Joseph Patrick Moran

Joe Moran, age 93, died peacefully on May 1, 2022 in his home on the farm, with his loving family near his side. He was an outstanding, loving, devoted husband, father and grandfather.

A lifelong resident of the Crescent/ Honey Creek area, Joe was born Nov. 14, 1928 to Leo and Mamie (Thomas) Moran in the farmhouse on the Moran farm. After graduation from Abraham Lincoln High School in Council Bluffs, he began his career as a farmer and beef producer operating with his father as Leo Moran and Son. In 1952 he married his beloved Leona in Defiance, IA. They moved into the farm house and together they raised 8 children. (4 sons and 4 daughters). As the years went on Joe worked hard to build up the farm operation and eventually included his sons into the business. Together they have worked side by side for many years, and now have added several grandsons.
The farm home has always been a great place of laughter and joy for many family gatherings over the years...every Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter...and many other occasions. Joe and Leona always welcomed all their family and friends into their kitchen.

Joe joined the Council Bluff Flying Club and flew a small plane for many years. He would travel to cattle sales across the country and often on other business, but there were many Sundays when he just took the kids up to sail around and look at the countryside. He and Leona loved to travel and also took the family on many 2 week summer vacations over the years. They loaded up the station wagon and drove all over the United States making many fond memories. Joe and Leona both enjoyed getting away for their own vacations too and together they traveled to many places including Ireland, Germany, Australia, Brazil, Alaska and two Caribbean cruises. They loved to go to Hawaii in the winters, and then eventually to Arizona for a great many more. It was especially fun for him after he took up the game of golf in his retirement years. Joe was active in the community for many years serving on the Boards at Mercy Hospital, First National Bank, CattleFax, St. Patrick's Church, and St. Albert's School...often as presiding president. He also joined the Rotary and served as their president. He was always interested in other people and in the farm business community.

He had a strong faith and was a lifelong member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Council Bluffs.

Left to treasure his memories are his wife Leona (of 70 years) and his children: Mike (Marly), Kate (Don), Craig (Brenda), Kevin (Annette), Frank (Elsie), Jolene (Jay), Mary (Dick), and Jenny (Dan), 30 grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren, brothers, Paul and Dale (Sally), and many dear nieces and nephews.

Welcoming him to heaven are his parents, Leo and Mamie, his brother, Tom and sisters, Joan Walters and Dolores Grady.

Rosary Recitation and Prayer Service will be at the Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Sunday, May 8, 2022 at 4:30 p.m. with a visitation to follow until 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church - Council Bluffs, Iowa on Monday, May 9, 2022.

The family wishes to thank St. Croix Hospice for all the dedicated care, love and attention they gave Joe. Because of them, he was able to be home with his family on the farm through the past months and enjoy a rich quality of life.

In lieu of flowers the family would like memorials directed to Farm of the Child in Honduras where Joe's grandson Nate is on mission this year or St. Croix hospice.