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Richard "Rick" Holthaus

richard holthaus

March 11, 1959 ~ January 2, 2022

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Richard “Rick” Holthaus, age 62, of Alta Vista, IA passed away on Sunday, January 2, 2022 at Floyd County Memorial Hospital at Charles City, IA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, January 7, 2022 at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Alta Vista with Father Jerry Kopacek celebrating the mass. With respect to the recent surge in COVID positivity rates, masks will be required at the funeral mass and visitation. If you’re unable to attend the funeral in person, please join the family via Conway-Markham Funeral Home’s Facebook LIVE at the time of the service. Burial will be held at Mt. Calvary in Alta Vista. Visitation will be held from 3:00-6:00 PM on Thursday, January 6, 2022 at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in Elma, IA and will continue at the church one hour prior to the funeral mass on Friday. Online condolences may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com. In lieu of floral contributions or gifts, memorials may be directed to the New Hampton FFA Chapter or to the family to be designated at a later date. Richard “Rick” Holthaus was born on March 11, 1959, the son of James and Arlene (Rosenbaum) Holthaus in New Hampton, IA. Rick’s childhood days were spent on the family Dairy Farm outside of New Hampton. He attended and graduated from New Hampton High School in the class of 1977. While in school, Rick was active in the New Hampton FFA Chapter, even serving as President and Vice President and received the Iowa Farmer Degree. After completing his education, Rick began working at Meinerz’s Creamery, and then to Great Plains as a yard foreman. He also began his lifelong career farming. Rick was united in marriage to Cindy Ann Boehmer on May 31, 1980 at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Alta Vista. As the couple made their home in rural Alta Vista, they welcomed their five children, Brandon, Miranda, Lindsey, Justina and Jarrett. Rick devoted his adult life to being a public servant in many ways. He served nine years on the New Hampton School Board, serving as the President and Vice President. He also served on the Nominating committee for Hawkeye REC, he and Cindy have been active members of the Alta Vista Commercial club for over 24 Years, St. Bernard’s Church having served on the parish council and served as an usher, Eucharistic minister, and chairman of the finance council. Rick also served on many other boards and committees: Pork Producers, Community Foundation Grant Committee, Avenue of the Saints Rural Revitalization Project, Steering Committee for Golden Grain Ethanol Plant, State committees for Farm Bureau, nine years as county supervisor serving as chair and vice chair and he has represented the county on these boards: Health Insurance board, Health Insurance Advisory Board, County Social Services (CSS), CSS Advisory Board, as well as being an integral part of the Northeast Iowa Community Action Board, North Iowa Response Group, and Heartland Insurance Board. Though farming was arguably Rick’s passion, then politics, it was his family that he cherished the most, especially earning the title, “Papa!” He had a special bond with all of his grandkids and enjoyed spending so much time with him. Rick has quite the collection of toy tractors and could be often found at toy shows or auctions. He will be lovingly remembered for his kind heart and devotion to his community. He was rarely short on words or passion when it came to defending his point of view on what was best for the community or just being a better human being. He touched the lives of many! His memories are cherished by his wife, Cindy of Alta Vista; his sons, Brandon and Jarrett Holthaus of Alta Vista; his daughters, Miranda (Adam) Eichenberger of New Hampton, Lindsey (Danny) Fontenot of Waterloo, IA and Justina (Dustin) Brown of Denver, IA; his grandchildren, Eli, Emmett, Hailey, Carter and Danny; in-laws, Jerome and Fran Boehmer; Randy (Christy) Boehmer, both of Alta Vista; and Kevin (Brenda) Boehmer of Rockford, IA and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Roger.

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  8. I am deeply saddened and so very sorry for your loss. I enjoyed working with Rick and I know he will be deeply missed. Thoughts and prayers for Rick’s family.

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  15. My sympathies for his family. I talked with Rick a few time on county business. I respected and appreciated his knowledge and dedication to seek out his opinion. RIP Rick

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  36. Rick was the best. A life-long friend and ‘cuz-n-law’. A helping hand. Always there for others. We’re going to miss him greatly. Our condolences and sympathy to Cindy and all of the family. Nick and Kendra Leibold

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  43. Sincerest sympathy to you all. I wish there was something I could do or day to comfort you and your family.

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  49. So sorry for your loss. Rick was our neighbor in his younger years and will be truly missed. Vince & Wilma Lensing.

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  51. So sorry to hear about Rick’s passing Cindy. You and your family are in our prayers. Roger and Marlene Blocker

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  52. So sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. He always spoke to us when we would see him, it was always nice to see a familiar face from back home when we won run into him outside Alta Vista. He will be missed by many. Our deepest sympathy to the Holthaus family.

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  76. Thinking of a you and praying for strength as you go through this difficult time! We are so sorry for your loss!

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  78. This breaks my heart! His sense of humor and dedication to being a county supervisor will be missed! He was a dedicated supervisor always in the courthouse doing research. Rest easy my friend!

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  81. Very sad to hear this. Enjoyed working with him for many years. Rick always worked hard making Chickasaw County the best it could be. He will be greatly missed

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  82. We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Conway-Markham Funeral Home – Elma

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  87. Cindy and family, so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers for all of you. Rick will be missed by many.

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  88. Deepest sympathy to Ricks family. He did a great job and always tried to do the best for our county.

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  91. Many memories of working with Rick in various capacities over the years. Always a stand up guy that took his responsibilities seriously. His passing is a loss to his family, the county and to the many organizations that Rick was a board member. Rest In Peace Rick!

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  97. Our deepest sympathy to Cindy and family. Our memories of Rick will be from working with him at the Alta Vista pancake breakfast and all the laughs we had. He worked so hard for our county and will be missed. Rest In Peace Rick.

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  98. Our deepest sympathy to Cindy, the kids and their families. Rick will be missed by many people. He was a great asset to our county over the years. I enjoyed our visits at exchange student get togethers. May God comfort all of you in your time of sadness and grief. Hold on to all the memories good and bad. MaryAnn & Jim Diesburg

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  103. Rick was a great guy. So sorry for your loss. Hold tight to all your memories. Keeping all the family in our thoughts & prayers. 💗

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  104. Rick was a very special person that cared for his fellow man. I’m very sorry for your loss. He will be truly missed.

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  105. Sending prayers to the Holthaus family. So sorry for your loss. Rick was a very friendly and nice person. Always had a smile for everyone he knew. May God comfort you

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  107. So deeply sorry for your loss, Cindy & Family. Remembering a friendship and great mentor. Prayers lifted up for comfort and peace. Sue (Heffern) Weydert

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  113. So sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. Cindy and family please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. 🙏

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  119. Thoughts and prayers to the entire Holthaus family. Rick will be missed by many. He always spoke to us when we would see him out and about even in Denver this past fall we had a few minute visit with him at Denver Days. May he rest in peace and the family find peace and comfort in the days ahead. David, Carrie and Hayley Zweibohmer

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  121. We attended St.Marys school 1st-4th grade until school was closed. Then we went to New Hampton public school and went to NH. High school and graduated together. We created many memories and we continued to remain friends! I will miss you old buddy ,until we meet again I will treasure are friend ship ! Lord ,welcome my friend RIP. Condolences to the family

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  122. WE Send Our Deepest Sympathies To Cindy & Family. Rick Was A Great Guy. So Sad. R.I.P. From Tim & Cindy Howland & Tim The Music Man Protivin Iowa.

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  124. You have my deepest sympathy, Rick will be missed by many! I always enjoy the visit with him. You all are in my prayers 🙏🏻💞🙏🏻

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  125. Your dad touched a lot of peoples lives , mine included. Im blessed I got the chance to know him. Sending love and prayers to you all.

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  126. Cindy & Family We are so sorry for your loss, you will be in our thoughts & prayers, Hugs to you all.

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  127. Cindy, Brandon, Miranda, Lindsey, Justina, Garet. Prayers for comfort lifted up to all, Asking the spirt of the Lord give you understanding and peace during this time of loss and grief. I have been blessed with knowing Rick and the Family knowing my Grandchildren are part of this family gives me a peace beyond understanding.

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  128. Cindy, we are so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. You and your family are in our prayers. Tom and Barbara Cerwinske

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  130. Our deepest condolences to Rick’s family. We enjoyed working with him and he will be greatly missed. The IGHCP Benefit Team

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  134. So sad to hear of the passing of Rick. Treasure all the memories you all shared. Sympathy to all of you.

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  136. To the family of Rick so sorry to hear of his passing. Thoughts and prayers to all of you during this difficult time and the days ahead. Cherish your memories and hol them close.

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  138. With heartfelt condolences, your international grandkids Sergio, Patrick, Javier, Max, Hannes, Simon, Selina, Chiara and Charly

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  139. Cindy and family, Our deepest sympathies to you all. Thinking of you during this difficult time. Chickasaw County Public Health and Homecare staff and Environmental Health staff

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  140. Cindy and Family~~My Sincere Sympathy to All iof You in the loss of your LOVED One. I so enjoyed seeing you at 🏀 games in New Hampton and remember Ginger’s kind comments about Rick when she worked for Chickasaw County. May your Faith give you Strength and May your Memories give you Peace and Comfort as you ALL continue Life’s Journey! 🙏🙏🙏🙏’s to and for ALL.

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  144. So sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Will always remember high school and the many times we would see you in Alta Vista at gatherings. My deepest sympathy to Cindy, always remember the good times and treasure your memories. As a classmate all will miss him. Scott & Lynn (Grober)Felder

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  149. Sorry for your loss Cindy & family. He was kind & friendly to every one he would meet. He was dedicated to family, friends & community. Fond memories of Rick &family. Gary & Connie Kuehn &family

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  152. You & your families have our sincere sympathy Cindy. May you smile each day as you cherish your memories. Chris Aronson & Cindy Ohm

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