Herold Barney Rehmke

Herold Barney Rehmke

Clarence

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Herold Barney Rehmke, 93, of Clarence, IA, died Sept. 5, 2024. While we mourn his passing, we also celebrate his legacy and love of family, community and country (in that order). His commitment to all he loved is unmatched.

Herold was born on August 30, 1931 at home in rural Stanwood along with his twin brother, Herbert to Fred and Anna (Eichhorn) Rehmke. (The unusual spelling of Herold was due to his mother’s desire for her twins’ names to match.) He, along with his siblings, were raised on farms in rural Stanwood and in Oxford Junction. He graduated from Oxford Junction High School in 1949. He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force in Europe from 1951 to 1954. While in Europe, he was able to connect with German relatives with whom he was still close.

After returning from his military service, he caught the eye of beautiful Betty VonMuenster and the two married in Clarence, IA on January 22,1956. They first lived in rural Clarence, eventually moving to their hilltop home near Oxford Junction, where they lovingly worked, farmed and raised their five children. While Herold farmed with his brother, Herbert, for many years, he also worked as a school bus driver, rural mail carrier and became the Oxford Junction postmaster from 1983 until his retirement in 1999. He particularly enjoyed giving tours to elementary student classes. The candy drawer was always well stocked.

Always active in his community, Herold was a long-time member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, serving on the church counsel, a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge, Ancient Landmark Lodge #200, and a 70-year member of the American Legion Wapsie Post #473. He also served on the Oxford Junction School Board. He felt honored to participate in an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. with his best friend Dwaine Persels and being Grand Marshal of the 2023 Oxford Junction 4th of July parade. Herold is our hero!

Those left to mourn his loss and celebrate his legacy include his wife of 68 years, Betty Rehmke, his children, Paul (Barb) Rehmke (Albert Lea, MN) Laura DeCoster, (Grinnell, IA), Kandice (Chris) Wilcox, Manassas, VA, Heidi (Richard) Andre (Beloit, WI) and Eric (Kari) Rehmke (Kuna, ID); his grandchildren, Jaclyn Rehmke, Elyce (Tyler) Yelk, Bethany (Peter Coonrod) DeCoster, Malory (Wade) Hamre, Stacy DeCoster, Courtney (Farhad) Sourmehi, Clayton (Elizabeth) N’Diaye Wilcox, Carter Wilcox, Samuel (Kendra) Andre, Ethan (Jasmine) Andre, Valerie Rehmke, Julia Rehmke, Sydney Rehmke, Hardison Rehmke and Dylan Rehmke. Herold dearly loved his grandchildren. Most will remember Grandpa’s annual fishing trophy, which was quite a coveted award! Herold was so proud of his family and always encouraged them to bravely embrace new opportunities. He was inspired by his immigrant father, who at 16 set out for a new life in America.

Herold’s great-grandchildren include Leighton and Penelope Yelk, Brooks and Linden Coonrod, Jaiden, Bowen, Ada and Morgan Hamre, Evelyn DeCoster, Oliver Andre and Leo and Miles Andre. Their antics brought him many belly laughs and Herold loved to laugh. Herold is also survived by his sister-in-law, Donna Rehmke, the Hartmut Andersen family of Schleswig, Germany, and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. Herold was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, Louis (Mabel) Rehmke, Luella Rehmke, Robert (Elaine) Rehmke, Rosetta (Melvin) Thumma, Betty (Bob) Thumma, and Herbert Rehmke. Herold will be remembered for his big, beautiful smile and bigger heart. Being a good neighbor and friend was important to him and he was blessed with many. Herold enjoyed hunting in his timber, singing and dancing along to a good German polka, reading and exploring history and visiting with everyone! Herold knew that everyone had a story and he loved hearing them. We don’t know what we will do without our “rock”, but we celebrate a life well and truly lived. The family would like to thank the outstanding care and support provided by the Clarence Assisted Living Center. They have become family.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Sept. 13 at Dawson’s Funeral Home, Oxford Jct., IA from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. The Masonic Service Funeral Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. following visitation. Services will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lost Nation, IA, Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 10:00 am where a visitation will be held from 9:00 am until the time of his service. Burial with military honors will be at Mayflower Cemetery, Oxford Junction with a luncheon to follow at the Oxford Junction Legionnaire.

Memorials may be directed to a charity of your choice in Herold’s honor or may be directed to his family. Cards of condolences may be directed to Dawson Funeral Services, PO Box 258 Wyoming, IA 52362.