William "Bill" Orthaus

william orthaus
William “Bill” Orthaus, age 78, of Ionia, IA passed away on Sunday, February 7, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at Immaculate Conception Church in North Washington with Father Brian Dellaert celebrating. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in North Washington. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 PM on Friday, February 12, 2021 at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in New Hampton with a 7:00 PM Scriptural Wake Service. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the funeral mass on Saturday. PLEASE JOIN THE FAMILY VIA CONWAY-MARKHAM FUNERAL HOME’S FACEBOOK PAGE. Though masks are not required the staff at Conway-Markham Funeral home encourages the use of them at this time. Online condolences may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com. Memorials may be directed to the family. William Orthaus was born June 6, 1942, the son of John and Olivia (Huegel) Orthaus in Elma, IA. He started out his education in a one room school house located on the Orthaus Family Farm. He completed his education at St. Mary’s Catholic School in North Washington. After finishing his education, Bill began his lifelong farming career alongside his father. It wasn’t long before Bill would meet the love of his life, Therese Lensing on a snowy night in Alta Vista at a teen hop. The couple were united in marriage on September 28, 1963 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in New Hampton. Bill and Therese made their home on the family farm where they welcomed their six children, Ken, Jim, Ron, Pam, Jason, and Gerard. With his family by his side, Bill would farm until he was no longer physically able to. Through the years, Bill’s favorite season was Harvest side by side with his father. He enjoyed playing cards, and gardening. He was even known to plant over 1000 hills of potatoes. Next to farming, Bill’s passion was raising and breaking Belgian horses. He was proud to work with Amish and local farmers with field work and plowing shows. His grandchildren and farm are easily said to have been his world. After his stroke, Bill’s pride and joy was to hold his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Those left to honor his memories are his wife, Therese Orthaus of Ionia; his children, Kenny (Susan) Orthaus of New Hampton, Jim (Michelle) Orthaus of New Hampton, Ron (Patty) Orthaus of Ionia, Pam (Duane) Nie of North Washington and Jason (Lisa) Orthaus of Ionia; his grandchildren, Heather, Brian, Cole, Ethan, Norah, Will, Devin, Daniel, Abby, Kennady, Johnna, Gary, Brody, Alex, Landon; three great grandchildren, Weston, Ivy, and Theodore; his siblings, Dick (Phyllis) Orthaus of New Hampton, Sister Kathleen Orthaus of Dubuque, IA, Joann (Dick) Gleason of Gilbertville, IA, Tom (Marilyn) Orthaus of Central City, IA, John (Eileen) Orthaus of Grimes, IA, Linda (Bill) Noehl of New Hampton; sister-in-law, Wilma Orthaus of Rochester, MN; brother-in-law, Bob Jones of Dubuque and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. He was reunited with his son, Gerard who passed away in infancy; his parents; his siblings, Gerald Orthaus and Louise Jones; and sister-in-law, Agnes Orthaus.

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  1. My thoughts and prayers are with Therese and the family. I will always remember how Bill must of made an impression on my young daughter, as she used to end all her night prayers with “God Bless Bill” . Now Our Father is taking care of Bill.

  2. So sorry for your loss. I remember one time decades ago when Bill took a group of us out for a sleigh ride pulled by those amazing horses of his. May you feel God’s loving presence during this difficult time. Marj Troyna

  3. So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. We enjoyed the many conversations with Bill at Jim’s grocery store in North Washington. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. RIP Bill. Thoughts and prayers to the family.

  4. Terry & Family, May memories bring you comfort during this time and continue to warm your heart forever. I believe Bill is at peace and already in heaven playing cards with family and friends. Keeping everyone in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Denise (Orthaus), Mike, Joey and Marisa Ellis

  5. Therese, Kenny, Jim, Ron, Pam and Jason and Family. I am so Sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

  6. The Orthaus Family – I will always remember the times with Uncle Bill when I would come to the farm. May memories keep him close and reminders make you smile. Julie (Orthaus) Popovich and Family

  7. Therese and family. I was sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. I remember working with you at Health Care Manor many years ago. Will keep you and your family in my prayers, take care.

  8. Sympathy to your family and thanks for all that your family has done for our family

  9. Therese and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during these difficult days. The funeral Mass was a beautiful celebration of Bill’s life. The grandchildren did a great job reading and they were reverent when presenting the gifts. How very special to have Kennady read the intercessions! Bill is smiling! May memories of Bill warm your hearts now and in the days ahead. Joyce Welch


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