James L. Olberding

DYERSVILLE, IOWA

James (Jim) Olberding age 87 of Dyersville, IA passed away peacefully in his home on the morning of Sunday, November 2, 2025. Born August 11, 1938, he was the beloved son of Andrew and Agnes (Kramer) Olberding. He grew up on a farm west of Dyersville and graduated from Xavier High School. On October 27, 1962, he married Catherine (Katie) Daly at St. Clements Church in Bankston.

Jim was a hard worker from a very young age. In 1963, he started Olberding Construction Company and later added J&J Lawn Care. He spent his career building hundreds of farm buildings and mowing hundreds of acres of grass. Sixty-two years later, the businesses are now run by his sons Pat and John Olberding.

In 1960, he proudly began his service with the Army National Guard, later continuing as a member of the Reserves for six additional years. He was a member of the American Legion Post 137 of Dyersville.

In his pastime, Jim enjoyed spending time with family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren, taking trips to Branson, square dancing, and his many Sunday morning breakfasts with friends. He was an avid bowler for many years and was a member of the Dyersville Bowling Association Hall of Fame.

He is survived by his wife Katie; four sons: Dan (Linda) Olberding, Pat Olberding, Joe Olberding, and John (Tammy) Olberding; one daughter, Carol (Mike) Mooney; grandchildren, Derek (Kayla) Olberding, Ashley Olberding, Chelsie (Hunter) Weatherman, Amanda (Ryan) McCann, McKenna (Ted) Townsend, Cassidy Olberding, Shelby (Brock) Harter, and Elizabeth Olberding; great-grandchildren: Parker, Reed, Marissa, Aiden, Sophia and two more on the way in 2026; and sisters-in-law: Shirley and Darlene Olberding.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Agnes; siblings: Dick (Alice), Gene, George, and Grace (Don) Hermsen; and his mother and father-in-law, Elmer and Mary Daly.

The visitation will be held from 3 – 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Dyersville where a service will commence at 7 p.m. accorded by American Legion Post #137. Visitation will continue prior to funeral services from 9 – 10 a.m. at the funeral home.

Funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica with burial to follow at the church cemetery where military honors will be accorded. Rev. David Schatz will officiate.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to all the visitors who were with Jim in his last days as well as his Mercy One, Accura, and Hospice of Dubuque caretakers.

Gone but not forgotten, forever in our hearts.

Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family. Information is available at https://www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.