Memorials: Trinity Lutheran Church, 3628 Highway 63, Malcom, Iowa 50157. John Eugene Gritsch was born on July 7, 1933 in Brooklyn, Iowa to Marvin and Mary Henry Gritsch. He attended country school and he graduated from Grinnell High School with the class of 1950. Gene was united in marriage to Marlene Walker on June 6, 1953 at the United Methodist Church in Grinnell. The couple farmed all of their lives north of Malcom in Sheridan Township until his retirement in 2000. Gene was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church and Farm Bureau. He had served on the Poweshiek County Zoning Board. Gene dearly loved his family and he enjoyed attending his grandchildren's sporting events. His enjoyments were fishing, traveling, being with his family and friends, collecting John Deere tractors, and camping at the Iowa State Fair for the past 58 years. Gene is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marlene Gritsch of Malcom; his daughters, Jo (Don) Cox of Wenatchee, Washington and Lu (Brian) Francies of Brooklyn, Iowa; four grandchildren, Chad and Tina Harter of Grinnell and Clay and Clint Earhart of Altoona, Iowa; and his sister, Norma Anderson of Phoenix, Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother-in-law, Hal Anderson; and his niece, Celeste Anderson.