Walter E. Osterhaus, 87, of Independence, Iowa died Monday evening, January 14, 2013, at the Buchanan County Health Center in Independence, Iowa.

Walt was born on October 4, 1925, near Fillmore, Iowa the son of Joseph and Catherine (Leibold) Osterhaus. He was united into marriage to Mary T. Lukan on November 28, 1946 in St. Francis Catholic Church in Dyersville, Iowa. The couple moved to Independence, Iowa in 1947, where Walter became employed with Buchanan County, working for Buchanan County for thirty nine years as an assistant County Engineer prior to his retirement in 1988.

Walt was a member of St. John's Catholic Church, he enjoyed playing cards and fishing. .

He is survived by his wife, Mary T. Osterhaus, Independence, IA., eight children; Kenneth (Phyllis) Osterhaus, Ankeny, IA, Steve (Sandy) Osterhaus, Rowley, IA, Christine (Charlie) Tutwiler, Bossier City, LA, Cathy (Bruce) Rosene, Rowley, IA, Sue (Dave) Greiner, Johnston, IA, Nancy (Jim) Hosch, Evansdale, IA, Maria (Chris) McCalley, Illinois City, IL, Lisa (Jim Geiger) Jacobs, Mylan, IL, twenty two grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren, and a brother; George Osterhaus, Urbana, IA, and a former daughter-in-law Margaret Hosch, Independence, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Dan Osterhaus, one grandchild, two brothers, Frank and Leo Osterhaus, and five sisters; Mathilda Dague, Bernice Schmitt, Lorraine Albang, Francine Wessels, and Mary Osterhaus.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday at St. John’s Catholic Church, Independence, IA with Rev. Paul McManus officiating. Inurnment will be in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Walter E. Osterhaus Memorial Fund, %BankIowa, 230 1st St East, Independence, Iowa 50644