LeRoy Guy Morenz

LeRoy Guy Morenz, age 84, of Newell, Iowa died January 13, 2022 at the Newell Good Samaritan Society in Newell. Funeral services will take place Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Newell. Burial will be in the Newell Cemetery. Visitation will take place Tuesday, January 18, 2022 from 4-7:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in STORM LAKE. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. LeRoy Guy Morenz was born on February 14, 1937 to Leo and Lucille (Mohr) Morenz in Carroll, Iowa. Growing up, LeRoy attended school in Sulphur Springs, Auburn, and Hayes schools. While attending high school in Auburn, LeRoy was a catcher for his baseball team in the state tournament. LeRoy helped with many jobs during his life. He helped build interstate I-29. After school, he began driving truck. In 1958, LeRoy began farming in Auburn for one year then moved to Newell, IA where he continued farming. He also worked as an Oliver tractor mechanic. A good friend, Helen Erie, convinced him to start driving school bus in 1974 which he drove for a total of 38 years. By the time he retired, he was hauling around his grandchildren on the school bus. LeRoy enjoyed dancing in Hartley, which is where he met his bride of 55 years. LeRoy married Roberta Kae Blok on November 12, 1966 at the First Presbyterian church in Sanborn, Iowa. To this union, three children were born: a baby girl in 1969, John Michael in 1970, and Gary Alan in 1972. LeRoy enjoyed farming until his retirement in 2002, but that did not stop him from helping his family on the farm in continuing years. In his free time, he coached Newell sports teams and was very fond of baseball. LeRoy was a member of the Baseball Association in Newell and started the Newell PeeWee program. He umpired baseball and slow pitch softball for many years. LeRoy was also a participant in fast pitch. LeRoy had a hobby of dancing old time polka and waltzes with his wife, Roberta, and many friends. He was an active member of the St. Peter Lutheran Church in Newell where he served as a trustee and usher at various times during the years. Furthermore, LeRoy was a huge supporter of his children and grandchildren throughout the years. A man as humble and caring as LeRoy will always be remembered by those of us who knew him and loved him. Although we will miss him, his smile, his winks, his love, we take comfort in all of our memories. We all remember those certain moments with him. Whether it be the ice cream dates, Oreos, pancake making, tractor driving, high pitched whistling, or running the silage chopper. Every moment with him meant something. Whenever he was around, the atmosphere changed. LeRoy always exclaimed that his grandchildren meant the world to him. That made us feel very loved. We can see that Gary and John got his fun, caring, and joking spirit. He was a great teacher to have, not only for his kids and grandchildren, but also for everybody. He was selfless and kind. He loved being a parent, grandparent, and husband to Roberta. LeRoy is survived by his spouse, Roberta Kae Morenz; sons: John (Rebecca) Morenz of Shelby, Iowa; Gary Morenz of Newell, Iowa; brother: Lyle (Karen) Morenz of Storm Lake, Iowa; brother-in-law: Leonard (Lavonne) Blok of Sacramento, California; sisters-in-law: Karen Grau of Newell, Iowa, Glenda (Lee) Holtrop of Fulda, Minnesota; grandchildren: Marissa of Spirit Lake, Maddi (Zach Sliefert) of Sioux Rapids, Melanie, Megan, McCormick, and Melea Morenz all of Newell, Iowa; Pierce and Sawyer Morenz of Shelby, Iowa; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. LeRoy is preceded in death by his infant daughter; parents: Leo and Lucille (Mohr) Morenz; parents-in-law: Leonard and Donna (Powers) Blok; brother-in-law: Arnold Grau; nephew: Gordon Grau and niece: Roxanne Holtrop. Grandpa, we will forever miss you. But we have so many beautiful memories to hang on to. You were a great mentor, and a friend. Your guidance and love will carry us through to the end of our days. We love you Grandpa, until we see you again. Love your family.

LeRoy Guy Morenz

February 14, 1937 - January 13, 2022