Willett, Ralph Emerson 1931-1992

WILLETT, BRENEMAN, KETELS

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 1/28/2014 at 09:45:39

The Brooklyn (IA) Chronicle
Dec. 2, 1992

RALPH WILLETT

Ralph E. Willett, 61, of Brooklyn, died Saturday morning Nov. 28 at Grinnell Hospital.

Services for Mr. Willett were held Dec. 1 at 10:30 a.m. in the Grace United Methodist Church, Brooklyn. The Pastor, Rev. Kalen K. Fristad, officiated. The musician was Mrs. Carol McClenathan and special selections were "How Great Thou Art" and "Amazing Grace." Flower attendants were Mr. and Mrs. Dan McConnell and Mr. and Mrs. Max Montgomery. Casket bearers were Maynard Saylor, Don Brannian, Robert Evans, Ed Brand, James Rhinehart, and Robert McCulley. Interment was in the Brooklyn Cemetery, with military rites conducted by Francis Gallagher American Legion Post No. 294.

A memorial fund has been established and may be left with the Nevenhoven Funeral Home, Brooklyn.

Ralph Emerson Willett, son of William Frederick Willett and Belva Breneman Willett, was born Jan. 25, 1931, on a farm east of Brooklyn.

Willett received his education in a country school and Brooklyn High School graduating in 1948. He served with the U.S. Navy from Jan. 5, 1951, to Nov. 15, 1954. Willett worked for the Cash and Carry Grocery Store and for Poweshiek County Road Department before working 13 years as a custodian for Grinnell College.

He was united in marriage to Karen Kay Ketels Nov. 3, 1957, in Montezuma. He was a life-long resident of Brooklyn area. He was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church and Francis Gallagher American Legion Post No. 294.

Surviving are his wife, Karen; one son, David Willett and his wife, Shelley, and her daughters, Jessica and Jennifer; one grandson, Brian; and one brother, Robert Willett of Brooklyn.

He was preceded in death by his parents.