John Urell

John T. Urell, 89, of Waterville died Thursday, November 14, 2019 at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. Funeral services were held Tuesday, November 19 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon with Fr. Mark Osterhaus officiating. Burial was at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Waukon.

John Thomas Urell was born September 23, 1930 in Waukon, the son of Thomas and Ethel (Drew) Urell. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Patrick Catholic Church and attended St. Patrick Catholic School, both in Waukon.

May 2, 1950, he married Lela Dougherty at St. Patrick Catholic Church. John farmed on the family farm until 1968. He then went to work for Christianson Brothers and United, building bridges in Iowa, Nebraska and Arkansas. John returned to farming in the Waterville area when he retired in 1996.

He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. John loved spending time outdoors, especially in the woods, cutting wood and checking his cattle. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Survivors include his children: Kay (Ole) Torgerson of Morrisville, MO, Dave (Robyn) Urell of Waterville, Mike (Mary) Urell of Norway, Carol Ireland of Cedar Rapids, Joe (Mary Anne) Urell of Fountain City, WI, Larry (Lori) Urell and Kenny Urell, both of Bethpage, TN, Gary Urell of Sarasota, FL and Ann (Matt) Marting of Waukon; 34 grandchildren; 60 great-grandchildren; one brother, Tony (Kate) Urell of Waukon; and two sisters, Mary Brandt of Atkins and Sara Drew of Cedar Rapids. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lela, who died in 1995; a son, Patrick Urell; a grandson, Shane Urell; a son-in-law, Steve Ireland; two daughters-in-law, Jean Urell and Diana Urell; and a sister, Judy Sorum.

Honorary casketbearers were John’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Casketbearers were John’s sons and his son-in-law, Matt Marting.

Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.