The oldest of two sons, Ralph was raised and attended school in Barneston, Nebraska. Starting at an early age, he worked on his family farm, and enjoyed raising and showing livestock.
After graduating from Barneston High School in 1960, Ralph enlisted in the US Navy. This enlistment took him to the Seattle area and, eventually to support flight crews on the aircraft carrier USS Bonhomme Richard (CVA-31). Being a veteran was a great source of pride for Ralph throughout the rest of his life.
Ralph was united in marriage with Margie Ann Lowe on February 5, 1966. Together, they raised 3 children, Rhonda (Riemann) Chubbuck, Jon Riemann, and Annette (Riemann) Brady. Being raised by a single mother after losing his father at an early age, he put a great deal of effort the rest of his life into building foundations and traditions for his own children.
Ralph worked in insurance sales for much of his career, working mostly with Lincoln Benefit Life. This line of work resulted in a great deal of time away from home and travel, and an endless series of Buick’s and Oldsmobile’s as each one racked up the road miles.
He was a devoted sports fan, enjoying all sports, but most especially Husker Football, having held season tickets for decades, and Major League Baseball.
Ralph was a long time member of the Masonic Lodge, both in Barneston, NE as well as in Lincoln, NE where he served as secretary for fifteen years. He was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Scottish Rite, American Legion Post 356, VFW Post 131, and Sesostris Shrine. He spent hours volunteering his time as an Elder, Deacon, and Usher at Eastridge Presbyterian Church. After retirement, He and Margie spent countless hours driving children to appointments at the Shrine Hospital in Minnesota. Giving of his time, whether to Committees, the Masonic Marching Band, or to Transportation was just his way of giving back.
He was a person who respected doing the right thing, held people to a high standard, and appreciated family.
He is survived by: his wife of 56 years, Margie, Daughter Rhonda (Gary) Chubbuck, Son Jon (Kim) Riemann, Daughter Annette Brady (Mark Pawlowski). Grandchildren: Shelby (Brandon) McCoy, Kaitlyn (Cole) Kuszak, Hannah Chubbuck, Cole Brady and Leslie Huenergardt. three great grandchildren, Josie, Harper and Chet. Step Grandchildren: Justin and Nicholas Hupp, Erika and Alexis Pawlowski. Brother Don (Estelle) Riemann. Sister in Law Anita Swanson. Aunt Elaine Rees.
Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. His parents John and Emma Riemann, father and mother in law Leslie & Vera Lowe, brother in law Don Swanson, stepfather Ivan Rees and other aunts, uncles, nephews and cousins, preceded Ralph in death.
Visitation from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, Sunday, March 13 2022 at Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel 4300 O Street.
Funeral Service: 11:00 AM Monday, March 14 2022, Eastridge Presbyterian Church, 1135 Eastridge Drive.
Barneston Legion Post will present military rites at a private family interment.
Memorials to Eastridge Presbyterian Church, Sesostris Shrine Transportation Fund, or charity of choice.