He was brought into the Lord’s kingdom through Holy Baptism shortly afterwards. He attended St. James Lutheran School in Grand Rapids and Holy Trinity Lutheran School in Wyoming. He was confirmed at Holy Trinity in 1967. He graduated from Rogers High School in Wyoming in 1971. He worked at Johnson Furniture for many years. He was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church for over 60 years where he was involved in various ministry activities.
Ralph was devoted to his family and friends. He was funny, always had a joke and liked to tease. He never forgot our most embarrassing moments and loved to remind us of them with that big grin of his and a little chuckle. He would always say, “behave yourself.” He was trustworthy and humble. He was a faithful Christian who loved his Savior, Jesus Christ. Ralph faithfully served his Savior throughout his life until the Lord called him to Himself on July 29 at the age of 73 years.
Ralph is survived by his three loving sisters Shirley Grube of Warren, Michigan; Carol (Keith) Bilitz of Eagle Lake, Minnesota; and Debra (Mark) Gephart of Grand Rapids. He is also survived by nine nieces and nephews and 21 great-nieces and -nephews. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Esther; grandparents; and many uncles and aunts.
A Christian funeral will be held 12 p.m. noon Saturday, August 15, 2026 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 4201 Burlingame Ave. SW, Wyoming, MI, with his pastor, Rev. Stephen Schamber officiating. The family will meet with relatives and friends prior to the funeral service from 10 a.m. - noon. Interment will be at Grandville Cemetery on August 17. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.
