Ralston, Gary Raymond

Gary Raymond Ralston, 75, of Cedar Rapids, died Thursday, Sept. 1, 2011, from complications of Parkinson's disease and a stroke. Services: 1 p.m. Saturday Sept. 10, at Teahen Funeral Home by Pastor Ron McKee. Burial: St. Joseph Cemetery. Friends may visit at Teahen Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday and again after noon Saturday.

Gary is survived by his wife, Shirley (Koval) Ralston; son, Ricky (Holly) Ralston; granddaughter, Jackie (Jake) Kessell, all of Cedar Rapids; and several nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; son, Robert (1988); three brothers; and two sisters.

Gary was born March 6, 1936, in Iowa City, the son of Hubert and Clara (Arnold) Ralston. He was raised in Center Point, then moved to Cedar Rapids. He married the love of his life, Shirley Koval on June 16, 1956, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Gary worked for Wilson's Food for 36 years and then for CRV at the Linwood Apartments for 10 years.

Gary loved to fish. He will be remembered as a good, kind man who always helped his family and friends. Gary was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather who will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Glanzer for her exceptional care of Gary.

Online condolences may be left for the family at .

Instead of flowers memorials may be directed to the National Parkinson's Foundation.