Ralph Kosbau (1918-2017)

KOSBAU, JOHNSON, MUNTER, FARNUM, YOUNGDAHL, FINTEL

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 7/3/2017 at 12:02:41

Obituary from Anderson Funeral Homes, Marshalltown, Marshall County, Iowa.

Ralph Kosbau, 98, of Marshalltown, IA passed away Wednesday, June 7, 2017, at the Iowa River Hospice Home, in Marshalltown. Celebration of Life services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 8, 2017, at Evangelical Free Church, in Marshalltown. Arrangements are entrusted to Anderson Funeral Homes, 405 W. Main St., Marshalltown. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com

Ralph was born July 8, 1918 to Charles and Alma (Johnson) Kosbau, in Waukon, IA. He graduated from Waukon High School. Ralph received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa. He was drafted into the United States Army and served during WWII. After the war, Ralph received his Master’s degree from the U of I. Ralph was united in marriage to Edna Mae (Etta) Munter on June 7, 1953 in Hillsboro, N.D. She died on April 4, 2006. He taught school and coached at Gilbert High School and Central Jr. High in Ames. He lived in Gilbert for over 50 years before moving to Marshalltown. While in Marshalltown, Ralph was an active member of the Evangelical Free Church where his son, Bob, pastors. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye and Chicago Cubs fan who patiently lived to celebrate the Cubs’ spectacular World Series win last year! Ralph enjoyed golf and tennis, playing into his later years. He was very active and daily physical fitness at the Community Y was important to him. Ralph spent the last 6 years of his life as a resident of the Embers Retirement Community where he had many friends and loved ones.

Ralph will be missed by his son, Bob (Jenny) Kosbau, 302 N. 3rd St., Marshalltown, IA 50158,
a daughter, Kathy (Steve) Farnum, 5440 S. Shawnee Way, Aurora, CO. 80015, five grandchildren; Sam Kosbau of Kingsport, TN, Lydia (Reid) Youngdahl of Marshalltown, Ben Kosbau of Marshalltown, Jake Farnum of Denver, CO, Holly Farnum of Denver, CO, and a sister, Jeanette (Jo) Fintel of Roanoke, VA. He was preceded in death by his wife, Edna Mae, a son in law, Larry Farnum, and four siblings.