GERVAIS, OR. Ralph always considered himself a farmer, living on the family farm in Gervais the majority of his 88 years. Ralph worked as a journeyman electrician for 39 years and a 60 year member of the IBEW Electrical union. He loved to wire buildings and would point out structures he’d worked on. Ralph was a charter member of the Gervais Knights of Columbus Council #5842. He with his wife Vivian started the Gervais BBQ chicken booth at the Mt Angel Oktoberfest. Ralph’s highest office was District Master of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. He wore his regalia with pride and loved serving in the honor guard.
Upon Ralph’s retirement from the electrical trade, construction started on the new building for Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Gervais. He forgoed receiving his pension until after he wired the new church building. He continued to be Maintenance Manager for Sacred Heart until his wife Vivian retired as Bookkeeper. Both did these jobs completely volunteer.
Ralph is preceded in death by his parents, Tony and Josephine Duda, his brother Lawrence Duda and his beloved wife of 54 years Vivian (Eder) Duda.
Ralph is survived by his children, Christine (Greg) Frank, Gregory (Becky) Duda, Edward (Leah) Duda and Irene Duda. Grandchildren, John Frank, Robert Frank, Kathryn Duda and Courtney Duda.
The Rosary will be held Wednesday the 9th @ 7pm at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Gervais. The Funeral Mass will be Thursday the 10th @ 11am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 605 7th St, Gervais. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church Maintenance Fund or Sacred Heart Catholic School.
