12/01/2016
Marion “Gene” Worrall, 86, of Charles City, passed away Thursday, December 1, 2016, at Floyd County Medical Center surrounded by his family.
A funeral Mass for Gene Worrall will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 5, 2016, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Charles City with Reverend Gary Mayer officiating. Burial will be at a later date.
Visitation will be held at Hauser Funeral Home from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, December 4, 2016. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the funeral Mass at the church on Monday.
Marion “Gene” Eugene Worrall was born March 16, 1930, to Delmer and Mary (Lasley) Worrall in Knoxville, Iowa. After grade school and high school in Knoxville, Gene attended Simpson College.
He put school on hold to join the Navy where he served on the Bon Homme Richard during the Korean conflict. When Gene returned to Simpson, he played varsity football and finished his degree in teaching, obtained his master’s degree from the University of Iowa and his degree in administration from the University of Northern Iowa.
He married Norma Hagen on August 18, 1957, and they had two children: Connie and Brad. Gene cared for Norma until her death in 2000.
Gene’s lifelong teaching career began at Cumberland Massena. He also taught at Guthrie Center and West Liberty before his year as Assistant Principal at Charles City High School. Gene found his niche at Charles City Middle School where he taught science for 32 years; in the last few years of his career, he served the community in middle school administration.
During his teaching career, his impact on students went beyond the classroom, extending into coaching many sports. Gene was always interested in sports, a talented softball player in his younger years, and a huge Hawkeye fan.
Gene felt lucky to find love a second time, marrying Kathy (Byrne) Boggess on June 3, 2001. An added bonus was Kathy’s family whom he loved as his own. He wasn’t content to just sit at home and after his retirement, he went to work with Kathy, first at a catering business and then at Subway. Gene then put his helpful smile to good use at Hy-Vee in the meat department for 13 years. He worked continuously until the age of 85.
Gene was a member of the VFW, American Legion, and Iowa Booster Club. He enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and many of their activities he could. He and Kathy formed a very special bond with their dog Bailey who even came to visit Gene in the hospital.
Gene is survived by his wife Kathy; children: Connie (Ed Heubi) Zapf, Brad (Heidi) Worrall, Tina (Mark) Alexander, Tony (Dian) Boggess, and Trisha Boggess; siblings: Twilla Dack, Bertha (Wayne) Shipley, and Arthur (Rosemary) Worrall; grandchildren: Meredith Worrall, Isabelle Worrall, Mark Zapf, Matt Zapf, Kristi Hutto, and Katie Boggess; great-grandchildren: McKinley Hutto and Claire Zapf; and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife: Norma; and siblings: Delmar, Phillip, William, and Eva.
Gene’s family will create a scholarship in his name with donations received.
Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, in Charles City, is in charge of local arrangements.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hauserfh.com.