Maurice Alvin Garnant, lifelong farmer and beloved member of the Cedar Rapids and Ely communities, passed peacefully on December 6, 2024, at the age of 99.  Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling Street SW.  Celebration of Life service will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at St. John Lutheran Church in Ely.  Burial will be in Rogers Grove Cemetery, near Ely. Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre will be in charge of arrangements.

He was born on October 30, 1925, to the late Horace and Lois (Fuhrmeister) Garnant on the family farm near Ely, Iowa. Maurice's passion for farming began at an early age, and he spent nearly his entire life tending to the land he loved. Known for his tireless work ethic, Maurice raised livestock and farmed a variety of crops in Iowa and Missouri. He became a respected figure in the local agricultural community and was proud to be a fourth-generation farmer.

He attended Union #1 and graduated from Wilson High School in 1943. In 1949, Maurice married the love of his life, Rachel Truhlar. Together, they had a remarkable 75-year partnership filled with love, hard work, and shared purpose. Over their remarkable 75 years of marriage, they raised four children, welcomed grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and faced life's joys and challenges as steadfast partners. Their enduring bond was a source of inspiration to all who knew them. Maurice and Rachel lived on their family farm until they transitioned to an independent living center at the ages of 93 and 95.

Maurice was deeply committed to and incredibly proud of his family, church, and community. He served as Board President at St. John Lutheran Church, as Board Secretary for the Linn County Cooperative, and was an active member of the Iowa Farm Bureau. He was a friend to everyone he met.

Maurice is survived by his loving wife, Rachel; his four children: Beverly Garnant of St. Louis; Maureen (Roger) Smith of Clinton; Kristin (Skip) Garnant of Camanche; and James (Sherry) Garnant of Ely. He is also survived by five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and numerous extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Raymond (Barbara) Garnant.

Memorials may be directed to the family.