Ralph Morris Kochheiser 1927 to 2010

KOCHHEISER, MORRIS, LINT, ELLIS, DONAHUE, KUCHENBECKER, LAMBERT, BOND

Posted By: James Mincks (email)
Date: 6/13/2010 at 15:49:59

Ralph Kochheiser, age 83, passed away Sunday, June 6, 2010 at Bright Kavanaugh House in Des Moines, Iowa.

Ralph was born June 4, 1927 in Waukee, Iowa in the farmhouse of his parents Albert and Marion (Morris) Kochheiser. In 1931 the family moved to a farmstead north of Ankeny, where he resided until his death. He attended school in Ankeny and graduated in 1945.

Ralph was a World War II veteran. He enlisted in the Army in 1945. Ralph spent three and a half years attending Iowa State University. He then returned home to help with the farming operation after his Father's death.

In addition to farming full time, Ralph worked for many years at the A.M.F. plant in Des Moines formerly known as Western Tool.

Ralph was a private, quiet man with a great sense of humor. He had a committed constitution to finish a job once it was started. He was an avid history buff and had a passion for reading. He disliked conflict, commotion and dishonesty. He was a man of his word. For years he would have farm work done on a "Gentleman's Agreement". He quite simply was "the voice of reason". It was the little things in life that meant the most to Ralph. Along with his family, it was truly the quiet and peace that his farm afforded him that brought him the greatest happiness.

Ralph was united in marriage to Marcella (Lint) on June 20, 1954. They treasured 55 years of marriage together.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Marcella and four children. Daughters Audrey (Neil) Ellis of Lakeside, Texas, Linda (Jon) Donahue and Sharon (Mike) Kuchenbecker of Ankeny. One son, Alan (Dana) Kochheiser of Omaha, Nebraska. Ten grandchildren, Marc, Mallarie, and Bailey Kochheiser. Andrew, Tyler, and Brandon Donahue. Katie, Jenni and Justus Kuchenbecker and Nickalaus Stecker. Two sisters, Betty Lambert of Ames, Iowa and Faye Bond of Holly, Michigan.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents and infant daughter, Nancy Kaye.

A celebration of Ralph's life will be held at the Ankeny First United Methodist Church, 206 SW Walnut Street in Ankeny at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 10, 2010. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 9, 2010 at the Ankeny Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. where family will greet friends.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Ankeny First United Methodist Church or the Animal Rescue League in Ralph's loving memory.

taken from the Des Moines Register, Metro section; Tuesday, June 8, 2010; page 5B, column 4.