- Date Of Birth: July 26, 1927
- Date Of Death: March 10, 2021
- State: Iowa
Ralph R. Richardson passed away at home with his daughters at his side on the evening of March 10, 2021.
Ralph was born July 26, 1927, in Stilson, Iowa, to Ivan Richardson & Esther (Goozey) Richardson. His mother passed away when he was five-years-old. After his mother’s death, Ralph, his sister and two brothers went to live with the Richardson grandparents and aunt. He shared loving memories of those years with his grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.
He worked on the Peterson farm while residing in the caring home of Emil & Nola Peterson before enlisting in the Navy (U.S.S. General W. A. Mann AP 112 Transport, World War II).
While on Navy liberty in Vancouver, B.C., Canada, he saw a young woman through a café window and said, “I am going to marry that woman”. The woman was Rose Sammartino and they married in 1947; celebrating 71 anniversaries.
Employed as an auto technician for numerous car dealerships in Des Moines; and retired in 1992 as an auto technician instructor at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) in Ankeny.
Ralph enjoyed instructing and sharing his “on the job” life experiences with the students.
He was active in Local 254 International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers, and served several years as its Secretary-Treasurer. He formed lasting friendships with the membership.
He enjoyed traveling, attending family and ship reunions, hunting, fishing, and repairing and restoring old clocks.
Survivors include daughters, Becky, Karen, & Robin; sister Jeanette Diekhuis; nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Preceded in death: loving wife, Rose, grandparents, parents, brothers (Jerald and Bill), aunts and uncles.
