Laurel Pollock, 59, of Independence, MO, and formerly of Grinnell, passed away at his home with his family by his side on Monday, Dec. 19, 2022.
A funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 28, at Grinnell Christian Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to benefit in his memory and may be mailed in care of Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with his family at www.smithfh.com.
Laurel was born the son of Harley Lewis and Pauline (Barritt) Pollock on Nov. 25, 1963, in Mercer, MO. He was raised in Grinnell and graduated from Grinnell High School in 1982.
Laurel was married to Shelly Kester on June 25, 1988, at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Grinnell. To this union, they had three children: Kelsey Renee, Alea Lynn, and Bryton Cole. They made their home in Grinnell, where Laurel was a driver and sales representative for Grinnell Beverage. He later became a sales representative for JELD-WEN, which transferred him and his family to Kansas City in 2010. The Pollock family was baptized together at Grinnell Christian Church, where they were members until they moved.
Laurel was an avid Minnesota Vikings and Twins fan. He also enjoyed playing softball with friends for many years. He was a great artist which came in handy when creating scenery for Shelly’s dance recitals. He even made a few appearances on stage with other parents or with his girls - a testament to the fact that he would truly do anything for his family. The grandkids stole his heart, and he loved them more than anything. He took great pride in being “Pop” to Quinn, Noah, and Brock and was as equally adored by them.
Laurel is survived by his wife Shelly Pollock of Independence, MO; children Kelsey (Seth) Bryan of Lee’s Summit, MO, Alea Slater of Lynnville, and Bryton Pollock of Bicester, Oxfordshire; grandkids Quinn Bryan, Noah Bryan, and Brock Slater; siblings Kathy Manatt of Grinnell, Steve (Robin) Pollock of Grinnell, and Bill (Barbie) Pollock of Surprise, AZ; father and mother-in-law, Frank and Patty Kester of Grinnell; sister-in-law Mike (Brenda) Arment of Grinnell; brother-in-law Larry Cox of Grinnell; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father Harley Lewis Pollock; grandparents Earl and Leila Pollock, Uarda Barritt, and Laurel Barritt; and sister-in-law, Vicky Cox.
