In Memory of Ralph "Bud" Cowlham
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 29, 2015, at the Trinity Lutheran Church of Odebolt, Iowa. Pastor David Lyons will officiate. Committal services will be held at the Odebolt Cemetery of Odebolt, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., on Tuesday, July 28 2015 at the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Odebolt, Iowa. The Christensen ~ Van Houten Funeral Home of Odebolt, Iowa is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online to www.christensenvanhouten.com
Ralph J. Cowlham was born on December 11, 1940 in his grandparent’s home in Odebolt, Iowa to Ralph W. and Anna (Bruns) Cowlham.
Ralph grew up in Odebolt, where he attended country school and graduated from Odebolt High School in 1958.
Ralph was united into marriage to Margaret E. Kelly on June 30, 1962 in the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Wall Lake, Iowa. The couple made their home on a farm in the Odebolt area and were blessed with four children: Kelli, Brad, Jill, and Jason.
Ralph and Margaret moved to town in 1993. After moving to town Ralph did some construction, carpentry work, and trucking; although he still had a passion for farming and would help whenever the opportunity arose.
Ralph was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Odebolt, Iowa. For many years he served as an usher and church elder.
Ralph enjoyed attending all of his children and grandchildren’s sporting events, having Sunday morning family coffee, farming and being outdoors. He treasured the time he got to spend with his sons and grandson’s “In the Shop” restoring tractors and going to tractor pulls with them.
Ralph will be remembered as a loving, caring, supportive family man who was always willing to lend an ear or hand to help. This tribe will greatly miss their chief.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Margaret “Peg” Cowlham of Odebolt, Iowa; children, Kelli (Kirk) Duff of Odebolt, Iowa; Brad Cowlham of Odebolt, Iowa; Jill (Dennis) Grote of Odebolt, Iowa; Jason (Joan) Cowlham of Odebolt, Iowa; grandchildren: Cory (Alicia) Duff, Seth Duff, Rachelle Duff, Abbie (Zak) Renze, Rebecca ( Fiancé Nick Billings) Grote, Michael Grote, Adam Grote, William Grote, Kristine Cowlham, Kara Cowlham, Katlyn Cowlham and Jacob Cowlham; mother, Anna Cowlham of Odebolt, Iowa; sister, Audry (Larry) Geyer of Grundy Center, Iowa; cousins, Don Cowlham of Odebolt, Iowa; Deloris Coulter of Arizona; and many extended family and friends.
Ralph was preceded in death by his father, parents-in-law, brothers-in-law, Bill (Barb) Kelly, Dan Kelly and Bill Heinriches; nephew, Jeff Heinrichs.
SERVICES
10:30 a.m., Wednesday
July 29, 2015
Trinity Lutheran Church
Odebolt, Iowa
OFFICIATING
Pastor David Lyons
CASKET BEARERS
Pallbearers:
Cory Duff
Seth Duff
Michael Grote
Adam Grote
Jacob Cowlham
William Grote
Zak Renze
Nick Billings
Gary Sykes
D.J. Campbell
Honorary Pallbearers:
Abbie Renze
Kristine Cowlham
Rebecca Grote
Kara Cowlham
Rachelle Duff
Katlyn Cowlham
Alicia Duff
VISITATION
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Christensen-Van Houten
Funeral Home
Odebolt, Iowa
MUSIC
"On Eagle's Wings"
"How Great Thou Art"
INTERMENT
Odebolt Cemetery
Odebolt, Iowa
Condolences
I am so sorry for your loss, I just heard about Ralph(Bud). I cried just thinking about you all & wanted to express my most sincere condolences. I thought a lot of him & how much he always took care of everyone. He was funny at times , stern & strong but also very kind & caring.. He will always be remembered by all those whom knew him & were fortunate enough to have met him in person. I for one will never forget him.
Thinking of you all & God Bless!
Glenda (Zahnley) Janssen”
The entire staff, the residents,and the Assisted Living tenants are so sorry for your loss. Know that we are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Kathy, Odebolt Nursing & Rehab Center”
Randy, Pippa, Emily and Erin Fineran”
Joyce Hauser Schneider”
Wish your family my deepest condolences !!!! My best be with you and all the family!!!
May be apart but always in our hearts!!!! Many good times!!!
Love you all!!!
Tim ”
We are saddened at the loss of your loved one. I remember Bud as always having that smile and time to visit when he would come to see you during those "Bomgarrs" days. Our prayers are with you at this time of grief.”
the Ohdens”
”
My heart goes out to you and your family! I am so sorry to hear of Ralph's sudden death. I am praying that you will find comfort and peace at this difficult time
LaDonna.”
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss this morning in MO.
It is so hard to say good-bye to someone so special.
You are not alone in your sadness
for your loved one meant so much to so many
and will be deeply missed.
I'm so sorry I will not be able to be there at the time of visitation or funeral. Just know that I'm saying prayers
for you to be able to heal from your loss as you go about doing things with your families.
I'm sending my hug along with my condolences.
With Heartfelt Sympathy and Prayers,
Mary Jo Hauser
”
”
We were so sad to hear about Bud. You have our deepest sympathies and prayers. Allow the happy memories you had with Bud to ease your pain in loosing him.
Scott & Doris Scanlan”
So sorry to hear of your loss. Bud always had a smile - we need more like that. Many good memories of times past.
Ray and Kathie Willhoite”
Sorry about your loss
Speed/judy”