Brenda Greazel

Obituary of Brenda Greazel

Brenda Marie Greazel, age 75 of rural Solon, peacefully passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Winslow House Care Center, in Marion, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at St.Mary's Catholic Church in Solon, with burial to follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Solon. Visitation will be at the church on Tuesday from 4 to 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Brenda's honor to either Iowa 4-H Foundation-Johnson County Endowment (checks to Iowa 4-H Foundation, 1259 Stange Rd, Ames, IA 50011) or Dementia Friendly Iowa (checks to NEI3A, 2728 Asbury Road #430, Dubuque, IA 52001). To share a thought, memory or condolence please visit Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website @ www.gayandciha.com.

Brenda Marie Krotz was born on August 3, 1950, in Washington, Iowa. She was the beloved daughter of Leonard and Mary (Smith) Krotz. Her family later moved to the Solon area, where Brenda grew up surrounded by strong community ties and lifelong friendships. She graduated from Solon High School in 1969 and went on to attend and graduate from Kirkwood Community College.

On August 20, 1971, Brenda married Raymond Eugene Greazel, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Solon. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, hard work, and love while farming near Solon and raising their daughters. In addition to caring for her family, she worked outside the home for over 30 years at ACT in Iowa City, where her dedication and reliability were deeply valued.

Brenda's faith was a guiding force throughout her life. She was an active and faithful member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, where she found strength, purpose, and community. She was a lector, communion distributor, religious education teacher, and member of St. Mary's Helping Hands. She also generously gave her time and talents to organizations close to her heart, including Johnson County 4-H, the Johnson County Fair Board, and the Johnson County Youth Development Committee. She was always supporting young people and helping them reach their highest potential.

Beyond her many commitments, Brenda found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved reading, tending to her flowers, cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes, volunteering whenever she was needed, and-above all-spending time with her family. Nothing meant more to Brenda than her family and friends, and her greatest joy came with the arrival of her grandchildren, whom she adored completely. She was the very best "NANA". Her love for them was endless, and her pride in them was evident in every smile, story, and hug she shared. She spent a lot of her time cheering them on at their various events and hobbies. One of the true highlights of Brenda's life was witnessing the marriage of her first granddaughter this past July a moment that filled her heart with immense joy and pride.

Her family includes her husband, Gene; their daughters, Shannon Greazel, Stephanie Penaluna (Michael) and Shana Johnson; grandchildren, Peyton Miller (Zachary), Parker Penaluna, Preston Penaluna, Olivia Johnson, Verayna Johnson and Dylan Johnson; Brenda's siblings, Pamela Rogers, Ellen Davis, Danette Foster (Steve), JoAnn Marshall and Bret Krotz.

She was preceded in death by her parents, infant son, brother, Richard Krotz and in-laws, Dick Rogers, Don Marshall and Michael Davis.