Martin Kral

FOREST CITY - Martin Kral, age 91 of Forest City, died Monday, September 3, 2012 at the Good Samaritan Care Center in Forest City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, September 6, 2012 at St. James Catholic Church in Forest City, with Fr. Dennis Miller officiating.

Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery in Duncan, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 7:00 PM, Wednesday, September 5, 2012 at Petersen Lund Funeral Home - 505 N. Clark St. - Forest City and will continue one hour prior to services at the church.

Martin was born in Belmond, IA on August 12, 1921 to Joseph and Marie (Jedlicka) Kral. He attended school in Miller, IA. Martin enlisted in the Army on June 15, 1942 and was sent overseas in December 1942. He was a member of Company F, 66th Armord Regiment, Hell on Wheels. He was a tank driver, gunner and Tank Commander. He saw action in Africa, England, Sicily, France, Holland, Belgium and the "Battle of the Bulge", attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He served two years and nine months. He was awarded a Silver Star, Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, 7 Battle Stars and the Bronze Arrow Head.

Upon completion in the Army, he returned to Hayfield and farmed. On November 21, 1945 he married Adeline Nedved at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan. Shortly after, they moved to Thompson where they farmed until 1963. They purchased an acreage east of Thompson. Martin worked at the Oliver Implement and then went to work at Farmer's Co-Op Elevator in Thompson, for twenty years. After retirement, they sold the acreage and moved to Thompson. Martin still worked part-time at the elevator during busy season.

During the winter, Martin enjoyed putting puzzles together and listening to "old time" music. They enjoyed going to Polka Festivals in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Nebrasks. He enjoyed being with his grandkids and at Christmas time always decorated their house and yard with Christmas lights.

Martin was a member of the Thompson VFW, Knights of Columbus of Forest City, ZCB3 Lodge at Mason City and Young at Heart Club at Thompson.

Martin and Adeline moved to Forest City in 2012. Martin entered the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in February, 2011.

Martin is survived by his wife of 66 years, Adeline; one son, Gary and his wife Ruth of Eagan, MN; two grandchildren, Megan (David) Young of Lino Lakes, MN, Trent (Alison) Kral of Farmington, MN and three great-grandchildren, Matthew and Olivia Kral and Leah Young.