Obituary: Edward Ralph VanWert

As received from the Jacobson Funeral Home:

Edward Ralph VanWert passed away December 25, 2017 at Bayside Village in L’Anse, at 94 years of age.
He was born October 3, 1923 in Port Huron, MI son of Edward and Clara (Socier) VanWert. In 1948 he married Edna Willett, who passed in 2016. Ralph is survived by his children and grandchildren Alan of Baraga, (Marisa and Bob Kalmbach, Josie and Luke; Levi and Liz and great grandson Grady); Lyle (Debbie, Prudenville, MI/Naples, FL); Kim of Aura (Darlene, Jamie); and Susan (Stan Bruggerman, Zoe, Lydia and Gavin who preceded him in death, Warren, MN).

Ralph, as known to his family and friends, lived and worked in Essexville as a farmer and for the Midland Dow Chemical Company retiring in 1986 to move to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, settling in L’Anse. Ralph was a charter member and served on the Hampton Township Volunteer Fire Department and belonged to the Saint John’s (Essexville) Knights of Columbus, and was a life member of the National Riffle Association. Ralph’s greatest passion was deer hunting, spending every rifle season at his Iron County camp, he hunted until he was 91. He also loved sturgeon spearing on Mullet Lake.

Mr. VanWert has been cremated, a service will be held in the spring. Arrangements are being handled by Jacobson Funeral Home, L’Anse.

Friends may sign Edward’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com.