Joseph Bernard Marrah

Joseph Bernard "Joe" Marrah was born on February 27, 1951 in Oelwein, Iowa, to Paul John and Vera Bernice (O'Brien) Marrah, the youngest of five children.

Joe spent his early years of school in Oelwein, Iowa and graduated from Starmont High School (Strawberry Point, Iowa) in the Class of 1969. He was united in marriage to Martha Ellen Robbins of Mederville, Iowa, on June 20, 1970. Together they made their first home near St. Olaf, Iowa, until he entered the Army in November of 1970 with the intention of serving in Vietnam. Their military adventure kept them together, first in Pennsylvania then stationed in Germany. In 1972 Joe and Martha returned to Volga, Iowa, where they welcomed their first son, Brian. In 1976 they moved to Jesup, Iowa, and welcomed their second son David in 1977.

Joe had a great sense of humor and could tell stories and jokes for hours. It is only fitting to attempt some lighthearted humor with some of his life events. Joe would want people to laugh and smile when they think of him.

After returning from Germany, Joe attended USC using his GI Bill. Not that USC, Joe attended the University of Southern Calmar, as he called it, a community college in Northeast Iowa, where he studied construction management. He made lifelong friends there and proudly wore a custom made USC sweatshirt made just for him, by his friends, at his 40th birthday party. Calmar was the start to a career that would lead him to many friendships.

Joe had a tip for anyone he met that wanted one. "You want a tip? Stay out of the lumber business!" said with an unforgettable zest and smile. That is the furthest thing from what he did. In the early 1980's Joe settled his family in Dysart, Iowa, where he ran Farmer's Lumber for many years. During that time he was an active member of the community where he served on the volunteer fire department, drove the ambulance, was a member of the Lions Club, played softball, golfed, and partook in any social event the small town offered. If the community needed something, Joe was there.

In 1993, Joe opened his own lumberyard in Washington, Iowa. While that adventure did not last as long as he had planned, Joe learned that without risk you may never find your way to your best career. Joe then found his way to Building Products Inc. in Evansdale, Iowa. He and Martha settled in Washburn, Iowa, for many years. Joe could not believe they actually paid him to do a job he enjoyed so much. He was able to spend his days building relationships with small and large lumberyards across eastern Iowa: meeting people, telling stories, telling jokes, golfing, attending trade shows, taking customers on NASCAR trips to Kansas City, teaching community college classes about construction practices, giving back to his community as much as he could. It was the perfect fit for Joe and he worked there happily until he retired.

As Joe neared retirement he also rekindled his love of the military by being active in AMVETS. Joe could often be found escorting soldier funerals on his motorcycle. Joe and Martha took their love for motorcycle rides and classic cars to retirement in DeLand, Fla., where Martha passed on December 9, 2019.

He never remarried but he found a wonderful relationship in his final years. Joe met Sherry Brown in scenic downtown DeLand, Fla. Sherry also served in the military and they shared so many common interests that his final years were filled with Florida fun in the sun, travel, bowling, and as many social gatherings as they could enjoy together. Sherry was by Joe's side when he passed and he is forever grateful for the time they spent together, her care and support.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Martha; his parents and siblings: John P. "Jack" Marrah (2025) and his wife, Carol, William P "Bill" Marrah (2009), Marilyn J. (Marrah) Aeillo (2002), Michael Marrah (1947).

Joe is survived by his sons, Brian Marrah, Florida, David and Carie Marrah, Kansas City, Mo.; three grandkids, Austin, Ellie and Brextin; Sherry Brown, Florida; sister-in-law, Delphine Marrah (Oelwein); and many nieces and nephews.