Ralph E. Fariss, 74, of rural Montrose, died Monday, August 26, 2013 at his residence.
A memorial celebration of life for Mr. Fariss will be held 4-8 PM on Thursday, September 5 at the American Legion Post in West Point. A time for sharing of memories will be at 7 PM. The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant, IA is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.kimzeyfuneralhome.com. Those considering an expression of death may direct memorials to the Montrose Fire & Rescue Department or the Lee County Sherriff’s Department.
Ralph Eugene Fariss was born October 12, 1938 in Batavia, IA. He was the son of Clarence and Frances (nee Duke) Fariss Dosher. Ralph graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1957. He furthered his education for 2 years with studies at Iowa Wesleyan College.
Ralph worked at the Murray Iron works prior to his entrance in the United States Army. He was inducted on June 15, 1957. He served as a Combat Engineer with Company B of the 495th Engineer Battalion. He was discharged to the United States Army Reserves at Camp Leroy, Wisconsin on August 7, 1962, and released from his term of duty in the reserves on April 30, 1964.
For 5 years, Ralph was a truck driver for North American Van Lines and Ruan Trucking and Truck Transport. He worked 2 years for Van Winkle Well Drilling, Plumbing, Heating and Electrical. Mr. Fariss then began at 15 year career with Freuhauff Trucking.
Ralph was a 21 year member of the Teamsters Union. He was a member of the American Legion Holtz Geers Post #668 in West Point. He was formerly a member of the Elks Lodge in Keokuk and as well as the Loyal Order of the Moose in Ft. Madison. In his spare time, Ralph loved to ride his BMW motorcycles, and a round of golf at least every week, if not every day. In his younger years, Ralph also enjoyed camping and fishing.
Those thankful for sharing in Ralph’s life include his three daughters and their husbands – Tamera & Jeff Arbogast of New London, Tonja & Brad Carlson of Burlington and Regina & Mark Hunter of Hillsboro; a brother, Herbert “Bud” Fariss of Central Point, Oregon; 7 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
His parents and a sister, Shari Mertens, precede Ralph in death.