"Thinking of all of you at this time. You have lots of wonderful memories, hold on to them. God Bless. "
In loving memory of
Ralph Graettinger
April 24, 1911 - May 3, 2006
Ralph Michael Graettinger was born April 24, 1911, in Graettinger, Iowa, the son of George and Teresa (O'Rourke) Graettinger. He attended school in Graettinger and Oakland, California, and he was a 1928 graduate of Graettinger High School.
On July 19, 1937, Ralph was united in marriage to Rosella Margaret Doerning. To this union, ten children were born. They farmed west of Graettinger until their retirement in 1982. Rosella passed away on July 3, 1994. Ralph was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Graettinger. He served on the Graettinger school board for 12 years, Graettinger Creamery Board, Farmers Coop Elevator Board and the River Valley Telephone Board. He enjoyed playing yahtzee, pool, cards, ping-pong, tennis, gardening and farming.
Left to cherish his memory are five sons and five daughters: Dennis (Margaret) Graettinger of Rockford, IL, Rosemary (John) McCaskie of Ruffsdale, PA, Joseph (Susan) Graettinger of Graettinger, Judith (Dewey) Sandmeyer of St. James, MN, Ronald (Lois) Graettinger of Graettinger, John (Helen) Graettinger of Salisbury, MD, Diane (Dave) Peterson of Pequot Lake, MN, Barbara Graettinger of Irving, TX, Cathy (Jay) Maltais of Asheville, NC, James (Debora) Graettinger of Farmington Hills, MI; 30 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.
Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Rosella; parents; two brothers, Al and Eugene Graettinger; granddaughter, Jane Elizabeth Graettinger and a grandson, Bernard Joseph Graettinger.
Tributes
"My deepest sympathy to you all in the loss of your father and grandfather. He will surely be missed by all. Know that you were all in my thoughts during this difficult time. "
"A toast to a great Dad...who definitely left his mark in this world. love, Cathy"
"I miss you so much Grandpa! May you rest in peace and experience the joys of eternal life. Much love and prayers."