Ralph Edward Weichel, Sr.

Ralph Edward Weichel, Sr. 93, of Kearney, Nebraska, died Friday, January 4, 2008, at St. Luke’s Good Samaritan Village in Kearney, where he had been a resident since 2006. He was born October 18, 1914, at Clinton, Missouri, to Aaron Benjamin and Anna Lydia (Epperson) Weichel. Ralph was united in marriage to Mildred “Dodi” Duncan on October 23, 1934, at Sterling, Colorado. Dodi preceded Ralph in death in October of 2005. He was inducted in to the United States Army during WWII on February 22, 1944, he served until March 11, 1946, in the Pacific. Upon his return to the states, he drove semi for 30 years, retiring in 1973. They moved to Lexington in 1974, to be near their son and his family. Ralph was a member of Lexington Christian Church, the American Legion and VFW. He was an avid bowler and enjoyed fishing as a younger man. Ralph never knew a stranger and he and Dodi had many friends in the Lexington/Kearney area. He loved to visit and so enjoyed his stay at St. Luke’s Good Samaritan Village in Kearney. Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law: Ed & Pat Weichel of Kearney, Nebraska Two brothers: Clarence & Mary Weichel of Windsor, Colorado Gordon and Clarky Weichel of Hudson, Colorado Two grandchildren: Kim Stengel of Kearney, Nebraska Mark Weichel of Lexington, Nebraska Three great-grandchildren: Jamie (Dan) Turner of Kearney, Nebraska; Kelsey and Tanner Stengel of Kearney, Nebraska. One great-great-granddaughter: Emma Grace Turner of Kearney, Nebraska Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends; including, local niece, Kerry Widick of Gothenburg, Ne. Ralph was preceded in death, in addition to his wife, by his parents and two sisters. Funeral Services will be Monday, January 7, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. at Lexington Christian Church in Lexington with Pastor Kyron C. BeDunnah officiating. Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Fort McPherson National Cemetery at Maxwell, Nebraska. Visitation will be held Sunday, January 6, 2007, from 2-5 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. Memorials are suggested to the Family for later designation. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements.