Leroy Grell

Leroy Grell, 81, of Emerson, NE, passed away Sunday, October 22, 2017 at Heritage of Emerson. A private family service will be held at a later date. Condolences may be directed to Karen Grell, PO Box 203 Emerson, NE 68733. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Emerson, NE. Leroy was born July 16, 1936 in Chalco, NE to Chris and Marie (Voss) Grell. In 1955, he married Karen Scheef. The couple lived in the Pender area on the Mule Kick Ranch until moving to Emerson in 2015. Leroy graduated from the Reisch Auction School in 1971 and spent many weekends auctioning at estate sales and at local auction houses in the Omaha, Gretna, Ashland, and Fremont areas. His favorite auction was the Scheef Family Reunion Action with his brother-in-law, Howard, as his ring man. Leroy worked for Thurston County Road Department for 27 years before retiring. Leroy enjoyed writing songs and poems, as well as fishing, playing pool, and being around his horses and mules. Trail rides with family and friends on his ranch always made him happy. He was known to his many grandchildren and great grandchildren as Grandpa Partner, Grandpa Turtle, and Papa Pony, and some just called him Grandpa. He is survived by his wife, Karen Grell of Emerson, NE; sons, Sterling (Kaylene) Grell of Ashland, NE, Randy (Kathy) Grell of Emerson, NE, daughters, Lori (David) Smith of McCook Lake, SD, and Linda Malasek (Scott) Moeller of Lake View, IA. Leroy is preceded in death by his parents; three sisters; one brother; daughter, Virginia; and grandson Keith Smith.