Ralph Young

As friends and family members will surely agree, Ralph Young truly understood the secret to a life well lived. He was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times, and he faced all challenges that came his way with a spirit of unyielding determination. Nothing brought Ralph greater joy than surrounding himself with his loved ones. His dedication to caring for others allowed him to impact the lives of countless others. Deeply loved, Ralph will be forever missed by those who knew him best.

The early 1940s were a tumultuous time for the United States and the rest of the globe as WWII raged on. Many brave servicemen were called away from home, and those who remained stateside faced strict rationing and sacrificed everyday conveniences to support the war effort. It was during this trying time that Ralph Young made his entrance into the world. He was born at a tribal hospital in Niles, Michigan, in 1943.

Growing up, Ralph was raised alongside his younger brother, Don. He loved spending time outside and could often be found hunting and fishing with other children in the neighborhood. Throughout his childhood, Ralph attended local schools. The Young family moved to Marne and then to Standale, Michigan, so he went to school there. For several years, Ralph battled rheumatic fever and was not able to attend classes. He completed ninth grade at Union High School before moving on to pursue other opportunities.

At the age of 17, Ralph was drafted into the United States Army. He was stationed in South Carolina, then went to serve in Korea for a time. While on leave in 1964, Ralph met the young woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Esther, and the two first met while hanging out with friends. There was an instant spark between them. Following his discharge from the Army in 1965, Ralph returned to Michigan and began dating Esther in March. Over the next several months, their relationship blossomed as they fell deeper and deeper in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Ralph and Esther were engaged in June and married in January at Bristolwood Chapel. The newlyweds lived in an apartment in Marne and then in Grand Rapids and Standale. In 1974, they finally settled down in their longtime home in Conklin, Michigan.

Of all the things Ralph loved in life, he treasured his family above all else. He and Esther were overjoyed to welcome their two beloved sons, Tim and Ken, into their hearts. Ralph thrived in his role as a father. Though he could be strict in his parenting, he served as a strong example for his sons. Later in life, Ralph was thrilled to become a grandfather to David, Brian, Seth, Brandon, and Evan. He adored his grandsons and always made sure to attend their events, and he loved it when his grandchildren would come to visit him at work. Ralph later opened his arms to his great-grandsons, Reece and Memphis, and his great-granddaughter, Gracelynn. He always considered himself blessed to watch his family grow to include so many loved ones.

Ralph worked tirelessly to provide for himself and those who depended on him. He worked for a short time at Meijer, then began his career in construction at Rieth-Riley Paving, where he would spend the next 35 years. Ralph worked as a foreman and was a proud member of the Union of Operating Engineers, local 324. His wife, Esther, would sometimes bring their grandchildren to see him at work, and they loved to ride on the tractors used to lay asphalt. Ralph retired from Rieth-Riley in 2002, leaving behind a career of hard work and success.

Never one to sit still for long, Ralph pursued many hobbies to stay busy in his free time. He and Esther were faithful members of the Howard City Conservation Club since 1990, and they enjoyed black powder shooting. After his retirement, Ralph and Esther continued to go shooting, and they were able to travel a bit. They loved taking frequent day trips down to Tennessee for lunch. Ralph was very active until his health began to decline, and he always found happiness in the simple joys in life.

When reflecting on the life of Ralph Young, it is easy to see both his unwavering strength and unconditional love for his family. He was a shining example of perseverance, and his solid work ethic formed the foundation of all that he did. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Ralph was beloved by many. His primary focus in life was serving and caring for those around him in whatever ways he could. Though he will be dearly missed, Ralph leaves behind the torch of his legacy that his loved ones will be proud to pick up and carry on in his footsteps.

Ralph A. Young, of Conklin Michigan, passed away on December 26, 2024 after a long and draining battle with Parkinson’s. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, and brother Donald Young. Ralph is survived by his wife of 58 years, Esther Young, his sons Tim and Ken (Holli) Young. Ralph is also survived by his grandsons David, Brian, Seth, Brandon, Evan (Jenna) Young and great grand grandchildren Reece, Memphis and Gracelynn Young. Ralph served his country bravely as a member of the United States Army. A graveside service to remember Ralph’s life will be held on Monday December 30, 2024, at Rosedale Memorial Park. To leave a memory or sign his personal guest book, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com