Alan James Newell

Alan James Newell was born Nov. 7, 1962, to Carroll and Anna Belle (Monroe) Newell in Albia.   

 Alan grew up in the Eddyville area and attended school there through the sixth grade. He was a 1981 graduate of Oskaloosa High School. He was very involved with the marching band and drumline. During that time, he also worked at A & W, where he made many life-long friends. Alan went on to Indian Hills to study computer maintenance and auction school. Alan was the owner/operator of Newell Auction Service. It was while he was working for United Tote at Prairie Meadows that he met Brenda Van Zee. They were united in marriage June 15, 1991, in Newton. Most recently, Alan worked for John Deere for nearly 20 years.

Alan was a member of the First Reformed Church in Sully, where he was active in Youth Impact Sponsors and Couples Bible Study group. He enjoyed collecting sports memorabilia and was a St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. Alan loved spending time with family, friends and his dogs! He was the youngest on both sides of the family and cherished family get-togethers. He was proud of his kids and their numerous activities. He will be remembered for his positive attitude and humor.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Brenda of 30 years; their children, Austin (Lysandra) Newell of Galesburg and Elana Newell of Sully. He is also survived by his sisters, Arlene (Jay Hutchings) Newell of Floris and Amy (the late David) Verseman of Wentzville, Mo.; parents-in-law, Carl and Gloria Van Zee of Colfax; sister-in-law, Carla (Dan) Burgin of Des Moines; and many extended family and friends. Alan was preceded in death by his parents, Carroll and Anna Newell.

A funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. Friday, July 16 at the First Reformed Church in Sully. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 15 at the Garden Chapel Funeral Home in Pella. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Sully Lion’s Club or LSCEF — Lynnville-Sully Community Education Foundation.