Urban F. Sallen, 93 years, of Fort Madison, Iowa died at 1:08 pm Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at this home at The Kensington. He was born July 4, 1918 at Fort Madison, Iowa a son of Henry and Thresa (Menke) Sallen. On January 13, 1951 he married Lillian V. Ashby at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Very Reverend William Schmidt as Celebrant. She preceded him in death on April 23, 1988. He was a 1938 graduate and Valedictorian of Catholic Central High School. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, serving during World War II with the 2nd Marine Division in the South Pacific Theater from 1941 - 1945. He was a locomotive engineer with the Santa Fe Railroad for 38 years. He was a member of Holy Family Parish and was a life member of the Knights of Columbus Council #739, Fort Madison, Iowa. He was the oldest living Eagle Scout with the Mississippi Valley Council. He was a member of the Retired and Veteran Railway Employees, Fort Madison Elks, and Veteran of Foreign Wars. He enjoyed golfing.

He is survived by two sons: David (wife Sheila) Sallen, of Fort Madison, Iowa and James (wife Ann) Sallen, of Bloomington, Illinois; one brother, Don (wife Sylvia) Sallen, of Prescott, Arizona; and three grandsons: Joe, Will, and Noah. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, four brothers: Leroy, Eugene, Adrian, and Jerry; and one infant granddaughter, Virginia Rose Sallen.

Friends may call after 3:00 pm Friday, August 19, 2011 at the Barr Memorial Chapel, where the family will meet friends from 5:00 - 7:00 pm Friday evening. A Christian Wake service will be held at 7:00 pm during the visitation Friday evening at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am Saturday, August 20, 2011 at Holy Family Parish, Ss. Mary and Joseph Church, Fort Madison, Iowa with Reverend David Wilkening and Reverend Mark Spring as Con-Celebrants. Burial will be at Gethsemane Cemetery, Fort Madison, Iowa, with full Military Rites conducted by the Fort Madison Veterans Honor Guard. A memorial has been established for Gethsemane Cemetery and masses, contributions may be made at the Barr Memorial Chapel or at the church at the day of the service.