Ralph R. Fleener, 98, of Grinnell, died on Monday, Oct. 13, 2014, at Grinnell Health Care Center.
Funeral service was held Friday, Oct. 17, at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell. Interment was in Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell.
Memorials may be designated in his name to the Calvary Baptist Church, mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.
Ralph Randolph Fleener was born the son of Arthur and Telatha (Reeves) Fleener on Apr. 3, 1916, in Grinnell. He was raised on the family farm in Grant Township near Grinnell and attended Grant Township Country School.
Following his education, he farmed with his dad and worked for and later owned the Grinnell Livestock Exchange. He was united in marriage to Dorothy Maxine Wahner on Mar. 6, 1937, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. To this union were born four children: Robert, Marilyn, Don, and Janet. The couple lived and farmed near Grinnell all of their married lives.
Ralph attended Calvary Baptist Church in Grinnell and was a lifetime member of the Grinnell Elks Lodge. His grandchildren recalled him being a great storyteller, a math whiz, and someone who loved family get-togethers, picnics, and swinging on the swing in the screened-in porch. His other enjoyments included taking fishing trips to Canada and Minnesota, mushroom hunting, and gardening.
Ralph is survived by his daughter, Janet (Greg) Muckler of Grinnell; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dorothy Fleener; two sons, Robert and Don Fleener; daughter, Marilyn Rector; and siblings, Veda Hyde, Everton Fleener, Vera Christinson, Viola Schooley, Nellie VanAlmkerke, and Woodrow Fleener.
