Richard E. Ax

Richard Eugene Ax, 79, Ventura, died Saturday, June 1, 2013 at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 1 - 4 p.m. Sunday, June 9, 2013 at the Ventura Public Library, 7 W. Ventura St., Ventura.

Richard Eugene Ax, was born on July 5, 1933 in Klemme, Iowa, the son of Richard and Mildred (Hampel) Ax.  Richard graduated in 1951 from Ventura High School and also helped his father on the family farm.  He was inducted into the Army at Ft. Des Moines, on Nov. 20, 1952 and served his country honorably and faithfully during the Korean Conflict until his honorable discharge on Oct.14, 1954 at Ft. Hamilton, N.Y.  After his discharge from the Army, Richard moved to Las Vegas, Nev., and began his career as a police officer in Las Vegas for 25 years until his retirement.  

Richard loved to visit Peru for many years where he met his wife and was united in marriage to Clara Marlene Jara in April 2009.  Richard returned to Ventura in 2010.

He was a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5515 in Garner.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Clara Marlene Jara of Ventura; two sisters, Eunice Kinsella of Garner, and Susan Van Wert of San Francisco, Calif.; as well as other extended family members and friends.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents and a sister.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.