Fred Koschmeder

Our dad, husband, and papa, Fred Koschmeder Jr., 72, of Riceville, Iowa, went home to the Lord on September 11, 2025, at St. Mary's - Mayo Clinic Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Fred was born on March 29, 1953, in Osage, Iowa, to Fred Sr. and Millie (Larson) Koschmeder. He grew up in Riceville and graduated from Riceville High School, where he played sports and was active in FFA. Even then, people noticed his easy laugh, his drive, and the way he made friends wherever he went.

On September 22, 1973, he married the love of his life, our mom, Betty Walker. Together they built a home filled with warmth, faith and laughter as they raised three children-Nickolas, Dustin and Kellie. Everything they did was centered on family and friends.

After high school, Fred worked for Winnebago and White Farms before following his true calling-farming. In 1982, he established his own farm, and over the years raised sheep, cattle and hogs while growing corn and beans. He loved every bit of the work, though; he did celebrate the final sale of his cattle years ago. He also poured his heart into his community, supporting our school and serving in many roles at his church.

In his later years, Dad never really slowed down. He kept farming, happiest when he could work side-by-side with Dusty in the fields and come home to one of Mom's home-cooked meals. But the part of life that lit him up most was being "Papa." He drove to Crosby and St. Louis whenever he could to watch his grandkids play ball, run track, and dance at recitals, or just hear them tell their stories. When they visited the farm, his eyes would light up as they tore across the yard. He'd wrestle them on the living-room floor, haul them up into the tractor, give endless rides, or simply sit with them on a quiet morning before chores began. Those were his favorite moments.

Away from the fields, Dad had a soft spot for simple pleasures. He loved country music-especially Johnny Cash-and could hum along to nearly any of his songs. And if a black-and-white show or old movie was on the television, chances were good he'd be watching, enjoying the classics with the same steady smile.

What we'll always remember most about Dad is the way he loved us. You could see it in the way he looked at Mom, in how proud he was of each of us, and in the way he'd drop everything when we needed him. We never had to wonder if he would show up-he always did, with a hug, advice, or a joke to make things lighter. He taught us more lessons than he probably realized. And beyond our family, he was a loyal friend to so many. People were drawn to his quick wit and his playful streak of mischief, and once you knew him, you never forgot him.

Fred leaves behind his wife of 52 years, Betty; sons Nick (Jessie) of Crosby, Minnesota and Dusty of Riceville, Iowa; daughter Kellie (Matt) of St. Louis, Missouri; and grandchildren Halle and Freddie of Crosby and Bennett and Quinn of St. Louis. Also surviving are his sisters Lana Fowler and Nicole (Tom) Armstrong of Kansas City, Missouri; sister Anne Koschmeder of Rochester, Minnesota; brother Jeff (Rachel) Koschmeder of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; sisters-in-law Kathy Burrs of Britt, Iowa, and Nancy (Jack) Dobbs of Kansas City, Missouri; brother-in-law Bob (Kathy) Walker of Riceville, Iowa and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Fred Sr. and Millie Koschmeder; his in-laws Clarence and Gayle Walker; sister-in-law Evelyn Torney; and brothers-in-law Scott Burrs, Ronald Torney, Lee Tonn and Mike Walker.