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Kutis Funeral Home, Inc, St. Louis City Chapel

2906 Gravois Avenue

Saint Louis, Missouri

Ralph Harper Obituary

Harper, Sgt. Ralph E. Retired St. Louis City Police sergeant died suddenly on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018 after being shot during a robbery in south St. Louis. Sgt. Harper, son of the late St. Louis police Captain Edward Harper and his dear mother Helen (Kotraba), leaves behind his loving wife, Marilyn (Bernhard), four brothers and a large list of extended family, friends, co-workers and a grieving community. Visit the Kutis Funeral Home webpage (http://www.kuti sfuneralhomes.com/) for more information on Sgt. Harper's life and legacy. Services: Visitation on Thursday, Nov. 1, 4-8 p.m. at KUTIS Funeral Home (city location), 2906 Gravois. Funeral Mass cele brated on Friday, Nov. 2 at 10am at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, 3014 Oregon, followed by interment at Resurrection Cemetery, 6901 Mackenzie. Donations to St. Louis Police Wives Association and Backstoppers are appreciated.



Published by St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Nov. 1, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Harper

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Mickey Jorden

October 26, 2019

I remember Ralph and his entire family from my childhood. Even at a young age, Ralph had the ability to be friendly and still show a serious side, he was welcoming to everyone and always ready to lend a hand. Later, with Ralph on there SLMPD and me on the St. Louis Fire Department, we would run into each other on occasion and Ralph was the same guy ... funny, kind, personable with a very responsible attitude and professional character. I am a better person for having known Ralph and the world is a lesser place without him.

Donna Carroll

November 4, 2018

Deepest Sympathy to the Harper Family. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!

Donna Carroll
SLMPD

November 3, 2018

My deepest sympathy to you, Marilyn, and her family on your tragic loss. As the mother of an officer, I can only imagine the pain and shock you are feeling. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
SIncerely,
Mary Anne (Kasper) Kornberger.

November 3, 2018

Offering deepest heartfelt condolences for the loss of your loved one. May your cherished memories shine through your sorrow. John 11: 33-44

Robin Suda-Hill

November 2, 2018

A tragic and un-necessary loss of a dedicated family man, life long police officer and friend.

Ralph will be missed by everyone who knew him and especially the family he loved above all else.

The world is going to be a much sadder place without him.

My deepest sympathies,

Robin Suda-Hill

Barb Lovelace

November 2, 2018

I am so sorry for the loss of Ralph. My prayers are with the family.
Barb Lovelace

Kevin McDaniels

November 2, 2018

My deepest condolences for your loss. Ralph & I were playmates and grade school classmates from K-8 at St Wenceslaus. He always said he would be a Police Officer like his dad. I haven't been in touch since those days but I'm sure he was a good man & a good cop. Peace and comfort to you Marilyn.

Cindie (Robinson) Anthony

November 2, 2018

From an old friend of Ralph's, who lost touch, I am saddened at the news of his untimely and senseless death. To the entire Harper family I send my sincere condolences and heartfelt prayers of healing and peace for all of you now and in the future.

Patricia Rice

November 2, 2018

Condolences and prayers for the Harper family. There will never be another one like Ralph. He was one in a million and it was a pleasure to know him and serve with him.

Terri Diliberto & Mary Ingoldsby

November 2, 2018

The Ingoldsby Family sends their thoughts and prayers to Marilyn, Lisa and Jeff and all the Harper family, during this difficult time.

Ray Menard

November 2, 2018

My thoughts and prayers are with the Harper family.

Carol Matthews

November 2, 2018

Your light will shine forever..Rest now

Wayne Gray

November 2, 2018

Ralph, we had a lot of good times in the old third. You will be missed.

Joseph Belleville

November 1, 2018

I'm thinking of you all at this difficult time. I'm so sorry I'm away on vacation and can't be there tomorrow . I have you all in my thoughts and prayers .(Bud ) my late wife ,Kathleen was ,Ralph's cousin.

Susan Kotraba

November 1, 2018

I'm so very saddened by this tragic loss of Ralph . My late ,husband Frank or (Frankie ) the family called him were cousins. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers . Ralph was a very kind man this should never have happened and it just breaks my heart . I'm away on vacation and won't be able to make the funeral but you are all in our thoughts. Susan kotraba ,& family Kimberly,Frankie, & Daniel

Jeff Gillam

November 1, 2018

I never knew Sgt. Ralph Harper.... but I do frequent the city and have the deepest appreciation for all the men and women that serve and protect or great city. My thoughts and prayers go out the the family of Sgt. Harper. Thank you for your service.

Angela Hauler Derleth

November 1, 2018

My sincerest condolences to the entire Harper family. I lived next door to the Harpers on Arsenal when I was a little girl. I'll always remember enjoying cookies in their living room with ALL those boys running around! Thank you, Ralph, for all your years of service. Rest in peace, our St. Louis hero.

Mickey Jorden

November 1, 2018

To all the Harper Family

I am so sorry for your loss, words cannot describe what you must be feeling. I wish there was a way assuage your pain and grieving, just know that Ralph was respected as an honorable man and police officer.

To John Harper,

My heart breaks for you my friend. Thanks for all your past help, if I can do anything, please do not hesitate to ask.

Mark manley

November 1, 2018

So sorry! Good bye old friend! I will have. A couple milks!! h

Vickey Saal

November 1, 2018

I am so sorry for the Harper familys loss..you are all in my thoughts and prayers..my heart is broken..

November 1, 2018

Godspeed

Angela Hauler Derleth

November 1, 2018

My deepest condolences to the entire Harper family. I lived next door to the Harpers on Arsenal when I was a little girl. I'll always remember enjoying cookies in their living room with ALL those boys running around! Thank you, Ralph, for your many years of service. Rest in peace, our St. Louis hero.

Robert Perrot

November 1, 2018

Marilyn, on behalf of my late brother Jim his wife Linda, myself and my wife Margaret please accept our deepest sympathies on this most tragic loss and may God send you His Blessings and strength in this most difficult time. Jim spoke often about being on the SLPD with Ralph. May they both RIP.
Bob and the Late Jim Perrot

Bill Vicente

November 1, 2018

Ralph, Ralph , Ralph....

November 1, 2018

Bless this fine officer, his wife, family, and friends. May your many happy memories provide comfort in difficult days ahead.
St. Louis Citizen

November 1, 2018

Please except my deepest sympathy.

Carol Sue Matthews

November 1, 2018

To the Harper family; I knew Ralph many years ago when I was on the waiting list at the STPD. He was a joy and so funny and caring and my heart is broken that you have to go through this tragedy. My family and I send our love and deepest sympathy to you and yours. Always new him as "Root" and watching him dance to Donna Summers was a treat. May God give you strength and know he loved all of you deeply and is now your guardian angel.

Paul Cliver

November 1, 2018

Ralph you were a good officer and good friend. God Bless you. Paul M. Cliver

Mary Ingoldsby

November 1, 2018

Marilyn, I am so sorry for your tragic loss. Such a senseless act. Sending prayers to you and your family. Take care of yourself. Love, Mary

November 1, 2018

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. "His memory is your keepsake with which you'll never part. For God has him in his keeping, and you have him in your hearts." No one can take away your sorrows, so I pray that the support of your friends and family will give you the strength you need today and always.

Beverly Burns

November 1, 2018

Sometimes life seems so unfair. My heart aches for the entire family. My prayers are with you all.

Beverly Burns

Lisa Rumping

November 1, 2018

My deepest sympathies to the Harper family. I am a former dispatcher who had the honor of working for Ralph and my late husband PO Michael Rumping worked under his command. Please know your family will be continually be lifted in prayer for healing and strength. Gods Blessings!

November 1, 2018

Ralph, you are loved and will be remembered by many people. Thanks for your help to humanity throughout your entire life,even your last day on Earth. Will pray for Marilyn, your family, the perpetrators, and all involved. My church is including you today in their All Saints Day prayers. Love you and will see you over the hill brother: Jamie Elam

November 1, 2018

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Phil and I are dear friends of Eddie Harper, Ralph brother and we are so sorry for your loss. Marilyn you will in our prayers. Sincerely Phil and Pat Mocca.

The FTD Peaceful Passage Arrangement

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Susan Kotraba

November 1, 2018

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

November 1, 2018

How ironic, that a man who spent 1/2 his life dedicated to fighting crime and protecting others with the same passion throughout his career as he had the day he graduated from the Police Academy would be doing just that in the final moments of his own life, but this time for himself.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God"
Jesus Christ -Sermon On the Mount; June 27 A.D.

Soooo sad. Godspeed Ralph and special prayers to all the Harper's

Sergeant Danny Slay
SLMPD - Retired

Gail Bentzinger

November 1, 2018

I know Marilyn Harper. She cut my hair for many years. Marilyn, I don't have funeral clothes anymore so I won't come to the visitation. I'm so, so sorry for Ralph's loss in such a terrible way. I'll make a donation to Backstoppers in his memory.

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Memorial Events
for Ralph Harper

Nov

1

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Kutis Funeral Home, Inc, St. Louis City Chapel

2906 Gravois Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63118

Nov

2

Funeral Mass

10:00 a.m.

St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church

3014 Oregon, MO

Funeral services provided by:

Kutis Funeral Home, Inc, St. Louis City Chapel

2906 Gravois Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63118

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