Claire Ellen (Detlef) Osterholm was born December 10, 1924 to Charles August and Ellen Rosilla (Asman) Detlef on the family farm 5 miles east of Glenwood. She married her high school sweetheart, Richard Darrell Osterholm in December of 1945 and they were blessed with two daughters. Claire was a devoted daughter, loving wife, mother and loyal friend.
Claire attended Silver #2 country school through the 8th grade. She attended Glenwood High School graduating in 1943 and was Homecoming Queen her senior year. She received her Normal Training certificate and taught in country schools in Mills County at Four Corners for 2 years and Centerline for 4 years before starting a family. In 1957 her work career resumed in the Education Dept. at the Glenwood State School, first as a teacher and later as a librarian in the Staff Library, retiring in 1990.
Claire was a charter member of the Beta Sigma Phi, president of the Federated Women’s Club, served as board Secretary at the First Christian Church, the Finance Committee for the First Baptist Church and later Calvary Baptist. Claire was a long standing member of the D.A.R. serving two terms as Regent for the Glenwood Chapter. Claire and Mrs. Virginia Stinard were instrumental in implementing the fluoridation of Glenwood. She also served as a Brownie leader.
In her retirement, Claire enjoyed traveling and visiting family and friends. She was a volunteer for the American Heart Association, active in two bridge groups, Meals on Wheels, her church and other activities. She enjoyed and was active in planning the Homecoming reunion for the Class of 1943 until her death.
With declining health and aging, Claire spent more time with her friend Carol Kruse in Shell Rock. In 2013 she decided to sell her home in Glenwood and made Shell Rock her home. She made many new friends there and became involved in her new community. She was an active member of the Slight Avery Legion Auxiliary and attended services at Peace Lutheran Church.
Claire is survived by her daughters, Lucinda Osterholm (Rodney) Roenfeldt, Patricia Osterholm (Harry) VanArsdale, granddaughters, Dawn VanArsdale (William) Young, Katherine Roenfeldt (D.J.) Brown, Kimberly Roenfeldt (Tillman) Smith, 5 great-grandsons, Will Young, Harrison Brown, Coleman Brown, Tripp Smith and Bennett Smith.
Interment will be held in the Glenwood Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Glenwood Public Library or Mills County Museum.
Visitation:Saturday, November 11, 2017
9:00 AM
212 S. Locust St.
Glenwood, IA51534
Service:Saturday, November 11, 2017
10:00 AM
212 S. Locust St.
Glenwood, IA51534
4 Condolences
So sorry to hear your mom passed away. I have fond memories of your folks. They were very good to me.
I remember Claire from when I worked at the State School in the mid to late 60s and saw a few times after that. Good memories
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. I know Claire meant a lot to my mother, as they worked together for years at the Glenwood State School. Hope you can find some comfort in this difficult time, knowing that Claire was loved by so many.
Dear Cindy and Trish, Sorry I cannot be there for the funeral. Still in Florida trying to get the repairs finished on the house from the hurricane. Just know that I am thinking of you and remembering all the good times we had when the families and all the cousins got together at Grandma and Grandpa’s. Doug
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