Ralph William Roethel

Ralph William Roethel, 81 of St. Joseph, died Saturday, November 22nd, 2008 at his home. A celebration of life service will be held 1:00 p.m.Wednesday, November 26, 2008, at Saron Evangelical Lutheran, 510 Main St. in St. Joseph with a private burial being held at a later date. The visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 25, 2008, at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd. in St. Joseph. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice at Home or Saron Evangelical Church. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Ralph was born on October 12, 1927 in Mandan, North Dakota. Ralph worked for many years as an agent-clerk for the CSX Railroad. Ralph married Lila Hellem on November 27, 1949 in Northwood, North Dakota. He was involved over the years with the St. Joseph Football Boosters and coaching at Eaton Park (North Lincoln Baseball Association). He also enjoyed fellowshipping with both friends and strangers at Dunkin Donuts. Ralph is survived by his wife Lila and two sons, Randy (Cynthia) Roethel of Hartford, MI and Robert (Patricia) Roethel of Thomaston, GA. He is also survived by his grandchildren Robert Roethel and Jennifer (Nick) Shelley and one great grandchild Riley Roethel. Ralph is also survived by two sisters, Doris Doolittle of Bismarck, N.D. and Polly Justice of Collegedale, TN. He was preceded in death by his father William Roethel and his mother Pauline (Savage) Roethel.