Denis C. Schilmoeller

Denis C. Schilmoeller, age 87 of Granville, IA passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022 at Heartland Care Center in Marcus, IA.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, Sept. 12, 2022 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Granville, IA, with Father Daniel Greving officiating and Deacon Dan Goebel assisting. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Granville.  Graveside military honors will be conducted by the Granville Veterans.  Visitation with family present will be Sunday from 4-7 p.m. with parish rosary and vigil prayer service at 5 p.m. followed by the 4^th degree chalice presentation all at the church.  Visitation will resume 1 hour prior to the funeral on Monday at the church.  Services have been entrusted to Fisch Funeral Home & Monument in Remsen, IA. 

Denis was born July 29, 1935 in Granville, IA, the son of Albin and Mathilda “Tillie” (Ludwig) Schilmoeller.  He attended one year of country school, then graduated from St Joseph Catholic School in 1953.  He went on to work at Swift & Co. Packing & helped on the family farm.  He enlisted into the U. S. Army in October of 1955 & was honorably discharged in 1961 after two years of active duty, one year in Japan and four years of active reserves. 

He married RoseMary Harpenau on December 31, 1957.  The couple settled on a farm near Granville, IA where they raised their 6 children and farmed together for 46 years, retiring in 2003 and moving into Granville.  

During those years, Denis was on the Board of Directors of Remsen Mutual Ins. Assn. (now NW Iowa Mutual Ins. Assn.) while also serving as an agent for 32 years. He served on the Board of Directors of Farmers Coop Elevator for 15 years with 5 years as chairman. Denis served on the Board of Directors of Cenex Harvest States, St. Paul, MN for 7 years, representing Iowa as its first C.H.S. director. He was as a salesman for Hospers Real Estate since 1987.  Denis was a strong supporter of Spalding Catholic Schools, having served on the School Board with 2 years as Chairman and was a charter member of The Spalding Booster Club.

He attended many events, especially those involving his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed attending many little league, high school and college ballgames. Denis enjoyed traveling, antique hunting and playing cards, especially pinochle. He also enjoyed his afternoon naps with Chika. 

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Granville serving as a lecture, usher for funerals, lay director & Cemetery Director.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus having served as a Grand Knight and District Deputy.

Denis leaves to cherish in his memory his wife, RoseMary of Granville; daughter MaryJo (Chika) of Granville; Sons -Tom (Rhonda) of Ankeny, IA, Terry (Janet) of Denver, CO, Steve (Teresa)Le Mars, IA, Mark (Cindy)of Lincoln, NE & Marty (Melanie)Bedford, TX; 18 Grandchildren; 29 Great Grandchildren; Sisters, Linda (Ed) Barber, Marilyn (Greg) Dunning & brother Alan (Jane) Schilmoeller; In-laws include, Jan Schilmoeller, Veronica Harpenau, Ervin Ahlers, Jim Gergeni, Pauline Harpenau, Carol Harpenau & Linda Leonard, Ann (Larry) Galles. Many cousins, nieces, nephews and close friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents (Al & Tillie), brothers Marlo (in infancy) & Neil, granddaughter Amber.  In-laws Henry & Mildred (Nilles) Harpenau, Clarence Harpenau, Colette (Darrell) Schroeder, Joanne Ahlers, Richard Harpenau, Jim (Mary Lea) Harpenau, Paul (Lou Gergeni) Harpenau and Jeanette Harpenau (in infancy).

Casket bearers will be Scott Hughes, Erin Schilmoeller, Brian Heidesch, Jake Walgenbach, Eric Schilmoeller, Makenzie Schilmoeller.