton, IA; brother-in-law, Bob Jones of East Dubuque, IL; sisters-in-law, Wilma Orthaus of Rochester, MN and Terry Orthaus of New Hampton, IA; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Olivia Orthaus; son, Todd; brothers, Gerald and William; and sister, Louise Jones. Dick's family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff of St. Croix Hospice and Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Elma for their compassionate care.