Ralph Frederick Strang

Ralph Frederick Strang, lifelong resident of Elkhart, IN, died following a sudden illness on Monday, February 23, 2026, at Baptist Health in Lexington, KY. He was five days shy of his 78th birthday.

Born in Elkhart on February 28, 1948, Ralph was the second of four children born to Harlan Frederick Strang and Norma Jeanne Sechrist Strang. He was a 1966 graduate of Elkart High and, like his father before him, served his country faithfully in the United States Marine Corps. Serving during the Vietnam Era, Ralph was a USMC expert rifleman, 1st marine division, 7th regiment, Alpha Company, 1st battalion A-1-7.

He was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Elkhart. Ralph retired after 22 years of service as a customer service representative at Robert Weed Plywood in Bristol, IN. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and golfing in his free time.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 46 years, Catherine “Cathy” Griffin Strang of Elkhart; daughter, Rochelle Jameson and her husband Brian of Charlotte, NC along with their three children; mother, Norma Strang of Anderson, SC; siblings: Dorinda “Dee” Webb and her husband Jimmy of Elberton, GA, David Strang of Anderson, SC, and Denise Sullivan and her husband Mike of St. Helena Island, SC; and a host of other relatives and friends.

At this time, no formal services are planned. If desired, contributions may be made in Ralph’s memory to Semper Fi & America’s Fund, 825 College Blvd., Suite 102, PMB 609, Oceanside, CA 92057-6263 or at thefund.org.

Friends are encouraged to visit berryfh.com to sign the online guestbook and share memories.

Announcement made by Berry Funeral Home of Elberton, GA.