Oscar H. Gingrich was born November 15, 1921 at home in Rural Titonka, Iowa: the son of Raleigh W, and Gertrude (Wellhousen) Gingrich. He served in the United States Army during WWII in the 818th Tank Destroyer Batallion and the General Patton’s 3rd Army Recon Co. Oscar was united in marriage to Geneva Mae Williams on April 12, 1952 in Minneapolis, Minnesota; she preceded him in death on February 26. 1999. He was employed at John Deere in the Foundry, retiring on January 1, 1977, after 31 years of service. Oscar was a faithful member of St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Washburn. He attended Hawkeye Community College to learn Algebra so he could help Theresa and Brenda with their homework. He enjoyed rollerskating and Oscar never missed a family or Army reunion. He was a former Honor Guard Commander and Life Member with the VFW Post 1623 and American Legion Post 138 and belonged to the Moose Lodge and Polka Club of Iowa.
Oscar passed away on Monday, November 29, 2010 at his home from natural causes at the age of 89. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Geneva; a daughter Brenda Lucretia Benson Gingrich; a daughter-in-law, Barbara Benson; 2 brothers: Clarence and Earl Gingrich and a sister-in-law Anna Gingrich. Oscar is survived by a son Allen Benson of Waterloo; a daughter Theresa (Jim) Mahoney of Waterloo; 3 grandchildren: Ashley Essmann, Sydnie Mahoney and Terrence Miller, 2 great-grandchildren: Taylor and Evan Miller; 5 nieces: Lanita (Rusty) Kardoes, Leeann Englebarts, Lavida (Ed) Gingrich, Lanelda (Randy) Bollinger and Lorinda Gingrich and special friend Norma Ellis. Oscar will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
