Gary Lee Gratopp

Gary Lee Gratopp, 75, passed away on January 18, 2018 at Unity Point Health Care in Marshalltown, Iowa. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 22, 2018 at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home with Pastor Scott Lothe of the Laurel United Methodist Church officiating. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 21, 2018, at Mitchell Family Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be directed in Gary’s name to his family. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234. Gary was born on December 16, 1942 in New Hampton, Iowa to Harold and Maxine (Bakken) Gratopp. On November 23, 1962, he married the love of his life, Janet Morrison in Des Moines. The couple made their home in Marshalltown and later Laurel. Gary was employed by Fisher Controls as a machinist for many years and later retired as an inspector of welding and was so proud to help his son and daughter-in-law with their business, Smokin-G’s BBQ Catering and Restaurant. Gary and Janet were both members of the Marshalltown Street Rods as well as the Iowa and National Street Rod Associations and the Laurel United Methodist Church. Gary had a passion for family, fishing, Excel camping club, tinkering in the shop, also known as breaking things, watching NASCAR, stock car racing and won "Rookie of the Year." For the past 12 years they were "snowbirds" and wintered in Texas. Gary also enjoyed many years he spent as a volunteer firefighter.      Left to cherish his memory are three children: Sheryl (Denis) Foster of Marshalltown, IA, Ken (Shelley) Gratopp of Laurel, IA, and Jerry (Kim) Gratopp of Marshalltown; grandchildren: Sean Hof, Kelsey Foster, Ashley Gratopp, Kayla (David) Stalzer, Addie (Brock) Pieters, Baylee Gratopp, Chase Gratopp and Luis Reyes; great-grandchildren: Elizabeth, Tate, Camden, and Tucker; sister, Sandy Hawn; two brothers-in-law, Ed (Sandy) Morrison and Ed Rearick; and several nieces and nephews. In death, he rejoins his parents, his wife Janet, brother-in-law Luverne Hawn “Uncle Moe” and sister, Reta Rearick.