Ralph Raymond Ewing

Ralph Raymond Ewing, 94, of Fort Dodge, Iowa, entered into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Friendship Haven, surrounded by the legacy of faith, family, and love he spent a lifetime building.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Laufersweiler Funeral Home. Burial will follow at North Lawn Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Army and VFW Post 1856. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at the funeral home.

Ralph was born on January 26, 1932, in Fort Dodge to Everett and Cecelia (Conley) Ewing, the firstborn son of their family. Raised in Duncombe and educated in area country schools, Ralph grew into the dependable, steady man his family would forever admire. To his siblings, he was the big brother who took care of everything - loyal, protective, and unwavering in his devotion to those he loved.

A proud patriot, Ralph faithfully served his country in the United States Army from 1949 to 1952 during the Korean War. His service reflected the same steadfast character that would define his life: loyalty to God, country, and family. He remained deeply supportive of veterans throughout his life as a member of AMVETS and proudly supported American veteran causes. His children and grandchildren fondly remember the many "thank-you-for-supporting" gifts he lovingly shared over the years - one of countless ways he quietly invested in those he loved.

On July 28, 1955, Ralph married the love of his life, Millicent "Millie" Church. Together, they built a beautiful life and home in Fort Dodge, creating a place where everyone was welcome, and family always came first. They were truly a dynamic duo - hosting holidays, birthdays, summer gatherings, and every season in between. Ralph believed that "wise time spent is time spent with family," and he lived those words every day.

Some of Ralph's favorite memories were packing up the family station wagon for road trips and family time with the cousins at Twin Lakes and Minnesota. Ralph's greatest joys came from being together.

Ralph was the proud father of Debra (Calvin) Bickford of Dayton, Daniel (Kim) Ewing of Badger, David (Diana) Ewing of Altoona, Donald (Jeanette) Ewing of Ackworth, Diana Ewing of Fort Dodge, Ronald (Nicole) Ewing of Manson, and Randall (Lisa) Ewing of Overland Park, Kansas. Yet perhaps one of his greatest titles was simply, "Pa." He treasured his role as grandfather to 15 grandchildren and great-grandfather to 29 great-grandchildren, with three more precious blessings expected in the coming weeks. Every child, grandchild, and great-grandchild knew personally the steadfast support, encouragement, and belief Ralph carried for them. Whether athlete, creator, leader, dreamer, or doer - Pa believed in them all.

Ralph was an avid supporter of local sports and could often be found in the bleachers cheering on the Dodgers, ISU Cyclones, Ankeny Hawks, Manson Cougars, and St. Thomas Aquinas Saints at football games, wrestling meets, and countless other eventsw across generations. His presence spoke louder than words: I'm here. I believe in you.

For 34 years, Ralph worked as a railroad conductor, retiring in 1994 from the Chicago Central and Pacific Railroad. The railroad was among the great joys of his life. Tuesday morning coffees and railroad breakfasts brought a spark to his week, as he shared stories of the rails and the hardworking men who served alongside him. Those stories - told with warmth, humor, and pride - remain treasured by his family.

Ralph had a gift for investing in people. Whether sitting outside the garage or around the dining room table, friends and neighbors would often "just stop by." He made everyone feel welcome. Through a birthday card faithfully sent, a story carefully shared, or simply showing up, Ralph reminded people they mattered.

He called Trinity United Methodist Church his church home and Jesus Christ his personal Lord and Savior. His faithfulness anchored his life and shaped the legacy he leaves behind - one of kindness, humility, service, family devotion, and enduring love.

Ralph was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Millie; his parents, Everett and Cecelia Ewing; siblings Robert Ewing, Ann Snyder, Charles Ewing, Charlotte Leiss, Rosemary Newby, and Howard Ewing.

He is survived by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings Kathy Gobeli, Mary Fitzgerald, and Gary Ewing, and countless family members and friends who were blessed by his wisdom, stories, generosity, and steadfast love.

To know Ralph was to know loyalty, laughter, encouragement, and support. He was the kind of man who showed up, stood steady, and loved deeply. Though difficult to say goodbye, his family finds comfort in knowing that heaven has welcomed home a faithful servant, beloved husband, proud veteran, devoted father, and cherished patriarch.

With grateful hearts, we sincerely thank the staff and caregivers at Friendship Haven and St. Croix Hospice for the tender loving care, compassion, and comfort they provided our father, Ralph Ewing.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.