- Date Of Birth: January 1, 1928
- Date Of Death: December 24, 2019
- State: Michigan
Ralph Gerald Boodt, 91, passed away at Bronson Methodist Hospital after a short illness on Tuesday, December 24, 2019. Born in Kalamazoo on January 1, 1928, Ralph was one of eight children of the late Leonard and Clara (Northrup) Boodt. After graduating from Mattawan High School, he joined the United States Army.
Ralph served from 1945-1947 and was stationed in Japan. Upon returning home, he followed in his father’s footsteps and became a carpenter. Ralph built the home he and Marilyn lived in for 66 years. Ralph worked for the Austin Company but most of his career was with the Miller-Davis Company. Many of the buildings are still in existence: WMU, Fetzer Center, WKZO, Kalamazoo College, Bronson Hospital and building 41 at Zoetis (Upjohn). Ralph was well-respected by his superintendents due to his strong work ethics. Upon retirement, and because of his continued love of carpentry, he was the helpful neighborhood handyman.
He built a sundry of decks, fences, cupboards, garages and was involved in the remodeling of his children’s homes. On December 10,1949, he was united in marriage to the former Marilyn Norcross. They just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary, and a reception was recently held in their honor; he cherished the time spent with his family. Surviving him are his wife, their 4 children and spouses: Tom (Cheryl), Joyce (Ron) Nelson, Roger, and Carol (Ken) Hale; 14 grandchildren (having a special bond with Joel Klein); 21 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; his one remaining sibling, Velura Wood; and many other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Cornelius, Harry, Robert, Clair; and sisters Virginia and Donna. Ralph loved sports and coached his son’s little league teams. He was an avid fan of the Detroit Tigers and Lions, regardless of how good or bad they played. He enjoyed working Sudoku puzzles, and he and Marilyn could work 2-3 jigsaw puzzles a week.
