Ralph W. Papke Sr.
Ralph W. Papke Sr., age 79, of Uniontown, Pa., died Thursday, December 14, 2006, in UPMC Shadyside Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pa. He was born November 19, 1927, in Connellsville, Pa., the son of Henry Papke and Loretta Harshman Papke.
Ralph served in the United States Army during World War II in the European Theatre.
He was employed by United States Steel Corporation’s Irvin Works as a millwright.
Ralph was a member of the American Legion Post 51 in Uniontown, a Life Member of the General George C. Marshall AMVETS Post 103, Hopwood, Pa., and a Life Member of the Hutchinson Sportsmen’s Club and the Lemont Sportsmen’s Club.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, John, Henry and Joseph Papke, a sister, Jean Glover, and an infant sister and brother.
He is survived by his wife, Sandra L. Trump Papke; sons: Ralph W. Papke Jr. and his wife, Barbara, and Charles Papke all of Uniontown; a daughter, Tammy Wilson and her husband, Bill, of Mount Braddock, Pa.; a sister, Loretta “Toots” Debelius of South Carolina; two brothers: Charles Papke and Raymond Papke both of Phillips, Uniontown, Pa.; six grandchildren: Mandy, Justin, Clarence, Amy, Ralph III and Ethan; and many nieces and nephews.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the ANDREW D. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME INC., 80 Morgantown Street, Uniontown, Pa.
The family will receive friends in the Funeral Home on Monday, December 18, 2006, from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m.
Visitation will continue on Tuesday, December 19, from 10 until 11 a.m. followed by a celebration of his life at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Paul N. Frank Jr. officiating.
Interment will follow in Sylvan Heights Cemetery, Uniontown, Pa.
The General George C. Marshall AMVETS Post 103 will accord Military Rites at the cemetery.
Memorial e-mails may be sent to the family at
memorials@adferguson.com