Ralph Marlin Wambsgans
Ralph Marlin Wambsgans
Ralph Marlin Wambsgans
June 28, 1923 – January 25, 2017
Montezuma, Iowa | Age 93
Served With Honor ~ United States Military Veteran
Ralph Marlin Wambsgans, 93 of Montezuma passed away Wednesday evening, January 25, 2017 at his home. Ralph, the son of Charles and Mary (Williamson) Wambsgans, was born on June 28, 1923 in Des Moines, Iowa.
Ralph attended Woodrow Wilson Jr. High School in Des Moines and Noel High School in Noel, Missouri.
Following high school, Ralph enlisted in the United States Army. After Ralph was honorably discharged, he moved to Rogers, Arkansas and worked for Munsingwear Hosiery Mill. On March 26, 1948, Ralph was united in marriage to Lottie Clark in Rogers, Arkansas. Between them the couple had three children: Donald, Sandy and Dixie. They moved to Des Moines in 1953 and he worked for Armstrong Tire retiring in 1988 after 35 years of service. Following retirement, Ralph and Lottie moved to their place at Lake Ponderosa near Montezuma.
Ralph loved woodworking and was an excellent carpenter, building the house that they lived in. He also enjoyed building birdhouses. Ralph always had an excellent flower garden and enjoyed spending time on the lake in his boat. He was a wonderful father, grandfather, great grandfather and great-great grandfather and absolutely enjoyed spending time with his family especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Ralph was a member of the Easton Place United Methodist Church in Des Moines before transferring his membership to the Montezuma United Methodist Church. He was also a member to the Blakley-Stevens American Legion Post #169, the Eastern Star where he was Past President and was a member of the Masons.
His memory will be honored by his children: Donald (& Treasa) Wambsgans of Des Moines and Dixie Markun-Scott of Montezuma; eight grandchildren: Andrew Markun, Terri Zinga, Debra Ray, Douglas Wambsgans, Michael Breslow, Bradley Ricker, Danny Ricker and Paula Medley; great grandchildren; six great-great grandchildren; and many other nieces, nephews and friends.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lottie; a daughter, Sandy Breslow; a granddaughter, Vicky Speiker; and three siblings: Lester Wambsgans, Grace Brown and Donald Wambsgans.
Funeral services will begin at 10:30 am Monday, January 30, 2017 at the Montezuma United Methodist Church.
Burial will be held in the Jackson Township Cemetery in Montezuma.
Visitation will be held from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Sunday, January 29, 2017 at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church or the Blakley-Stevens American Legion Post #169.
Holland-Coble Funeral Home of Montezuma is in charge of arrangements.
