Ralph E. Koth, 86, of Kewaskum, passed away on Wednesday, July 2, 2014, at Kettle Moraine Gardens in Kewaskum.
He was born on October 18, 1927, in Boltonville, the son of the late Alfred and Erna (Birkholz) Koth. After graduating from Kewaskum High School in 1945, where he participated four years in all sports, he immediately enlisted in the U. S. Navy. Following the end of World War II, Ralph was employed by Regal Ware Inc. in Kewaskum retiring after 44 years of service.
Ralph loved fishing "up north" and was an avid golfer and bowler for many years. He was a member of Hon-E-Kor Country Club in Kewaskum where he had a hole-in-one and was on the Senior Golf League. He enjoyed bowling at King Pin Lanes and Globe Lanes. He was very interested in his children and grandchildren's sporting activities, seldom missing games they played in and later watched his great-grandchildren participate in sport activities.
On August 5, 1950, Ralph was united in marriage to Shirley Melius at Immanuel Lutheran Church in the town of Scott where they still remain members. He was an active member of the church serving as an elder, financial secretary and teenage Bible leader.
Those Ralph leaves behind to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Shirley, of nearly 64 years; four sons, Perry (Joann) Koth of Kewaskum, Randall Koth of Milwaukee, Rev. Jeffrey (Kristine) Koth and Scott (Christine) Koth both of Lindenhurst, Illinois; nine grandchildren, Christopher (Chrissy) Koth, Curt (Nicole) Koth, Sarah (Jason) Fox, Lindsay (Dan) Haumschild, Jennifer Koth (fiance, Drew), Brandon, Brian, Alexis and Anna Koth; ten great-grandchildren, Chloe, Samuel, Madeline, Hailee, Jacob, Michael, Leah, Lauren, Calyope and Veda; a brother, Kenneth (Carol) Koth of Kewaskum; two step-sisters, Ruth Ramel and Shirley Birkholz both of West Bend; a niece, Shary (John) Witte; a nephew, Terry (Lori) Koth; a step-nephew, Jeff (Peggy) Ramel, other relatives and many friends.
In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by his parents-in-law, Lowell and Elvira Melius.
Funeral services for Ralph were held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 6, 2014, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in the town of Scott. Rev. Kurt Ziemann officiated and burial with military honor rites followed in the church cemetery.
The Koth family greeted relatives and friends at the church on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of services.
Memorials in Ralph's memory are appreciated.
The Miller Funeral Home in Kewaskum was entrusted with Ralph's arrangements.
Special thanks to Perry and Joann for all they have done, to the staff of Kettle Moraine Gardens and Serenity Hospice for the good care given to Ralph and to Rev. Ziemann for all his visits and comforting words.