Ralph was born in Festina, Iowa.

Ralph and his wife moved to AZ due to his lungs. Doctors gave him 20 years to live.

Ralph's urge for further education is reflected in his wife and children, all eventually having college degrees.

School was so important he attended night school to get his GED while working full-time at Hughes Aircraft as a mechanical inspector. He was selected to work on the guidance units for the Lunar Surveyors that went to the moon.

In 1967 he was given three years to live. Having four children between the ages of newborn and eight, Ralph was forced to become Mr. Mom long before the movie was created.

His love of helping others led Ralph to be a charter member in the Knights of Columbus Ave Maria Council 9380 and 4th degree Honor Guard in the Don Hughes Assm. 2392.

Many memories of Ralph live on in his love of woodworking, antique cars and rocks.

Ralph passed on as he wanted, at home, having just received Holy Communion.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 55 years, Arlene; two sons, Keith (Suzy) and Ken (Laurie); two daughters, Kim (Rich) and Kerri (Anthony); 11 grandchildren; and expecting the first great-grandchild.

Visitation from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Friday, November 15, 2013 at St. Cyril's Catholic Church, 4725 E. Pima St., with Rosary recited at 6:30 p.m. Mass will be offered 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 16, 2013 at the church. Interment will be at a later date at Holy Trinity Monastery (HTM), in St. David.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to HTM, P.O. Box 600, St. David, AZ, 85630 or St. Cyril's Catholic Church.

Arrangements by BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL.

Published in the Arizona Daily Star on Nov. 10, 2013

Ralph was born in Festina, Iowa.

Ralph and his wife moved to AZ due to his lungs. Doctors gave him 20 years to live.

Ralph's urge for further education is reflected in his wife and children, all eventually having college degrees.

School was so important he attended night school to get his GED while working full-time at Hughes Aircraft as a mechanical inspector. He was selected to work on the guidance units for the Lunar Surveyors that went to the moon.

In 1967 he was given three years to live. Having four children between the ages of newborn and eight, Ralph was forced to become Mr. Mom long before the movie was created.

His love of helping others led Ralph to be a charter member in the Knights of Columbus Ave Maria Council 9380 and 4th degree Honor Guard in the Don Hughes Assm. 2392.

Many memories of Ralph live on in his love of woodworking, antique cars and rocks.

Ralph passed on as he wanted, at home, having just received Holy Communion.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 55 years, Arlene; two sons, Keith (Suzy) and Ken (Laurie); two daughters, Kim (Rich) and Kerri (Anthony); 11 grandchildren; and expecting the first great-grandchild.

Visitation from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Friday, November 15, 2013 at St. Cyril's Catholic Church, 4725 E. Pima St., with Rosary recited at 6:30 p.m. Mass will be offered 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 16, 2013 at the church. Interment will be at a later date at Holy Trinity Monastery (HTM), in St. David.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to HTM, P.O. Box 600, St. David, AZ, 85630 or St. Cyril's Catholic Church.

Arrangements by BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL.

Published in the Arizona Daily Star on Nov. 10, 2013