Joe Grife, 81 of rural Barnes City passed away peacefully Sunday morning, April 13, 2025 at his home under hospice care. An outdoor funeral service will begin at 10:30 am Friday, April 18, 2025 at Joe's residence under his favorite pine trees at 2846 105th St. Barnes City, Iowa 50027. Burial will follow the service at Barnes City Cemetery in Barnes City. A visitation will held Thursday, April 17, 2025 at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home in New Sharon with the doors opening at 12:00 pm and the family present to greet friends and relatives from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Barnes City Fire Department or the Fuller-Sarvis American Legion Post 507 of Barnes City. Holland-Coble Funeral Home of New Sharon is assisting Joe's family with his final wishes.

Joe Michael Grife, the son of Albert and Margaret (Kirkpatrick) Grife, was born on March 11, 1944 in Montezuma, Iowa. He graduated from North Mahaska High School in 1963. Joe farmed and drove truck for the Barnes City CO-OP for a few years before working for Carlson Construction on the road crew. Joe was married to Betty Linfor and together they had two sons, Michael and John. They later divorced. Joe then worked for Mahaska County where he was a heavy equipment operator retiring after 33 years. He was married to Donna Doll and she passed away in 2007. Following retirement, Joe worked for Directional Drilling for a short time before being hired by the pipeline. He drove truck hauling pipes and equipment all over the country for 10 years. Joe was married to Virginia "Dutch" Evans. They later divorced.

Joe enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, camping, horses, attending Mule Fest, being around family and visiting with his relatives in Minnesota and Oregon. Every year he looked forward to putting on his Fourth of July Celebration at the farm. Joe was a member of the Barnes City Fire Department. He also enjoyed supporting Barnes City by attending the suppers and breakfasts.

His legacy will be honored by his sons, Mike (Sherry) Grife of Barnes City and John Grife of Scranton; nine grandchildren, seven great grandchildren; two brothers, Jack (Kathy) Grife of Montezuma and Larry Wayne Grife of Bridgeport, Oregon; his female friend, Janice Vine of Barnes City; a brother-in-law, Jim Martin of Oregon; along with Donna's family, Colleen (Bob) Wren, Carla Baird, Richard (Joni) Doll, Mike Doll and Mark (Melissa) Doll and their families and many other nieces, nephews and friends.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; a wife, Donna; sisters, Lilly (Ned) Schultz, Helen (Larry) Penland and Norma Martin.