Ralph Henry Daehn

Ralph Henry Daehn of Heidenheimer passed away at his home, Friday, November 27, 2009 after a battle with cancer. Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, December 1, at Scanio-Harper Funeral Chapel with Chaplain Gary Baxley officiating. Burial will follow at Greathouse Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, November 30, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Ralph was born in Chicago, Illinois on June 28, 1929 to Charles William and Mildred (Brunton) Daehn. He moved to La Junta, Colorado in 1945 and graduated from La Junta High School in 1947 and then began working for the Santa Fe Railroad in Slaton, Texas, La Junta, Colorado, Amarillo and Wynoka, Texas. He married Myrtle Evelyn Wadleigh of Cheraw, Colorado on April 26, 1951. In 1952 they moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin for 2 ½ years where Ralph attended Milwaukee School of Engineering training in electronics. Upon completion of his training he and Myrtle returned to La Junta. From 1956 to 1972 he owned and operated Television Center, Mary Carter Paint Store and Space Motel along with his wife. In 1965 Ralph went back to work for the Santa Fe Railroad as a fireman. In 1971 he moved to Temple where he became a locomotive engineer for the Santa Fe. He continued with the Santa Fe until retirement in 1991. He was a past member of Elk's Lodge and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Charles William Daehn. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Myrtle Daehn, one son, Charles William Daehn and wife, Rowella of Heidenheimer, two daughters, Debra Daehn Hathaway and husband, Rick of Winfield, Kansas, Carol Daehn Giesbers and husband, Joe of Temple, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Memorial donations may be made to VistaCare Hospice.