Glider, Ralph Vernon

Ralph Vernon Glider, 96, of Hiawatha, formerly of Webster and Wellman, passed away at the Hiawatha Care Center on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013. Funeral Services will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13, at Asbury United Methodist Church in Wellman, with Pastor Moody Colorado officiating. Burial will be in Wellman Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until service time Sunday at the church. Powell Funeral Home in Wellman is in charge of arrangements.

Survivors include his loving wife of 72 years, Opal; five daughters and sons-in-law, Betty and Duane Munson and Jean and Bob Bisinger, all of Cedar Rapids, Shirley and Steve Knight of Solon, Kathy and Charlie Ford of Lincoln, Mo., Sonja and Charlie Wald of Greenwood, Mo.; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandson; a sister, Hazel Kelley of Eureka, Mont.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Carl and Arlis; sisters, Vera and Opal; and a great-grandchild, Niklas Lars Hybel.

Ralph was born the second child of Lewis and Jessie Canott Glider on Jan. 3, 1917. He grew up on the family farm near Wellman, Iowa and graduated from Wellman High School with the class of 1935. He was united in marriage to Opal Wade on March 30, 1940. They spent 42 years farming together.

He was a member of the Knights of Pythias and Advanced Order of the Pythias Lodge, Keokuk County Farm Bureau and Isaac Walton League. He was also a member of the Sigourney Flying Club.

Ralph was very active in the Webster Methodist Church, serving on committees and singing in the choir. After retiring, Ralph and Opal enjoyed 16 years at their lake home in the Ozarks. Moving back to his hometown of Wellman, they spent eight years renewing friendships. He and Opal made the decision to move closer to family and lived in the Cedar Rapids area.

Ralph loved farming his land, flying, hunting, fishing, trapping, camping, reading, and playing cards. Traveling to 49 states in the Union was a highlight. Ralph was skilled in carpentry, wood carving, poetry and oil painting. He played the accordion, mouth harp and violin and loved to dance with Opal. His love of the family he and Opal created was foremost in his life. He was a generous man of faith, character, strength and determination. He had a zest for life and adventure. As a farmer, Ralph cared for his land, so that others might also prosper and know the rewards of working the soil.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for the Asbury United Methodist Church and the Webster Methodist Church.

Messages may be sent to the family at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.

Published Jan. 12, 2013 in The Gazette