Ralph Victor Naumann, 91

Ralph Victor Naumann passed away on March 9 from natural causes.

Ralph was born Sept. 4, 1928 to George and May (Vogler) Naumann. He was raised in the Flathead Valley and graduated from Flathead High School in 1947. Ralph was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church, where he was a member for 90 years.

Ralph served in the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1952. He worked at Pacific Fruit and Arctic Meats where he learned the meat cutting trade. Later he worked at Meats Supply and retired in 1992.

Ralph married Rena Ellen Naumann in 1954 and they enjoyed 65 years together. Their daughter Laurie was born in 1957. Together they made many wonderful family memories with Laurie, son-in-law Rich and their grandsons Cody and Taylor Swarthout. Camping, fishing, playing games, golfing, building and just being silly were favorites. ‘“Gramps” could always find something fun to do and always made you laugh.

Ralph stayed close to his brothers and sisters and was fortunate to have many good friends. He had a soft heart and cared deeply for those he loved. The care he gave Rena during her years with Alzheimer’s was a true example of faithfulness, commitment and sacrifice.

Ralph is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Laurie and Rich Swarthout; grandsons, Cody and Taylor Swarthout; siblings, Carl and Ellen Naumann, George and Eleanor Naumann, Jean Fredenberg and Liz Jones; sisters and brothers-in-law, Vern Hissong, Skip and Jody Hissong and Jean Hissong; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held for Ralph at a later date.