Ralph Stanek Obituary
Ralph Philip Stanek, 91, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025, at home in Marion, Iowa.
The family will greet friends from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Marion, Iowa, with the funeral mass following at 10:30 a.m. He will be buried at Mt. Calvary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Marion is assisting the family.
Ralph was born on January 1, 1934, in Toddville, Iowa, to Paul & Janie Stanek, he was one of five siblings (Richard Stanek, Rita Washburn, Gladys Hilsenbeck and Wesley Stanek).
On August 25, 1956, Ralph married the love of his life, Janice Shannon, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fairbank, Iowa. They were married for 69 years. Together they had two children: Brenda (Tom) Sheehan and Becky McNeal.
Ralph was an electrician at Iowa Manufacturing, where he retired after 28 years of service. He also worked at Vector Corporation in Marion for 13 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, mushrooming, tinkering with cars, grooming his lawn, ballroom & square dancing, trips to the casino and traveling.
He was always willing to help someone repair something. He always said, “Someone put it together, it has to come apart”.
He volunteered at the American Legion (Post 298), Salvation Army, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He was a Knight for 69 years; achieving, 4th degree status.
Ralph loved being a father and he also cherished being a Grandpa to his six grandchildren: Matthew Sheehan, Abby (Tyler) Veenstra, Kealy (Alex) Pfau, Kyle McNeal, Rylee McNeal and Conner McNeal and Great-Grandpa to his three great-grandchildren: Aiden Veenstra, Alyssa Veenstra and Juniper Pfau. He was an uncle to numerous nieces and nephews.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, brother (Richard), and sisters (Rita and Gladys).
Memorials can be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1790 14th Street, Marion, Iowa, 52302, or Camp Courageous, 12007 190th Street, Monticello, Iowa, 52310.
A special thanks to the caring staff at St. Croix Hospice for taking such good care of Ralph during his final weeks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3855 Katz Dr, Marion, IA 52302
People and places connected with Ralph
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Stanek
Make a Donation
in Ralph Stanek's name
How to support Ralph's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Ralph Stanek's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
