Obituary of Loras Francis Gravel

Survivors include his wife, Mary Lou, 7 children: Duane (Sandy) Gravel, Douglas (Sue Oberbroeckling) Gravel, Philip (Lora) Gravel, Ann (Steve) Trenkamp all of Dyersville, Michael (Kathy) Gravel and Jeff (Kristi Knepper) Gravel both of Cascade and Tim (Karen) Gravel of Earlville, 20 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, one brother, Eldon (Lorraine) Gravel of Dyersville, brothers-and-sisters-in-law: Roland (Therese) Domeyer and Peter (Clarice) Domeyer, both of Dubuque, Jack (Shirley) Domeyer of Holy Cross, Laverne "Bud" (Ellen) Domeyer and Donald "Gomer" Domeyer, both of Petersburg, James Domeyer of Manchester, Doris (John) Burlage of Monticello, Marie and Rita Domeyer, both of Dyersville, and Virginette Domeyer of Manchester. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Daniel Gravel in 2000, brothers-and-sisters-in-law, Paul (Diane) Domeyer, Mickey, Daniel and Bill Domeyer, and Lavon Domeyer. Loras was born on November 24, 1930 in Worthington, Iowa, the son of Phillip and Rosella (Boge) Gravel. He married Mary Lou Domeyer on October 2, 1951, in Petersburg, Iowa. Together they began farming near Worthington and he helped his family start and operate several successful businesses. Most recently he owned and operated Dyersville Implement, the local John Deere dealership. Loras F. Gravel, 78, of Dyersville, Iowa died Friday, January 30, 2009, at Mercy Medical Center, Dubuque, Iowa after a sudden illness. Friends may call from 2 - 9 p.m. Monday, February 2, 2009, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, February 3, 2009, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville, Iowa with burial in the church cemetery. Officiating will be Rev. Phil Kruse. Memorials are preferred for St. Francis Xavier Grade School Endowment Fund or Beckman High School.