John Thomas Urell

John T. Urell, 89, of Waterville, IA, died Thursday, November 14, 2019, at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon, IA. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 19th, at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon with Fr. Mark Osterhaus officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Waukon. Friends may call after 9:00 AM until time of services on Tuesday at the church. Martin Funeral Home in Waukon is handling the arrangements.

John Thomas Urell was born September 23, 1930, in Waukon, IA, 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. On 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, IA, Carol Ireland of Cedar Rapids, IA, 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, IA, and Sara Drew of Cedar Rapids, IA. 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; a daughter-in-law Jean Urell; a daughter-in-law Diana Urell and a sister Judy Sorum.

Honorary casketbearers are John's grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Casketbearers are John's sons and son-in-law Matt Marting.