Ray Wendel Holliday, Jr. was born on Aug. 26, 1933 at home in rural Grand River Township, Adair County, Iowa to Ray and Martha (Baier) Holliday. He died peacefully in his home on Sept. 29, 2022, with his wife of 62 years, Janet, by his side.
Wendel grew up on a family farm, attending country school and graduated from Greenfield High School in 1952. He farmed and drove a truck for Schildberg Construction Company until they drafted him into the U.S. Army. He served his country, being stationed in Germany, where he proudly drove a tracked armored personnel carrier.
On July 17, 1960, he was united in marriage to Janet Havens at the Greenfield Presbyterian Church. To this union, a son, Douglas Wendel, and a daughter, Sherri Jo, were born. Wendel and Janet established their home on the family farm east of Greenfield, where he still lived. Wendel had a passion for farming. With his dad, Ray, and later with his son, Doug, they raised cattle and hogs, and had row crops of primarily corn and soybeans. He had many great employees over the years that he worked with side-by-side.
Wendel was active in his community, serving as President of the Adair County Pork Producers; served on the Adair County fair board; and was a 4-H leader. He regularly attended the Greenfield Gospel Chapel. Wendel enjoyed auctions, collecting toy tractors, and spending time with family and friends.
His parents preceded him in death, as well as mother- and father-in-law, Harriett and Audra Havens; brother-in-law, John Allen Havens; sister-in-law, Thelma Holliday; son-in-law, David Andrus.
His wife, Janet Holliday of Greenfield survives him; son, Douglas (Jodie) Holliday of Greenfield and daughter, Sherri Andrus of West Des Moines; grandchildren, Joceline (Curtis) Vry and their children, Deckline and Ridge of Greenfield, Megan Andrus (fiancé Casey Holman) of Carnesville, GA, Jordan Andrus of Ankeny, Jennifer and Jorja Holliday of Greenfield; brother, Phil Holliday of Cumming; sister-in-law, Delores Havens of Greenfield; as well as many relatives and friends.
Funeral services were Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022, at the Lamb Funeral Home in Greenfield with burial in the Greenfield Cemetery. Full military graveside rites were held by the Greenfield American Legion Head-Endres Post No. 265 and V.F.W. Post No. 5357. A luncheon was served after the burial at the Greenfield Gospel Chapel. Mr. Phil Cannon officiated the service. The Lamb Funeral Home in Greenfield is in charge of the professional arrangements. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.lambfuneralhomes.com.
Open Visitation was held on Monday, October 3, 2022, at the Lamb Funeral Home in Greenfield.
The family greeted friends Monday, Oct. 3, 2022, at the Lamb Funeral Home in Greenfield.
Memorials may be made to the Wendel Holliday Memorial Fund to be established by the family at a later date.
The family of Wendel Holliday wishes to express their gratitude for all acts of kindness shown to them in their time of sorrow and invite you to join them for a luncheon at the Greenfield Gospel Chapel following the committal services at the cemetery.