KINGSVILLE — Ralph J. Diemer, age 83, passed away Friday, Feb. 15, 2013, at Ashtabula County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
He was born April 20, 1929, in Ashtabula, the son of Peter and Lillian (Strong) Diemer and had been a lifelong area resident. A 1947 graduate of Kingsville High School, he joined the U.S. Air Force in July of 1947 and served four years, starting in Guam before transferring to Great Falls, Mont. from the South Pacific.
Prior to his retirement, he worked over 32 years for the Ashtabula Bow Socket before the plant closed in 1983. He had also worked 20 years as a security guard with Pinkerton Security and at Ashtabula Fork and Hoe.
Ralph loved working outside in his yard and maintained his property and garden in a meticulous fashion. Friends would always say the last time they saw him he was either working in his yard or performing his other favorite hobby, walking his dog, “Muffin”. He was a huge Cleveland Cavaliers fan and rarely missed watching a game. His most defining trait though was his love for his family - beloved wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren - for whom he truly lived.
His survivors include his wife of 62 years, Patricia Ann (Taylor), whom he married July 14, 1951; four children, Gary Lynn (fiancé Cathy Best) of Conneaut, Cindy Ann (Kris) Daywalt of Kingsville, Pamela Marie (Robert) Gubana of Macedonia and Stephen Michael (Jami) Diemer of Ashtabula; nine grandchildren, Scott (Danielle) Diemer, Lindsay (Eric) Bibler, Kristin (Jim) Lamson, Justin (Tessa) Daywalt, Ashley and Joey Skuhrovec, and Taylor, Faythe and Hayden Diemer; six great-grandchildren, Lucas, Alivia, Raegan, Addison, Payton and Myles; one sister, Helen Purcell of California; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by three sisters, Catherine Livingston, Alice Taylor and Mary Olson; three brothers, Chuck, Raymond and John Diemer; and his parents.
A Calling Hour will be held from 11 a.m. to 12 Noon, with a Celebration of Life Service at 12 Noon, on Tuesday, Feb. 19th, at ZABACK-WILLIAMS-DUCRO FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICE, 500 W. Prospect Road, Ashtabula. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memory Gardens, North Kingsville with Full Military Honors provided by American Legion Neal Post #743, Kingsville.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Ashtabula County Medical Center 2 South and Hospice Unit, Hospice of the Western Reserve, and the Ashtabula County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the wonderful and compassionate care they have given to Ralph.
Contributions may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 1166 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, Ohio 44004.
Obituary at www.ducro.com and starbeacon.com.
