MARLEY, David Christian 1936-2011

MARLEY

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 7/5/2011 at 20:13:56

David Christian Marley, age 74, of New Haven, Iowa, died suddenly on July 4, 2011, at his home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 9, 2011, at St. Peter's Catholic Church in New Haven with Rev. Ray E. Atwood officiating. Burial will be at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery in New Haven. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage with a rosary at 5:30 p.m. There will also be visitation one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.

David Christian Marley was born on October 9, 1936, in Riceville, Iowa. He was the sixth child of Frank and Anna (Fox) Marley. Dave received his education at St. Mary's Academy in New Haven, Iowa, graduating in 1955. After graduation, he worked several jobs in the New Haven area and was a part-time farmer. He also served for six years in the U. S. Army Reserve.

Dave married Joan May on September 14, 1963, in Austin, Minnesota. They resided on the Marley family farm. Dave farmed and worked for Oliver (which later became White Farm Equipment) for almost 30 years. Dave and Joan had six children (Jim, Sara, Joe, Jerry, John, and Jay) and one special daughter (Deb). While his children were in school, he could often be found sitting in the bleachers of the Riceville gym, in the stands at the football field or in a lawn chair at the baseball and softball diamonds watching the many sporting events his children participated in. Dave was very proud of his children's sporting accomplishments, but he was also proud of the fact that all of his children had college degrees. After retiring from White Farm, Dave worked at several part time jobs in the area, but his favorite pastime was his lawn and garden. His children often joked that he grew enough food in his garden to feed the whole county.

In 2000, Dave lost his wife, Joan to cancer.

Dave's winter hobby of attending polka dances and playing cards kept him busy and helped him pass the time. He attended many area dances and could often be found rattling the bones. It was at a polka dance that he was blessed to find another love. Dave married Jan Kruegel on April 24, 2003. They enjoyed their time together on the farm taking care of their animals, listening to polka music, playing cards and checkers, and watching many sporting events. Dave was a lifetime member of St. Peter's Catholic Church in New Haven, Iowa.

Living family members include his wife, Jan of Riceville; his children and their families, Jim (Cathy) of Riceville, Sara (Jeff) Grimm of Osage, Joe (Sharon) of Ferryville, Wisconsin, Jerry (Kari) of Trempealeau, Wisconsin, John (Karla) of Trempealeau, Wisconsin, Jay (Julie) of Osage, and Deb (Gale) Prescott of Adams, Minnesota; 20 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; three sisters; and one brother.

He is also survived on his wife's side by his step-children, Joan Boyd, Jerry (Linda) Hagel, Jeffrey (Jean) Hagel, John Hagel, Kevin (Melody) Hagel, Todd (Brenda) Hagel, and Candace (Paul) Larsen; three sisters-in-law; two brothers-in-law; 19 step-grandchildren; and 10 step-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife; an infant son; two sisters; and four brothers-in-law.

Information available and condolences accepted at www.champion-bucheitfuneralhome.com

Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage (641) 732-3706

[Mitchell County Press online, 7/5/2011]