Wade David Ralph

Dave, as he preferred, graduated from Calumet High School, class of 1972 in Gary, IN. Shortly thereafter, he joined the United States Army. He served under the Corp of Engineers as a mechanic and truck driver at Fort Ord, CA.

Dave spent most of his career as a meticulous carpenter, working for Brown Construction of Crown Point, IN, and W. Wilson Construction of Boaz, AL. Many times, he would contemplate a specific design or cut for hours with his cigarette and coffee, making certain it was perfection.

As a kid, Dave enjoyed Little League Baseball, horse riding, playing cowboys and indians, intense, days-long Monopoly games and fishing in Wisconsin.

Dave had many adventures in life, some good, some not so much. Two standouts he spoke of repeatedly were his weeks-long adventure to Gettysburg, Harper's Ferry and Antietam with his brother, Lane. Lane planned their whole agenda. Being an extremely knowledgeable Civil War history buff, Dave enjoyed every minute they spent on that trip -- even the ghost of Hill Top House at Harper's Ferry. When referring to their adventure, it was always, "we were bonding."

His second most memorable adventure was a five-day excursion with his four young nephews, Tim, Eric, Matt and David, to Cleveland, OH, for baseball and the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame.

Dave chain-smoked the entire trip and kept calling, "How do you people do this?" referring to the guys' mayhem. Shortly thereafter, Tim passed away and Dave was thankful to have had those memories and time with them.

Another of his many enjoyments was the Wheel Horse Tractor. He and Lane traveled the US and Canada, buying, selling and bartering parts, tractors and knowledge. Dave was a member of the Red Square Wheel Horse Forum.

He struggled with some demons in his life, and experienced some hard roads. Dave was genuinely most proud of his journey through AA. His sobriety brought him a new and enriching outlook on life. He was extremely proud to have gone through the program and never once faltered from his path. His counselor, Kesha, was an angel for him and always available when darkness approached.

With sobriety, Dave was focused and able to enjoy many good times and adventures with his dad and mom. He spent many a day on the road with his dad at blacksmith conventions all around the country. He enjoyed the closeness he and his dad were able to have in his dad's final years.

Dave also took on the task of primary caregiver for his mom once his dad passed. He and his mom had a routine that worked. Dave would say he and his mom made one good person and they, together, could do what was needed.

As time passed, Dave and his mom enjoyed the assistance and company of Deanetta Thomas. Dee brought laughter and humor to Dave each time she arrived. Her motivation helped him greatly as his COPD progressed. The two of them became close and their special bond was a comfort to him.

Dave was a complicated, interesting, intelligent, loving, empathetic soul who genuinely cared deeply for his family, friends and special fur buddy, Smoky. His wit, humor, grunts and extreme facial expressions will be missed by all of us. Our hearts are broken, but his soul is at peace.

Fly high, brother. Travelin' Dave on his next adventure.

A Memorial Gathering for Dave will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 10:30 am - 12:30 pm at Kuiper Funeral Home, 9039 Kleinman Road, Highland, IN 46322, followed by the Committal from 1:00 - 1:15 pm at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, 8178 Cline Avenue, Crown Point, IN 46307.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.KuiperFH.com for the Ralph family.