Janet Ann Gratopp

The hard-working hands of Janet Ann Gratopp, age 75, of Laurel, are now at rest after a long battle with cancer. Her death came peacefully at 6:00 p.m. with family at her side and in the comfort of her home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 12, 2016 at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home with Pastor Scott Lothe of the Laurel United Methodist Church officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 11, 2016, at Mitchell Family Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be directed in Janets name to her family. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234. Born Janet Ann Morrison on July 3rd, 1941, in Marshalltown, she was the daughter of Edward and Mona Ione (Struble) Morrison. After her kindergarten year in school, her family moved to Oakland, CA, where she attended school through the 6th grade, and later through ninth grade in Richmond, CA, then returning to Marshalltown. She graduated with the MHS Class of 1959. She missed California and returned there soon after graduation, but did not like the way things had changed in that short time, so she came back to the place she felt most at home, Marshalltown. On November 23rd, 1962, she married the love of her life, Gary Gratopp in Des Moines. The couple made their home in Marshalltown and later Laurel. Janet was employed with Swift Greenhouses for eight years and was so proud to help her son and daughter-in-law with their business, Smokin-Gs Catering and Restaurant. She and Gary were both members of the Marshalltown Street Rods as well as the Iowa and National Street Rod Associations and the Laurel United Methodist Church. Janet had a passion for family, fishing, camping, animals, baking, mushroom hunting, garage saling, her rose gardens and driving her red Mustang convertible. Left to cherish her memory are Gary, her loving husband of 53 years, 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 and Tate; one brother: Ed (Sandy) Morrison; and several nieces and nephews. In death, she rejoined her parents, Edward and Mona; one brother: Don; brother-in-law: Luverne Hawn Uncle Moe and sister- in- law: Reta Rearick.