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Obituary for Ralph J. Westre
Ralph Westre, of Stuart, Iowa, passed away the morning of January 8, 2022, at the age of 68.
Ralph was born February 9, 1953, to Herbert and Vivian Dannen in Iowa Falls. He moved frequently in his early life but settled in Stuart in 7th grade and graduated from Stuart High in 1971.
In 1972 Ralph enlisted in the Navy. After basic training in San Diego, he joined the crew of the USS Wabash and was deployed to the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Home ports included Long Beach, San Francisco, Japan, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Korea. He was discharged in 1976 as an Electrician’s Mate EM2, E-5.
Ralph was awarded a Quilt of Valor at a ceremony at the high school in 2019 for his military service.
Ralph married his wife Joanie (Beaman) in 1978. A year later they were joined by their son Nate, and their daughter Lindsay arrived in 1982.
After returning from the Navy Ralph worked for Bookey Pack and Kunkle Electric. In 1983 he started his career with Stuart Utilities where he would spend 25 years before retiring. Ralph also spent many years as an electrician and handyman in the Stuart community.
Ralph loved nothing more than spending time with his family, especially his grandkids, and could often be found walking or going for a ride with his beloved dog Mary and spoiling her with a buffet of doggie treats. He enjoyed reading the paper with a cup of coffee, working, and tinkering outside, feeding the neighborhood birds, and was always quick to offer a helping hand whenever anyone asked. His grilled chicken legs were a favorite at family gatherings.
Ralph is survived by his wife Joanie, his son Nate and grandson Sterling, and his daughter Lindsay McIntire (Jason) and granddaughters Gabby and Jacky.
Visitation will be Wednesday, January 12 from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Johnson Family Funeral Home & Crematory in Stuart. A Celebration of Life Service will take place Thursday, January 13 at 10:00 A.M. at Johnson Family Funeral Home & Crematory in Stuart. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery with Full Military Honors. Memorials may be made to the Ralph Westre Memorial Fund. Online condolences may be left at www.johnsonfamilyfuneralhome.com
