In Memory of John "Jack" S. Modrell

John “Jack” S. Modrell, age 85, of Battle Creek, Iowa passed away on Wednesday, December 18, 2019, at the Horn Memorial Hospital of Ida Grove, Iowa.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, December 23, 2019, at the First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek, Iowa. Rev. Kevin J. Freese will officiate. Committal will follow in the Mount Hope Cemetery of Battle Creek, Iowa, with Military Rites conducted by Maple Valley Post No. 364 of the American Legion of Battle Creek, Iowa. A Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, December 22, 2019, at the First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek, Iowa.  The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Battle Creek, Iowa is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

John “Jack” Samuel Modrell was born October 28, 1934, to John and Lucille (Wolcott) Modrell. He grew up in Battle Creek, Iowa and graduated May 1952. On August 12, 1953, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force for four years. He spent August 1954 to August 1955 stationed in Iceland. He was honorably discharged on August 12, 1957.

On August 21, 1955, Jack was united in marriage to Marian Schmidt. To this union was born John Samuel III, James and Joyce. The family resided and farmed the family farm near Battle Creek.

Jack was always interested in his family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek for over 50 years and a church elder for 6 years. Jack was a Webelos scout leader, township trustee and member of the Maple Valley Post No. 364 of the American Legion of Battle Creek, IA.  

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Marian Modrell of Battle Creek, IA; sons John (Julie) Modrell of Holstein, IA; James (Stacey) Modrell of Moville, IA; daughter Joyce (David) Johnson of Dumfries, VA; 6 grandchildren and their families, Dr. Corey (Kristin) Modrell and their children Madison and Trinity of Wasilla, AK, Amy (Chad) Stensland and their children Zoe and Piper of Sioux Falls, SD, Michael (Katie) Modrell and their children Wyatt, Emmett, Greeley and Warren of Washta, IA, Erica (Matthew) Paul and their Olivia due in April of Dumfries, VA, Alexa Modrell of Omaha, NE, Dr. Jace Modrell of Coralville, IA and granddaughter-in-law Dr. Andrea (Johnson) Michaelsen and her son Aidan Johnson of Jefferson, IA; sister Dolores Modrell of Battle Creek, IA; sister-in-law Elaine (Jack) Holdren of Omaha, NE; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by parents John and Lucille Modrell; a brother in infancy; and grandson Tyler Johnson.