Mardorf, Richard David

Richard David Mardorf, 88, passed away peacefully late Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011, surrounded by his family in his home after a courageous battle with cancer.

Richard was born Oct. 18, 1923, on the family farm near Monticello, Iowa, as the son of George and Freda Schneiter Mardorf. He received his early education in the Monticello area schools, graduating from Monticello High School in 1942, and chose farming as his life's vocation. Richard and Irene Siebels were married at St. Peter and Paul Lutheran Church in Castle Grove, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 1948, and the couple farmed on the Jones-Delaware County Line where they made their home. Richard was a member of the St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, and served as director and board member of the Mississippi Valley Milk Producers, the predecessor of Swiss Valley Farms for 12 years. He also served on the board of directors of the Sand Springs and Monticello Creameries and was a dedicated 4-H leader for a number of years.

He is survived by his wife, Irene; two sons, Clifford (Rose) Mardorf, Monticello, and Les (Linda) Mardorf, Sand Springs; two daughters, Linda (David) Presar, Wapakoneta, Ohio, and a daughter, Janet (Loren) Jellison, Marion; grandchildren, Leslie, Valerie, Jason, Carrie, Justin, Mitchell, Scott, Nicholas, Brian and Michell; and a great-granddaughter, Amelia.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Freda Mardorf; and his sister, Helen Mardorf Tobiason.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, at the St. Matthew Lutheran Church and interment will follow in Oakwood Cemetery, Monticello. The Rev. Darryl Larson will officiate the services. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello.

Memorials can be made to St. Matthew's Lutheran Church.

Thoughts, memories and condolences may be left at .

The family would like to give a special thank you to Above and Beyond Hospice for their loving care and support during his illness.

Published in The Gazette Dec. 20, 2011.