Ishpeming- Ralph C. "Riffa" Goethe Sr., age 87, of 312 W. Ridge St., Ishpeming, passed away on Friday, September 9, 2016 at his home while in the loving care of his family and the Upper Peninsula Home Health and Hospice.

Ralph was born December 3, 1928 in Ishpeming the son of the late Werner and Gertrude "Jennie" (Brulin) Goethe. Ralph grew up in Ishpeming and attended the Ishpeming High School, graduating with the Class of 1947. Ralph went on to attend Augustana University in Chicago and then returned to this area after a year and received his bachelors degree in education from Northern Michigan University. Ralph had furthered his education at the University of Michigan from which he received his masters degree. He had also served his country in the United States Army during peacetime in Battle Creek, MI and Denver, CO being honorably discharged on Sept 1, 1960.

Ralph's teaching career was spent in the Ishpeming School District at the Grammar & Phelps Schools where he taught History and English along with a stint as Principal. He was a lifelong member of the Bethany Lutheran Church, and was also a member of the Ishpeming Elks Club along with the MEA and IEA. During the summer months he enjoyed time spent camping at Michigamme Shores. His true passion was running & walking. Early in his retirement years, he and Lois wintered at Secret Lake and Oncore, FL.

Survivors include his wife of the past 63 years, Lois (Morcom) Goethe of Ishpeming, 3 sons – Ralph (Beth) Goethe Jr. of Ishpeming, Kevin (Loretta) Goethe of Michigamme and Brian (Bethany) Goethe of Coleman, WI, sister Joyce Jensen of Chesterton, IN, 3 brothers – Paul (Martha) Goethe of Cleveland, OH, Alfred (Rosalie) Goethe of Flushing and Roy (Karen) Goethe of Midland, MI, 4 grandchildren – Jessie (Eric) Goethe, Eric (Melinda) Goethe, Kristen (Austin Hubers) Goethe and Keith (Carol) Goethe, 2 great grandchildren – Talon Roy Goethe and Magnolia Lois Hubers along with numerous nieces and nephews. Ralph was preceded in death by and infant daughter Kristen Lou Goethe 2 sisters – Gladys Ball and Elsie Carlson and a brother Norman Goethe.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday September 12, 2016 at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Ishpeming with the Rev. Warren Geier to officiate. The Goethe Family will greet relatives and friends on Monday from 9:30 am until the time of service at 11:00am at the Bethany Lutheran Church.

Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 380. A luncheon will follow the services in the church hall. Ralph's sons and nephew Norman Goethe will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Bethany Lutheran Church, Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp, or Upper Peninsula Home Health and Hospice.

Ralph's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .
Recording