Ralph Neitzert Edward
Marriages
Phyllis Sowers - August 4, 1954
Obituaries
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel page 3D Obituary - July 16, 2017
The angels came and took
my beloved husband, our
loving father, grandfather,
great-grandfather, brother, and
friend to heaven on March 28,
at the age of 83.
He was born and raised in
Huron, SD. At age 15, the
Neitzert family moved to a
farm near Staples, MN. Little
did Ralph know just a few fields away lived the love of his life,
Phyllis Sowers, a young lady only 12 years of age.
Ralph served in the Navy from 1952 – 1956, where he received
his training in Diesel Mechanics. On August 4, 1954, Ralph and
Phyllis married. Together they shared over 62 years of love and
raised five daughters. Ralph was an exceptional mechanic, and
problem solver. He spent over 25 years working for Caterpillar
Dealers. In 1985, he went to work for Ames Construction as
their Corporate Director of Equipment. Ralph was instrumental
in implementing an equipment maintenance program, along
with buying and selling equipment.
Ralph enjoyed the outdoors; hunting, fishing, camping,
boating, snowmobiling, and ATV riding. He was a member of
the Western Slope ATV Association, and a Search and Rescue
volunteer. He worked hard and played harder. His life reflected
and exemplified “Don’t do anything you won’t be proud of”.
Survivors include his wife, Phyllis; daughters, Diane (Dave)
Squillace, Rochester, MN; Karen (Terry) Gillis, Tacoma, WA;
Janet (Bruse) Alderman, Grand Junction, CO; Jayne (Joe)
Chacon, Castle Rock, CO; Theresa (Dirk) Anderson, Grand
Junction, CO; eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and
sisters, Marilyn Risnes, MN, and Sharon Phyle, Whitewater,
CO.
An informal celebration of Love, Life, and Memories will be
held Saturday, July 22nd at 10:30 a.m., at the American
Lutheran Church in the Fellowship Hall. Located at 631 26 ½
Road, Grand Junction. Lunch to follow.
