James B. Modrell

October 12, 1935 – February 18, 2023

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James B. Modrell, 87, passed away on Saturday, February 18^th, 2023, in Mesa, Arizona. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 13^th, 2023, at First United Methodist Church in Algona, Iowa.

 

Jim was born on October 12^th, 1935, to Bernard and Irene (Dunham) Modrell at the family ranch near Palisade, Nebraska. Jim graduated from Palisade High School in 1954, where he excelled in sports and music. After high school, Jim graduated from Nebraska Trade School in Milford, Nebraska.

 

After college, Jim moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where he met the love of his life, Eloise Rohrberg. They were married on June 21^st, 1958, in Mineola, Iowa. Jim and Eloise later moved to Algona, Iowa, where they had three children, Jim Jr., LuAnn and Doug.

 

Jim started a 33-year career with Kossuth Mutual/Heartland Mutual Insurance Association during which time he became president. During his insurance tenure, Jim was involved with many boards and committees, both professionally and locally. He was also a member of the local Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star. Jim was also actively involved with the Shriner’s, where he enjoyed being a hospital dad.

 

In their free time, Jim and Eloise enjoyed extensive travels including family vacations on motorcycles. After he retired, they enjoyed their winters in Arizona and their summers volunteering at Cutty’s in Okoboji. Jim’s personal hobbies included woodworking and fishing.

 

Those left to cherish his memories are his wife of 64 years, Eloise (Ellie); his children, Jim (Cecilia) Modrell of Wayne, Nebraska, LuAnn (Kenny) Garman of Spencer, Iowa, and Doug (Julie) Modrell of Urbandale, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Kevin, Justin, Samantha, Aubrey, Alison, Benjamin and Danielle; two step-grandchildren, Zulia and Julia; thirteen great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Kathy Wamberg; and several nieces and nephews.

 

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Elvin and Fern Rohrberg; his sister, Bernadine Jussel; brothers-in-law, Leroy Jussel, Donald Rohrberg and Jim Wamberg; and grandson, Jeffrey Modrell.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be directed to Shriner’s Hospital and St. Jude Children’s Hospital.