Bethel Cemetery - Osterdock, Iowa

05/27/2025

A big THANK YOU to all those who had a part in making this new gravel driveway possible!!
We are also grateful for those who prepared the church and grounds for the Memorial Day weekend!

06/02/2022

Memorial Day services 2022, by the Colesburg American Legion and Auxiliary. Photos courtesy of Melissa Spielbauer Combs.

05/24/2022

Once again, a big thank you to Diane Johnson for cleaning the church in preparation for 2022 Memorial Day visitors!

05/18/2021

Thank you to Diane Johnson for cleaning the church interior in preparation for the Memorial Day weekend!!

12/23/2020

A lovely winter sunset photo, courtesy of Melissa Spielbauer-Combs.

10/27/2020

The 2017 restoration of the historic Bethel Church near Osterdock was recently completed with the installation of new interior window trim. The Bethel Church board and community express their sincere thanks to Ron Jenssen of Guttenberg who volunteered his time and skill to fabricate, install and paint the trim on the windows. The board also thanks Sherri Westemeier for her helpful involvement.

01/03/2019

Winter photo by Melissa Spielbauer Combs

05/25/2017

The new windows and siding look great for those visiting on Memorial Day - 2017. The grounds look great, too, thanks to Steve Miller Lawn Care.

11/21/2016

New siding and windows are being installed following a fund-raising campaign that began after spring winds damaged the exerior. Craig Noack Construction was awarded the bid for the job.

06/17/2016

JUNE UPDATE: Following publication of a feature story in The Press about serious wind damage at Bethel Church in rural Osterdock this spring, many people have responded with donations, suggestions and offers of help.
President Janette Hansel of Guttenberg reports that the overwhelming consensus of those who responded is to save the church building. The building no longer serves a congregation but has stood as a landmark in the area since its construction in the 1880s. The Bethel Cemetery Association maintains the church and cemetery grounds.
The focus at this time is to replace the siding and install new windows. The roof is deemed to be in satisfactory condition. The interior also needs work, but the consensus is to take care of exterior repairs and upgrades at this time, and address the interior work as a second phase.
"We are committed to preserving the integrity of the original design as much as possible," said Hansel, who noted that one goal will be to retain the look of the arch-top windows.
An estimate on the cost of materials (siding and windows) has been determined, as well as an approximate estimate on labor. "We will not put the project out for bids until enough funds have been raised to cover all estimated and anticipated costs," said Hansel. "Now a formal fund drive can begin."
"Many people have already given generously," noted Hansel. "We plan to set up a mailing list and contact others for help." The appeal letter will contain specific information on the total amount needed and the amount donated thus far.
Anyone with questions can email Hansel at:
[email protected]
or mail her at 719 N. Third Street. Donations and/or comments can also be mailed to Shelia Tomkins, treasurer, P.O. Box 224, Guttenberg IA 52052.
Those who know the names and addresses of others who might be willing to donate are asked to share that information with the above contacts.

05/26/2016

Thanks to Steve Miller Lawn Care for making the cemetery beautiful for Memorial Day!

05/19/2016