Joseph C. Grell

Joe was born June 27, 1936 to Fred and Beulah (Heilman) Grell in Holstein, Iowa. He was raised on a farm near Holstein and at the age of seven they moved to another farm by Silver Creek, south of Galva. He graduated from Galva High School in the class of 1954. After high school he bought a farm near Washta, where he resided until 2008 when he moved to Holstein. After he purchased the farm, he was drafted into the military on March 22, 1960. He was stationed in Germany where he met Janet Shelgren while she was there teaching school. He was discharged on March 12, 1962.

Joe was united in marriage to Janet on October 20, 1962 in Rolfe, IA. To this union three children were born: Jody, Jeri and Jed. Janet passed away July 18, 2000.

Joe enjoyed farming and raising cattle. He was a shrewd businessman owning the Cushing Elevator and Groepper, Inc. Joe was a member of the Holstein United Methodist Church. After he moved into town he enjoyed the Thursday morning coffees at the Legion.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Buelah Grell; his wife, Janet; a grandson, Alex Parker; a brother, Jim Grell; and a daughter-in-law, Debra Grell.

Those left to cherish his memory are daughters, Jody Parker and her husband, Lloyd of Anthon, IA, Jeri Johannsen and fiancée Dale Lux of Sutherland, IA; son, Jed Grell and special friend Robin Shelledy of Washta, IA; grandchildren, Keith (Andrea) Parker, Jake Parker, Drew Johannsen, Dax Johannsen, Bethany Grell, Cassie Grell and Jered Grell; great-grandchildren Tucker and Levi Parker, sister, Diane (Dennis) Mandernach; brother, Vance (Julie) Grell; along with many nieces, nephews and relatives.