Leonard “Morris” Grabau

Leonard “Morris” Grabau

Marion

After a long and adventurous life — one that took him to 87 countries and all seven continents — the plumbing finally wore out for Leonard “Morris” Grabau. He reached his ultimate destination on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at the age of 90.

Morris was born on April 21, 1935, to Leonard and OraLee (Noland) Grabau. He became an Eagle Scout in 1950 and graduated from the Missouri Military Academy in 1953 in Mexico, Missouri. He was very proud that he was able to attend his 70th class reunion. Morris was drafted into the United States Army, where he served until receiving his honorable discharge. He was united in marriage to Normajean Robertson on June 9, 1957.

Morris was a longtime member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Marion, as well as a proud member of the Red Power Tractor Club and the Hart Parr Oliver Collectors Association.

He also devoted many years to leading young men as a Scout Master, guiding them on trips to Philmont, teaching archery, taking them canoeing, and creating countless memorable experiences.

Morris volunteered with Linn County sheep producers, was a longtime blood donor, restored antique tractors, enjoyed woodworking, and served as a union steward for Quaker Oaks where he worked for 32 years. He attended, showed, camped, and volunteered at every Iowa State Fair—except during the years he was deployed in Germany.

Morris is survived by his children, Beth Grabau of Adel, Allen (Linda) Grabau of Williamsburg, Joel (Candi) Grabau of Robins, and Jill Grabau of Bettendorf; grandchildren, Tia (Will) Eggers of Marion, April (Chuck) Smith of Marengo, Levi (April) Grabau of Williamsburg, Celina Young of Columbus, Ohio, Chase (Ashley) Grabau of Des Moines, and Morgan (Waren) Jennings of Jewell, and great-granddaughter, Constance Smith of Marengo, and three more great-grandchildren on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Normajean Grabau; brother, Zane Bryon Grabau; sisters-in-law, Francis Grabau and Mary Robertson; brother-in-law, James “Buz” Robertson; niece, Mimz Anna Grabau; and travel companion, Jeanette Haars.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Marion. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025, at church, with a visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Oak Shade Cemetery and then a luncheon at the church.

The family extends a special Thank-You to Terrace Glen Village and Suncrest Hospice for the excellent care they gave to Morris.

Memorials may be made to the Missouri Military Academy or the Blue Ribbon Foundation.

Those unable to attend are invited to watch the service via livestream. Please find the livestream link on Morris’s Tribute Wall and share your support and memories with his family at www.stewartbaxter.com under Obituaries.