John William Ofstethun

John William Ofstethun, the son of Anfin and Vera (Kimmitt) Ofstethun, was born on July 29, 1933 in Lawler, Iowa. As a young child his family moved to Clarion where he was raised and educated.  John served as a military policeman in the United States Army during the Korean War, from 1954 – 1956.

    On November 9, 1958, John was united in marriage with Karen Jean Meints in Belmond.  The couple made their home in Clarion where they raised their two children: Kevin and Glenda.  Karen preceded him in death on July 17, 2015.

      John served on the Clarion Police Department for 18 years, taught DARE to school kids and was the assistant chief.  He then went to the Wright County Sherriff’s Department – where he was a deputy, transporter and served papers for many years.  Not wanting to ever sit still – John also worked for Willim, Ewing and Foust Funeral Homes, Coast to Coast in Clarion, That Iowa Girl, Christ Furniture in Eagle Grove, sold cars in Webster City, mowed a golf course in Manson, transported Veterans to appointments and performed security at Eatons.

     John was a member of First Lutheran Church.  He served on the Clarion City Council and was the Mayor from 2002 – 2006.  John enjoyed playing golf, daily coffee with the guys and playing jokes on everyone!

     John passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2019, at Clarion Wellness and Rehabilitation Center, at the age of 85 years.  He was also preceded in death by his parents and step-brothers, Thomas and Carl Waddell.

     John is survived by his son, Kevin Ofstethun and wife Judy of Clarion; daughter, Glenda Lambert and husband Steve of Des Moines; four grandchildren: Angela Hickey and husband Pat of Fort Dodge, Amanda Rosenkilde and husband Josh of Clarion, Chris Lambert of Kansas City, MO and Jessica Lambert and fiancé` Rob Latch of Pleasantville; four great-grandchildren:  Laila and Kinley Hickey and Gabe and Wes Rosenkilde and many nieces and nephews.

     Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 22, 2019, 10:30 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Clarion with Pastor Nicole Woodley officiating.  Visitation will be held Sunday, from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. at First Lutheran Church.  Burial in Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.  Foust Funeral Home in Eagle Grove in charge of arrangements.

     Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.     

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