Murriel “Buck” Christophel
Murriel “Buck” Christophel
Murriel “Buck” Christophel
December 31, 1942 – May 12, 2023
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 80
Murriel “Buck” Christophel, age 80, passed away at Mercy One Medical Center in Des Moines on Friday, May 12, 2023. He was born on December 31, 1942, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, the son of Merle and Geneva (Smith) Christophel.
Buck attended Oskaloosa High School.
On August 2, 1960, he was united in marriage to Karen Van Polen at the Nazarene Church in Oskaloosa.
Buck then served his country by joining the United States army from 1960 until 1963. He served most of his Army career in Germany. During his time in the Army, he completed his high school studies.
Buck started his working life doing plaster and concrete work for Russell Sparks. He did concrete work at Quad County Elevator. Lastly, he was hired at Clow Valve Company as a machinist until retiring in 2004 after 37 years.
In his younger years he enjoyed hunting and fishing, but fishing was his favorite. He enjoyed going to the Des Moines River fishing for catfish and fishing for walleye in the Mississippi river. Buck enjoyed helping build stock cars and watching the races. He also loved spending time with his family, especially his special granddaughter, Natasha. Buck was like a grandpa to many, including his late daughter, Sandra’s long time partner Thomas Shipp’s children, Nikkia and Mercedes Shipp.
His family includes his wife, Karen Christophel, of Oskaloosa; a son, John Christophel of Oskaloosa; his granddaughter, Natasha Shipp of West Des Moines; a sister, Marilyn Witter of Pella; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Buck was preceded in death by a daughter, Sandra Christophel; a brother, George Christophel; a sister, Velma DeWitt; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, beginning at 5:00 p.m. at the Bates Funeral Chapel with Buck’s family present at the funeral home from 5-7 p.m. to greet relatives and guests.
Family requests that memorials be directed to the Friends of Mahaska County Conservation rather than sending flowers.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Murriel “Buck” Christophel please visit the Bates Funeral Chapel Sympathy Store.
