Alfred Marion Chard

Alfred Marion Chard was born in Rockwell City, Iowa, on March 6, 1921, to the late Roy and Myrtle Chard. He was preceded in death by his wife Natalie in 2013 and by his granddaughter, Sarah Chard Pelot, and Dr. Edward Kosnik. He lived a long and fruitful life passing peacefully at age 104 and 5 months on July 27, 2025, with many family members present.

During high school, Marion helped manage the family canning factory in Audubon, Iowa. He then attended the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa, graduating with a Commerce degree which today would be termed a Business degree. He was intending to return to Audubon to manage the family business until he met and married the love of his life, Natalie Pedersen, from Marshalltown, Iowa. They married in July of 1943.

After graduation in 1943, our nation was at the height of World War II. Like millions of other young citizens, Marion signed on to fight for his country as part of the "Greatest Generation". He studied at Officer Candidate School as a "90 Day Wonder" at Columbia University, New York City then headed west to join his shipmates on the battleship USS Washington (BB-56). This farm boy from Iowa thrived on the Pacific Ocean while serving his country. His ship participated in many of the epic battles of the War in the Pacific including Taiwan, Saipan, Battle of the Philippine Sea, Battle of Leyte Gulf, the bombardment of Iwo Jima and Okinawa and was steaming toward Japan as the war ended. At the tender age of 23 as a Lieutenant JG, he was the First Division Officer firing massive 60 foot long guns on the battleship, launched and recovered small aircraft, and even steered the ship from time to time. By the end of the War, he had earned 11 battle stars.

After serving his country, Marion moved to Marshalltown with his new wife to start his business career and raise a family. In many ways he lived the American Dream becoming the father of three children and heading the purchasing department at Fisher Governor Company, an international manufacturing company. He and Natalie were pillars in the local Congregational Church. They became involved in Community Concerts and the garden club.

Once the three children were off to college, Natalie and Marion moved to Concord-Carlisle, Massachusetts, where he worked for Raytheon Corporation. They became deeply involved in the cultural and historical richness of their new state including serving as volunteers at the historic home of Louisa May Alcott, author of Little Women. After five years in Massachusetts, the couple resettled in Madison, Connecticut, where Marion worked for Sikorsky Aircraft until retirement. They both became active with the local Historical Society. He became president of the Historical Society and was on the city's planning board. He also served as president of the Winter Club, a social gathering spot for residents in the cold winter months. He was honored as "Man of the Year" in Madison in 1975 for his many contributions to the community.

After retirement, Marion dedicated himself to genealogy and became a student of Naval and Civil War history. He wrote three books including the publishing of original letters of a family member fighting in the Civil War, his diary of time serving on the battleship USS Washington, and family stories uncovered during his extensive genealogy research. Marion lived his final years in Columbus, Ohio, where his daughter Sally resides and was constantly embraced by Sally's family. His wife Natalie passed in 2013. He became a member of American Legion Post 800, Dublin, and was an active member of Dublin Community Church. On his centenary birthday he was saluted by a parade of honking and shouting veterans who had served in three separate wars.

Marion's first love has been his family. He is survived by James Randolph Chard, Sally Chard Kosnik, Richard David Chard (Jane). Lighting up his life were eight grandchildren: Sally (Niki) Kosnik Shafer (Jeff), Jennifer Kosnik, Ellen Kosnik Cordle (Dave), Libby Kosnik Infinger (Rhett), Victor Tarry (Wendy), Kristen Chard (Kevin), Anna Chard (Alfonso Hernandez), and Jason Chard. Additionally, his 16 great-grandchildren always brought a smile to his face.

A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Dublin Community Church with timing details to be announced later. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Marion's memory to fund Advanced Practice Nursing Scholarships at Nationwide Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 16810, Columbus, Ohio 43216-6810 or Dublin Community Church, 81 W Bridge Street, Dublin, Ohio 43017.