Ralph Wayne Fees
May 05, 2009
Ralph Wayne Fees, 77, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family Tuesday, May 5, 2009. The funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 9, 2009, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street in Des Moines, with burial at Pine Hill Cemetery.
Ralph was born June 26, 1931, in Des Moines to Susan and Victor Fees. He lived in Wisconsin in his early years, before moving back to Iowa. He was a contractor for Louie’s Floor Covering until his retirement. He was a respected craftsman who took great pride in and loved his work. Ralph loved deer hunting, fishing, bowling, and playing pool and softball. He met Esther Tomlinson in 1989 and they were married in 1990. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he loved attending all of their activities.
Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Esther; his children: Ronald (Linda) Fees, Kenneth Fees and Terri (Neal) Charter: his step-daughters: Stephanie (Wendell) Lee, Sandra (Dale) Valenti, and Sharon (Kevin) Link; his grandchildren: Carrie (Andrew) Kraling, Kelli (Luke) Liepke, Cory Fees, Kassi (Matt) Wessing, April Fees, Jesse Fees, Ryan Charter, Brandon Charter, Wendy (Mike) Jeske, Lisa (Monty) Spangler, Jennifer (Dave) Mull, Angela (Eric Anderson) Valenti, Tim (Leanna) Page, Courtney (Joe) Marks, Amy Page, and TJ Page; his great grandchildren: Andrew, Logan, Mason, and Seth Jeske, Hannah, Dannielle, and Mary Rose Spangler, Devin and Gemma Mull, Kennedy and Ashlynn Marks, and Baby Kraling on the way. Also surviving are his siblings: Kenneth Fees, Sr., Jackie Cutting, Robert Fees, Janet Leete, and Gerald Fees; his half siblings: Dorothy King, Ruth Marksbury, and Roy Parker; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Arlene Carlson; his half sister Shirley Gostomoski; and grandson, Jeff Lee. Ralph was loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Visitation will be 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Friday, May 8, 2009, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Wesley Community Hospice: 3520 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50312 in loving memory of Ralph.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Mike Curtin
05/07/2009
Dear Esther,
I am sorry we are unable to travel right now. The memory of your trip to Rapid City along with Terry is still fresh in my mind. Ralph was an easy person to know and like. God's peace and mercy is with him now, and I pray that you will share in that peace in the days to come.
Mike
Mary Belieu
05/07/2009
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Ralph will remain in my heart forever.
With heartfelt condolences,
Mary Belieu
Geri Lee
05/07/2009
Dear Ester and family,
I was so very sorry to hear of Ralph's passing, but it gave my heart peace to know that he went very peaceful and with his loving family around him, so deserving of the great man we all knew him to be. May peace and wonderful loving memories be with you and your family always.
Sincere Sympathy,
Geri Lee and family
Kim Gavagan
05/07/2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Joe, Kim, Ethan and Levi
Tracy McGreevy
05/07/2009
Ronnie, Terri, Kenny:
Our deepest sympathy and prayers go your way.
I know how close you were with your dad.
I am sorry.
Knowing you are in our thoughts and prayers.
I am sorry you had to go through this and
know we are thinking of you all.
Tracy, Todd, Cole.
Todd Cross
05/07/2009
Ron, Teri and Ken you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
Wonderful childhood memories of your father will always be close to me. Your family has always been an extension of my own as you all would know.
Keep your heads held high and know your father is in a place of rest now.
All my blessings.
Todd