Ralph Fandel, Jr

Born in Whittemore, IA on August 23, 1921
Departed on October 22, 2008. Resided in Mechanicsville, IA.

Memorial

The proud family of Ralph Fandel, Jr. announce his gentle passing on October 22, 2008, at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids. Ralph was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, and brother who leaves a legacy of immense moral character, kindness, and spiritual wealth.

Ralph was born on August 23, 1921 in Whittemore, Iowa. He served honorably in the United States Navy for 20 years, rising to the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He lived his early adult life in California, and he traveled the world while in the Navy, particularly assisting with the repair of Navy vessels damaged in Pearl Harbor during World War II. Ralph moved to Cedar Rapids in 1960 and lived there for more than 30 years. There he was a member of St. Jude’s Catholic Church. For the past three years, he has resided with his wife Joan (Louise) in Mechanicsville. Previous to that he lived in Davenport.

He is survived by his loving wife Joan (Louise) Fandel of Mechanicsville; six children, Carol (Dan) Taylor, Nancy (John MacQueen) Fandel, Kathleen (David) Erusha, Paula (Loran) Erdmann, Sharon (Ron) Cummins, and Judy (Rod) Gipson; eleven grandchildren and their spouses: Lori, Matthew, Emily, Crystal, Laura, Elizabeth, Hillary, Bradley, Ross, Jacob, and Kaleb,; two step-children, Amanda (Dennis) Faust and Adam (Susan) Robinson; two step-grandchildren, Sarah and Daniel Robinson; five of his 13 siblings and four in-laws, Michael (Rosemary) Fandel; Ida Rose Barone; Carol McGuire; Thomas (Jo) Fandel, Alice (David) Flock, and sister-in-law Darlene Fandel; loving friend of 45 years, Nick Yost; and many, many caring extended family members, friends, and long-time acquaintances.

Ralph was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Fandel, Sr., his mother, Hildred (Elbert) Fandel, his son, Michael Ralph Fandel, and eight brothers and sisters: Mary Ilah Fandel, Willard (Jess) Fandel, Josephine Rink, Gervase (Fandel) Luedke, Robert Fandel, Stanley (Duke) Fandel, Shirley (Fandel) Nichols, and Donald Fandel. His wife of 35 years, Mary T. (Crowley/Doyle) Fandel also preceded him in death.

He worked for more than 20 years with his brothers Jess, Mike, and Don at Fandel Electric in Cedar Rapids. His last position there was as president of the company. Ralph also founded MarJu engraving business. Never wanting to retire, he drove airport van for Mike McGrath Auto Center, became a blackjack dealer with Isle of Capri in Bettendorf at the age of 82, and he traveled as much as he could, driving alone from Iowa to California and back at the age of 83, and to Florida for one of his grandaughter’s wedding. He loved to fish, especially with his father and son when they were alive, his dearest friend Nick Yost, his sons-in-law, his grandchildren, and just about anyone who was up for it.

Ralph had a deep and abiding faith in God. He was a proud charter member of St. Jude Catholic Church, where he served as a lector and rarely missed daily mass in his 30-some years as a parishioner. A teacher in the Navy and a longtime member of Toastmasters, Ralph took his teaching and speaking skills to St. Jude’s where he instructed new lectors. He was also a member of the Knight’s of Columbus for a number of years.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at St. Jude Catholic Church. Friends may call from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Friday October 24, 2008 at the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home where a prayer service will begin at 6:00 PM. Interment will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Military Rites will be held by American Legion Hanford Post #5.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids for their care.

Memorial donations in Ralph’s honor may be directed to St. Jude Catholic Church or the Mercy Medical Center Foundation.

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