Joan Marcella Grave

Joan Marcella Grave, 59, of Marion, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Bickford of Marion. In agreement with her wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion. Memorial services will begin at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Cedar Hills Community Church, located at 6455 E Avenue NW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Private committal services will take place at a later date.

Joan was born on November 13, 1965, in Dubuque, IA, one of eight children to Herbert and Jane (Derga) Hahn. Joan grew up on their family farm near Dyersville, Iowa. Joan took pride in the hard work she did on the farm and carried it to many aspects of her life.

Joan was united in marriage to Duane Alan Grave on March 12, 1988, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Together, they raised their three children in Marion, Iowa: Kristina Grave (Loesel), Jacob Grave, and Alexi Grave (Culbertson).

Joan was a loving stay-at-home mom, before serving as a paraprofessional for many years. She had a compassionate heart for her students. Joan was an excellent cook and enjoyed spending time in nature with her family doing activities like boating, hiking, and kayaking. She loved her family dogs, “Mitch”, “Masey”, and “Riley”. Joan was known to love Christmas, Hallmark, and giving gifts. She will be remembered as a caring friend and family member.

Joan is survived and lovingly remembered by her husband, Duane Grave; children, Kristina (Mitch) Loesel, Jacob (Gladis) Grave, and Alexi (Justin) Culbertson; grandchildren, Shelsyn Ponce Grave, Fernanda Padilla Grave, and Alex Figueroa Grave; mother-in-law, Donna Grave; seven siblings, Glen (Karen) Hahn, Joyce (Charlie) Harris, Jill (Virgil) Recker, Judi (Ron) Simon, Gary Hahn, Jennifer Hahn, and Jessica Hahn (Scott) Bries; many nieces and nephews; as well as many wonderful friends.

She was preceded in death by her father in 1983 and her mother in 2023, along with her grandparents, father-in-law Marvin Grave, and several aunts and uncles.

In recognition of Joan’s love of flowers, if inclined, floral contributions may be sent to the funeral home.