Henry "Hank" J Horstmann

Henry J. Horstmann, Jr., 90, of Gladbrook, passed away peacefully on July 28th. Public visitation will be held on Thursday, August 1, 2024 from 5-7 p.m. at the Peace United Church of Christ in Gladbrook. His Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, August 2, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. also at the Peace United Church of Christ, with the Rev. Granchie officiating. A lunch will follow the service. A private burial will be held at a later date.

Henry was born August 26, 1933, in Spring Creek Township, the son of Henry Sr. and Toni Horstmann. He lived on a farm near Garwin until second grade, and then moved to a farm near Gladbrook, which became his lifelong home. Henry graduated from Gladbrook High School in 1951 and began farming after graduation. He later volunteered for the United States Army, serving at Ft. Hood, Texas, and was honorably discharged in 1957. During his service, he married Arlene Arp in June 1956 at the Peace United Church of Christ in Gladbrook.

Henry continued to farm the home place for over 50 years, raising dairy and feeder cattle, chickens, and hogs. Together with his spouse, they raised four children: Carol, Carma, Michael, and Cindy.

Henry enjoyed playing cards, dancing, traveling, and above all, spending time with his family. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren, often attending their sports and activities.

Henry was a member of the Peace United Church of Christ, a past Jaycee, and served as a board member of the Lincoln Co-op for nine years and Farmers Mutual Insurance for twenty-six years. He was also a Lincoln Township Trustee. In 1982, he was named Masters Pork Producer and received a wind break award from the Tama County Soil and Water District in 2015. A proud veteran, he was a member of the Gladbrook Legion Post #127 and was honored to receive a Quilt of Valor in 2023.

Henry is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Arlene; children Carol (Dean) Aldrich of Green Mountain, Carma (Stan) Sturtz of Newton, Michael (Erika) Horstmann of West Des Moines, and Cindy (Casey) Gibbs of Grinnell; grandchildren Andrew (Lindsay) Aldrich, Austin (Tempestt) Aldrich, Mallory (Jack) Shipley, Chandler Sturtz, Garrett Sturtz, Raymond Horstmann, Sheila Horstmann, Cody (Carli) Gibbs, and Cally Gibbs; great-grandchildren Ander Aldrich, Julian, and Ruby Shipley; and sister Irmgard Kadner of Conrad. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law. Henry was a quiet man who dearly loved his family.