In Loving Memory
Barney J. Granstra
October 8, 1926 - December 3, 2023

Barney's funeral service will be live streamed on Martin Mattice Funeral Home Facebook page.

VISITATION
Saturday, December 9, 2023
10:00 - 11:00 A.M.
First English Lutheran Church
Spencer, Iowa

SERVICE
Saturday, December 9, 2023
11:00 A.M.
First English Lutheran Church
Spencer, Iowa

CLERGY
Rev. Paul Kaldahl

INTERMENT
Union Township Cemetery
Harris, Iowa

Barney Jesse Granstra, son of John B. and Nellie Ida (Winter) Granstra, was born on October 8, 1926, on a farm near Melvin, Iowa.  His childhood years were spent in the Harris/Melvin area where Barney received his education.  He continued to help his parents on the farm.  In 1945, when Barney was 19 years old he joined the United States Air Force, serving until 1948.  After being honorably discharged from the Air Force, Barney returned home where he had the joy of meeting his future wife and the love of his life, Shirley Ruehle.

Barney and Shirley were united in marriage on June 5, 1949 and had the joy of celebrating 69 years together. They were blessed with two children. After their marriage Barney attended the Wisconsin Institute of Technology in Platteville, Wisconsin.  He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering.  After graduating from Platteville, he took a job with Shell Oil Company in Houston, Texas.  He also worked for the United States Geological Survey in the water resource division, living in Pierre, South Dakota, Huron, South Dakota and Helena, Montana.  Barney was employed as an engineer for 15 years.

In 1971 Barney and Shirley moved to the farm north of Everly where they farmed for 17 years, raising livestock and crop farming.  He and Shirley served as missionaries in Tanzania, East Africa for two years teaching.  They then spent one year in Kenya before retiring and making their home in Spencer.

Barney was a faithful and devoted member of First English Lutheran Church in Spencer, where he taught many Bible study classes from the Crossways and Bethel Series.  Barney loved the Lord and enjoyed doing volunteer work for Mission Builders as well as Laborers for Christ where he built churches.  He helped build a total of six churches.

Barney passed away Sunday, December 3, 2023 at St. Luke Lutheran Home in Spencer, Iowa, at the age of 97.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; his parents, John and Nellie Granstra; and one son, Bryan.

Left to cherish his memory is his daughter, Sherri (Rod) Stephas of Spencer, Iowa; five grandsons, Ryan Stephas, Rick (Emily) Stephas and Roger Stephas, Bryson (Desiree) Granstra and Brody (Alia) Granstra; seven great grandchildren; a brother, Johnny Granstra of Sheldon, Iowa; a sister, Beverly Barnette of Florida; a sister-in-law, Joyce Dixson of Ithaca, New York; nieces, nephews and other relatives and many friends.

Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home