Alan “AJ” Newell, 58, of Sully passed away on July 10, 2021, while vacationing in Tennessee. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. at Garden Chapel Funeral Home in Pella. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 16, at Sully First Reformed Church. Memorials have been designated for Sully Lions Club and LSCEF (Lynnville-Sully Community Education Foundation.
Alan James Newell was born Nov. 7, 1962, to Carroll and Anna Belle (Monroe) Newell in Albia.
Alan grew up in the Eddyville area and attended school there through the sixth grade. He was a 1981 graduate of Oskaloosa High School. He was very involved with the marching band and drum line. During that time, he also worked at A & W, where he made many life-long friends. Alan went on to Indian Hills to study computer maintenance and auction school. Alan was the owner/operator of Newell Auction Service. It was while he was working for United Tote at Prairie Meadows that he met Brenda Van Zee. They were united in marriage on June 15, 1991, in Newton. Most recently, Alan worked for John Deere for nearly 20 years.
Alan was a member of Sully First Reformed Church where he was active in Youth Impact Sponsors and Couples Bible Study group. He enjoyed collecting sports memora-bilia and was a St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. Alan loved spending time with family, friends, and his dogs! He was the youngest on both sides of the family and cherished family get-togethers. He was proud of his kids and their numerous activities. He will be remembered for his positive attitude and humor.
Those left to cherish his memory are Brenda, his wife of 30 years; their children Austin (Lysandra) Newell of Galesburg and Elana Newell of Sully. He is also survived by his sisters Arlene (Jay Hutchings) Newell of Floris and Amy (the late David) Verseman of Wentzville, MO; parents-in-law Carl and Gloria Van Zee of Colfax; sister-in-law Carla (Dan) Burgin of Des Moines; and many extended family and friends.
Alan was preceded in death by his parents.
