Ferdinand Marie

Ferd Marie, age 89, passed away Sunday, January 14, 2024, at Parkview Manor in Wellman, Iowa. Mass of the Resurrection will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at St. James Catholic Church with Fr. Bernie Weir officiating. Calling hours will begin 3:00 p.m. Monday, January 22, 2024, at St. James Church where the family will be present to receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. There will be a Rosary led by the Knights of Columbus beginning at 4:00 p.m. Monday. Interment will take place at the Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington. Memorials have been established for St. James School, Hospice of Washington County or the Washington County Historical Society. Online condolences may be sent for Ferd’s family at www.jonesfh.com Ferdinand was born November 21, 1934, in Washington, Iowa, the son of Leo and Mary (Wolfer) Marie. He was a life long resident of Washington County. Ferd attended St. James Catholic School for eight years where he served as an Altar Server at Mass. He graduated from Washington High School in 1953. He began farming after high school. Always interested in new things about farming, Ferd was one of the first farmers to incorporate contained hogs. He obtained his pilot’s license and belonged to the local flying club. He was a rural postal carrier and worked at Leichty and Sons for several years. He was a bus driver for the Washington Community School District for 32 years. An avid history buff, especially local history, he worked diligently with the historical society on the one room country schools, especially the Red Brick School. Ferd also spent many hours in the Conger House working with artifacts. He belonged to and was President of the Washington Historical Society, Genealogy Society, Toastmasters and Singles in Ag. He served on the Washington County Hospital Board of Directors and went with the Boy Scouts to the Boundary Waters of Minnesota. Ferd loved dancing and spent many evenings in Polishville enjoying the music and companionship with others who liked to dance. Traveling was another of Ferd’s hobbies. He traveled to New Zealand, Australia, Europe, Canada, Fiji, Machu Piccu as well as traveling throughout the United States. He was an active member of St. James Catholic Church. Church was very important to Ferd as he was a member of the Catholic Youth Organization as a teenager. He became a Fourth Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus. He managed the KC Hall bar for many years and served as greeter and usher for the 5:30 Mass. Ferd was active in supporting the Fall Fest and St. James School. His love for family and genealogy of both the Wolfer and Marie families created may new learnings for all. In his 83rd year, he traveled to France and located cousins in the Marie family.In his earlier years, he hosted Thanksgiving for all of the family. Ferd was always interested in the young people and their future plans. He attended all of their graduations and marriages. Ferd’s genuine interest and activity with the family and his love of sharing genealogy will be missed. He is survived by his sister, Joan Long; sister, Virginia (Roger) Schuerman; sister, Margaret Marie; sister, Martha (Bob) O’Rourke; brother, Tom (Linda) Marie; sister-in-law, Joyce Marie; 24 nieces and nephews and many great nieces and great nephews. Ferd was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, George and Bob Marie; niece, Rita Marie; and brother-in-law, Lee Long.

Ferdinand Marie

November 21, 1934 - January 14, 2024