Ralph Anderson

Ralph Anderson

Lansing, Michigan

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ralph Anderson, a man who lived a life full of love, adventure, and perseverance. Ralph passed away peacefully in his home with his wife, Beverly by his side, on Monday, January 26, 2026. He touched the lives of many throughout his 99 years as a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend.

Ralph was born on March 1, 1926, in Cadillac, Michigan, to his parents, Walter and Helen. He was raised with his 4 brothers and 2 sisters, and lived a childhood brimming with fond memories of hunting, fishing, and the outdoors. He had an endless curiosity for learning and exploring the world, and had big dreams of seeing what life was like outside of his hometown. He was able to see this dream to fruition, when he was drafted into World War II at 18 years-old.

Beginning his career with the army, he trained in artillery as a number two man on a 105 Howitzer. From there, he went on to train as an infantryman in Camp Maxey, Texas, and then as a gun crewman in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. His training took him overseas, when he sailed to Scotland aboard the Queen Mary before continuing to Southampton, England. Later, he crossed the Channel to France and Belgium. In the 9th Army, he fought in Germany, where he took part in the Battle of the Rhine, a turning point in the war that played a significant role in the Allies' final push through Germany. After the end of the war, he remained in Germany for a year during the Allied Occupation of Germany, guarding prisons holding Nazi war criminals.

After a brief return to Cadillac, Ralph spent the next couple years traveling across the United States. During that time, he worked for the U.S. Steel mills in Gary, Indiana, and then Douglas Aircraft in Los Angeles, California. Following those years of travel, he reenlisted in the Army for three more years, receiving paratrooper training at Fort Benning, Georgia, before being transferred to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he trained as a Green Beret. His final transfer brought him to Camp Campbell, Kentucky, where he joined the 11th Airborne Division and returned to Germany. During that time, he made a total of 24 jumps out of a Boxcar C119 plane.

Following his final discharge, Ralph returned back to Michigan, where he spent time back in Cadillac with family and friends. During this time, he met Beverly Johnson, from whom he quickly became inseparable. The two married on June 29th, 1958, and spent the next 67 years building a family and life together in Lansing, Michigan. Ralph soon after began his career in roofing, which would span the next 45 years.

Ralph loved spending time with his family and sharing his joy for the outdoors with them. He would regularly take his three sons out on hunting, camping, and fishing trips, teaching them his childhood hobbies and passions. He was able to continue these traditions with his grandchildren, who were lucky enough to have the same opportunities to relive the childhood memories that had brought their fathers so much joy years before.

Nothing was more important to Ralph than his family, and he made that clear with every moment in their lives, big and small. He was the person they came to when clarity felt difficult to find, using his calm presence and steady words to bring reassurance in a way that most could not replicate. He had a capacity not only to advise but to also listen and consider, which was a rare gift that drew many to him. Despite any hardship he ever had to face on his own, what truly defined Ralph was his ability to carry a quiet but indomitable strength that could never be swayed, that he held not only for himself but for everyone else around him too.

Ralph's 99 years of resolve and ambition has given everyone in his life a gift of something to aspire towards, as there is no better example of fortitude, integrity, and loyalty to those he loved. Ralph was immensely loved by his family and will be missed dearly, and his memory and impact will always be felt and cherished by everyone he knew.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Walter Anderson and Helen Weatherwax; brothers, Robert Anderson, Roy Anderson, Richard Anderson, Arden Weatherwax and his sister, Gloria Lamb.

Surviving are his wife, Beverly Anderson; sons, Tracy (Kate) Anderson, Kevin Anderson, Jamie (Jennifer) Anderson; grandchildren, Ashleigh (Kyle) Hanney, Mackenzie (Sheldon) Allen, Dillon Anderson, Savannah Anderson, Sarah Anderson, Jamie Anderson; great grandchildren, Kaine Anderson, Lincoln Allen, Sawyer Allen, Grayson Allen; and his sister, Doris Tomkins, as well as many nieces and nephews.

There will be no services for Ralph. To share memories and condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com