Gregory "Greg" Michael Crall Sr.

Gregory “Greg” Michael Crall Sr., age 63, of Albia, IA, peacefully left us on September 3, 2024, surrounded by loved ones, after his second long and hard-fought battle with cancer. He battled this fight longer than most others would have. He was born on October 9, 1960, to James L. and Mary (Scala) Crall. He grew up and continued to own and operate the century farm started by his great-grandpa and grandma Crall in Ward Valley. When he was a young boy, he spent the night with his classmate Joe Knowles and came home with his first black and white puppy. From there on, every dog he owned was spoiled rotten to the point when Greg was older, they went for dog rides every evening, just him and his dogs. He never missed a ride, even when he was sick. He loved the farm life. Growing up he was a member the of the Troy Troopers 4-H club and enjoyed showing cattle at the Monroe County fair. He also enjoyed riding horses with his sister Lisa and helping her get them ready for the fair and the rodeos they competed in. He loved his children Gregory Michael Crall Jr. and Anastacia (Staci) Michele Crall. Some of his most memorable moments spent with them were when they were showing cattle, mushroom hunting on the farm and teaching them the ropes of farm life. But more than anything he loved his grandchildren Brantley, Quinn, Blake, and Chloe. He started his employment with SuperValu when he was in high school. Later, he worked for Dellavedova Construction, Goodes Elevator, Centerville Vet Clinic and then retired after 29 years from Monroe County Secondary Roads where he drove a semi hauling rock to various county roads. He developed many long-time friendships with his co-workers during this time. He was also very willing to help anyone who needed it. When it was cold and just before work ended, he always made it a point to start Natalie’s car, their secretary at Monroe County Secondary Roads. He loved his early mornings with just his coffee and his dogs. On Thursday mornings he enjoyed having coffee with his mother at her home. Prior to spending six-years together and beating his first round of cancer, Greg and Margaret Ann Walsh were married on April 30, 2015. “Greg was one of the strongest men I ever knew. He was tough on the outside, but such a gentleman on the inside. He always opened the door for me and made sure I entered first. He was my sweetheart and cowboy all intertwined into one. He was an excellent cook, especially when it came to grilling outside. His steaks were the best. He never used a thermometer but would watch the clock and cook by the clock. However, he was very picky about other dishes, especially casseroles. I teased him that he only ate dishes that had 5 or less ingredients including salt and pepper! Mary has told many stories about fixing supper and if Greg did not like it, he would not eat. Deep down he was a faithful man and made sure we went to church every weekend. He would always start the car early and if I was not outside on time, he would start honking the horn to let me know my time was up and we needed to get going! He belonged to the Knights of Columbus and was a 4th Degree Knight. He was a great man with a radiant smile. Even towards the very end I was able to get him to smile one more time. How this warmed my heart!” Greg is survived by his wife Margaret Ann Crall. His children to live on are Gregory Michael Crall Jr. and Anastacia (Staci) Michele Crall. He was blessed and enjoyed the company of his grandchildren Brantley Michael Crall, Quinn Renee Crall, Blake Michael Crall, and Chloe Maureenann Crall. Also, his mother Mary C. Crall, brother Mark (Mona) Crall and many nieces and nephews who when they were younger would camp out at Uncle Greg’s house when they came to visit their Grandma Mary Crall. He is also survived by his first cousin/best friend/second brother Joe Crall and his wife Barb who’s opinion Greg valued greatly. He is preceded by his father James L. Crall and his beloved sister Lisa Maureen Crall. Also, Grandparents Pat and Agnes Crall and Dom and Catherine Scala. Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 8, 2024, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Greg’s family present from 5:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. to greet family and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, September 9, 2024, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Georgetown, with Father Isaac Essel officiating. Burial will follow services at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Georgetown. Memorials have been established to St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Georgetown and the Monroe County Fairgrounds.

Gregory "Greg" Michael Crall Sr.

October 9, 1960 - September 3, 2024