Clark Holthaus
Clark Holthaus
Oskaloosa. Clark Holthaus, 50, of Oskaloosa, died Tuesday, November 29, 2011, at the Mahaska Health Partnership Emergency Room in Oskaloosa. He was born April 18, 1961, at Clarion, Iowa, the son of Clark and Lorretta Paul Holthaus, Sr. He graduated from Clarion High School with the class of 1979, and earned his B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Iowa in 1983. Clark, being a lifelong learner and having a passion for education, earned his Masters in Administration from Drake University. On June 15, 1985, he was united in marriage to Jean Hirsch at Clear Lake. To this union Michael and Michelle Holthaus were born. Clark and Jean later divorced. On June 6, 1992, Clark was married to Denise Ladwig at Ottumwa. To this union were born Jordan and Tori Holthaus. Clark began his teaching career at Champion, Nebraska, and later moved to Cardinal of Eldon Middle School in Agency where he taught 6th grade and coached football, wrestling and girls track. In 1995, he began working at the Oskaloosa Middle School. He was very involved at Oskaloosa Community Schools not only in the classroom, but served as Boys Head Track Coach, Middle School Athletic Director, and as a Middle School football coach. Clark also taught as an adjunct professor at William Penn University. Clark and Denise ended their marriage in 2010. He enjoyed being involved in the community, the school system, and his girls’ activities. He had a great passion for music and dancing, and this came through in the many middle school fun nights, dances, and private parties where Clark was the Disc Jockey. He enjoyed riding RAGBRAI, watching the Iowa Hawkeyes, and watching movies. “Mornings with Dad” was a very special time at the Holthaus home. Clark would dance with Jordan and Tori while they got ready for school, singing in the car was always a must. He truly enjoyed the time he was able to spend with his fiancée Jodi Boatright, and was looking forward to their marriage. Clark had a love for life, his family, his co-workers, and his community that will be truly missed.
His family includes his four children: Jordan Holthaus at school at UNI, Tori Holthaus of Oskaloosa, Michael Holthaus of Big Bear, California, and Michelle Holthaus of Beijing, China; his fiancée: Jodi Boatright of Oskaloosa; four sisters: Annette Saunders of Denver, Colorado, Gail (& John) Bormann, Renee (& Peter) Hendricks, and Wendy (& Randy) Unger all of Waukee; nieces and nephews: Spencer, Adam, Courtney, Chelsey, Carson, Max, and Hailey; and extended family: Denise Holthaus of Oskaloosa and Dennis Ladwig of Spencer.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and extended family: Charles Ladwig, Beth Underwood, and Bob Underwood.
Funeral services will be held Friday, December 2, 2011, at 3 p.m. in the Central United Methodist Church in Oskaloosa with Bob Morris officiating. Burial will be at Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin Thursday morning after 10 in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 4-8 p.m. Thursday to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to the Oskaloosa Varsity Boys Track Team.
Source: Bates Funeral Chapel
