Joseph F. Selk

Joseph F. Selk, age 93 of Marshalltown, passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at UnityPoint Health - Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines.

Joseph Franklin Selk was born on October 19, 1932, the son of Harold and Imogene (Smith) Selk, in Iowa City, IA. He went to school in Oskaloosa, graduating in 1950. Joe served his country in the United States Navy from June of 1950 to August of 1953. After coming home, he worked at a gas station. Joe went to Iowa State, studying engineering, then went to Missouri, going to the school of mines and metallurgy. He then went on to the University of Iowa to get his Bachelor of Science and Mathematics degree.

Joe owned and operated his own tv and radio repair service, Selk Electronics, in Oskaloosa. He worked at Cedar Rapids Collins Radio, now known as Rockwell Collins, in the engineering department as a technician, where he worked on communication radios for the government, and electronic aircraft equipment. He later worked at John Deere in Waterloo in the research department, developing equipment. He went on to Indian Hills Community College to study computer programming, and DMACC to receive a degree in high tech electronic computer operations.

On November 27, 1965, Joe was united in marriage with Beverly Anne Rainey. After 34 years of marriage, Bev passed away from cancer in 1999.

Joe was later united in marriage with Arla Jean Trobaugh on November 27, 2004. They enjoyed traveling to Ohio to visit her daughter. Arla Jean passed away in January of 2021.

Joe moved to The Embers in April of 2022. He enjoyed not having to keep up with all the maintenance of his home, but he still enjoyed tinkering with electronics in his apartment. Joe was a member of Grace Church in Marshalltown.

In death, Joe is reunited with his parents; his wives: Beverly and Arla Jean; his siblings: Baby Harold, Virginia (Jerry) Sullivan, David Selk, and Gary Selk; and his nephew, Gregory Selk. He is survived by his sisters-in-law: Andrea Selk and Marlyne Selk; and ten nieces and nephews, and their families.

Per Joe’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. A family-led funeral service will be held at 12:00 P.M. on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Grace Church in Marshalltown. Joe will be laid to rest in Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. Memorial donations may be directed to Joe’s family or to your local animal shelter.

Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted to care for Joe and his family. To leave online condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.