Joseph Anthony MRLA, Sr.

MRLA, KOSTELAC, ASCHE, HANSON, GUMP, BOLINGER, SCHAFFER

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:47

Joseph A. Mrla, Sr.

October 20, 1960 ---- April 15, 2018

Joseph Anthony Mrla, 57, of Eagle Grove, passed away April 15, 2018 surrounded by family. A private funeral service will be given by Pastor Peterson from Mount Calvary Church at Foust Funeral Home on Friday, April 27, 2018 at 2:00. Family and friends will gather for a celebration of life at Rail's Grill in Eagle Grove immediately after the funeral service. Joe's resting place will be at Arlington Cemetery in Moville, Iowa on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 10:30 a.m.

Joe was born to George and Anka (Kostelac) Mrla in Sioux City, Iowa on October 20, 1960. He was a child of a mother from Croatia and a father who was a first-generation American of Croatian heritage. As a child he grew up on a family farm in Lawton, Iowa. His parents instilled in him his incredible work ethic. Joe grew into the typical seventies teenager with long hair. Joe didn't stop with just long hair; he also grew a long ZZ Top style beard and listened to Meatloaf and Waylon Jennings on eight-tracks. The seventies may have come and gone but Joe's beard became his signature look.

Joe had a fierce ability and love of conquering extreme heights even as a child. His height-loving hobby scared the daylights out of his parents but to no surprise Joe became a millwright.

In the late seventies Joe set out to make a new life for himself in Eagle Grove. One of Joe's first jobs as a millwright was working on Southeast Farmers Elevator in Elk Point, SD. Joe had been a dedicated and a top-notch employee for B & E Construction since 1984. It was in Eagle Grove that he met Patti Asche. He and Patti started a family. His first son Brad was born in 1983 and his second son Josh was born in 1986. Both Brad and Josh inherited Joe's mechanical mind, good looks, and his gait. In the early 1990s Joe met Linda Hanson. In 1995 Joe and Linda had Joseph (JJ). JJ like Joe's other boys inherited Joe's mechanical mind, good looks, and of course that gait of his. After Linda passed away Joe married Darla Gump.

Joe was extremely passionate and dedicated to work. He thoroughly enjoyed being with his coworkers and crew. His crew was like family to him. Albeit, Joe absolutely did not allow his crew members to drive his work truck. No way!

Joe's grandchildren brought him joy and he always held a special place in his heart for them. They were his greatest pride. Joe leaves behind his wife Darla, his children Brad (Ashley), Josh, and JJ (Chantel), his stepchildren JD Bolinger and Dalton Schaffer, his beloved and fabulous grandchildren, Landon, Brylee, Hudson, and Rhett and several brothers and sisters. Joe was preceded in death by his grandson Braeden, his brother Robert, his parents, and Linda Hanson.

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