Ralph Philip Stanek

Ralph Philip Stanek, 91, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025, at home in Marion, Iowa.

The family will greet friends from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Marion, Iowa with the funeral mass following at 10:30am. He will be buried at Mt. Calvary in Cedar Rapids, IA. Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Marion is assisting the family.

Ralph was born on January 1, 1934 in Toddville, Iowa to Paul & Janie Stanek, he was one of five siblings (Richard Stanek, Rita Washburn, Gladys Hilsenbeck, and Wesley Stanek).

On August 25, 1956, Ralph married the love of his life, Janice Shannon at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fairbank, IA, they were married for 69 years. Together they had two children: Brenda (Tom) Sheehan, and Becky McNeal.

Ralph was an electrician at Iowa Manufacturing, where he retired after 28 years of service. He also worked at Vector Corporation in Marion for 13 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, mushrooming, tinkering with cars, grooming his lawn, ballroom & square dancing, trips to the casino and traveling.

He was always willing to help someone repair something. He always said, “Someone put it together, it has to come apart”.

He volunteered at the American Legion (Post 298), Salvation Army, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He was a Knight for 69 years; achieving, 4th degree status.

Ralph loved being a father, and he also cherished being a Grandpa to his six grandchildren: Matthew Sheehan, Abby (Tyler) Veenstra, Kealy (Alex) Pfau, Kyle McNeal, Rylee McNeal and Conner McNeal and Great-Grandpa to his 3 great-grandchildren: Aiden Veenstra, Alyssa Veenstra and Juniper Pfau. He was an uncle to numerous nieces and nephews.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, brother (Richard), and sisters (Rita and Gladys).

Memorials can be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1790 14th Street, Marion, IA 52302, or Camp Courageous, 12007 190th Street, Monticello, IA 52310.

A special thanks to the caring staff at St. Croix Hospice for taking such good care of Ralph during his final weeks.