Ralph “Junior” McKinley Wickersham, Jr., 1930 - 2023

WICKERSHAM, HARGER, BLACK

Posted By: Connie Swearingen - volunteer (email)
Date: 9/5/2023 at 14:11:29

Ralph “Junior” Wickersham, Jr., 93, of Turin, Iowa passed away Friday, July 21, 2023 at his residence surrounded by his family.

Per Junior’s wishes, cremation has occurred, and no services are being planned at this time. Arrangements are under the direction of Goslar Funeral Home and Monuments, Onawa, Iowa.

Ralph McKinley was born June 29, 1930 in Bloomington, Nebraska, the son of Ralph, Sr. and Harriet (Harger) Wickersham. At the age of 3, the family moved outside of Turin, Iowa in a Model T Ford. Junior attended Arcola School through the 8th grade. He enrolled in the National Guard in 1948. Ralph served in the United States Army from September 11, 1950 and until his honorable discharge on August 19, 1952. He continued his service with the National Guard until 1958.

Junior and Donna Black were united into marriage on March 27, 1954 in Pipestone, Minnesota. To this union three children were born, Dan, Deb, and Charlie.

Junior drove a road grader for the Monona County Road Department for forty-two years. Some of his hobbies were cutting trees, picking up sticks, fixing fence, and driving his tractor on tractor rides. He enjoyed having coffee with his sister, Thelma, putting together jigsaw puzzles, and watching Gunsmoke.

Junior was a member of the Turin United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Grimsley-Thayer American Legion Post #502 of Castana, Iowa.

Survivors include his children, Dan Wickersham of Turin, Iowa, Deb (Pat) Green of Homer, Nebraska, and Charlie (Tina) Wickersham of Sioux City, Iowa; three grandchildren, Candice (Josh) Climer of Hartington, Nebraska, Zach (Jessica) Wickersham of Council Bluffs, Iowa and Alexis (Mike Gotlib) Wickersham of Cherry Hill, New Jersey; great-grandchildren, Emily Climer, Max Climer, and Grace Gotlib; one sister, Thelma Hansen of Onawa, Iowa; and one brother, Marvin (Dorothy) Wickersham of Essex, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna Wickersham; parents, Ralph, Sr, and Harriet (Harger) Wickersham; and two, sisters; Velma Perkins and Ruth Crosgrove.

A special thank you to Burgess Hospice for their caring and compassion during this time.

Monona Obituaries maintained by Linda Ziemann.
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