Karl Ralph

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. Born: February 24, 1910 Death: July 18, 2014 Born: Death: Monday July 21, 2014, 6 - 8 p.m. at Christiansen Cremation & Funeral Care Click for Map and Directions Tuesday July 22, 2014, 10 - 11 a.m. at Christiansen Cremation & Funeral Care Click for Map and Directions Tuesday July 22, 2014, 11:00 a.m. at Christiansen Cremation & Funeral Care Click for Map and Directions To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Karl Ralph, please visit our flower store.