Ralph C. Kershaw

September 22, 2016

Service Details

Ralph Charles Kershaw, age 91, passed away peacefully at Taylor House Hospice on Thursday, September 22, 2016. There will be a celebration of his life from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., with military honors at 1:30 p.m., on Saturday, October 1, 2016 at UAW Local 450 Union Hall, 4589 NW 6th Drive, Des Moines. Lunch will follow military honors. Inurnment will take place at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery at a later date.

Ralph was born on December 10, 1924 in Coal Valley, IL to Charles and Ella Kershaw. He married Jean Marie Warrell on August 29, 1959. They celebrated 48 years of marriage. He served in the United States Army, 246th Field Artillery Division of the 23rd Infantry, in the Pacific Theater during WWII. During his service, he was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, and Philippine Presidential Unit Citation Badge. Ralph was proud of his service to his country. One of his greatest memories was taking part in the Honor Flight trip in 2010. He retired from John Deere Des Moines Works in 1985 after 25 years of service and was a member of UAW Local 450. Ralph and his wife, Jean, spent several years in Las Vegas before returning to Des Moines in 2002. His hobbies included golfing, bowling, reading, fishing, hunting, and going to Prairie Meadows. Ralph was well known for his dry sense of humor which he maintained until the very end.

Ralph is survived by his loving grandchildren, Aimee Goldsberry (Mike Deaton), Shahna Witter (David Airhart), Cole Radke Jr., Charlie Radke, Cody Radke, and Kayla Radke; ten great-grandchildren; special niece, Michelle (Bruce) Jones; and nieces and nephews: Richard Fiechter, Gary Maxwell, Janice Pearson, Judi Kittleson, Billie McCaughey, Roby Price, Stephen Benson, Jeanette Benson, Karen Benson, and Kurt Fisher. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean; son, Cole Radke; parents, Charles and Ella Kershaw; brother, Leonard; and sisters, Eleanor Fiechter and Dorothy Benson.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Taylor House Hospice in appreciation of their care of Ralph. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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