Claire M Wolthoff

Claire Milton Wolthoff, affectionately and more popularly known as "Buck", was born October 5, 1935, to Faye Mildred (Stearns) and Casper Neihouse Wolthoff and was their little buckaroo. He passed away at age 89, on July 28, 2025, at Good Shepherd nursing home in Mason City, IA.
Buck was born and grew up in Oakdale Township. He attended Leroy Schools where he was a member of the football and baseball team. He graduated with the Class of 1954. On October 5, 1953, Buck signed up for the draft. He continued to work on the family farm with his father for several years until he was called to duty in 1957. He proudly served in the United States Army until 1959.
On December 27, 1959 he was united in marriage with Verna "Gloria" Henderson. Buck and Gloria soon acquired their own farm west of Riceville. Together they raised their 4 children. In 1976, the family moved off the farm and into town.
Buck worked for Russell Fox for many years, and they became great friends. He later went to work in Osage for Wallace's, where he retired after 18 years. Following retirement, the couple moved to Grand Rapids, MN.
Buck enjoyed fishing, gardening (he had three large gardens) and spending time with family, friends, and well, anyone he could strike up a conversation with. Buck had a knack for conversation, an infectious laugh, and a large collection of one-liners, jokes, and stories that he will be forever remembered by.
In 2013, Claire and Gloria decided that the 43 acres up North was too much for them to care for and moved to Saint Ansgar, Iowa. He continued to be an avid gardener and was able to spend more time with family. In his later years, Buck was a patient man with a kind heart, a wonderful sense of humor and an all-around good sport. He would let his grandchildren dress him up in wigs, pearls and hats and even take pictures!
Buck was incredibly proud of his family, all their achievements and accomplishments, and especially his grandchildren's college graduations.
Buck is survived by his wife Verna "Gloria" Wolthoff, sister Bonnie (Jim) DeNoma, brother in-law Jack Mowbray, children: Russell (Nancy) Wolthoff of Riceville, IA, Arnie (Lori) Wolthoff of Wabasha, MN and Theresa (Craig) Goyette of Mason City, IA, seven grandchildren: Craig Wolthoff (Jill Nerland), Kayla Wolthoff (JP Waleski), Alyssa Wolthoff, Justice (James) Howey, Samantha (Steve) Scray, Sierra (Lucas) Steffen, Jodi (Coty) Kirtz, great-grandchildren: Brooklyn, Alexa, Declan, Mercedes, Jasper, Jemma and Hallie. He was also a grandpa to: Yngwie, Trenten and Cynthia Goyette, Brooke, Matt and Tessa Nielsen and many others.
He was preceded in death by his parents Casper and Faye "Sally" Wolthoff, son Milton Wolthoff, sisters LaVonne (Dean) Thompson and DeAnne Wolthoff, and a brother Dale (Pat) Wolthoff.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Friday, August 1, 2025, at Schmelzer Funeral Home (formerly Lindstrom) in Riceville. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services on Friday morning.