Ralph Jerome Gundrum

Ralph was born in Addison Township, Washington County, Wisconsin on June 20, 1935, to the late Andrew and Theresa (Breuer) Gundrum.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife Ingeborg, of Cary; daughter Melanie Gundrum of Cary; sons Marvin and Becca (Lee) Gundrum of Boise, Idaho and Maurice Gundrum of Durham; and granddaughters Stephani Paschall Lundy and Lyndsi Gundrum.

Ralph met his wife of fifty-seven years on a blind date while serving in the army and stationed in Heidelberg, Germany. After graduating with honors from the Milwaukee School of Engineering, he accepted a job with IBM in Kingston, New York. Early in his career he was recognized with the Outstanding Invention Award for the Light Pen Detection Verification Display System. In 1984 his job transferred to IBM’s Research Triangle Park facility where he continued to work until his retirement.

Ralph created and maintained an extensive database with family tree information which he generously shared with other family enthusiasts. He became a neighborhood staple on his daily walks with his canine sidekick Emma. Ralph also enjoyed meeting with fellow IBM retirees each month for “the lunch bunch” which he established in 1993.

Ralph was an honorable man, devout in his faith and a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was never known to say an unkind word or be judgmental and was quietly supportive and loving in everything he did. He was always willing to throw on an apron and assist his wife in the kitchen and held the title of official waffle maker.

His family feels blessed to have been able to care for him at home during his illness and is grateful for the kindness shown by friends and neighbors.

A funeral mass will be held on Saturday February 28th at 1:00 p.m. at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Cary, with a graveside service to follow at Raleigh Memorial Park. A visitation will be held at 12:00 p.m. at the church before mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (www.lbda.org).