William “Bill” Althaus, age 93, of Grasston died March 3, 2024 at home. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Sunday, March 10th at Strike Life Tributes in Cambridge. A time for visiting will be held one hour prior to the service.
William “Bill” Althaus was born in Sioux City, Iowa on Oct. 27, 1930 to Frederick Wilhelm and Amelia Rock Althaus. He graduated from Pierson High School. Later he joined the United States Navy serving his country from 1950-1954. He went on to attend college at Iowa State graduating with a BS in Ag research in 1959. He started working for Northrup King, where he worked for 25 years. He continued his work in the Ag research field with various companies. Retiring in 2003. His hobbies included gardening, golfing and what he called making sawdust (woodworking). Bill married the love of his life, Marlene Jane Anderson on March 10, 1962. They were blessed with 3 children. He was also blessed with 6 grandchildren and 3 great grandsons.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father; brothers, Herbert and Bruce; sister, Lorna Buss; three nephews, James and Donald Althaus, Dan Buss.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Marlene; daughters, Rhonda (Jeff) O’Brien, Debra (Bernie) Buelow; son, Brian Althaus; six grandchildren, Jamison (Candice) Fischer, Cody (Sara) Lien, Liam, Elsa, Greta and Raphael Althaus; great grandsons, Hunter and Declan Lien and Jamison Raymond Fischer. Bill will be remembered for his humor, love of gardening, strong work ethic and love for his family.
We would like to thank the amazing nurses and care staff at Trinity Home Health & Hospice. Aimee, Traci, Laura, Tara and Kayla we thank you. To know Bill was to love Bill.
Dear Marlene and Family,
Our sincere condolences to all of you in the loss of Bill your husband, dad and grandfather.
It was pure pleasure working with Bill on two seperate occasions – while we were both at Northrup King & Co, and at Molecular Genetics Inc. (MGI). He was always a joy to work with. His contributions to agriculture and the seed industry should not go unmentioned! His genuine desire to do good work was obvious and appreciated by his peers.
His friendship will be cherished and never forgotten.
Blessings to all of you,
Duane and Marlene
Dear Aunt Marlene and family,
Tracey and I extend our deepest sympathies to you and your family. I always thought of Uncle Bill as a soft spoken man with a kind, quiet, and gentle soul. I’m guessing he inherited his mother’s green thumb and you and the family enjoyed the many fruits and vegetables from his gardens. We hope you all will find peace and comfort in the wonderful memories of the 62 year journey you shared.
Rhonda, We are thinking about you and your family especially on this difficult day. Sending you so much love , and really big hugs!