Ralph B. Johnson, 100, of West Lafayette passed away peacefully on Monday, March 27th, 2023, at Westminster Health Center. He was born on July 21, 1922, in Ottawa IL to the late Benjamin and Viola (Emrich) Johnson. His wife of 17 years, Diane survives him. Ralph graduated from Ottawa Township High School and attended ValparaisoContinue Reading
Ralph B. Johnson, 100, of West Lafayette passed away peacefully on Monday, March 27th, 2023, at Westminster Health Center. He was born on July 21, 1922, in Ottawa IL to the late Benjamin and Viola (Emrich) Johnson. His wife of 17 years, Diane survives him.
Ralph graduated from Ottawa Township High School and attended Valparaiso and Purdue University where he received a BS in Mechanical Engineering. He served in WWII in the 96th Infantry, seeing action on Okinawa and Leyte Island.
Ralph worked for Eli Lilly, General Foods, Simmons Mattress Co., and others. Later in life he began a career selling Insurance products for Thrivent, until his retirement. For Simmons, Ralph moved his young family to Westfield, New Jersey from 1960 to 1970; then moved back to the Midwest to live in West Lafayette where he lived until his death.
He was a member of St James Lutheran Church, the American Legion Post 38, Circus Model Builders, and the John Purdue Club.
Ralph’s most dedicated hobby was Circus Model Building – which he pursued for 68 years, frequently traveling to various events to exhibit his collection. He was also an avid reader and followed Purdue Football and Basketball.
Ralph and his first wife, the late Helen Kastner, had three children who survive him: Mark (Cindy) Johnson, Janet Johnson, and Sara (Leroy) Foy. Also surviving him are two stepchildren Dallas (Angela) Dopko and Jason Dopko, 13 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
He was proceeded in death by his younger siblings Ruth Smith, Pearl Ott, and Everett Johnson.
Visitation will be from 10:00 am until the time of the memorial service at 11:00 am on Tuesday, April 11th, 2023, at Saint James Lutheran Church, 800 Cincinnati St. Lafayette IN with Pastor Peter Heckert and Pastor James Barton officiating.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to St James Lutheran Church Foundation or the Westminster Village Foundation of West Lafayette.
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Thank you for leaving a condolence.
Your comment has been submitted for moderation.