Ralph A. Pedersen

Ralph A. Pedersen

Ralph A. Pedersen, born on May 28, 1933, in Detroit, Michigan, to Norwegian immigrants Ludwig and Signe Pedersen, passed away peacefully at the age of 92. A man of deep curiosity, warmth, and unwavering dedication, Ralph lived a rich and fulfilling life shaped by his heritage, family, and countless adventures. From his childhood in northwest Detroit, where he played with neighborhood friends until the streetlights came on, to earning his Eagle Scout rank and exploring the world through biking, scouting, and travel, Ralph embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm.

His 1948 trip to Norway to visit relatives left lasting memories of family cottages, fresh bread from local bakeries, and the beauty of his ancestral homeland. After graduating from Wayne University with a degree in Industrial Engineering, he built a successful career in sales and manufacturing representation, eventually founding his own company, Environetics, before retiring in 1999. A proud veteran, Ralph served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1959, with memorable assignments tracking satellites in Curacao and at White Sands Missile Range.

In 1960, Ralph married his beloved Else Marion Hansen. Together, they raised their family in a loving home overlooking the Rouge River, filled with backyard sledding, ice skating, and cherished family moments. After Else's passing in 2000, Ralph found companionship and joy again with Ann Loveland, whom he married in 2001, blending their families and sharing a life enriched by art, travel, music, and community.

Ralph is survived by his wife Ann, sons Mark (Pam), John (fiancée Rachel), and Matt (Richelle). He was the grandfather to Luke, Nate, Karina, Anders John, Alaina, Alexander, Orion (Alayna), Elizabeth, Andrew, and Christian, and great-grandfather to Eloise. A devoted father and grandfather, Ralph took immense pride in his sons' accomplishments-from engineering, medicine, finance and sales to family and faith-and delighted in his grandchildren's talents and milestones.

Active in his Lutheran church, where he served as council president and helped guide a meaningful merger, and engaged in Rotary and senior community groups, Ralph lived with kindness, gratitude, and a gentle spirit. He leaves behind a legacy of love, adventure, and quiet strength, deeply missed by his family and all who knew him.