"My Dear Brother Ralph, the decision we made over 50 years ago assures that we will be together again. I take comfort in that. But, I sure will miss our weekly talks about everything from ours wives,kids and where we solved all the worlds problems, with Christ as the answer. I love you, my friend."
In loving memory of
Ralph W. Holmstrom
August 8, 1944 - October 21, 2021
MOUNT PLEASANT- Ralph Holmstrom, 77, of Mount Pleasant, died Thursday, October 21, 2021, at the Henry County Health Center in Mount Pleasant. Ralph was born August 8, 1944, in Lakeland, Florida, the son of Carl and Alice (Williams) Holmstrom. He graduated from Burlington High School in 1963. Ralph was united in marriage to Dana Ward on April 2, 1966, in Santa Monica, California. While in California, he operated a Pepperidge Farm franchise.
Ralph was intentional in making a difference in the lives of his children and grandchildren. Every summer Ralph and Dana would have the grandchildren over for GKCC "Grand Kids Camp Connection." They loved the quality time they all got to spend together. More than anything, Ralph loved to text, from his flip phone :-), his grandchildren an inspirational quote every Saturday and a scripture passage each Sunday. He enjoyed time with his wife "Baby Doll", daughters, son, son-in-laws, and grandchildren. Family was his pride and joy.
Ralph was passionate about sharing the gospel, which lead him to be involved in a youth prison ministry in California. The family moved to Oklahoma in 1984, where Ralph attended Rhema Bible College. They have made Mount Pleasant their home since 1987. Ralph "The Car Guy" worked as a car salesman at Shottenkirk Fort Madison and Mount Pleasant a total of 30 years. They attended Faith Christian Outreach Church in Mount Pleasant, where Ralph and Dana taught Sunday School for approximately 20 years. Most recently they attended Harmony Bible Church in Burlington where Ralph enjoyed a morning prayer group. Ralph and Dana were foster parents for many years; in addition, Ralph volunteered for the Salvation Army and was a member of Mount Pleasant Kiwanis. Ralph enjoyed working in his yard, gardening, cars, his motorcycle and refinishing furniture.
Ralph is survived by his wife Dana of Mount Pleasant; four daughters, Danielle (Todd) Havener of Burlington, Meredith (Andy) Wohlleber of Mount Pleasant, Marikay (Jared) Rebling of Brighton, Heather (Jasen) Albrecht of Huron, South Dakota; a son Dez (Lily) Broeg of Aurelia; and 14 grandchildren, Taryn and Teague Havener, Michal and Lane Wohlleber, Ryan, Raegan, and Rhea Rebling, Jaden and Izzabella Coffin, Addison, Jenna, Gabriella, and Evangelina Albrecht, and Quinn Broeg.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Public visitation will be held Friday, November 5, 2021, from 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel. Family will greet friends from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held 1:30 p.m. Saturday, November 6, 2021, at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel, Brad Gillis will officiate. Burial will follow at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. A general memorial fund has been established.
Tributes
"Ralph I?m proud to say has been my friend for the 62 years we?ve known each other. We met in the 10th grade and have been more like brothers then friends since then. We left for California together as soon as he graduated so he could be back with the love of his life Dana. We have stayed in touch with each other for all this time, mostly by phone and some visits. I know he will be missed by us all so much. I know you helped strengthen my faith so much and I look so forward to us meeting up again in heaven. "
"Was fortunate enough to have met Ralph when we both first started in the car business enjoy to work with a super guy I'm sorry for your family's loss."
"Dana and family..sending our love and prayers.Kristi & Dale"
"Our condolences
Mary and William Roach "