Ralph R. Jennings

Ralph Reed Jennings, 89, of Hanlontown, Iowa, died Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016, at Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, Iowa.

A funeral service was held on Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2016, at Grace Lutheran Church, Hanlontown, Iowa, with Pastor Linda Prestholt-Johnson officiating.  Burial was in Brush Point Cemetery, in Hanlontown, Iowa.

Family suggests memorial contributions to Grace Lutheran Church, the University of Iowa Foundation Fund or to Hospice of North Iowa.

Ralph was born Aug. 5, 1927, in Rock Island, Ill., the son of Raymond and Lena (Kruse) Jennings.  He married Suzanne Igo in 1948 in Hanlontown. A graduate of Hanlontown High School, class of 1944, Ralph farmed until 1955, when he bought Jennings Produce, which he owned and operated until 1968.  In 1971 he bought the Forest City Cow Palace with his brother, Roger, and operated it until he retired in 1989.

Ralph was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, in Hanlontown, the Hawkeye I-Club, and a charter member of the Community Club of Hanlontown.  He enjoyed golfing, fishing, wood sworking, going to coffee with friends and traveling.  He had a great passion for the Iowa Hawkeyes and an even greater passion for his family and friends.

Ralph is survived by his son, Mark (Vicki) Jennings, of Iowa City; two grandchildren, Aaron (partner, Micah Blakely) Jennings, of Iowa City, and Neil (Aimee) Jennings, of Iowa City; a brother, Roger (Marian) Jennings, of Hanlontown; a sister-in-law, Lois Jennings, of Clear Lake; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Raymond.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.