Governor Branstad Visits Rocky Marciano Memorial Site

Tuesday, November 2nd, 2021 | Other | No Comments

On October 20, former Iowa governor Terry Branstad (left) and recent Ambassador to China, stopped in Newton to visit Mike (right) and see the Rocky Marciano Memorial site for the first time. The memorial was made possible by a $10,000 grant from the Governor Branstad History Fund. A ceremony was held on August 30, 2019, for the unveiling of the sign and rock but Ambassador Branstad was living in Beijing at the time.

Marciano was 49-0 with 43 knockouts when he retired in 1956 and he was on his way from Chicago to Des Moines for a private party when the small plane he was riding in crashed in Newton on August 31, 1969. Also killed were a Frankie Farrell, a family friend from Des Moines, and the pilot, Glenn Belz.

To mark the sad event and celebrate Rocky’s life, Mike led a charge to have an area, including an informational sign and rock with Rocky’s name and image on it, posted along Highway 14, entering the city. Governor Kim Reynolds declared August 30 as “Rocky Marciano Remembrance Day” and guest speakers were Mayor Mike Hansen, wrestling icon Dan Gable, former national Golden Gloves boxing champion Steve Eden of Cedar Rapids, and Mike, who also read a letter from Rocky’s son in Florida.

Tags: Governor Branstad, Rocky Marciano, Terry Branstad

Rocky Marciano Tribute Ceremony in Newton August 30

Monday, August 5th, 2019 | Speaking | No Comments

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the tragic death of Rocky Marciano on August 31, 1969, in an airplane crash in Newton. The tragedy made world-wide news and was a big moment in the history of sports as Rocky is the only undefeated heavyweight champion in boxing, retiring in 1955 with a record of 49-0, and 43 knockouts. A ceremony will be held just off Highway 14 at the 164 entrance to Newton, on Friday, August 30, at 10 a.m.. The city is dedicating a large informational sign near the Jasper County Museum with photos and a biography, and a rock bearing the former champion’s image and ring record.   

Mayor Mike Hansen and historian/author Mike Chapman will offer remarks at the dedication. A reception will be held afterwards in the Jasper County Museum, where a beautiful sculpture of Rocky and many items will be on display.The public is invited to attend both the dedication and the reception.

Tags: Rocky Marciano

Iowa History Journal Issue 5 Now Available

Tuesday, October 13th, 2009 | Iowa History Journal | No Comments

Issue number 5, October 2009, of the Iowa History Journal is now available.

Inside the issue:

• Saga of the USS Iowa
• Old Chapel Resurrected
• Rocky Marciano’s Fatal Trip
• Three Baseball Books
• Recalling the Big Peach
• Iowa History Quiz
• Columns by Iowans

Visit IowaHistoryJournal.com to subscribe!

Tags: Fred Becker, Rocky Marciano, USS Iowa