Ralph C. Witthoft

Ralph C. Witthoft, age 95, of Washington, Iowa, died Wednesday, January 01, 2014, at the Halcyon House following a short illness. Celebration of life services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 4, 2014, at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home with Rev. Kelly Allard officiating. Military honors will be conducted by Washington American Legion Post 29. Visitation will begin 9:00 a.m. Saturday at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home where the family will be present to receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. A memorial service will be held at the Day Lounge of Halcyon House at 3:00 p.m. Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for the Central Park Community Center or Halcyon House Restorative Therapy Program for the residents. Online condolences may be sent for Ralph’s family through the web at www.jonesfh.com Ralph was born September 25, 1918, in rural Washington County, Iowa, the son of Henry and Frieda (Schultz) Witthoft. He graduated from Washington High School. Ralph was united in marriage to Martha Ida Zieglowsky on June 1, 1947 in Washington, Iowa. Ralph was a life long resident of the Washington Community. He farmed for over fifty years retiring in 1990. In the 1950’s he started and operated his own Ag Chemical and Fertilizer dealership. Ralph served honorably in the United States Army during World War II. He was a member of the 134th Army Band serving in the European Campaign. He was a member of Bethel Presbyterian Church where he served on the Session and was an ordained Elder. He had also served on the Church Board at the United Church of Christ. Ralph enjoyed fishing and loved spending time with his family and grandchildren. He was an avid card player. After moving to Halcyon House he started the “Cards with Ralph” group and thoroughly enjoyed playing cards with his many friends at Halcyon House. He is survived by his wife, Martha I. Witthoft of Washington, Iowa; son, Gary Witthoft and wife Peggy of Marion, Iowa; daughter, Linda Cnossen and husband Jim of Robins, Iowa; son Dennis Witthoft and wife Sandy of Ainsworth, Iowa; daughter, Sharon Weber and husband Butch of Waukee, Iowa; nine grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Arthur, Ernest, Wilbur and Wayne Witthoft; as well as two sisters, Francis Miller and Louise Armstrong.

Ralph C. Witthoft

September 25, 1918 - January 1, 2014