John Robert Murrell, 86, of Bloomfield, Iowa, passed away after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease and its complications on July 25, 2026, at the Bloomfield Care Center. He was born on August 17, 1939, in Lancaster, Missouri, to Evans and Cleo Murrell. John married the love of his life, Jenive (Helen) Northup, and they shared a wonderful life through 68 years of marriage together. Helen devotedly stood by his side until his last day.
In 1961, John started working at Hamilton Produce in Bloomfield. Six years later, he opened and managed the Hamilton-McVey Feed & Grain Elevator. Eventually, he bought Mr. McVey’s portion of the company and formed a long-lasting partnership with Lowell Hamilton. In 1991, they sold Hamilton-Murrell Feed & Grain Elevator but continued their partnership, along with his son Raymond, at Hamilton Produce. John retired in 2019, completing a very successful and rewarding 58 years as a manager, businessman, and store owner. Throughout his career, he developed close personal relationships with multi-generation farmers and was a respected member of the community, even after retirement.
John was loved by many for his kindness, generosity, and quiet demeanor, but that’s not to say he couldn’t spin a tale or two. He truly enjoyed making people happy with his ability to tell a story or, better yet, tell a joke that sounded like a story until right before he delivered the hilarious punch line. He was at his happiest spending time with family and friends, flying his plane as a licensed pilot, or woodworking in his shop. The many amazing wood masterpieces he created will be treasured by friends and family, and passed down through generations, forever.
He is survived by his wife, Helen Murrell; two sisters, Judy (Jim) Abbott of Haywarden, Iowa and Iris (Weze) Van Doran of Burlington, Iowa; his son Raymond (Renita) Murrell and daughter Deanna (Ken) Carlson of Bluffton, South Carolina; and two grandsons, Christopher Murrell and Lucas Carlson of Fortson, Georgia.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sibling, Jerry Murrell.
John and Helen’s wish was for John to be cremated with no services to be held at this time. A memorial has been established to Good Samaritan’s Hospice. Memorials may be sent to: John Murrell Memorial, c/o Wagler Funeral Home, 304 W. Jefferson St., Bloomfield, Iowa 52537
