Howard John Radunz

Ocheyedan, Iowa Howard John Radunz, age 76, of Ocheyedan Iowa, died Saturday, November 10, 2007 at the Northwest Iowa Health Center in Sheldon, IA. Funeral Services will be 1pm on Tuesday, November 13th at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Ocheyedan, Iowa, with Rev. Russell Anderson officiating. Burial will follow at the Ocheyedan Township Cemetery in Ocheyedan, Iowa. Visitation will be Monday, November 12th from 2-8pm with family present from 6-8pm at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley. Howard Radunz was born June 11, 1931 on a farm south west of Ocheyedan, Iowa, the son of John and Anna (Hartwig) Radunz. Howard was baptized and confirmed in the American Lutheran Church in Melvin Iowa. He attended country school and later graduated from Ocheyedan Public School. He joined the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He received his honorable discharge in 1954. In 1955 he married JoAnn Uden in Sioux City, Iowa. To this union three children were born, Douglas, Eva and Daniel. Howard and JoAnn farmed for ten years. Howard then worked for various construction companies as a heavy equipment operator. In 1985 Howards health deteriorated and he retired. During his retirement he had many interests. He researched his family history and was a past member of Spencer and Sibley Historical Society. He researched veteran names and was instrumental in constructing the Osceola Veterans Memorial Board. He accompanied the board to many parades and fairs. He also served as Clerk for the Ocheyedan and Harris Townships. He and friends Albert Brueker and Walt Byers restored an abandoned cemetery. He worked and researched all the cemeteries in Osceola County and composed a book with his finding. He was a lifelong member of Wood-Miller Legion Post. He served as adjutant for many years. He was also a member of the VFW in Sibley. He served as Osceola County VA Director for 9 years. While Director, he was vice-president of the Veterans Memorial Committee. The Memorial stands now on the courthouse grounds in Sibley. He also served as Osceola patient representative for the Sioux Falls VA Hospital. He was a member of St. Peters Lutheran Church in Ocheyedan. He is survived by his wife JoAnn; two sons, Douglas (Debbie) Radunz of Ocheyedan and Daniel Radunz and special friend Darlene; and one daughter, Eva Brown; four grandchildren, Carrie Goecke of Milford, Amanda Radunz of Sheldon, Wesley (Melissa) of Ocheyedan, and James Radunz of Ocheyedan; one Great-Grandchild, Dawson Goecke of Milford and many friends and extended family. Preceding him in death were his parents and one sister, Mary Ann.