Thomas Grell

ROCK FALLS – Thomas E. Grell, 78, of Rock Falls, died Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010, at CGH Medical Center.

He was born Nov. 22, 1931, in Beatrice, Neb., the son of Edward and Katherine (Quinowski) Grell. He was a veteran of the Korean War, having served in the Army. Tom married Lyne Farley on Oct. 5, 1957, at St. Anne Catholic Church, Dixon.

He was employed as a payroll clerk with the former Northwestern Steel and Wire Co., Sterling, for 30 years. Tom was a member of St. Andrew Catholic Church, Rock Falls, and was an avid fisherman. Above all, he found great joy in spending time with his family.

Surviving are his wife, Lyne; three sons, Kevin (D’Ann) Grell of Hickory, N.C., Keith (Dawn) Grell of Sterling, and Kraig (Julie) Grell of Sterling; one daughter, Katherine (Craig) Zuidema of Sycamore; two sisters, Mary (Jim) Kloberdanz of Waterloo, Iowa, and Pat Michaels of Mankato, Minn.; two brothers, Jerry (Rita) Grell of Flagstaff, Ariz., and Jim (Belva) Grell of Waverly, Iowa; 11 grandchildren, Daniel Ford, Thomas E. Grell, Christina Inboden, Linley Kullman, Breann Grell, Maddison Grell, Katelyn Grell, MacKenzie Grell, Brady Grell, Haley Grell, and Bentley Grell; and two great-grandchildren, Adella Inboden and Henrik Inboden.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, and one brother.

Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Andrew Catholic Church, Rock Falls, with the Rev. Louis Tosto, celebrant, officiating. Burial, with military honors will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Sterling. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at McDonald Funeral Home, 1002 12th Ave., Rock Falls.

A memorial will be established in his memory.

Visit www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com to send condolences.