Ralph Louis Maurer

Ralph Louis Maurer of Rocklin, California, passed away on May 17, 2024. Born in Downey, California to Ralph and Julia Maurer, he was the third of six children. Ralph leaves behind his sister Marilyn, and his brothers Jim and Jerry, being predeceased by his brother Jack (John) and his sister Dixie.

Ralph took great pride in his Dutch heritage, as both his father and his mother’s parents had immigrated from the Netherlands. Growing up, he worked alongside his family on their family-owned dairy farms in Southern California.

In 1960, Ralph married his high school sweetheart, Virginia, who he met in their high school marching band, where he served as the drum major and she played the flute. Several years after starting their family, Ralph sold their family dairy farm and began attending the newly opened Cal State University of San Bernardino, where he majored in history.

Later, he moved his family to Sacramento where he attended law school, setting the stage for a fruitful 51-year career with the state of California, where he eventually served as Chief of the Office of Risk Management for the entire state.

An important place of community service for Ralph was his involvement with PRIDE Industries, an organization created to provide meaningful employment for those with disabilities. For a number of years, he served as president of the board.

For many years, Ralph and his family attended First Presbyterian Church in Roseville. He enjoyed singing in the choir, and he found a passion helping to relocate refugees of the Vietnam war through Church World Service.

When there was a call to start a church in the growing Rocklin area, he joined the new church development team, taking great pleasure in contributing his time and expertise. He played a vital role in establishing the Shepherd of the Sierra Presbyterian Church, helping the growing church find a permanent facility and eventually build its current campus on Barton Road, at the edge of Loomis and Rocklin.

Beyond his professional and community involvement, Ralph’s legacy is most profoundly felt in his devotion to his family. He leaves behind three daughters and their spouses - Carol and Ron Lambert, Linda and Phil Sommerville, and Nancy and Ron Riebeek, as well as six grandchildren and six (soon to be eight) great-grandchildren.

Ralph will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love and dedication will continue to inspire all those who knew him. May his memory bring comfort and inspiration to all who were touched by his kindness.