Ralph M. Loehmer

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

He was born on Nov. 11, 1932, in Chicago Heights, Illinois, the son of Nicholas and Veronica (Schutz) Loehmer. They moved to Monterey in the early 1940’s. Ralph was the oldest of nine siblings. Ralph enlisted in the Navy in 1951 at age 18. He sailed on the USS Gilbert Island during his tour of duty. Ralph married his soul mate, Ethel Reinholt on April 11, 1959 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Monterey and she survives. Ralph and Ethel had seven children, the late Michael Loehmer, Maurice [Julie Girton] Loehmer, Lawrence Loehmer, Mary [Greg] Zehner, all of Monterey, Marie [Terry] Christian, Lafayette, Chris [Honey] Loehmer, Monterey and Veronica [Eric] Boardman, Winamac.

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 milked until October 1993 when they retired. Ralph enjoyed traveling, collecting tractors and old tools. Ralph loved rough housing with his 19 grandkids and 14 great-grandkids. Ralph was a great storyteller and harmonica player. Ralph always enjoyed a good card game. His grandkids loved to listen to all the places he has seen and experienced. He had also been a member of the American Legion and St. Anne Catholic Church both of Monterey.

Additional survivors include his siblings: Raymond Loehmer, Portage, Irene [Dan] Forest, Monterey, Daniel Loehmer, Logansport, Loretta Watkins, Fort Wayne and Loren [Angie] Loehmer, Monterey; and several nieces and nephews. 

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents: Nicholas and Veronica Loehmer; son Michael Loehmer; daughter-in-law: Connie Loehmer; sisters: Virginia Mutt, Virgidelle Weasel and Vivian Reinhold; and sister-in-law Anne Loehmer.

Mass of Christian Burial was conducted at 12 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 16, at St. Anne Catholic Church, Monterey. Friends visited from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 16, at the church. 

Burial followed in St. Anne Catholic Church Cemetery, Monterey, where military graveside rites will be performed by the Monterey American Legion. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimers Association. 

Arrangements by Odom Funeral Home, Culver, Indiana.

(Pulaski County Journal — Dec. 20, 2023)