Arnold "Arnie" I. Grau

Arnold "Arnie" I. Grau, age 69, of Newell, Iowa died January 15, 2012 at St. Luke's Regional Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa. Arnold Ivan was born February 22, 1942 in Storm Lake, Iowa the son of Ivan and Ruth (Iversen) Grau. He was baptized on April 12, 1942 at the Nain Lutheran Church in Newell where he was later confirmed in 1956. Growing up, Arnie attended school in Newell where he graduated from Newell High School in 1960. Following high school graduation, Arnie furthered his education by attending Iowa State University where he graduated in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Education. On December 2, 1967, Arnie was united in marriage to Karen Blok at the Presbyterian Church in Sanborn, Iowa. Together, they were blessed with two children: Julie and Gordon. Arnie was a fourth generation, lifelong member of the Nain Lutheran Church in Newell. Every Christmas Eve he was the lector. He was also a board chairman of the church, a member of the church choir, an usher, assistant worship leader, youth leader, and served on many other committees. Arnie was a member of Pork Producers, Cattlemanâ€™s Association, Iowa Salers Association, and Iowa Master Farmer 1989. He served on the Newell Providence School Board and was a member of the Beta Sigma Psi Fraternity. Arnie was a lifelong farmer who thoroughly enjoyed all sorts of agriculture. His favorite part of farming was all livestock, but his cows were his pride and joy. Arnie was an avid Iowa State Cyclone Fan. He enjoyed watching sporting events, especially his grandchildrenâ€™s activities. In his spare time, Arnie had a passion for collecting ink pens. He loved music and dancing, especially polka music and Danish folk dance. Arnie treasured spending time with his family and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 44 years, Karen Grau of Newell, Iowa; children: Julie (Keith) Laube of Newton, Iowa; Gordon (Shannon) Grau of Newell, Iowa; grandchildren: Jolisa Laube of Mohave Valley, Arizona; Christian, and Amanda Laube of Newton, Iowa ; Carli, Lindsay, and Kyle Grau of Newell, Iowa; brother, Gerald (Brenda) Grau of Lafayette, Louisiana; sisters-in-law: Glenda (Lee) Holtrop of Fulda, Minnesota; Roberta (Leroy) Morenz of Newell, Iowa; brother-in-law, Leonard (LaVonne) Blok of Sacramento, California; several nieces and nephews; extended family and many friends. Arnie was preceded in death by his parents, Ivan and Ruth Grau; parents-in-law; grandparents; and several aunts and uncles.

Arnold "Arnie" I. Grau

February 22, 1942 - January 15, 2012