George C. Koithan, age 93, of Mapleton, Iowa, passed away on Monday, April 27, 2026, at the Mapleton Heights Nursing Home in Mapleton, Iowa.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., with visitation held one hour prior from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 1, 2026, in the St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Mapleton, Iowa. Rev. Nathan Peitsch will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Mount Hope Cemetery in Mapleton, Iowa, with Military Rites conducted by Loren Hollister Post No. 496 of the American Legion of Mapleton, Iowa.
The Armstrong - Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online www.armstrongfuneral.com.
George Charles Koithan, son of George and Elsie (Ziems) Koithan, was born on September 2, 1932, in Mapleton, Iowa. George was a lifelong member of the St. Matthew Lutheran church in Mapleton, where he was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Shortly before his high school graduation, George began his career in farming full time after his father suffered a stroke, and passed away unexpectedly.
In 1955, George enlisted in the U.S. Army as a tank and track mechanic. He served in Alaska and received an honorable discharge as an SP3 in 1957. He returned to Mapleton to pursue his passion for farming.
On March 17, 1957, George wed his sweetheart, Evelyn Jean Justi, in the St. Paul Lutheran Church, in Sioux City, Iowa. After moving to Mapleton, the couple had the good fortune of welcoming three sons: Kirk, Daniel, and Thomas. George took great pride in his sons’ athletic, academic, professional, and personal achievements. He and Evelyn felt blessed.
George was active in his community, contributing his time to the Jaycees, the ASC committee, and the Loren Hollister Post #496, of the American Legion. In his leisure time, he enjoyed fishing, bowling, going dancing, and listening to, and playing polka music, on his accordion. George was both loving and loved by all who enjoyed a lively polka, a cup of coffee, and friendly conversation.
His greatest treasure in his life was his family. Nothing brought George more joy than being around his grandchildren and attending all of their activities. When he couldn't attend, he took pleasure in listening to their stories.
In August of 2000, his sweetheart, Evelyn, passed away. George married Irene Reisenberg on June 25, 2005, in the St. Lawrence Church, in Carroll, Iowa, after meeting her at a polka dance. He lovingly nicknamed Irene his “Honeybee”. George and Irene made their home in Carroll, and together they enjoyed polka dancing, and taking car rides visiting each other’s families.
His memory will be lovingly remembered by his sons, Daniel (Carol) Koithan of Mapleton, IA, and Thomas (Rose) Koithan of Clive, IA; daughter-in-law, Cheryl Koithan-Mockler of Vermillion, SD.; grandchildren; Douglas (Gina) Koithan, Stephen (Jennifer) Koithan, Sarah (Clayton) Janecke, David (Maria) Koithan, Jeff (Katie) Koithan, Ben (Gabby) Koithan, Eric (Tiffany) Koithan, Alisa (Tyler) Wattier, Joseph Koithan, MaryKatherine (Jackson) Braatz, Morgan (Trevor) Lloyd, Chelsea (Donnie) Brookes, and Carly Watson; 16 great-grandchildren and one on the way; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
George was predeceased by his parents, George and Elsie Koithan; wives, Evelyn (Justi) Koithan and Irene (Reisenberg) Koithan; son, Kirk Koithan; five siblings and extended family members who remain loved and never forgotten.
Previous Events
Visitation
1
May
504 Walnut Street
Mapleton, IA 51034
Funeral Service
1
May
504 Walnut Street
Mapleton, IA 51034
