Marion Ralf

Marion K. Ralf, age 98, a lifelong resident of Marshalltown, died Monday, November 2nd , 2009, at Villa del Sol, where he has resided since 2004.Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 7th, 2009, at Mitchell Family Funeral Home with Rev. Gail Thiessen officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Central Christian Church, 300 West Main Street, Marshalltown. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral from 9:00-10:00 a.m. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. The Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Marion and his family. Ph 641-844-1234.Marion Kenneth Ralf was born on July 5, 1911, in Marshalltown, the son of Benjamin Nichols Ralf and Grace Bell (Wikle) Ralf. He was graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1930. In 1933 he was united in marriage with Margaret Haack. From 1943 through 1945 he served in the U.S. Army Air Force. On August 17, 1959, he married Laura M. Fleming, who survives him.Marion operated service stations for Standard Oil Company and Shell Oil Company from 1933-1961. He served two terms on the Marshalltown City Council in the early 1950s. In 1962 he joined Principal Life Insurance Company as a sales representative, retiring in 1976. From 1978 to 1984 he served as Marshall County deputy bailiff, and in 1993 he joined Wal-Mart as a greeter, retiring for the second time at the age of 92.In 1949 Marion was initiated into Marshall Lodge No. 108, A.F. & A.M., where he served as Worshipful Master in 1975. He was also a past member of Signet Chapter No. 38, Royal Arch Masons; King Solomon Council No. 20, Royal & Select Masters; St. Aldemar Commandery No. 30, Knights Templar; and Za-Ga-Zig Shrine. He was a fifty-year member of Central Christian Church.In addition to his wife, Laura M. Ralf of Marshalltown, Marion is survived by his daughters, JoAnn Decker (husband William) and Margaret Andrews(husband Clarence), both of Marshalltown; his stepson Mark W. Fleming (wife Laurel) of Naperville, Illinois; eight grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Harold N. Ralf, his sister Helen M. Isaacson, and grandson Dennis D. Decker.