Franklin Joseph Karal
September 30, 1920 — October 7, 2017
Franklin Joseph Karal, 97, died peacefully on Saturday October 7th, 2017, at his home in Fairfax, Iowa, surrounded by his family and beloved dogs. Visitation: 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 10, 2017, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Service: 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 11, 2017, at St. John XXIII Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids. Burial: St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Fairfax, with military rites.
Frank was born in Cedar Rapids to Wesley and Rose (Mrstik) Karal on September 30, 1920. He attended and graduated from St. Patrick’s School in Fairfax. He lived in and around the Fairfax area all of his life. He married the love of his life, Marie Neuhaus on October 16, 1947.
Days after the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, Frank enlisted in the military and fought for four years in World War II. He served in the 2nd Marine Division and was among the first U.S. ground troops to fight the Japanese, landing first at Gavutu and Tanambogo before moving to Guadalcanal. The experiences he had during the war shaped his life and the person he was afterwards. He was a loyal member of the Pekomy 572 American Legion Post and actively served as Sergeant of Arms for over 50 years.
Frank was a hard-working man who loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and country. He worked in the gas station business for many years, and owned and operated Frank’s APCO Service Station in Fairfax from 1963-1981. He gave to his community by serving as mayor and on the city council in Fairfax. He had a passion for eating, and especially loved having fresh produce from his garden. Having spent his childhood living on farms, growing, freezing, and canning food was a big part of his happiness. He really appreciated the kind friends who brought him produce later in life when he could no longer garden.
Frank is survived by a son, Mike (Dianne) Karal of Cedar Rapids; three daughters, Suellen (Jim) Flynn of Hiawatha, Karen (Jim) Colbert of Ames, and Beth (Brad) Hamilton of Fairfax; six grandchildren, James Colbert (Jennifer Czwornog), Mikaela (Andy) Schultz, Kallie (Tom) Nichols, Chris Flynn, Joseph Hamilton (Sara Eggers) and Danielle Hamilton (Calvin Voelker); great-grandson, Robbie Schultz; brothers-in-law Dave Neuhaus and Joe (Cynthia) Neuhaus; sister-in-law, Ann (David) Theurauf; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Marie; his parents; two brothers, Stan Karal and Fr. John Karal; and one sister, Dorothy Karal.
Memorial contributions can be directed to the family or St. Jude Children’s Hospital. The family would like to especially thank Elizabeth Berning and Jackie Baughman at the VA Home Based Primary Health Care, Sandra at Comfort Care, and Mercy Hospice.
Frank was born in Cedar Rapids to Wesley and Rose (Mrstik) Karal on September 30, 1920. He attended and graduated from St. Patrick’s School in Fairfax. He lived in and around the Fairfax area all of his life. He married the love of his life, Marie Neuhaus on October 16, 1947.
Days after the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, Frank enlisted in the military and fought for four years in World War II. He served in the 2nd Marine Division and was among the first U.S. ground troops to fight the Japanese, landing first at Gavutu and Tanambogo before moving to Guadalcanal. The experiences he had during the war shaped his life and the person he was afterwards. He was a loyal member of the Pekomy 572 American Legion Post and actively served as Sergeant of Arms for over 50 years.
Frank was a hard-working man who loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and country. He worked in the gas station business for many years, and owned and operated Frank’s APCO Service Station in Fairfax from 1963-1981. He gave to his community by serving as mayor and on the city council in Fairfax. He had a passion for eating, and especially loved having fresh produce from his garden. Having spent his childhood living on farms, growing, freezing, and canning food was a big part of his happiness. He really appreciated the kind friends who brought him produce later in life when he could no longer garden.
Frank is survived by a son, Mike (Dianne) Karal of Cedar Rapids; three daughters, Suellen (Jim) Flynn of Hiawatha, Karen (Jim) Colbert of Ames, and Beth (Brad) Hamilton of Fairfax; six grandchildren, James Colbert (Jennifer Czwornog), Mikaela (Andy) Schultz, Kallie (Tom) Nichols, Chris Flynn, Joseph Hamilton (Sara Eggers) and Danielle Hamilton (Calvin Voelker); great-grandson, Robbie Schultz; brothers-in-law Dave Neuhaus and Joe (Cynthia) Neuhaus; sister-in-law, Ann (David) Theurauf; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Marie; his parents; two brothers, Stan Karal and Fr. John Karal; and one sister, Dorothy Karal.
Memorial contributions can be directed to the family or St. Jude Children’s Hospital. The family would like to especially thank Elizabeth Berning and Jackie Baughman at the VA Home Based Primary Health Care, Sandra at Comfort Care, and Mercy Hospice.
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