Mr. Ralph C. Pedersen

Ralph C. Pedersen Jr. was born to Ralph Sr. and Goldie Pedersen in Racine, Wisconsin in March of 1929. He attended Racine schools from kindergarten on to Washington Park High School, graduating in 1947.

He was active at Calvary Memorial Church, singing in the choir with his father and singing in quartettes. He and friends would do “Homer and Jethro” routines at banquets and events. Playing the viola in the Racine Symphony Orchestra was very enjoyable.

Ralph attended the University of Wisconsin Extension in Racine for two years and then transferred to Wheaton College in Illinois which was a financial sacrifice of love from his parents. He was active in the Travelling Chapel Choir as well as the Wheaton College Orchestra. He graduated in 1951 majoring in Business and Economics.

He served in the U.S. Army for two years. After finishing basic training he was assigned to the Army of Alaska and sent to Seattle, Washington to interview soldiers on their way to Korea.

After being honorably discharged, he worked at Marshall and Ilsley Bank in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he enjoyed the German culture and bratwurst. On weekends he would commute to Racine to sing in the choir.

His friend asked him to travel to Colorado where he connected with his college friend Lois Sellhorn who was working with Young Life. After a year of writing letters and a skiing week at Winter Park he moved to Denver so they could date on a regular basis.

In September of 1961, Ralph and Lois were married in Michigan at Lois’ home church, followed by their honeymoon on Mackinac Island and another wedding reception in Racine. Denver friends orchestrated another reception there.

Ralph worked at several Denver banks and then became a national bank examiner. Son Arne and daughter Amy were born in 1964 and 1967 respectively. Ralph was then transferred to Albuquerque, New Mexico as a national bank examiner, connecting with his brother John Pedersen’s family who were living there. Ralph was also active with music in a church in Albuquerque.

Two years later the family moved back to Denver so Ralph could start his new position at United Bank of Denver. Ralph and family also attended Galilee Baptist Church, where he started teaching Sunday School and singing in the choir. Through the years at GBC he was elected to the deacon board, trustee board and later as the treasurer. He also became active in a Barbershop style choir performing many concerts.

In 1976 he became a charter member of the South Denver Optimist Club and was the secretary/treasurer for a year. He spent many hours on the optimist newsletter and was busy each December depositing the proceeds from the annual Christmas tree lot fund raiser on Monaco Blvd.

Ralph and Lois hosted many international students from Denver University, making many long-lasting friends.

Travelling was a pleasure to Ralph, planning trips to Norway to see relatives and other European countries. After retirement, Ralph & Lois served with three short term missions in Taiwan, Philippines and Paraguay, which was a great spiritual blessing to both. Cruising with the family was most enjoyable.

Last summer was physically challenging for Ralph with five visits to the E.R. department. Praise the Lord for His love of service as he is now free of health issues and with his Jesus whom he loved.

Ralph is survived by his wife Lois, son Arne, daughter Amy, son-in-law Chuck Wittenmeier, grandson Peder, granddaughter Portia, brother Steve Pedersen and wife Kathy, sister Lucille Ernst and husband William, and many nieces and nephews across the continent.

Memorials may be given to:

Galilee Baptist Church

1091 S Parker Rd

Denver CO 80231

…or your favorite charity in Ralph C. Pedersen’s honor.

Arrangements under the direction of Olinger Hampden Mortuary & Cemetery, Denver, CO.