Ralph Joseph Manternach, 87, of rural Cascade, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at his home.
Visitation for Ralph will be held from 2-8 p.m. Friday, March 1, 2024, at Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, where a prayer service will be held at 1:30 p.m., and a Knights of Columbus Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. Friends may also call from 9 - 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 2, 2024, at the funeral home.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Ralph will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 2, 2024, at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade, with Rev. Mark Osterhaus presiding. Concelebrating will be Rev. Neil Manternach. Assisting will be Deacon Joe Schockemoehl. Burial will be held at Calvary Cemetery in Cascade.
Ralph was born March 19, 1936, in rural Monticello, the son of Joseph and Amelia (Kelchen) Manternach. Ralph attended a rural country school and St. Mary’s school in Cascade. On Feb. 20, 1960, he was united in marriage to Rita Mae Mitchell at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Key West, Iowa. Ralph farmed south of Cascade his entire life.
Ralph was a member of St. Matthias Parish in Cascade, Iowa, and a supporter of Catholic education. He was an active member of his community, serving on various boards and committees. Ralph was a dedicated farmer and steward of the land. He spent winter days in his woodshop creating beautiful works to share.
Ralph was a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who put his family first. He truly enjoyed being with his family and found joy in the simple moments shared. He was always ready for a game of euchre or simply gathering and sharing a conversation.
Ralph is survived by his wife of 64 years: Rita; his five children: Pamela (David) Ockenfels of Wellman, Brian (LuAnn) Manternach of Cascade, Jill Friedow of Madison, Wisconsin, Dale (Sharon) Manternach of Cascade, Ross (Jolene) Manternach of Greeley, Colorado; 19 grandchildren: Aaron (Mary) Ockenfels, Alexander (Magdalen) Ockenfels, Allison (Scott) Flathers; Jay (Maddisen) Manternach, Craig (Danielle) Manternach, Tara (Hunter) Westhoff, Todd Manternach, Ben Manternach (Lauren Shady); Eliot, Quinn and Owen Friedow; Adam (Michelle) Manternach, Jacque (Zach) Domeyer, Sarah (Cody) Gericke, Michael Manternach; Ella, Emery, Easton and Ensley Manternach; 22 great-grandchildren: Joseph Ockenfels, Katherine and David Ockenfels, Robert, Marybeth, Albert and Louis Flathers, Payton, Avery, Reagan and Grady Manternach, Cayden and Logan Manternach, Nolan Westhoff, Molly and Claire Manternach, Rylee and Eli Domeyer, Brenna, Blaire, Beau and Brady Gericke; brothers and sisters: Joe (JoAnn) Manternach of Cascade, Loras (Donna) Manternach of Masonville, Joan Hoffmann, Muriel Schlemme, Lois (Alan) Gravel, Lester (Mary Ellen) Manternach all of Cascade; one step-sister-in-law: Pat Manders of Dubuque; sisters-in-laws: Theresa (Edward) Deppe of Dubuque and Rosemary Wertzberger of Des Moines; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son-in-law: Kyle Friedow; his father and mother-in-law: Roy and Irene (Friederick) Mitchell; his step-mother: Mildred (Manders) Manternach; his siblings: Florence (Harry) Schockemoehl, Eleanor (Clarence) Quint, Veronica (Herman) Welter, Alvina (Robert) Greif, Eva Mae (Elmer) Klocke, Kathleen “Katie” (Harry) Rockzien, Leona (Sr. Irmina, OSF) Manternach, Larry (Lois) Manternach and Ron (Bridget) Manternach; his in-laws: Tom Hoffmann, Duane Schlemme, Charles Wertzberger; his step-siblings: Jeanette (Jack) Callahan, Don (Mary) Manders, and Dorance Manders.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Aquin Memorial, St. Matthias, or Beckman Catholic High School.
An online video may be viewed, and online condolences sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com.
