Laura Osborn

Laura Osborn, 89, of Gladbrook, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at Parkview Manor in Reinbeck, Iowa. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Peace United Church of Christ in Gladbrook, Iowa, with visitation at 10:00 a.m. A luncheon will immediately follow the service. The family has scheduled a private inurnment. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Peace United Church of Christ in Gladbrook, Iowa, or an organization close to your heart. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.

Laura Emma (Kuehl) Osborn of Reinbeck (formerly of Gladbrook), Iowa, was born the daughter of Ernest and Anna (Aswegan) Kuehl on January 19, 1935, in rural Lincoln, Iowa. Laura graduated from Gladbrook High School in 1953.

On September 2, 1953, Laura was united in marriage with John (Jack) William Osborn at Peace United Church of Christ in Gladbrook, and they were blessed with four children and 69 years of marriage. Laura and Jack farmed near Gladbrook until their retirement in 1999.

Growing up on the farm, Laura enjoyed playing outside and helping with fieldwork. She loved animals and had numerous pets. In high school, Laura was a member of the school band and played the trombone. She was also a member of the mixed chorus and glee club. She later sang for many years with the church choir and played with the bell choir at Peace United Church of Christ. She was a 4-H leader, Sunday School teacher, Gladbrook Women’s Club president, Gladbrook Music Mothers president, as well as a full-time farm wife and mother of four active children. Laura also worked as a receptionist at the family practice clinic in Gladbrook for 10 years.

Laura enjoyed many family fishing vacations in Minnesota and Canada, an Alaskan cruise, trips to Germany and England, as well as league bowling and socializing with family and friends. She would often gather her family around the table to play cards or board games. She was a wonderful cook and was well known for her delicious home-made pies. Laura generously gave of her time and talents, always putting others first.

Laura is survived by her daughter Kari O. (Pat) Narey of Waterloo; sons Steve Osborn and Jim (Deb) Osborn of Gladbrook; daughter-in-law Jill Osborn of Shorewood, Minnesota; sister Esther Jindrich of Gladbrook; sister-in-law Mary Cecak of Traer; 7 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Laura was preceded in death by her husband Jack and son John.

Laura’s family extends heartfelt appreciation to the entire staff at The Elms/Parkview Manor in Reinbeck and UnityPoint Hospice for their loving and compassionate care.