Obituaries

November 11, 1932 to December 11, 2023

CULVER - Ralph M. Loehmer, 91, of Monterey passed away peacefully at 3:53 p.m., Monday, Dec. 11, surrounded by his family and friends at his residence.

He was born Nov. 11, 1932, in Chicago Heights, Ill. to Nicholas and Veronica (Schutz) Loehmer. He was the oldest of nine children. The family moved to Monterey in the early 1940s. Ralph enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1951 at age 18. He sailed on the USS Gilbert Island during his tour of duty. He married Ethel Reinholt, on April 11, 1959 at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Monterey. Together they raised seven children.

Ralph Loehmer

He is survived by his wife and 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.

Mr. Loehmer had a great work ethic. He proudly talked about painting the elevator in Monterey, driving a school bus, bone truck and milk truck. He worked at Plymouth Tube for 12 years, along with farming. In 1979 he and his wife began milking cows. They continued until their retirement in 1993. He 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.

A mass of Christian burial will be conducted at St. Anne's Catholic Church, Monterey, at 12 noon Saturday, Dec. 16. Friends may call from 9 a.m. until service time Saturday at the church. Burial will follow at St. Anne Cemetery, where military rites will be performed by the U.S. Navy and the Collins-Tasch American Legion Post 399 of Monterey.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimers Association.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Odom Funeral Home, Culver.