Ralph Ockerman

Ralph Ockerman, 72, of Idaho Falls, returned to his heavenly home Sunday, April 22, 2012, after a valiant battle with kidney and heart failure. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Ralph was born July 10, 1939, on the Blackfoot Indian Reservation to Melvin Alvin Ockerman and Dorothy Matilda "Tillie" Yancey Ockerman. He graduated from Firth High School and continued his education at Idaho State University and Business College. Ralph joined the United States Air Force in 1958. He was stationed at Mountain Home Air Force base and served for four years.

On Oct. 28, 1960, he married Peggy Jean Rose. On Oct. 27, 1961, they were sealed in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. They divorced after 43 years of marriage but have remained loving, lifelong friends and devoted parents and grandparents.

Ralph was a pressman at the Idaho Falls Post Register for 42 years. Ralph was a dedicated provider for his family and often worked multiple jobs.

Ralph was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in various callings, including ward clerk, executive secretary, ward mission leader in the Seventy's Group and temple officiator. For 10 years, he was a member of the Gold Wing Road Riders. Ralph was proud to have won first place in the Western States Chili Cook-off in Albuquerque, N.M.

He loved nature and everything outdoors, especially camping, fishing and four-wheeling with friends and family. He enjoyed gardening and was a creative cook who loved trying new recipes (even at the expense of his children). He enjoyed reading Western novels and spending time with his four-legged best friend, Sadie.

Survivors include daughter, Michelle (Ron) Ward of Pleasant Grove, Utah; sons, Ralph Dean (Deanna) Ockerman of Iona, Kevin (Sharlene) Ockerman of Ammon, Craig Melvin (Jessica) Ockerman of Pocatello and Scott B. (Julie) Ockerman of Rigby; brother, Kent Ockerman of Goshen, Idaho; and 24 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, with three on the way and many more to come.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Tillie Ockerman; son, Michael David Ockerman; brother, Melvin Vern Ockerman; and sister, Melba Ockerman Bailey.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 26, at the Idaho Falls Woodruff LDS 2nd Ward, 1660 12th St., with Bishop Scott Earl officiating. The family will visit with friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road, and from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Thursday prior to services at the church. Burial will be in Goshen Cemetery, with military rites performed by the Blackfoot American Legion Post 23 and the Idaho Honor Guard.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com.

Family Tribute