John Harold Feller, 85, passed away peacefully at his home January 18, 2025. Harold was born June 19, 1939 at home on the family farm near Redfield, IA to parents John Marvelle Feller and Winfred Dolly (Betty) Downing. He grew up in the Redfield/Dexter area attending Hickory Grove Country School and Redfield High School, graduating in the class of 1957. He was active in sports, FFA and drove a school bus in his senior year.
In the summer he baled hay working for his dad and other farmers in the area. This helped him stay in shape for football and baseball. He played for the Linden Merchants Baseball Semi-Pro team in 1956, between his Junior and Senior year. He tried out and was accepted on the team. Lee Gilmore was the coach. He played with Stub Goodrich, John Paul Mills and Joe Zain. He developed an infection on his eyelid, missing a fly ball to the outfield. His dad took him to a doctor in Des Moines who operated on his eye. That was the last he played on the team. The team was one of the best pro-teams in central Iowa. Also, his Redfield football team was the 1956 Raccoon River Conference Champs.
Harold took the oath of enlistment October 26, 1960. He entered into service January 26,1961 in the U.S. Army Reserves and served basic training in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He received a rifle Marksmanship Award and was nominated for best soldier of the cycle. He received his discharge October 20, 1964.
Harold began working at Northern Natural and the Des Moines Grain Exchange before becoming a lifelong farmer with his brother Laree and father Marvelle. In 1962, he was united in marriage to Doris Robison at the Redfield Christian Church. The couple was blessed with two children, Steven in 1965 and Dana in 1970. The family enjoyed their vacations at Lake Okoboji each summer with many memories. Then came the grandchildren Ben and Hanna Feller and all their activities that were much enjoyed as grandparents. Gabe, the first great grandson joined the family and later Ellie, Riott, Rhodes and Aylin. With the great grandkids having two grandfathers in Steve and Harold, Harold became affectionately known as Papa 2. Gabe likes his sports as much as Harold did and the family all became sports fans at his events. Harold brought mischief and playful teasing to all the grandkids and they in turn adored him. He provided many rides around the farm on the four wheeler, letting Gabe drive early when barely seeing over the steering wheel.
Harold was a devoted husband, father and celebrated the role of grandfather and great grandfather. He worked hard for his family and took little time for leisure unless it was to play some cards, shoot pool or watch a sporting event. When Harold and Doris retired, Steve convinced his parents to go to Texas in winter and just get away. Each year they stayed a little bit longer making lifelong friends. Each summer they met for a meal and loved to reminisce with some of those good friends. Harold’s back was giving him grief and he was ready to stay home and find a doctor that could help him with his pain. His hard work over the years took its toll on his body.
His sense of humor truly set him apart. Known for his spontaneous teasing, wit and banter. He brought laughter and lightness to every gathering. He had a unique sense of humor. Despite his tougher exterior, he was a man full of love for his family, generously sharing his emotions with those around him.
Harold was proceeded in death by his parents, Marvelle and Betty Feller; father-in-law Clarence Robison; step father-in-law Max Mathis; siblings; Laree Feller and brothers-in-law Robert Zellers and Robert Reynolds.
He leaves behind his loving wife, Doris of almost 63 years, son Steven (Monica) Feller all of Dexter, daughter Dana Feller (Art Baysinger) of Redfield; grandchildren: Ben Feller (Anna Shannon), and Hanna (Matthew) Mankin of Dexter; great-grandchildren; Gabriel John Feller (Gabe), Riott Harold Feller, Elleanor (Ellie) and Rhodes Mankin and Aylin Worthington; siblings; Elaine Zellers (Elaine passed away 1/22/2025, 4 days after Harold) of Scottsdale AZ, Joan (Glenn) Grove, Council Bluffs, IA, Shirlee (Larry) Ganoe, Redfield, IA.; sister-in-laws Jean Feller, Redfield, IA and Dorothy (Dode) Reynolds, Dexter, IA.; mother-in-law Edna Robison Mathis of Panora; many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends that will miss him dearly.
To send flowers in memory of Harold Feller, visit the Tribute Store.
23
Jan
123 N.E. 2nd St
Stuart,, IA 50250
24
Jan
916 Grant Street
Redfield, IA 50233
Military Honors will be rendered at the church following the service.
Johnson Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Stuart Chapel • 123 Northeast Secon Street, Stuart, IA 50250 • Phone: (515) 523-1200
Dexter Chapel • 814 Wash Ave. Box 57, Dexter, IA 50070 • Phone: (515) 789-4621
Earlham Chapel • 140 NW 2nd Street, Earlham, IA 50072 • Phone: (515) 758-2500
Redfield Chapel • 902 1st Street Box 404, Redfield, IA • Phone (515) 789-4621
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