Ralph Marten

Ralph Henry Marten was born July 29, 1921, the son of Louie and Matilda Marten. He died, Sunday, February 8, 2015, in Mesa, Arizona, at the age of ninety-three.
Ralph received his education in Lutheran and rural schools in the Charter Oak and Ute area, later attending the Denison Community School District. On January 26, 1941, Ralph was united in marriage to Marie Petersen, and they were blessed with seven children. Ralph inherited his business sense from his father, Louie. While still in high school he started his entrepreneurial successes owning and operating Western Auto Sales for 28 years, later purchasing Dialoc Corporation, and building World Wide Meats. Ralph played a key role in the construction of many housing and apartment complexes in Denison from 1950 thru 2012. He was also influential in the start up of Midwestern College, Farmland Foods, and Iowa Beef Packers in Denison. Ralph was very active in the Denison Community, serving as President of the Denison Municipal Utilities Board from 1998 to 2002 , the Denison Chamber of Commerce, and the Board of Directors of Norwest Bank for several years. In addition to his community involvement, he was a life-long devoted member of the Zion Lutheran Church, where he was active on the church council, and the Lutheran Missouri Synod World Mission Board. One of Ralph’s memorable trips was a trip around the world to visit several Lutheran mission locations with his wife Marie, and daughter Joan. He instilled in his children his love for his Lord and Savior making sure all seven of his children attended Zion Lutheran School.
In his leisure time, Ralph was an avid golfer, a passion he shared with his family, and was a member of the Denison Country Club. Ralph’s busy schedule with community events limited his time, but when permitted, he liked to hunt, fish and drive the countryside.
Ralph was a kind and considerate man, always thinking of others, offering positive assistance to anyone that needed help. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, and will be well remembered for his kindness, driven and hardworking personality.
Ralph was preceded in death by: his parents; his wife, Marie; and wife Marge; one son, Dennis; son-in-law, Larry; three brothers, Marvin, Louis and Willis; one sister, Marjorie. Survivors include: one son, David and his wife, Renae; five daughters: Sharon and her husband, Bill; Diane; Carol and her husband, Dick; Mary Jo Ann; Joan; daughter-in-law; Linda-Lea; fourteen grandchildren: Jeff and his wife, Darlene; Laura and her husband Martin; Jayson and his wife, Dana; Kelly and her husband, Mark; Matthew and his wife, Brandy; Mark; Emily and her husband Will; Luke and his wife, Angie; Garet; Beth and Daniel; Heather and her husband Nate; Brandon and his wife, Amy; Lawrell and her husband, Adam; twelve great-grandchildren: Daniel and Steven; Jackie and Emily; Jackson and Kennedy; Colin and Sarah; Sierra and Titan; August; Lawrence; special friend, Marlene, many other relatives and friends.