Ralph F Slotke

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Ralph F. Slotke passed away at Sheboygan Memorial Medical Center in Sheboygan, WI, on July 28, 2014 at the age of 82.

Ralph Slotke is survived by his loving wife, Vivian (nee Knutila) of 63 years. They were married in Milwaukee, WI on April 28, 1951. Ralph is further survived by his sister, Shirley Sherwin.

Ralph is lovingly remembered by his children Russell, Gregory (Katherine) and Brian (Maureen) as well as grandchildren Jeremy (Sadie), Clayton (Lydia) and Katherine and his great-grandchildren Adilin, Elsie and Harrison and Clara as well as many nieces and nephews.

Ralph was born in Milwaukee, WI on August 20, 1931. He graduated from West Division High School. During Ralph’s life he worked primarily as a mechanic and owned his own business. Ralph operated the Milwaukee Turners Parking Facility for many years before retiring to Arnheim, Michigan. For the past 14 years, Ralph enjoyed working at Walmart in Houghton, MI, where he had many friends.

Ralph was a former President of the Milwaukee Turners and a proud member of The American Turners organization for 40 years. Ralph was an accomplished gymnast and outstanding athlete. Ralph enjoyed boating and waterskiing; patiently sharing his skills with young people – all of them experiencing the thrill of being pulled out of the water on skis for the first time. Other of Ralph’s many interests included fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, motorcycling and he was an avid car race enthusiast. Ralph could fix just about anything; often developing some unique inventions to make the task at hand work smoothly.

The visitation was held at Jacobson Funeral Home, 200 L’Anse Ave., L’Anse, MI on Saturday, August 2, 2014 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Prayers were offered by Ralph’s grandchildren. The funeral service followed visitation at 5:00 p.m. at Jacobson Funeral Home with Reverend Judy Mattson officiating.
A private burial service was held for the family on Sunday, August 3, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Keweenaw Bay Cemetery.

Ralph enjoyed life so much it overflowed into the lives of family and friends creating memories that will be cherished by those he left behind.

Friends may sign Ralph’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com