CLARION — When Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Superintendent Joseph Nelson hired Joseph Granzow in August 2021 to teach high school and middle school choir, he told people Granzow “was a home run hire who was loved by everyone.”

The veteran choir teacher, who retired at the end of last school year due to illness, died Thursday following a two-year battle with cancer.

“His impact will be felt for years to come in our district,” said Nelson. “He was a great man. He was a valued and admired teacher. His energy, creativity, and genuine care for students shone through in everything he did.”

According to Nelson, Granzow directed school productions of “Freaky Friday,” “Mama Mia!”, “Beauty and the Beast,” and “High School Musical.”

In 2023, Granzow was honored with the Outstanding North Central District Choral Educator Award at the Iowa Choral Directors Summer Symposium.

Outside of the classroom, Granzow loved to travel and fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting all seven continents, most recently making a trip to Antarctica.

“We are deeply thankful for all that Joseph Granzow has shared with our school and community,” said Nelson. “His influence will continue to be felt on our stage, in our classrooms, and in the many lives he touched here at CGD.”