Obituary of Ralph Joseph Oberbroeckling

Ralph J. Oberbroeckling, 75, of Dyersville died Friday, April 29, 2011, at his residence. Friends may call from 1 - 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 3, 2011, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville where a parish scripture service will be held at 1 p.m. and a rosary will be recited at 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 4, 2011, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in St. Boniface Cemetery, New Vienna. Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate. Ralph was born January 12, 1936, in New Vienna, Iowa the son of Alphons and Stacy (Lansing) Oberbroeckling. He attended the St. Boniface School until 8th grade. He married Helene Hess in Luxemburg on June 5, 1962. Together they farmed near New Vienna. Helene preceded him in death in 1977 and Ralph moved to Dyersville in 1982. In addition to farming, Ralph drove a school bus for nearly 30 years for the Western Dubuque School District, and most recently was employed at the Comfort Inn in Dyersville. Ralph was a devoted husband and father who credited his strong faith in the power of prayer to his wife, Helene. Ralph's faith and prayer increased, helping him get through the trials and tribulations of life as he continued to raise his family without Helene. On September 18, 1999, he married Angela White Kruse at Nativity Church in Dubuque, and together they harmoniously combined two large families. Surviving are his wife, Angela; 8 Children: Lisa (Bill) Mensen of Manchester, Chris (Laurene) of Dubuque, Pat (Linda), Paul (Susan), Sara Chamberlin, Tim (Sue), and Molly Oberbroeckling, all of Dyersville and Jude Oberbroeckling of Marion; 9 grandchildren: Mitchell Mensen, Adam Oberbroeckling, Mimi, Ben and Sam Oberbroeckling, Eve Chamberlin, Travis, Jordyn and Matthew Oberbroeckling; 5 step-children: Tim (Mandy) Kruse of Dyersville, Tammy (Stephen) Grant of Urbandale, Tom (Sara) Kruse of Petersburg, Terry (Emily) Kruse of Dubuque, Rev. Mr. Tony Kruse, currently studying in Rome, Italy; 8 step-grandchildren: Sylvia Kruse, Nicole, Nolan and Norah Grant, Kaleb, Cole and Carter Kruse, and Scott Kruse; 3 siblings: Don Oberbroeckling of Garnavillo, Gene (Marita) Oberbroeckling of Dyersville, Clarice (Peter) Domeyer of Dubuque, brothers-and-sisters-in-law: Herb Tegeler of Dyersville, Corrine (Clete) Hellman of Ryan, Bernadette (Louis) Weigel of Gratiot, WI, Don (Barb) Hess of Luxemburg, Janice (Dan) Roling of Luxemburg, Leola (Tom) Sperfslage of Central City and Richard Roling of Cascade, Dr. Tom (Betty) White of Cascade, Roy (Hazel) White of Olathe, KS, Pat (Carol) White of Hiawatha, Tad (Cathy) White of Dubuque. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Helene, 2 sisters: Betty (Marvin) Olsem, Doris Tegeler; brothers-and-sisters-in-law: Charlotte Oberbroeckling, Leo Wedig, Grace Roling, Carl Hess and Dennis Hess. Memorials are preferred. Ralph's family thanks all who have offered prayers, gave blessings and support during this time.