Gerald William Marken

Gerald William Marken, 88, of Cedar Falls, Iowa, died at the Affinity House, on Friday, January 8, 2016. He was born December 15, 1927 in Hampton, Iowa, the son of Ralph and Hazel Fitz Marken.

At 17 years old, he enlisted in the United States Army during WWII and was stationed in Okinawa for 18 months with 49th General Hospital. After the war, he worked in his dad’s garage, The Marken Motors. Then, briefly worked at IPS and at John Deere for about six years and was laid off. He was hired by Rath Packing in the Service Department for 38 years until Rath closed. Then, Gerald did odd jobs for women and older folks for minimal pay. After retirement, he took up wood crafting and learned how to do stained glass work.

He married June Rose Hendrickson on June 9, 1951 at Central Christian Church.

Gerald was a member of the American Legion and VFW. He was very proud of being a veteran and his greatest thrill was going on the Honor Flight.

He is survived by June, his wife of 64 years; three children: Marcee Marken and Mark (Shawn) Marken, both of Waterloo, and Marlayna Yeager of Ankeny; three grandchildren: DeAnne (Robert) Fouraker, Ryan Yeager, and Abby (Steve) Pasker; six great-grandchildren; a brother, Alvin (Clemie) Marken of Cedar Falls; and two sisters, Mary (Warren) Potter of Rochester, Minnesota and Velma (Eddie Holm) Wilcox of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Curtis Marken.