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Ralph L Shanks

February 14, 1933 - August 19, 2021

Ralph Lavern Shanks, 88, was called home on August 19, 2021, after a lengthy battle with kidney disease.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, August 26, 2021 at Chariton Cemetery.

Ralph Sr. and Opal Shanks welcomed Ralph into the family on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1933. Growing up on the family farm near Derby, Iowa, with his parents and nine siblings, Ralph learned the value of hard work and to love all things “outdoors”. After completing country school, Ralph worked for area farmers until he and his brother, Bob, bought a used combine and drove it to Nebraska to work the wheat harvest. Ralph remained in Nebraska, working for a rancher he befriended until he and a buddy enlisted in the army and served their country in the Korean War.

Ralph married Jean Tighe on March 10, 1957.  They were blessed with two children, Tonya and Mark.  Ralph and Jean spent the early years of their married life in Chariton, Iowa. During which time, Ralph and his brother, Bob, owned and operated the Sinclair Service Station.

After Ralph changed careers and became a heavy equipment mechanic for the Rock Island Railroad, they moved to Ankeny, Iowa. This was the beginning of a 30-year career in the railroad industry. A career that led to many, many miles traveled, surprising adventures, job performance accolades and promotions, and most importantly, wonderful life-long friendships.

Ralph’s greatest blessings were his granddaughters, Erin and Kate. The love he had for them and the joy they brought him were beyond measure! Ralph was always ready for the “adventure of the hunt” with his son, Mark. Many cherished memories were made traveling to Colorado for elk hunting expeditions. Ralph’s other great passion was his garden. He was a master gardener and his beautiful garden was admired by all who passed by.

Ralph is survived by his daughter, Tonya Krohn (Fred); son, Mark Shanks; granddaughters, Erin Scanlan (Chuck) and Kate Shanks; sisters, Juanita Owens and Myrtle Briner; brother, Larry Shanks; sisters-in-law, Annie Shanks, Jennie Shanks, Judy Shanks, and Linda Shanks; brother-in-law, Ed Tighe (Kay); and numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Animal Rescue League of Des Moines, Iowa.