Notes from the Old Noank Jail

J.D. & Irma – Stewards of Faith

by Ed Johnson

Recently, we were saddened to learn that Groton resident Irma Rodd Krell passed away at age 97 from a stroke. She had been ill for some time and had lost her beloved husband, John Delano Krell, in 2004. I was reminded how much she and “J.D.” meant to our community over a long period of time.

They met and married in 1951 and actually traveled on their short honeymoon from New England to New Jersey in a rented horse-drawn Carriage, making overnight stops en route. Irma described that trip as “very romantic, great fun…and cold!” From all accounts, theirs was a very loving relationship between two gentle people, who could both be feisty if the situation called for it. And although JD was almost twice Irma’s size, he freely admitted that he was no match for her in a “discussion.” Her appearance as a sweet little lady with twinkling eyes and rosy cheeks provided excellent camouflage for a strong, determined New England personality when there was something important on the line.

When JD retired from the Navy after Irma retired as a secretary, they joined the Noank Baptist Church where Irma became very active in several areas but most especially as a Deacon, the primary spiritual leadership group within the church. With her strong dedication of service to the church and helping others for many years, Irma was later awarded the title of Honorary Deacon.

JD, physically strong and energetic, was active with the church Finance Committee, adopting a conservative approach to money spent on the church building. Some of us then lured him into chairing the Board of Trustees so he could see, first hand, that money really WAS needed for repairs or the church buildings would fall apart! After that, nothing could stop JD’s enthusiasm and many building improvements resulted. Some were installed by his own hand, including a parsonage kitchen counter that (I think) weighed more than we did (I made the mistake of helping with that project and am still recovering).

The only person who controlled JD was Irma… very quiet, very sweet…and very persuasive! So, when later medical issues prevented JD from more physical activities, with Irma’s encouragement and secretarial help, they became church Historians, reviewing the very old church minutes and typing them into more readable and permanent form…an extensive project. They were a great team…and did a great job.

JD and Irma are symbolic role models of elders from earlier times where church and service organizations such as Masonic Orders were primary focal points of the community. Stewardship is generally defined as ” the careful, responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care.” That is how many of us will always remember JD… and now Irma…as Stewards of Faith. We are all the better for having known these two fine people.