Ralph Martin Frederick Kropen, Ralph Martin Frederick Kropen

Ralph Martin Frederick Kropen, 92, of Sun City, Ariz., formerly of Rock Island, Ill., died Friday, Sept. 11, 2009, at his home. A private service will be held later at Cedar Memorial Cemetery, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Ralph was born Dec. 19, 1916, in Centerville, S.D., the son of Jacob and Mary Kropuenske. He graduated from Grant High School in Cedar Rapids and attended the University of Iowa on a swimming scholarship. He played professional basketball in Davenport, Iowa. Ralph married Kathleen Mae Liitt on Sept. 28, 1940. She died Jan. 1, 1993. Ralph worked for Investor's Diversified Services, Davenport, retiring in 1977. He was a member of Fountain of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City. He is survived by two daughters, Jacqueline (Harold) Meyer of Carmichael, Calif., and Barbara (Rev. John) Crede of Moline, Ill.; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; a brother, Melvin Kropuenske of Cedar Rapids; and special friend, Dr. Jeanne Blanchet of Sun City. He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; and sister, Ione Sundberg.