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Karl J. Ralph, age 104, of Sheridan, passed away Friday morning, July 18, 2014, at The Laurels of Carson City. The son of Joe H. & Alice (Stewart) Ralph, he was born on February 24, 1910 in Belding. For most of his life, Karl owned and operated Ralph’s Welding & Machine Shop and was a longtime member of the Vickeryville United Methodist Church and of Gideons International. Karl enjoyed restoring cars, model airplanes, and flying… having earned his private pilot’s license in his 80’s.

On February 26, 1928, at Sheridan, he married Mildred Pearl Dickinson and together they raised two children and enjoyed 72 years of marriage until Mildred passed away on November 16, 2000. He was also preceded in death by a son, David Ralph; a grandson, Thomas Ralph; a brother, Don Ralph; a son-in-law, Ron Vandenburg; and a daughter-in-law, Ruth Ralph.

On September 15, 2003, at Vickeryville United Methodist Church, he married Elizabeth (Mowat) Sowles, and she survives along with her family. Also surviving are his daughter, Sharon Vandenburg of Sheridan; a daughter-in-law, Marge Ralph of Sheridan; eighteen grandchildren; forty-three great grandchildren; twenty-eight great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation is Monday from 6-8 p.m. and on Tuesday from 10-11 a.m. at Christiansen Cremation & Funeral Care, 511 S. Franklin Street, Greenville, where funeral services will be held on at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday with the Rev. Larry Nalett officiating. A luncheon will follow at the Sheridan VFW Post 5065 and burial will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Maple Ridge Cemetery, Vickeryville. Instead of flowers, Karl would have appreciated contributions in his memory to the Gideon’s. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Karl’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.ChristiansenCares.com

Facts

Born: February 24, 1910
Death: July 18, 2014

Services

Visitation

Monday July 21, 2014, 6 – 8 p.m. at Christiansen Cremation & Funeral Care
Click for Map and Directions

Visitation

Tuesday July 22, 2014, 10 – 11 a.m. at Christiansen Cremation & Funeral Care
Click for Map and Directions

Funeral Service

Tuesday July 22, 2014, 11:00 a.m. at Christiansen Cremation & Funeral Care
Click for Map and Directions

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1 Condolence

  1. Anonymous on July 18, 2014 at 12:00 am

    Posted by: Jackson family
    Please accept our deepest sympathy. We hope that with the passing of time has ease your sadness and leave you with fond memories to cherish close to your hearts.
    Isaiah 25:8

    07/23/2014
    Posted by: Jackson Family
    Please accept our deepest sympathy. We hope that with the passing of time has help ease your sadness and leave you with fond memories to cherish close to your hearts.
    Isaiah 25:8

    07/23/2014
    Posted by: Phil Lund
    Karl Ralph. I can truthfully say that Karl was one of my hero’s in life. I had the privilege of being his neighbor for over 25 years. We shared many a discussion and I admired him greatly. I appreciated his wisdom, his sense of history, his faithfulness and so much more. Karl never seemed old. Inside I don’t think he ever was. I truly admired Karl Ralph.

    07/22/2014
    Posted by: Meg / Bill MacDougall
    Hi, Sharon, i just read online about your dad, our condolences are to you and your family. and prayers too.

    i’ll send card with our new address

    07/21/2014
    Posted by: Ben Webster
    I was able to see Karl last Tuesday. I’m tied up tonite with my 4 year old granddaughter and tomorrow there are VA appointments in Grand Rapids so I won’t make his funeral. Our prayers are with you and I’ll be contacting you soon.

    07/21/2014
    Posted by: debbie nichols
    My heartfelt sympathies to the family and especially to Sharon. God bless you and may His Peace give you comfort.

    07/21/2014
    Posted by: Janet Ralph Payne
    He was a awesome man and we all loved him deeply.

    07/20/2014
    Posted by: Fay Brand and Jack Jolls
    Sharon, we are so sorry to hear of Karl’s passing. He will be greatly missed.

    07/19/2014
    Posted by: Dick Plath

    Sharon, sorry to hear of your dad’s passing…My dad had many repairs done on his farm equipment at your dad’s
    shop back in the 50’s,60’s & 70’s.

    07/19/2014
    Posted by: Ronda Myers
    I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I did not find out until today, Friday that Karl had passed away. I am sorry that I missed the funeral. Please contact me if I can be of help to anyone.

    07/18/2014



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