OraLee Grabau
September 5, 1910 ~ July 22, 2016
OraLee Eltha Grabau, 105, of Marion, passed away Friday, July 22, 2016, at Winslow House Nursing Home in Marion. Funeral Services: 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 27, 2016, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Marion, by Rev. Gregory R. Williamson. Visitation: 4-8 p.m., Tuesday, July 26, 2016, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Marion. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.
Survivors include her son, Leonard 'Morris' of Marion; eight grandchildren, Beth Grabau of Adel, Allen (Linda) Grabau of Williamsburg, Jill Grabau of Waverly, Joel (Candace) Grabau of Robins, Walter, and Earl Grabau of Central City, and Mimz Anna and Gordon Grabau of Marion; seven great-grandchildren, Tia, April, and Levi Grabau of Williamsburg, Celina Young of Waverly, Adam Grabau of Marion, Chase and Morgan Grabau of Robins; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.
OraLee was born September 5, 1910, of pioneer descendants Anna May (Olson) and Morris Kite Noland in a three room cabin in Boone County. She attended a one room school and graduated from Woodward High in 1929. She married Leonard H. A. Grabau on June 6, 1934 in Woodward, Iowa. She attended Simpson College where she received her teaching diploma. She also attended Chico State College in California and Coe College for refresher courses. OraLee taught school for over 42 years in rural Iowa and Linn-Mar Elementary, until her retirement in June 1976.
She was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran where she was a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher for 40 years, a charter member of Lutheran Women's Missionary League for 60 years, a member of Community Concern and Youth Ladies at Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca. She organized the making of and herself sewed thousands of quilts for world relief efforts, was recognized by Sertoma Club for service to mankind in various areas, and was a den mother for the Cub Scouts. OraLee was a volunteer 4-H Leader for 49 years and was a proud charter member of the Iowa State 4-H Hall of Fame. Her first visit to the Iowa State Fair was in 1911, the same year as the first butter cow. She was also recognized three times by Gov. Branstad with an Iowa Centenarian Certificate.
Though it is difficult to sum up an entire 105-year life in a few paragraphs, the events she was involved in kept OraLee 'young at heart'. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family and beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren all of whom were her pride and joy.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leonard; son, Zane; and daughter-in-law, Normajean.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Photo Gallery
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Beautiful lady inside and out. I learned a lot from her all the years she was my 4-H leader. Many of things I have put to use yet to this day. Every time I drive past her home, and see that it is now a photography studio, I have fond memories of her and our meetings. May God Bless her family in this difficult time, and that she may be loved in the Lords hands.
She was my pre-kindergarten Sunday School teacher and a life long example of what a Christian should be. My favorite memory of her was when she was about 82, we had passed out stewardship forms to all members so they could indicate how they might want to serve the congregation. One of the things OraLee checked was “Assist with the elderly.” At 82 she was just getting started. Anyone who ever knew here was so blessed.
She was my kindergarten thru 4th grade teacher at Hillsdale School . My favorite all time teacher. She was always a joy to see & talk to. Always interested in my life when I visited her. Which wasn’t often enough.
She had horses across the street from us and was my fifth grade teacher Andrew my 4-h leader. She lived a very good life. Prayers for her family.
I know this sweet lady from Church, she was always there to help out . I liked to visit with her as being a sub. teacher myself we shared some stores. My Blessing to all her family my peace be with them all. I know GOD has many plans for her may she help all GODS children
Sheila kostman a church member .
It would be difficult for me to overstate what Oralee did for the Linn County 4-H Program, it would be even harder to estimate the number of children that she helped during her time as a 4-H Leader. Oralee taught so many young people the skills that are so important as adults – how to set goals and how to complete a project, how to win and to lose with grace. Oralee was a 4-H leader for decades and, if not the longest serving 4-H leader she certainly was one of a very select group.
I want to say how much I appreciate her contribution and say how glad I was to have the chance to learn from her and I also want to express condolences to her family who I know will feel the loss .
Linda Bigley
ISULinn County Extension Staff 1983-2011
As my fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Grabau held high academic expectations and taught skills that would carry us through high school. She led us though the JFK assination that year as well. What a blessing she was. Rest well Mrs. Grabau you more than earned it! Pat Sejkora
Mrs. Grabau was a master in teaching and caring for kids. She introduced me to 4H as a fifth grade student in her class at Linn Mar that would open a whole new world using my head, heart, hands and health to set goals and achieve them. What a legacy her life leaves for her family to celebrate… Well done, Mrs. G. and may you enjoy some rest!
Reading the other tributes, she sounds like a wonderful teacher who was loved by many. We didn’t know her well, only through Joel and Candi. Prayers for all her family for your loss.
Jerry Bullis
Mrs Grabau was my teacher at Hillsdale school for 6 years. Her guidance through my early
years was outstanding. I shall miss visiting her when in Iowa. Her mental sharpness and ability
to recall events and people from days gone by was very impressive. Thank you Mrs Grabau for
all you did for me and my family.
Mrs. Grabau was the greatest mentor in my life next to my family. She taught me so many things in 4-H that I can attribute to my success in life today. I was fortunate enough to lead the Monroe Merry Maids and Lads 4-H club with her for 15 years. She was a great friend, a kind heart, a loving soul and will sorely be missed. Her spirit will continue to shine in so many of us. Thank you for blessing us with your loving and caring heart. The only friend in my life that I have always call “Mrs.”.
Mrs. Grabau was my 5th grade teacher at the then Marion Rural. I loved her and she was the teacher that let you bring a lamb to school! As my granddaughter says ” Rest in Heavenly Peace”.
Margo Magee Swim
Iowa City, Iowa
Sorry to have missed her funeral…we had a family vacation planned.
I have so many fond memories of Mrs. Grabau as she was my teacher
for my life! (Actually 3&4 fourth grades and the best 4-H leader ever.)
The Linn-Mar class of 1964 will never forget when she came to our
50th class reunion AND remembered everyone by name, plus how we
behaved as students. I continued work in many areas of 4-H, and now
judge county fairs across the state. I so often quote her favorite 4-H
advice “always set a goal to “make your best better”. I could go on
and on as I remember all the blessings she shared…just have to mention
sewing, how many did she share her sewing skills with ? I would like to
enter her name for the Iowa State 4-H Hall of Fame? I’ll research
that and get your OK, I’m sure she was in the Linn County honor
pages many times. Now all of heaven can enjoy her talents, wit, and true
grace and we have countless, precious memories!!!
Connie (Jones) McClintock
Vinton, Iow