Joel "Marty" Martin Greenfield

Joel Martin “Marty” Greenfield passed away Thursday, October 17th, 2024 at the age of 61. Born January 4, 1963 in Red Oak, Iowa to Joseph and Rosetta (Ross) Greenfield, Joel grew up getting into shenanigans with his two brothers, Jay and Jim. This ornery nature took a pause when at 17, Joel enlisted in the United States Air Force, adoring his time stationed in Alaska. In adulthood the tomfoolery continued, as Joel and his brothers entered many demolition derbies and car shows, basking in the pride that only the spoils of shiny trophies and fond memories could bring.

During his marriage with Peggy Logan (later divorced), Joel began to raise their two children Logan and Kaycee with his love of animals, fishing, play, and the earth. He is remembered by his beloved kids for his tenderness and gentleness, and expressing his eternal care for them. 

A skilled handyman and welder, a career in construction brought Joel to Beatrice, Nebraska. He continued to find peace in the outdoors, and the natural result of his love of animals was a backyard menagerie, home to chickens, ducks, rabbits and his sweet black lab, Charlie. As he was known to do in any place he found himself, Joel built strong community, whether he was happily country dancing or lending a frequent and fond hand to his neighbors. Later in life, he explored his creativity by authoring short stories and poetry. Joel will be sorely missed and remembered for his inquisitiveness, care for all beings no matter how small, knack for finding mischief and adventure, his support of authenticity and being one’s truest self, and a kind heart.

Joel is survived by his children, Logan Greenfield of Chicago, Illinois, Kaycee Kube and husband Jackson of Norfolk; mother, Rosetta Greenfield of Council Bluffs, Iowa; brothers, Jay Greenfield of Council Bluffs, Iowa, James Greenfield of Wichita, Kansas; significant other, JoAnn Weiskamp of Beatrice; and dog, Charlie. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Greenfield.

Joel’s military funeral flag will be dedicated to the Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Court of Honor, which was founded in part by his grandfather Leland Ross to preserve and display local veteran’s flags. On each Memorial Day, the Court of Honor flies the flags, including those of Joel’s father and grandfather, all around Evergreen Cemetery in Red Oak, Iowa. This is a treasured tradition carried on by the Ross/Greenfield family.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, October 25, 2024 at Harman-Wright Mortuary in Beatrice with Pastor David Bigley officiating. There will be no visitation. Memorials are suggested to Boys Town or the Beatrice Humane Society in care of the mortuary. Harman-Wright Mortuary & Crematory in Beatrice in charge of arrangements.

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