Obituary of Ralph Nicholas Wilwert

Survivors include his 3 daughters: Debbie (Joe) Burke of Cedar Rapids, IA, Cindy (Jayme) Jacque of Dyersville and Angela (Jim) Smith of DeSoto, IA, 3 sons: Daniel (Joan) of Holy Cross, Allen (June) of Urbandale, IA. and Thomas (Jennifer) of Elkader, IA, 14 grandchildren: Ryan (Katrina) Burke, Jessica (Marty) Milbert, Tara and Kevin Jacque, Andy, Jenna, Alex, Joanna, Scott, Jackie, Samantha, Sean and Bethany Wilwert and Noah Smith, 2 sisters: Calista (Paul) Hoppman of Dubuque and Dorothy (Lavern) Link of Key West, a sister-in-law, Alice Wilwert of Epworth and a brother-in-law, John Maiers of Peosta. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Elaine, infant grandson, Michael Thomas Wilwert, 2 brothers: Gilbert and Herman Wilwert and one sister, Mary Frances Maiers. Ralph was born at home on the farm February 1, 1923, the son of Charles and Frances (Ellerbach) Wilwert. He farmed his entire life and passed away, all on the family farm. He married Elaine Eva Dubler on October 17, 1953 in Dubuque, Iowa. Together they enjoyed 43 years of a loving marriage and family until her passing in 1996. He loved fishing and playing cards and was twice a state senior bowling champion. Ralph especially enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, family and friends. He was an avid sports fan who coached youth baseball. Friends may call from 2 - 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 20, 2007 and from 9 - 10 a.m. Thursday, at Kramer Funeral Home in Holy Cross. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday June 21, 2007, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, in Rickardsville, Iowa with burial in the church cemetery. Officiating will be Rev. Michael Podhajsky. Memorials to be given to the Ralph N. Wilwert memorial fund.