Ralph Edel, 91, of Oelwein died Sunday, March 11, 2012 at Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo.

Ralph was born on May 31, 1920 on the family farm near Randalia, Iowa, the son of Roy John and Julia (Campbell) Edel. He grew up in the area and attended the Randalia country school. He helped his father on the farm and continued to farm in the area until he retired in 1982. Ralph was united in marriage to Julia ( Berry) Schoonmaker on November 5, 1989 in Oelwein, Iowa. Ralph is well known for his card playing and sense of humor. He was also a astute businessman and loving husband.

He is survived by a nephew, Jim Whiteford and a great niece, Jeri Lyn Brown. He was preceded in death by his wife, Julia (September 29, 2004), two sisters, Ruth Whiteford and Shirley Hammerstrom, a niece Linda Modlinski and his parents, Roy and Julia. 

SERVICES: 11:30 AM on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at Zion Lutheran Church in Oelwein with visitation beginning at 10:30 AM until the service time, at the church as well.

He will be laid to rest in Dunham Grove Cemetery at Randalia.

A memorial fund has been established.