Aaron Lane

The world was blessed with the presence of Aaron Joseph Lane on May 18,1972 in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, and he was lovingly adopted from the Cookson Hill's Christian Children's home 3 days later and brought home to Oelwein Iowa. At the far too young age of 50, Aaron bravely spread his wings and left us here on Earth following complications of a cardiac arrest, with his friends and family at his side, while under the amazingly compassionate care of Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa.

To know Aaron was to know someone who truly gave unselfishly to others. He was dedicated to everyone and every cause that crossed his path. Had a need? Aaron was there. Whether it was a helping hand with a project, no matter how big or small, or someone to cheer you up. When Aaron was around there was no need to worry, he could be counted on to get things taken care of. His goofball personality was infectious. You could not find a more dedicated Partner, Dad, Papa, Son, Brother, Friend or Employee. Know why Aaron was so easy to talk too? He quickly made strangers into friends as he spent his childhood in many new locations as his Father Pastor Larry transferred from church to church. They spent 7 years in Waterloo while his dad pastored River's Edge Christian Church. During high school he participated in football and track while beginning to work as a farm hand as early as 6th grade. He graduated from East Waterloo High School in 1991. He attended Ozark Christian College in Joplin, Mo. for one year.  He started being mentored on the farm begining in 6th grade where he learned basic welding and developed that into a profession with The Martin Company. Following that he spent some time in Texas and in 2000 he fell in love with the gal of his dreams as Mindy bumped into him! Literally, a golf cart..big white truck, cowboy meets small town girl. That package also contained an adorable 2 year old who Aaron instantly treated as his own and helped to mold his step son Brenton into the man he is today. A lot of fun and 3 years later he and Mindy were beyond excited to bring Eli into the world and shortly after Hannah. Being a Dad and Papa while providing for his family, was the most important thing in life to Aaron. And boy was he good at it! Hours were enjoyed spending time in his garage, turned man cave, cheering on Iowa State, enjoying a friendly conversation over a Busch Light, or partaking in another one of Mindy's wood working projects. He had a love for snowmobiling on not near enough Iowa snowy nights, spending time on the Mississippi River with family and friends.  Camping and sitting around the fire were two of his favorites. No matter what he was doing Aaron lived BIG! Not in a boastful way, in a cup always half full way. Aaron was a vital asset in his volunteerism with the Felix Grundy Festival. When kids were in the room he was the first to spend time with them, just like adults they always warmed up to him quickly. He had a love for animals and just like with people, he had a calming effect on them.

Aaron worked as a welder for many years, locally at Heavy Equipment, dedicatedly traveling the world to set up and train on the use of paving machines and at Wayne Engineering/Curbtender in research and development. Aaron loved to run big machines and was able to enjoy each day at Nutrient Ag, Strohbehn Farms. He currently was employed with the road maintenance crew for Grundy County. He also was the owner of The Rusty Nail in Morrison from 2018-2021.

Aaron is survived by his loving partner/wife of 20 years, Mindy Greany, Son Eli Lane (19), Daughter Hannah Lane (17), Step-son Brenton Kiewiet (24) (Kyla Haupt), Grandchildren Kinsley (5) and Holdyn (11mo) Kiewiet, special grandson-like hero Grayson VanHauen (7) and 4 legged buddy Rusty. All of whom reside Grundy Center, Iowa. His parents Retired Minister Larry and Nancy Lane of Carterville, MO, younger brother Nathan Lane (Jenny) of Moore, South Carolina. Father and mother-in-law, Bob and Jan Greany (Grundy Center), Sister-in-laws - Monica (Jason) Hayes, Tiffin, IA and Marissa (Brad) Johnson, Cedar Rapids, IA, several special nieces and nephews, Kennady and Adley Johnson, Cameron, Cassidy, and Chloe Hayes, and Marissa and Zoe Lane and Ethan Collins, along with many amazing friends and co-workers.

Aaron is proceeded in death by his Maternal and Paternal Grandparent Les and Eulala Lane, and Floyd and Mary Wood.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at Barlea Roots near Reinbeck, IA. Visitation will be from 1:00-3:00, with a service starting at 3:00 and a time of laughter, drinks, food and celebration following until 6:00. Aaron would request casual attire.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to your favorite charity or Aaron's family. An account has been established at Greenbelt Bank and Trust, Grundy Center in his memory.