Ralph Leo Barrows

Ralph L. Barrows, 87, of Waterloo, died Tuesday, May 11, at Lake View Lodge, Friendship Village.

He was born July 24, 1922, in Tama County, son of Rosco and Anna (Kubik) Barrows. He married Virginia M. Pullin on November 18, 1940, in Bethany, Missouri.

Mr. Barrows graduated from Orange Township High School and served in the US Navy during WW II. He was a salesman all his life, beginning with a grocery store during his high school years. After his discharge from the Navy, he worked with Frozen Foods in Mason City, the Walter Meier Company, and was co-owner of Barrows Brokerage Company. He was in the seafood brokerage business for 50 years.

Ralph was a life-long member of South Waterloo Church of the Brethren and for 39 years was a member of the veteran-oriented organization, the BPOE (Elks) #290. As president of Barrows Brokerage Company, he was a member of the National Fisheries Institute. He was also a member of the Rotary Club. He was an avid golfer and played many years as a member of Porkey’s Red Carpet Club. He was an enthusiastic Iowa Hawkeye fan and a contributor to the UNI Panther Scholarship Club.

Ralph took pride in his home and especially his country. He was recognized by the Exchange Club for his diligent display of the American flag in his front yard, both day and night, for more than 20 years. He was a voracious reader. He had an extensive library in which he spent many an afternoon reading the latest biography or a current author’s political take on world events. His interests were many.

He is survived by his wife Virginia and three sons: James R. and his wife Carole of Waterloo and their daughter Jayme Nelson and her husband Anthony; Jerry L. of Portland, Oregon and his children: Randy, Christopher, Nicholas, Harry, Jason, Thuy, Steven, Jeremy, Jennifer, Robert, Diana and Vincent; David M. and his wife Maxine of Waterloo and their daughter Brooke Roberts and her husband David; and 13 great grandchildren.

Ralph is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Merle and Dale.