Joel Howard Garretson, Sr., 88, of rural Salem, IA, died late Sunday, January 20, 2013 at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City. Born Septmber 24, 1924 in Mt. Pleasant, he was the son of Dr. Joel Howard Garretson and May Martina (Johnson) Garretson. Joel was raised on the family farm southeast of Salem and attended Glendale country school. He was a 1942 graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School where he played on the football team. Joel attended Iowa Wesleyan College and was a member of the the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Joe enlisted in the US Army Air Corps on June 25, 1943, serving as a Flight Officer and pilot of the B-26 Martine Marauder. He was honorable discharged on November 23, 1945. One September 27, 1947, Joel was united in marriage to Joyce Kathleen Stuart at the United Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant. He was engaged in farming throughout his life. He also worked in the carpentry trade and as a vocational instructor in building trades at Southeastern Community College, teaching at the Iowa State Penitentiary in Ft. Madison. Joe was a member of the American Legion SImkin-Pidgeon Post #94 of Salem. He was an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes. He enjoyed mushroom hunting in the "timber", woodworking and projects in his shop, gardening, canning and working in his orchard. He planted many fruit and nut bearing trees on the farm, as well as other varieties of trees and berries. His favorite times were spent visiting with friends and family. Those thankful for sharing in Joel's oife include his wife of 65 years, Joyce of Salem; 2 sons - Joel H. Garretson, Jr. and wife Marlene and Robert S. Garretson, allof Salem; a daughter - Cathy Helman and husband Dave of Salem; a sister - Josie Bainter and her husband Harlan of Salem; 6 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his paretns, a son, John Garretson, a sister, Virginia Woollis and husband Floyd and a brother, Charles Garretson. A graveside memorial service will be held at a later date at Salem East Cemetery in Salem. The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be directed to kimzeyfuenralhome.com Those considreing an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Salem Cre Public Library, 107 East Cherry St., Salem, IA, 52649 or ot the Salem East Cemtery, 1805 Salem Road, Salem, IA, 52649.