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Ralph Fowlkes Obituary
Ralph E. Fowlkes, Jr.
July 1, 1936-November 22, 2022
ELK RUN HEIGHTS-Ralph E. Fowlkes, Jr., 86, of Elk Run Heights, died Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at UnityPoint Health Allen Hospital.
He was born July 1, 1936, in Independence, the son of Ralph Sr. and Myrtle (Brimmer) Fowlkes.
Ralph married Patsy J. Nagel on December 17, 1952 in Waterloo; she preceded him in death on August 2, 2008.
He worked as a laborer for 30 years at John Deere. He had also worked at Wood Products, Titus Manufacturing, Wonder Bread, and as a carpenter. He could build anything such as furniture, the barn and home additions, including Patsy's Hair Fashion Salon right onto the house.
Ralph and Patsy loved to sing together and music filled their home. He liked riding Indian Motorcycles, trucks, go-carts, snowmobiles, and anything with wheels. He and Patsy liked to go camping together.
He was kind and gentle and was a child at heart, often playing right along with his children, grandchildren and with their toys. Ralph loved unconditionally and was accepting of everyone.
Ralph was a collector of everything. Over the years, his collections included everything from cars, trucks, hit-and-miss engines, and motorcycles to skulls, antlers, and antiques to animals of all sizes. He had watches and clocks all over the house. His most treasured collection was the continually growing circle of friends throughout his life. He loved his family and friends and they meant everything to him.
Survived by two daughters, Shawn (Harold) Fowlkes Burk of Evansdale and Laura (Gary Peters) Sutherland of La Porte City; six grandchildren, Shasti (Bruce) Mann, Jaime (Josh) Johnson, Riley (Heather) Herman, BriAnna (Frank Miller) Hall, Tanner Fowlkes, and Hunter Fowlkes; ten great-grandchildren, Payne (MaKendalle) Wilfong, Brileigh (Taurean Harper) Femino, Jon Femino, Tyler (Paige) Herman, Jordyn (Jared) Herman, Bradyn Herman, Adrian Miller, Ariella Miller, Ava Miller, and Kaileigh Johnson; five great-great-grandchildren, Kasyn, Ma'kai, Kali, Kai'lynne, and Jax'ton; sister, Diane (Roger) Graff; and brother, Kirk "Doug" Fowlkes.
Preceded in death by his parents; wife, Patsy; two daughters, Susan Fowlkes and Dawn Glaze; three great-grandchildren, Dewey Wilfong III, Joshua Wilfong, and AuBreeona Miller; and two sisters, Genevieve Morrow and Shirley Lindsey.
Services: 11:00 am on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at Locke Garden View Chapel (3655 Logan Avenue, Waterloo, IA)
Visitation: One hour prior to services at Locke Garden View Chapel.
Burial: Garden of Memories Cemetery.
Memorials: May be directed to the family.
Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Fowlkes
Sponsored by Locke Garden View Chapel Locke Garden View Chapel.
Darrell Lauer
November 29, 2022
Ralf will be greatly missed his warmth, kindness, and gentle spirit will be remembered forever. To all of Ralf's family sorry for your loss.
Marilyn Pates
November 28, 2022
So sorry to hear of Ralph's passing, my heart goes out to the family
Roger Klingfus
November 27, 2022
I worked with Ralph for many years and he was always fun to be around. His favorite pass time at work was making rings out of steel nuts and collecting knives. Ralph and Patsy went on a fishing trip with my wife and I and Gale and Millie Card and gave us a lot of laughs. Always seen him at breakfast and he will be missed by all. Rest in peace my friend.
Pam,Dan Morehouse
November 27, 2022
So sorry to hear of your loss...My prayers and deepest sympathy with the family. He was a fun and happy person, he will be missed!
Tabitha Freeman
November 27, 2022
I am so very sorry for your loss, Ralph was a wonderful person, I knew him from Jassies Cafe! I use to always make sure to give him his change back in Dimes my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rip, Ralph.
James Kerns
November 27, 2022
Ralph, full of energy. He was fun to work with for sure. During the hay-day of high tractor production in the 1970s, Ralph was definitely a key link between machining and assembly. How many miles those hand trucks made we will never know. I remember Ralph smiling and helping always. Condolences to the family.
Billie Jo Tonn
November 27, 2022
Sorry to hear about the passing of Ralph. Wishing the family peace and healing. God bless, Billie Jo
Pat Hoeppner
November 26, 2022
So sorry to hear about Lloyd. I am going into the hospital for a stent on Monday. I will be thinking of all the family.
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