Ralph William Cutler 1914-2006

CUTLER KELLY WILKENS

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 11/26/2009 at 01:55:55

Sioux City Journal
17 November 2006

MOORHEAD, Iowa -- Ralph William Cutler, 92, of Onawa, Iowa, formerly of Moorhead, died Thursday, Nov. 16, 2006, at Elmwood Care Centre in Onawa following a lengthy illness.

Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Rush Family Care Service in Onawa, with the Rev. Ron Keith officiating. A Masonic service will be conducted by the Vesper Lodge 223 A.F. & A.M., with Steven Jewett orator. Burial will be in Onawa Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service Saturday at the funeral home.

Ralph William Cutler was born April 20, 1914, in Lincoln Township, Whiting, Monona County, Iowa, the third son of Wilbur D. and Alma (Kelly) Cutler. His parents died and were buried the same day in the spring of 1924, leaving a family of four young children. He remained in rural Whiting, Iowa, and graduated from Whiting High School in 1933, where he was active in music, basketball and baseball.

He married Marie Caroline Wilkins on June 25, 1933, in Michigan. The couple made their home in Iowa, mostly in Monona County. He worked for Council Oaks Stores in Onawa, Carroll, Denison, Mapleton and Sac City, Iowa. He worked for International Harvester in Onawa and farmed west of Onawa with his brother, Merle. In the mid 1950s, he formed a partnership with Richard Determan and opened R&R Food Store in Moorhead. Later, he worked as a carpenter for Darrell Wessell. After retiring, the couple spent 10 winters in Rockport and Fulton, Texas. He had resided at Elmwood Nursing Home since November 2000.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a member of Moorhead Christian Church, Sioux City Abu Bekr Shrine and Elk Lodge 586 A.F. & A.M. Moorhead, where he was presented a 50-year membership award in 1993. He also served on the Moorhead city council.

Survivors include a son and his wife, Ron and Sue of Blencoe, Iowa; a brother and his wife, Raymond and Vi of Rogers, Ark.; four nieces; two nephews; and his caregiver of seven years, Richard Swain of Soldier, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marie on Sept. 22, 1990; a son, Ralph William Jr. (1938-1950); two brothers, Kelly and Merle; and three nephews.

Memorials may be directed to Moorhead Christian Church or Moorhead Rescue Unit.