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Ralph W. Elder

1883 - 1975

 

Services held for Ralph W. Elder, 91

Ralph W. Elder, 91, long time Klemme farmer and resident, died, Monday, June 9th, at the Concord Manor Nursing Home, Garner. At the time of death, he had reached the attained age of 91 years, six months, and five days.

He had been in failing health for the past four months.

Funeral services were held Wednesday (today), June 11, at 2 p.m., from the Klemme United Methodist church, with the Rev. Donald L. Campbell, assisted by the Rev. Dora Campbell, officiating. The text to be used is Psalm 23:1, with the meditation of, "The Good Shepherd Will Never Fail Us." Comfort in music was to be the congregational hymns of "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," and, "How Great Thou Art." The organist is Mrs. Noel Katter.

Pallbearers are: Charles R. Elder, J. William Waddingham, Thomas Waddingham, Bruce Waddingham, David Waddingham, and Raymond Waddingham. He was laid to rest in the Ell Township Cemetery adjoining Klemme. The Bohn Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Elder was born at Belmond on December 4, 1883, the son of Marion and Harriett (Robbins) Elder. When he was three years of age, he and his parents moved to the Klemme vicinity.

He was a graduate of the Garner high school in the class of 1904.

In 1906 he married Mabel Ellen Fuller and the couple began farming on a farm adjoining the "home place." He was a leader in farming and community agricultural organizations - a charter member of the county farm bureau and an active participant in early agricultural extension activities.

He was among the early organizers in such early farm cooperative movements as the Klemme Creamery, grain elevator, and livestock shipping association.

He was associated with the Hancock Mutual Insurance Association (Maben Insurance) until the time of recent illness.

He was also a member of fraternal organizations, Woodman of the World and Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

His wife is presently a resident of Concord Manor Nursing Home of Garner. He is the last of the Elder family to live in this area.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and infant brother, Clarence, a brother and sister, George and Amy.

He is survived by his wife, Mabel, by a daughter, Mrs. John (Reva) Waddingham of Garner, by a son, Clarence R. Elder of Ames; by eight grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Elder will be sorely missed by his many relatives and friends.

source: Leader & Signal, Garner, Iowa, 11 Jun 1975, page 10, column 7

 

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