Franklin Karal

FRANKLIN JOSEPH KARAL

Fairfax

Franklin Joseph Karal, 97, died peacefully Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017, at his home in Fairfax, surrounded by his family and beloved dogs. Visitation: 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home, Cedar Rapids. Services: 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11, at St. John XXIII Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids. Burial: St. Patrick's Cemetery, Fairfax, with military rites.

Frank was born in Cedar Rapids to Wesley and Rose (Mrstik) Karal on Sept. 30, 1920. He attended and graduated from St. Patrick's School in Fairfax. He lived in and around the Fairfax area all of his life. He married the love of his life, Marie Neuhaus, on Oct. 16, 1947.

Days after the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, Frank enlisted in the military and fought for four years in World War II. He served in the 2nd Marine Division and was among the first U.S. ground troops to fight the Japanese, landing first at Gavutu and Tanambogo before moving to Guadalcanal. The experiences he had during the war shaped his life and the person he was afterward. He was a loyal member of Pekomy American Legion Post 572 and actively served as sergeant of arms for over 50 years.

Frank was a hard-working man who loved his wife, children, grandchildren and country. He worked in the gas station business for many years, and owned and operated Frank's APCO Service Station in Fairfax from 1963 to 1981. He gave to his community by serving as mayor and on the City Council in Fairfax.

He had a passion for eating, and especially loved having fresh produce from his garden. Having spent his childhood living on farms, growing, freezing and canning food was a big part of his happiness. He really appreciated the kind friends who brought him produce later in life when he no longer could garden.

Frank is survived by a son, Mike (Dianne) Karal of Cedar Rapids; three daughters, Suellen (Jim) Flynn of Hiawatha, Karen (Jim) Colbert of Ames and Beth (Brad) Hamilton of Fairfax; six grandchildren, James Colbert (Jennifer Czwornog), Mikaela (Andy) Schultz, Kallie (Tom) Nichols, Chris Flynn, Joseph Hamilton (Sara Eggers) and Danielle Hamilton (Calvin Voelker); great-grandson, Robbie Schultz; brothers-in-law, Dave Neuhaus and Joe (Cynthia) Neuhaus; sister-in-law, Ann (David) Theurauf; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Marie; his parents; two brothers, Stan Karal and Father John Karal; and one sister, Dorothy Karal.

Memorial contributions can be directed to the family or St. Jude Children's Hospital.

The family would like to especially thank Elizabeth Berning and Jackie Baughman at the VA Home Based Primary Health Care, Sandra at Comfort Care and Hospice of Mercy.

Please share a memory of Frank at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.