Harold Grotjohn, age 87, of Schaller, Iowa, died Tuesday, January 24, 2006 at Methodist Manor in Storm Lake, Iowa.

Funeral Service for Mr. Grotjohn will be held Saturday, January 28, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. at the Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ in rural Schaller, with Reverend Henry Huddleston and Pastor Doug Corlew officiating. Burial will be in the Schaller Cemetery. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Schaller is in charge of the arrangements.

Friends may call at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Schaller anytime after 4:00 on Friday, January 27, 2006, where family will be present from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. 

Harold William Grotjohn was born on July 21, 1918 at Schaller to William and Marie (Krause) Grotjohn.  He was a lifelong, active member of Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ in rural Schaller, where he was baptized as an infant and confirmed as a youth.  He received his education at the Eden Township rural school.

On August 17, 1941, Harold was united in marriage to Ethel Martha Currie at the home of her parents, Roy and Martha Currie, in rural Schaller. Their union was blessed with four children. Harold loved his family and treasured the time he spent with them. The family lived and farmed east of Schaller. Harold and Ethel loved life on the farm and found it perfect for raising their family. Harold was an avid baseball fan and enjoyed watching baseball games on television together with Ethel. Harold liked to fish in his spare moments, enjoyed listening to Billy Graham, tending to his roses, and he always could find time to visit with family and friends.

In 1980, Harold and Ethel retired from farming and moved to Schaller. In 2000, Harold and Ethel moved to Wel-Life Assisted Living in Alta, Iowa; in 2002, they moved to Sunset Knoll in Aurelia, Iowa, and in 2003, to Methodist Manor in Storm Lake. Harold and Ethel shared more than 63 years of happy married life before Ethel passed on March 31, 2005.

Harold was active in his community, serving on the Schaller Community School Board, was a township trustee and 4-H leader. He served his Lord faithfully in his daily life and in his church activities. He taught Sunday School for a number of years and served as Sunday School Superintendent, as well as Elder and Deacon of the church.

Harold was quick to offer help to anyone who might need it, was a good neighbor and friend, and a devoted family man. His caring presence will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Left to cherish his memory are his children: son Dean Grotjohn and wife Betty of Apple Valley, Minnesota, son LaDon Grotjohn of Schaller, son Gary Grotjohn and wife Linda of Schaller and daughter Carolee Franzkowiak and husband Paul of Schaller. Grandchildren include: Sander Grotjohn and wife Anissa of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, Peter Grotjohn and wife Jessica of Storrs, Connecticut, Deena Grotjohn of Apple Valley, Minnesota, Amy Brass and husband Jory of Lansing, Michigan, Jeni Grotjohn of Storm Lake, and Leah, Lynn and Nick Franzkowiak of Schaller. Great-Grandchildren are Cameron and Noah Grotjohn of Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

Harold’s sister, Fern Schaefer of Storm Lake, brother-in-law Bud Mauser of Storm Lake, sister-in-law Clara Grotjohn of Peoria, Arizona, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Wilbur and Evelyn Currie of Schaller and brother-in-law Delbert Currie of Storm Lake also mourn his passing, as well as nieces, nephews, many other relatives and a host of friends.

Harold was preceded in death by his wife, Ethel; his parents; daughter-in-law Linda Darlene Grotjohn, the wife of LaDon; sister Gladys Mauser; brother Vernon Grotjohn; brother-in-law Bob Schaefer; and sister-in-law Ellen Currie.