Irwin was inducted into the Navy at Omaha, Nebraska, on November 8, 1955. He received his basic training at San Diego Naval Training Base in California. Upon completion of basic training he flew to Tokyo, Japan, to meet the destroyer U.S.S. McKean DD784. There he was assigned as a Boiler Tender. BT3C Grau was discharged August 8, 1957, returning home to farm.
Visitation July 2 - 4:00 PM - 08:00 PM Bethel Lutheran Church Lawton, Iowa
Funeral July 3 - 10:30 AM Bethel Lutheran Church Lawton
Irwin August Grau, 85, of Lawton, passed away Friday, June 30, 2017, at Holy Spirit Retirement Home in Sioux City.
Services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at Bethel Lutheran Church in Lawton, with the Rev Ralph Shorey officiating. Interment will follow in Banner Township Cemetery near Lawton. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present 5 to 7 p.m., at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Morningside Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Homes.
Irwin was born in Carroll, Iowa, on March 3, 1932, the son of Emil and Magda (Holm) Grau. He served his country as a member of the United States Navy from November 8, 1955, through November 7, 1961.
Irwin and Wilma Carol Schmidt were united in marriage on January 22, 1961, at Zion Lutheran Church in Manning, Iowa. The couple moved to rural Ida Grove, Iowa, following their marriage and farmed in the area for more than 32 years, retiring from farming in 1993. In September of 2009, the couple moved to Lawton to be closer to their family.
Irwin loved going to auctions and was an avid collector. He always attended his U.S.S. McKean reunions and attending his grandchildren's sporting events. Most of all, Irwin just enjoyed talking to everyone he met.
He was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Lawton, the American Legion of Lawton, and the VFW Post in Manning.
Irwin's life will always be remembered by his wife of 56 years, Carol of Lawton, his sons, Dan and his wife, Rose of Lawton, and Scott of St. Louis Park, Minnesota. He also is survived by his two grandchildren, Kristi Loofe and Michael Grau; and his sister, Louise Troeh; along with several nieces, nephews; and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters; and three brothers.
Memorials in Irwin's name may be made to either Hospice of Siouxland or the Lawton Ambulance Service.