Francis M. Toale, 97, of Independence Iowa died February 8, 2015 at the ABCM Rehabilitation Center’s East Campus in Independence, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Thursday at St. John’s Catholic Church, Independence, Iowa with Msgr. Thomas Toale presiding. Burial will be in the St. John’s Cemetery, Independence, IA. Friends may call from 3 to 8 PM Wednesday at the Reiff Funeral Home & Crematory, Independence, IA, and from 9 AM till services Thursday at St. John’s Church. A parish wake service will be held at 3 PM followed with a rosary at 4PM and a military memorial service will be held at 7PM Wednesday at the funeral home.

Francis was born on December 20, 1917 in Independence, Iowa the son of Mark and Teresa (Gibbons) Toale. He attended country school, and later served in the US Navy on the battleship USS Idaho from 1942-1945. He was proud of his service to his country. He was very active in the local community having been past VFW commander and American Legion. He proudly traveled in the Honor Flight to Washington DC in May 2010.

Francis was a lifelong farmer on his family farm and had been an Iowa Master Farmer, and a Master Pork Producer. Other community involvement included being a 4-H leader, township trustee, and ASCS board member. He was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Independence, served on numerous councils and boards, and was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters.

He married Clara Ramona DePaepe on April 28, 1947 in Independence, Iowa.

He is survived by his wife Clara, six children Rosemary (Ron) Engelhardt of Elkader, IA, Richard (Ann) Toale of Independence, IA, Roger Toale of California, Msgr. Thomas of Dubuque, IA, Don (Marty) Toale of Independence, IA, Sue (Tom) Knapp of Des Moines. IA, 18 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Eileen DePaepe.

Memorials may be directed to the Francis M. Toale Memorial Fund, % BankIowa, 231 1st Street E., Independence, IA 50644

Affiliations

American Legion
VFW