Jeremy Engrav

Jeremy D. Engrav, 37, of Waukon, IA, died Thursday, September 5, 2024, at his home. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 11th, at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon with Fr. John Moser officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Waukon. Join the family for a celebration of life at the Uptown party room afterward Wednesday starting at 2:00 PM to pay tribute to Jeremy by sharing a story, a laugh, and a drink honoring him just as he wanted us to. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Tuesday at church. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials will go towards an account set up for his children.
Jeremy Donald Engrav, born on July 28, 1987, at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon, IA, was the beloved son of Steve and the late Mary (Ryder) Engrav. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Jeremy graduated from Waukon High School in 2006.
Following high school, Jeremy briefly resided in Cedar Rapids, IA, before returning to his hometown. On May 26, 2012, he married his high school sweetheart, Betsy Farley, at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Their marriage was blessed with four wonderful children, who were the center of Jeremy's life.
Jeremy and Betsy shared a passion for travel, creating countless cherished memories along the way. In fact, it was their adventurous spirit that nearly caused them to miss their own wedding, arriving back in Waukon from a trip just one hour before the ceremony.
For 17 years, Jeremy had a successful career selling life insurance with American Income Life. His natural charisma and gift of conversation made him a top salesman, earning him several awards, including membership in the prestigious "Million Dollar Club." He took immense pride in his work, always striving to help each family he met.
When Jeremy wasn't engaged in a lively conversation-something he was known for-he could be found at one of his children's sporting events or hosting campfires with family and neighbors. An avid outdoorsman, Jeremy had a deep love for hunting and fishing. He made annual fishing trips to Arkansas and traveled out West to hunt elk. Closer to home, he was a dedicated deer hunter, participating in both bow and shotgun seasons. Jeremy often shared his passion for the outdoors with his children and other family members, teaching them the skills he cherished.
Jeremy was a proud Iowa Hawkeye fan, but after marrying Betsy, he embraced the UNI Panthers as well, joining forces with the Farley family. His creativity and love of family extended to inventing a backyard football game that quickly became a favorite among his kids.
He will be remembered for his love of family, his adventurous soul, and the joy he brought to all who knew him.
Jeremy is survived by his loving wife, Betsy, and their four children: Brayden, Brecken, Brantley, and Briar. He is also survived by his father Steve Engrav; his two brothers: Nic (Kim) Engrav and Ryan (Brittni) Engrav; and his nieces and nephews: Dominic, Deven, Evelynn, and Edward Engrav, and Matti, Mason, Jaxon, Jace, Asher, Maryn, and Charlotte Farley. He leaves behind his father- and mother-in-law Gary and Dawn Farley; brothers-in-law: Matt (Heidi), Nick (Ashley), and Tyson (Veronica) Farley; his grandmother Betty Engrav; grandparents-in-law: Laurayne and DuWayne Snitker and Iona Farley; and many cherished aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his beloved mother Mary in 2018, along with his grandparents: Walter Engrav, Janette Ryder-Blong, Donald Ryder, Gerald Blong, and Bill Farley.
Honorary casketbearers are his brothers and brothers-in-law. Casketbearers include Nathan Jones, Cody Cook, Danny Thornton, Brody Baxter, Dominic Engrav, Dale Meyer, Justin Lyons, Mike Handke Jr., and Brian Bahr.