Susan Garrels

Susan Margaret Garrels, age 71, of Laurel, Iowa, passed away on a beautiful fall morning November 12, 2023 surrounded by her loving family under the care of Hospice. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, educator and gardener. Her infectious positivity and courageous attitude remained present in her final weeks.

Susan Margaret Frick, the third of four children, was born March 3, 1952 to Harold and Letha Frick (McManus) in Elkader, Iowa. Susan attended grade school at St. Joseph Catholic School, then went on to graduate from Central Community High School in Elkader, Iowa in 1970. She furthered her education at the University of Northern Iowa, pursuing a degree in Elementary Special Education, and received her Master’s Degree in 1984. Mrs. Garrels shared her passion for teaching with the Marshalltown Community School District for 36 years and actively substitute taught for an additional seven years. She was instrumental in leading the efforts for Red Ribbon Week while teaching and still kept active with her close colleagues through her Teacher’s Sorority, ADK. She never forgot a student and would always take time to visit with them when they would meet in public. Her philosophy for teaching as quoted “All children can learn if given compassionate guidance. They [the children] taught me patience and acceptance.”

After meeting on a horse trail ride in Northeast Iowa, Sue was united in marriage to Michael Garrels in July 1976. Together they made their home on an acreage in Laurel, where she enjoyed making all corners of the yard more beautiful by adding to her flower gardens each year. This is where they raised their three children and now welcome entertaining their six grandchildren. They could be found together working in the yard, attending dance recitals and competitions, or cheering on their kids at Bobcat sporting events. In their retired years, they enjoyed keeping up with the grandkids, hosting regular “Grandma Days,” traveling to Florida, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Europe, and most recently, a wonderful trip to a dude ranch in Arizona. Sue was a loyal Coach’s Wife, supporting Mike and his passion for Marshalltown Bobcat soccer. They spent much time together in the saddle over the years, whether it be on horseback or motorcycle. She beamed with pride whenever she talked about her children, their spouses and grandchildren.

Sue was always active in the Marshalltown and Haverhill Catholic Churches, involved in teaching catechism class, serving on parish council, and was a regular and acclaimed lector at Sunday Mass. She led a life of service, being passionate about her volunteer work, including MMSC Hospital Auxiliary, House of Compassion, and MACS fundraising events. She became a Master Gardener in 2022, which was a life-long goal, giving her an opportunity to help beautify her community. Her lasagna, hearty soups and Swiss steak were a favorite among her husband and children and the grandkids never left her house without a homemade treat. She was a talented calligrapher, and her work was showcased in gifts to retiring teachers in the district. She loved spending time with her children, perusing markets and local craft fairs, helping plan and execute their newest landscaping project, and coming to their rescue as an emergency Nanny/Granny. She would always lend an ear to hear her kids’ endeavors and accomplishments, whether it be an interesting surgery, a recent great golf game, or for just a daily morning chat on the way to work.

She is survived by her husband of 47 years Michael Garrels; her children, Dr.’s Katie (Seth) Williams, Andrew (Dr. Kyla) Garrels, and Jenna (Levi) Roseland; her grandchildren, Molly Williams, Harry Williams, Harper Garrels, Louisa Garrels, Kennedy Roseland and Hank Roseland; her siblings, Jim (Carolyn)Frick, Judy (Michael) Tuhtan, and Tom (Julie) Frick; and her four-legged furry friend, Tucker.

She was preceded in death by her parents Harold and Letha Frick; her paternal and maternal grandparents, and mother- and father-in-law Elmer and Miriam Garrels.

Services for Susan will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Francis of Assisi Parish: St. Henry Catholic Church. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, November 17, 2023 from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at St. Francis of Assisi Parish St. Henry Catholic Church with a vigil service beginning at 7:00 P.M. Memorials in Susan’s name may be directed to her family for a later designation to one of the many organizations she and Mike supported. For additional information or to send condolences to the family please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.