Ralph Henry Muehlenbein

He grew up on the family farm and then graduated from Mt. Vernon High School in 1945. He graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Civil Engineering on his 21st birthday in 1949. Ralph began his career as resident engineer at Whitewater State Park in Indiana before he was drafted into the US Army. He served from 1951 to 1952 at Fort Belvoir, VA, as an instructor in the engineer school. After discharge he worked for 16 years at Pierce, Gruber and Beam of Indianapolis as a civil and structural engineer. From 1968 to 1972 he was a structural engineer for Vollmer Association, Inc. of Louisville, KY. He joined the Department of Transporation of Indianapolis in 1973 as a bridge engineer and worked there until his retirement in 1995. Ralph was a private and independent person, but was also caring in regard to his family and associates. He spent much of his time and energy caring for his parents in their later years and maintained an active interest in his extended family. Ralph loved animals and appreciated good music. He especially enjoyed classical music and songs of faith. He also followed sports, especially baseball, throughout his life. He was a lifetime member and supporter of Zion Lippe United Church of Christ in Mt. Vernon.

Ralph was preceded in death by his sister, Elvira; brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Helen Muehlenbein; and his parents.

He is survived by a sister, Darlene (John) Breiner of Mt. Vernon, IN; nephews, Dan (Karen) Muehlenbein of Indianapolis, IN and John (Carla) Breiner of Los Alamos, NM; nieces, Sharon Breiner of Mt. Vernon, IN, Dr. Teresa (Frank) DeGiacomo of Norwell, MA, and Lori (Wanda Swanson) Breiner of Hasting, MN.

Graveside services will be held 10:00 AM Saturday, June 11, 2016, at Zion Lippe United Church of Christ Cemetery, officiated by Rev. Jeff Long, with immediate burial following the service.

Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com.