Ishpeming- Ralph R. "Dutchy" Fosmo, age 90 of 525 D. St. Ishpeming passed away at the Lighthouse at Ishpeming Health & Rehabilitation Center (formerly Mather Nursing Center) on Saturday, November 5, 2016.

Ralph was born June 29, 1926 in Ishpeming to Ralph G. & Elsie (Klippel) Fosmo. He graduated from Ishpeming High School, class of 1944 and entered the U.S. Navy in June of 1944. He was stationed on the USS Harold J. Ellison during World War II. Ralph was honorably discharged in 1947. He enlisted a second time in the U.S. Navy in 1951 until his final honorable discharge was July of 1952.

Ralph worked as a diamond driller for Cleveland Cliffs at many of their mines, retiring from the Tilden Mine. Ralph was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church where he served as an usher for many years, and a member of the Ishpeming V.F. W. Post #4573. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, who enjoyed spending time at camp at Brocky Lake, and enjoyed many trips to Wyoming to hunt with his son Glenn. He enjoyed cutting firewood with his good friend and neighbor Dean Carlson. Ralph played in local horseshoe & pool leagues for many years. Ralph was devoted to the care-giving of his wife Lucy for the past 10 years.

Ralph is survived by his wife Lucy (Prebarich) Fosmo, 2 sons: Karl (Janice) Fosmo of Manitowoc, WI and Glenn Fosmo of Ishpeming, 2 sisters: Jeanette (Ron) Koski of Madison, WI and Carol (Harold) Moilanen of Milwaukee, WI, 7 grandchildren: Ralph (Mandy) Fosmo, Karl (Jenny) Fosmo, Delia Fosmo, Femina Fosmo, Jaclyn (Ricky) Lear, Christyn Fosmo and Timothy (Shayla) Fosmo, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins including the Klippel families. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Russell Fosmo.

Ralph's family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday November 10, 2016 from 12:00 noon until 1:00 pm at the Trinity Lutheran Church where a memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm with Rev. Kenneth Lahners officiating. A luncheon will follow the service in the church fellowship hall.

Military honors will be accorded by the UP Honor Guard Team.

Ralph's obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com.

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