Harold J Rose, Jr., 74, of Grinnell died Saturday, April 8, 2023, surrounded by his family at his home, after his battle with cancer. A funeral service will be held 10:30AM on Friday, April 14, 2023, at Cox-Smith Funeral Home, with Pastor Craig Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in Hazelwood Cemetery. A visitation will be on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at Cox-Smith Funeral Home, with the family present from 5:00PM – 7:00 PM. In lieu of wreaths, flowers, or memorial contributions, the family asks that you donate to Veterans Affairs, the Grinnell Tigers Booster Club or any non-profit organization in Harold's name. They can be sent in care of Cox-Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, PO Box 163, Grinnell, Iowa 50112.

Harold J Rose, Jr. was born and raised in Grinnell, IA on April 23, 1948, the son of Harold Sr. and Ida Rose. He graduated from Grinnell High School in 1966. Harold enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan during Vietnam. On August 13, 1971, he married the love of his life, Cathie. He worked at Miracle Recreation Equipment Company for 15 years, road construction at Brown & Legal for 10 years, Montezuma Manufacturing for 20 years and retired from Grinnell Public Waterworks after 12 years.

Harold was always on the go. He loved finding morel mushrooms, hunting, fishing, and working in his garden. He liked to run marathons and would often ride his bicycle to work. Harold's countless stories will always be remembered. He liked to joke around with his grandsons and was an avid Packers fan. Harold and Cathie just made a visit to his family's homestead in Monticello, KY, with his cousins, Carol Jean, Gary, Frank, and Jim Jr. Having family around was always a blessing for Harold, as he loved spending time with everyone. He was the biggest cheerleader for his grandsons at their sporting events.

Harold was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, nephew, and friend. He will be missed by his wife of 51 years, Cathie of Grinnell; son, Chad (Kelly) Rose of Grinnell, daughters, Christine Rose (Elliot Huff) of Grinnell and Karen Rose (Jose Blanco) of Des Moines; his grandsons, Jarrett and Eli Rose, and Adam Freeborn; brother, John Rose of Malcom; and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, James and Keith Rose.