Ralph M. Loehmer, 91, of Monterey, Indiana, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and friends at 3:53 PM, Monday, December 11, 2023, at his residence.
Ralph was born to Nicholas and Veronica (Schutz) Loehmer on November 11, 1932, in Chicago Heights, Illinois. He was the oldest of nine children. The family moved to Monterey, Indiana in the early 1940s. Ralph enlisted in the US Navy in 1951 at age 18. He sailed on the USS Gilbert Island during his tour of duty. He married his soul mate, Ethel Reinholt, on April 11, 1959 at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Monterey. Together they raised 7 children.
Ralph had a great work ethic. He proudly talked about painting the elevator in Monterey, driving a school bus, bone truck and milk truck.
Ralph worked at Plymouth Tube for 12 years as well as farming. In 1979 Ralph and Ethel began milking cows. They continued until their retirement in 1993.
Ralph enjoyed traveling and collecting tractors and old tools. He loved rough-housing with his 19 grandkids and 14 great grandkids. He was a great storyteller and harmonica player. He always enjoyed a good card game. His grandkids loved to listen to stories of all the places he had seen and experienced. He was also a member of the Collins-Tasch American Legion Post 399 and St. Anne's Catholic Church, both of Monterey.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Ethel, children: Maurice (Julie Girton) Loehmer, Lawrence Loehmer, Mary (Greg) Zehner, all of Monterey, Marie (Terry) Christian of Lafayette, Chris (Honey) Loehmer of Monterey, and Veronica (Eric) Boardman of Winamac, siblings: Raymond Loehmer of Portage, Irene (Dan) Forest of Monterey, Daniel Loehmer of Logansport, Loretta Watkins of Fort Wayne, and Loren (Angie) Loehmer of Monterey, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Michael Loehmer, daughter-in-law, Connie Loehmer, sisters: Virginia Mutt, Virgidelle Weasel, and Vivian Reinhold, and sister-in-law: Anne Loehmer.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at St. Anne's Catholic Church, Monterey, on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 12:00 PM EST. Friends may call from 9:00 AM until service time on Saturday at the church. Burial will follow at St. Anne Cemetery, where military rites will be performed by the US Navy and the Collins-Tasch American Legion Post 399 of Monterey.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimers Association.
