Oberholtzer, Ralph Hubert died May 27, 2009 at Vulcan Community Health Centre at the age of 79 years.
Ralph was born December 17, 1929 at Calgary, Alberta to Fred and Alberta Oberholtzer. He attended school at Arrowwood. In conjunction with high school, Ralph had a small dairy with a milk delivery route in Arrowwood. After graduation from high school, he attended Agriculture College at Vermillion. Ralph worked in Calgary for a short time then returned to Arrowwood to farm. He married Irene Bertschy at Arrowwood in 1952. They had a dairy and raised pigs on the farm but later sold the dairy. In 1969 Ralph started to grow Foundation and Registered Seed and had his own seed cleaning plant. In 1978 he was recognized as a Registered Seed Grower. Ralph also pioneered the pivot irrigation system in the Arrowwood District. Besides farming, he operated his own handyman business called Ralph’s Service.
Ralph was an active member in the church. He was also a member of the Lions Club.
Beloved husband of Irene, loving father of daughter Wendy (David Paul) Anderson of Red Deer, three sons Charles (Shawn) of Arrowwood, Kevin of Welling, Daniel (Connie) of Taber, ten grandchildren, two great granddaughters, sister Norma (Jim) Rowe of Calgary and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ralph was predeceased by his brother Ivor and his parents.
Funeral Service was held Monday June 1, 2009 at 2:00 pm at Arrowwood Community Centre with Reverend Lee Spice officiating.
Honorary bearers were Allan Ingraham, Verlyn Culp, George Roberts, Ron Beagle, Brian VandeWark and Walter Weiss.
Casket bearers were Charles Oberholtzer, Kevin Oberholtzer, Daniel Oberholtzer, John McKeague, Chase Oberholtzer, Codi Oberholtzer and Cole Oberholtzer.
Private family interment Arrowwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, tributes in Ralph’s memory can be made to STARS, 1441 Aviation Park NE, Box 570, Calgary T2E 8M7 or charity of choice.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences to vulcanfuneralhome@hotmail.com.