Dale Osterhaus

     Dale L. Osterhaus, 80, of Waterville, IA, died Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at his home surrounded by family. Memorial services will be held Monday, March 2nd, at 10:30 AM at St. Pius Cherry Mound Catholic Church in Harpers Ferry, IA, with Fr. Martin Coolidge and Fr. Joseph Sevcik officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may greet the family from 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM Sunday at Martin - Grau Funeral Home in Waukon, where there will be a 5:30 PM vigil service.

Dale Louis Osterhaus was born on March 21, 1945, in Dyersville, IA, the son of Leo and Mary (Klostermann) Osterhaus. He received sacraments in the Catholic faith. Dale graduated from St. Francis Xavier High School in Dyersville and attended Dunwoody College of Technology in Minneapolis, MN. Dale then served in the United States Navy during Vietnam from 1967-68, aboard the USS Rupertus DD-851 and USS Providence CLG-6.

Dale later met the love of his life, Janice Gruber, and the two were married on February 22, 1975, at Immaculate Conception Wexford Catholic Church in rural Lansing, IA. They spent 51 amazing years together. Dale was a very hardworking man, and throughout his life worked as a 3M machinist and farmer. He was a man of many hidden talents, including horseshoeing, auctioneering, woodworking, and machining. Dale loved his family and one of his favorite things in life was spending time with them.

Dale is survived by his beloved wife Janice; eight children: Todd (Jennifer) Osterhaus of New Freedom, PA, Aarron (Heidi) Osterhaus of Pine Island, MN, Amy (Nick) Donlon of McGregor, IA, Lori (Mike) Johanningmeier of Monona, IA, Kayla (Matt) Burkey of Decorah, IA, Eric (Ashley) Osterhaus of Monroe, IA, and Annette (Cody) Cook and Ethan (Rachel) Osterhaus, both of Waukon; 22 grandchildren: Akyla, Emeline, and Ofelia Osterhaus, Monique (Anthony) Goins, Braxton, Ayana, and Salome Osterhaus, Brooke, Seth, and Cora Donlon, Jase, Jaelyn, and Jacob Johanningmeier, Brent and Breelyn Burkey, Owen, Eli, Aidrik, and Iris Osterhaus, and Hailey, Carter, and Hillary Cook; and two brothers: Merlyn (Mary) Osterhaus and Wayne (Nancy) Osterhaus.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Francis Osterhaus.