Rev. Earl Josten

Ottumwa - Rev. Earl Eugene Josten, 87, formerly of Klemme died at 8:42 a.m. June 4, 1991, at Sunnyslope Care Center in Ottumwa.

He was born Jan. 1, 1904, in Klemme to John and Elizabeth Renziehusen Josten.  He married L. Faye Lee June 2, 1937, in Des Moines.

He graduated from Garner High School in 1922 and received his bachelor of arts degree from Morningside College in 1926.  He received a master of arts degree in music education and a bachelor of divinity from Drake University.  For 17 years he taught vocal and instrumental music and directed church choirs in Mount Vernon, Harris, Estherville, Swea City, Armstrong. Graettinger and Valley Junction.  In 1943 he began seminary training to become a Methodist pastor, beginning 30 years in the active ministry.  His pastorates included, Carlisle-Jordan; Des Moines-Immanuel; Ankeny; Missouri-Valley-Modale; Coon Rapids-Star; Wellman; Columbus Junction-Columbus City; Northwood-Kensett and Thornton.

He served on the Methodist Church, South Iowa Conference, Boards of Evangelism, Christian Social Concern and Commission on Worship.  While in Klemme he was a member of the Klemme United Methodist Church, United Methodist Men, Lions Club, PURE, the Democratic Party, Hancock County Genealogical Society and Senior Citizens.  In 1979, he was chosen "Outstanding Senior Citizen" for Area 11, north Iowa. He was also a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Ottumwa.

He is survived by his wife; a son, Robert of Des Moines; a daughter, Ann Riggs of Ottumwa and three grandchildren.

The service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Wesley United Methodist Church in Ottumwa, the Rev. Wayne Gjerde officiating.  Burial will be in Ottumwa Cemetery.

The family will be at Reece Funeral Home in Ottumwa from 7 to 8 p.m. today.

Pallbearers will be the Rev. William Trusheim, the Rev. Charles Rinkel Jr., the Rev David Jongewaard, Charles Montgomers, Dwight Rice and Sam Woodward.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church or Sunnyslope Care Center in Ottumwa.

source: Ottumwa Courier, 5 Jun 1991, page 4, column 2

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Earl Josten

Ottumwa, IA. - Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Wesley United Methodist Church for Earl Josten, 87, of Ottumwa, who died of a heat ailment Tuesday at a local care center.

The Rev. Mr. Josten, a Methodist minister, had served pastorates at Columbus Junction, Northwood, Des Moines, Carlisle, Ankeny, Missouri Valley, Coon Rapids, Wellman and Thornton.  He is survives by a daughter, Ann Riggs of Ottumwa; a son, Robert of Des Moines; and three grandchildren.

source: Des Moines Register, 5 Jun 1991, page 3

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Earl Josten, 87, of Ottumwa, who lived in Carlisle, Ankeny, Coon Rapids and Des Moines before the 1970's died of a heart ailment Tuesday at Sunny Slope Care Center in Ottumwa.

Services will be at 11 a.m. today at Wesley United Methodist Church in Ottumwa.  Reese Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  The date of services in Wednesday's notice was incorrect.

source: Des Moines Register, 6 Jun 1991, page 17

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Rev. Earl Eugene Josten: born 1 Jan 1904 at Klemme, Hancock County, Iowa - died 4 Jun 1991 at Ottumwa, Wapello County, Iowa

Grave marker at Ottumwa Cemetery, Ottumwa, Wapello County, Iowa - Plot: 125 / Evergreen

Son of: John Josten, born 1872 - died 1958 and Elizabeth R. Renziehausen, born1859 - died 1935

Husband of  Letha Faye Lee Josten, born 1911 - died 1998

source: Find-A-Grave, memorial# 92396409