Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
Obituaries
Monday, October 25, 2021
Ralph Holmstrom
Age: 77
City: Mount Pleasant
Funeral Date
11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel, Mount Pleasant
Funeral Home
Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel
Monday, October 25, 2021
Ralph Holmstrom
RALPH HOLMSTROM
Mount Pleasant
Ralph Holmstrom, 77, of Mount Pleasant, died Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021, at the Henry County Health Center in Mount Pleasant. Ralph was born Aug. 8, 1944, in Lakeland, Fla., the son of Carl and Alice (Williams) Holmstrom. He graduated from Burlington High School in 1963. Ralph was united in marriage to Dana Ward on April 2, 1966, in Santa Monica, Calif. While in California, he operated a Pepperidge Farm franchise.
Ralph was intentional in making a difference in the lives of his children and grandchildren. Every summer Ralph and Dana would have the grandchildren over for GKCC "Grand Kids Camp Connection." They loved the quality time they all got to spend together. More than anything, Ralph loved to text, from his flip phone :-), his grandchildren an inspirational quote every Saturday and a Scripture passage each Sunday. He enjoyed time with his wife "Baby Doll," daughters, son, sons-in-law and grandchildren. Family was his pride and joy.
Ralph was passionate about sharing the Gospel, which lead him to be involved in a youth prison ministry in California. The family moved to Oklahoma in 1984, where Ralph attended Rhema Bible College. They have made Mount Pleasant their home since 1987. Ralph "The Car Guy" worked as a car salesman at Shottenkirk Fort Madison and Mount Pleasant a total of 30 years. They attended Faith Christian Outreach Church in Mount Pleasant, where Ralph and Dana taught Sunday school for approximately 20 years. Most recently, they attended Harmony Bible Church in Burlington, where Ralph enjoyed a morning prayer group. Ralph and Dana were foster parents for many years. In addition, Ralph volunteered for the Salvation Army and was a member of Mount Pleasant Kiwanis. Ralph enjoyed working in his yard, gardening, cars, his motorcycle and refinishing furniture.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Dana of Mount Pleasant; four daughters, Danielle (Todd) Havener of Burlington, Meredith (Andy) Wohlleber of Mount Pleasant, Marikay (Jared) Rebling of Brighton and Heather (Jasen) Albrecht of Huron, S.D.; a son, Dez (Lily) Broeg of Aurelia; and 13 grandchildren, Taryn and Teague Havener, Michal and Lane Wohlleber, Ryan, Raegan and Rhea Rebling, Jaden and Izzabella Coffin, Jenna, Gabriella and Evangelina Albrecht and Quinn Broeg.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel in Mount Pleasant is in charge of arrangements.