Joseph B. Traul, 85, of Ottumwa, died at 4:49 a.m. June 19, 2026 at Good Samaritan Society – Ottumwa.
He was born March 3, 1941 in Ottumwa to Joseph Marion and Kathryn Claire Gage Traul. He married Helen Louise Spurgeon in 1971.
A graduate of Ottumwa High School, Joe operated Traul Standard Service Station for a short time. He served on the Ottumwa Fire Department, retiring as Assistant Chief in 2002 and worked as a Realtor in Ottumwa for over 40 years.
Joe was a member of Empire Masonic Lodge #269 A.F. & A.M. Davenport Consistory, Clinton Chapter 9, Ottumwa Council 31, Malta Commandery 31, and the Ottumwa Shrine Club. Joe loved cars, collecting old cars and watching racing. He also enjoyed listening to Elvis music.
Surviving is his wife, Helen; a daughter, Kerrie (Rich) Renken of Los Angeles, CA; two sons, Joey A. (Heather) Traul of Overland Park, KS and Doug Traul of Ottumwa; a step-daughter, Julie (Mark) Boeding of Knob Knoster, MO; thirteen grandchildren, Seth, Jordan, Brittney, Chandler, Natalie, Amelia, Brandy, Connor, Michael, Ashley, Tabitha, Sam and Josh; along with several great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Joyce Streeby; step-sons, Jim Feehan and Jeff Feehan; infant daughters, Terri Lynn Traul and Gina Kay Traul.
His body has been cremated. Visitation with family present to greet friends will be 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 24th at Reece Funeral Home.
Memorial services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, June 25th at Reece Funeral Home. Fireman honors will be performed by the Ottumwa Fire Department Honor Guard. Inurnment will be in Ottumwa Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Ottumwa Fire Fighter’s Association.
