Ralph P. Angstmann, 95, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2023, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was born on October 25, 1927, in Chicago, Illinois, to Ellen (Owen) and Ralph Walter Angstmann. He moved with his parents to Marion and graduated from Marion High School in 1946. Ralph was a true MARION GIANT and lettered in both football and baseball.
After graduating during World War II era, he and his friends enlisted in the Army hoping they would be deployed together. Unfortunately, their plan didn’t work; his friends were all sent to Japan while Ralph was sent to Adak in Alaska’s remote Aleutian Islands. After serving his country, Ralph returned to Marion and married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Ann (Hammond). They celebrated 73 years of marriage this year.
Ralph worked for several local companies including Lindley Box and Paper Company and Sutter’s Dairy. Prudential Insurance Company noticed his talent with people and invited him to join their company in sales. He retired from Prudential after 25 years to spend his winters playing golf and beachcombing in Port Aransas, Texas, where he and Joyce made many Winter Texan friends.
Ralph was a Cub Scout master at Riverview School and enjoyed working on projects with the boys. He was a lifelong member of the Elks’ Country Club and an avid golfer. He always walked the course (never drove) and never let anyone forget the day he made a hole-in-one. Ralph was a member of the YMCA where he enjoyed daily pre-dawn work-outs into his 80s. He was known for his playful nature, his sense of humor, a thunderous voice, and his true love for life itself. His loud commanding whistle was the signal to all the surrounding blocks for all the neighborhood kids to come home for dinner.
Ralph was blessed with three children: Ralph, II (Marylou Backs) of St. Mary’s, OH; Kevin (Suzi Meyer) of Marion; and Ann Marie Luce (Mike) of Council Grove, KS.
He is survived by six grandchildren: Angela Angstmann (Mauricio Chavez) of San Francisco, CA; Laura Angstmann and Julia Angstmann (Grant Fore) of Indianapolis; Ralph Angstmann, III (Lisa Ashman), Jon Angstmann and Andrea Schultz (Justin) of St. Mary’s, OH; six great-grandchildren: Erika Huffman (Aaron) of Wapakoneta, OH; Allison Angstmann and Evan Angstmann of St. Mary’s, OH; and Jenasis, Journee and Jacolby Fore of Indianapolis; sister-in-law, Kathleen Angstmann; and many nieces and nephews.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, five sisters, and one brother.
The family will receive visitors from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a funeral service to celebrate Ralph’s life will begin at 1:00 pm with Pastor Mick Simpkins. Burial will take place at Grant Memorial Park with Father Ted Rothrock officiating.
The family would like to thank the many healthcare providers who helped care for Ralph. A special thanks also to Southern Care Hospice who was there for Ralph when he needed them.
Memorials can be sent to the Marion-Grant County Humane Society, P.O. Box 1921, Marion, IN 46952 or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
To send flowers to the family of Ralph, please visit our floral store.