Ralph Eugene Kielsmeier

Our fun loving, funny and beloved father and grandfather Ralph Eugene Kielsmeier passed away December 12,2020. Ralph was born in Freeport, Illinois, March 4,1935 to Clarence and Ruth Kielsmeier.

Ralph grew up in Mt. Morris, Illinois with six siblings. He enjoyed playing sports and particularly football in high school. At an early age he learned to work hard and loved working with his older brother on his brother’s farm.

At the age of 19 he left the farm work and joined the Air Force. He was a radar operator on an island off the coast of Japan, during the Korean war. He was then stationed in Kansas City, Missouri. While there he met the love of his life and eternal mate Irma Stamps. They were married March 24,1957 in Leesburg,Georgia. They were married January 27,1979 in the Salt Lake City Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for all eternity. He and his family found the true gospel on the earth and joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints on August 28, 1969 They are the parents of two children, Vicki Lynn and Gregory Eugene (Sherri). They are the grandparents of three grand children and the love of their lives, Kayla, Megan and Eastlin and one great grand child Raden. Preceded in death by Irma (2005)

He began a career as a prepress stripper, he was the last one in the United States to know the original skill. When he retired he was over the pre-press department for the printing press for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

He loved going on fishing trips to Alaska, hunting trips for Elk and going to the stock yard in Willard for sales. His blood still had the farm love in it.

He loved people and socializing when ever he could. He made tons of friends, was always going to dinner with groups of friends

He and four other guys from Centerville ate lunch at Wendy’s in Centerville almost everyday for the last 18 years. These guys were Ralph Kielsmeier (Korean War), Porky Randall (World War 2), Ollen Sheriff ( World War 2) and Larry McClurg ( Reserves). Ralph and Pork are no longer in the group. Our family would like to thank Wendy’s for their support and friendship over the years.

Ralph loved his family and had some fun and good times laughing and talking. We will miss that so much!! He was always there for us.

We will miss you dad and Pa and love you for ever!!!

Ralph made his own plans for his death and requested no services or viewing. Only family will participate in the burial. We want to thank the Home Care and Hospice of Caregivers Network. Any donations and floral are to be sent to Vicki’s home. We send our love to family and friends and his love!