Ralph V. Kiser
Ralph V. Kiser, 74, of Star City, passed away at 11:14 p.m. Sunday, April 8, at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born on June 17, 1943, in Wolcott, to the late Burley and Marie (Grafton) Kiser. Ralph was a 1962 graduate of Star City High School. On May 11, 1963, he married the love of his life, Barbara Selle, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Kewanna, by Father Matthew Drennan.
Ralph worked at Wilson Foods in Logansport for 26 years and was the former secretary/treasurer of the UFCW. He was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac and the Star City Volunteer Fire Department.
Ralph enjoyed fishing, hunting and mushroom hunting as well as coaching his son’s little league team and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. He was an avid Notre Dame and Chicago Cubs fan. Most of all, Ralph enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He was a great husband, father, grandfather, brother, neighbor and friend.
Ralph battled and beat cancer numerous times beginning in 1992 and was an inspiration to all. Ralph fought hard for his family; his love and determination never went unnoticed by those who knew him.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara Selle Kiser; son Greg [Jackie] Kiser; daughters: Jackie [Rick] Petrie, Jennifer Johansen, and Katie [Chad] Burton; granddaughters: Emma [fiancé Eric Myers] Kiser, Ellie Kiser, Autumn [Josh] Schoeff, and Hillary Burton; grandsons: Austin [Megan] Kiser-Petrie, Mitchell [fiancé Jackie Gonzalez] Petrie, Tanner Johansen, Tucker Johansen, Truman Johansen, Conner Burton and Liam Burton; great-granddaughters: Maren Taylor Schoeff, Emma Myers, and Julissa Marin; great-grandson Tidus Myers; sisters: Dolly Miller, Ruth [Richard] Wentz and Nancy [George] Bechtel; brother Rex [Bonnie] Kiser; sisters-in-law: Francis Kiser, Judy Kiser, Mary [Bob] Short and Ellen Hargis-Miller; brother-in-law Dick [Marti] Selle; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Burley and Marie (Grafton) Kiser; brothers: Lee [Merlene] Kiser, Dean [Evelyn] Kiser, Bob [Flora Mae] Kiser, Chet [Lois] Kiser, Merle Kiser, Harold [Sheri] Kiser, and Paul Kiser; sister Nellie [Truman] Baker; mother-in-law Betty Hamman Selle Frazie; father-in-law Bill Selle; and grandparents-in-law Herbert and Goldie Hamman.
Visitation will be from 3-8 p.m. Thursday, April 12, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. A scriptural wake service will be held at 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, April 13, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac, with Rev. Leroy Kinnaman officiating.
Burial will take place at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Winamac.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Star City Volunteer Fire Department or The Children’s TherAplay Foundation Inc.
Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.
(Pulaski County Journal — April 11, 2018)