November 20, 1927 - March 13, 2025
A funeral Mass for Ethel Kohlhaas of Lu Verne, was held Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Divine Mercy Parish - St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wesley with Father Tim Hogan, Father John Thomas and Deacon David Penton officiating. Burial followed at St. Benedict Catholic Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family which will be dispersed to Hospice of the Heartland and St. Benedict Catholic Cemetery in Ethel’s memory.
Ethel Mae (Arndorfer) Kohlhaas was born on Nov. 20, 1927, to George and Louise (Neppl) Arndorfer on a farm near Bancroft. She was raised in the St. Benedict area and educated through the 8th grade at St. Benedict Catholic School. She graduated from St. Cecelia Academy in Algona. Ethel married Alfred “Al” Kohlhaas on Jan. 7, 1948, at St. Benedict Catholic Church. The couple has farmed near Corwith their entire lives.
Ethel was a lifelong member of St. Benedict Catholic Church where she sang in the choir with Al for 35 years. Later, Ethel’s deep commitment to her faith kept her active in her church by participating in the Prayer Chain. Her strong faith was enhanced by her daily Bible and religious readings. Ethel’s rosary was always nearby along with her many beloved poetry books.
Ethel was devoted to her family and used her listening skills to carry on meaningful conversations. Her positive outlook brought out the best to all she met. Ethel had a deep sense of responsibility as a farm wife. She took part in everything from gathering eggs to recording market prices. Ethel took pride in her large vegetable garden and was also a wonderful cook. Her minute steak, potato salad and chocolate chip cookies were all family favorites.
Ethel’s sweet smile and cheerful personality made her a favorite resident of the staff at the Algona Manor Care Center. Ethel died there on Thursday, March 13 at the age of 97.
She is survived by her four children, Terry (Cindy) Kohlhaas of Lu Verne, Nancy (Jack) Thornton of Urbandale, Wayne (Pam) Kohlhaas of Mason City and Keith Kohlhaas of Lu Verne; her grandchildren, Tammy (Chris) Stender of Glen View, Ill., Rob (Jami) Thornton of Waunakee, Wis. and Brian (Alex) Kohlhaas of Council Bluffs; her great-grandchildren, Keira and Ryan Stender, Graham, Colin and Jimmy Thornton, and Lyla, Claire and Quinlynn Kohlhaas; her sister-in-law, Ida Mae Arndorfer of Wesley; and many nieces and nephews.
Ethel was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Alfred on Dec. 10, 2006; her sisters, Rosalyn “Rosy” Fangman, Roberta “Bobby” Welter; and her brothers, Melvin Arndorfer and Loren Arndorfer.
Oakcrest Funeral Services of Algona in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made to www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com.