October 11, 1947 - March 28, 2025
A funeral Mass for David Kohlhaas of Algona, will be held Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Divine Mercy Parish - St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Algona. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation was held Wednesday, April 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Oakcrest Funeral Services in Algona with a Rosary at 4:45 p.m.
David William Kohlhaas, son of Ivan and Patricia (Gillespie) Kohlhaas, was born Oct. 11, 1947, in Algona and grew up on the family farm just southwest of Burt. He attended Burt Community School and graduated from Burt High School in May of 1965.
After graduating from high school, David proudly served in the U.S. Marines from Nov. 1967 to Sept. 1970, with the rank of Lance Corporal. During his time in the service, he served in the Vietnam War and was awarded the Purple Heart Medal, a testament to his commitment to his country.
David worked at Hormel in Algona from March 1971, until his retirement in March of 2002. Outside of work, David was a talented musician and an avid drummer. He played in various local bands and in 2011, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Okoboji, Iowa.
David had a great love for flowers, spending much of his retirement tending to his garden. He also had a fondness for art, particularly wildlife images and was a collector of Terry Redlin’s artwork. An Iowa Hawkeyes, Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings fan, David took great joy in watching his favorite teams. He enjoyed spending time outdoors. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed hunting rabbits, squirrels, geese and pheasants on the family farm near Burt. In the winter months he could often be found assembling 1,000 to 3,000 piece puzzles, a quiet hobby he cherished. David also loved to cook, particularly grilling, and was especially fond of preparing a delicious steak. An avid motorcyclist, David had a Honda motorcycle that he enjoyed riding, including a memorable trip to South Dakota to visit the museum featuring Terry Redlin’s work. Throughout the years, David enjoyed watching stock car races at Kossuth County Fairgrounds as well as sprint car races in Knoxville, Iowa.
David died Friday, March 28 at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. He was 77.
He is survived by his sister, Deb (Joe) Yuska; brother, Dan (Linda) Kohlhaas; nieces and nephews, Ryan Yuska, Brenda (Robert) Delsing, Christy Yuska and Matthew (Amy) Yuska.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Ivan and Pat Kohlhaas; and several aunts and uncles.
Online condolences may be left at www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com.