Ralph P. Penner, age 78, of South Rockwood, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 7, 2020. Born on March 17, 1942 in Watervliet, Michigan, Ralph was the son of the late Ira and Ethel (McCall) Penner. He married Gloria Ann Pluff on October 9, 1965 at St. Mary, Our Lady of The Annunciation Catholic Church in Rockwood, Michigan. Ralph was a devoted husband and shared 43 wonderful years of marriage with her until her passing in June 2008. Ralph graduated from Trenton High School in 1960. He worked as a lineman supervisor for Detroit Edison until his retirement in 2000. As a member of St. Mary Church since 1965, he served as an usher and gardener. He was a gifted carpenter who enjoyed creating wooden crosses and other religious pieces to donate to area churches. He was an avid golfer and achieved a hole in one at Lake Erie Metro Park. He loved to watch all sports and enjoyed supporting family members involved in sports. Ralph is survived by his fiancée and loving companion of 10 years, Jacqueline Rafko; brother Don (Monica) Penner; and sisters Dolores Robinson and Sharon Hamilton. He is also survived by his sisters in law Anna Mae Pluff, Clara Penner, Mary Jean Penner, Linda Penner; nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews; and Jacqueline‘s children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Gloria, his parents, and three brothers, James, Randall and William Penner. The visitation will be held at Michigan Memorial Funeral Home in Flat Rock. Family and friends can visit from 4 to 8 PM on Friday, July 10, 2020. The service will be held at St. Mary‘s Catholic Church in Rockwood on Saturday, July 11, 2020 at 10:30 AM and the viewing will be held at 10 AM before the service. Burial will be held immediately after the service and procession to Michigan Memorial Park. For anyone who would like to donate in memory of the beloved Ralph, the family suggest that contributions be made to St. Mary, Our Lady of The Annunciation Parish in Rockwood. By visiting the obituary page at www.mimemorial.com you will be able to read further into arrangement information, leave memories, or send flowers.
Condolences
Our condolences, Jackie. marilyn lucidi
Jackie, Gary & I are so sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you and Ralph's family at this time. Gary and Ralph go back a long way through the 1950 & 1960 Rockwood & Trenton school days. When Gary saw Ralph's picture in his Boy Scout uniform he said I remember that picture as if it was yesterday, Ralph was always a good friend growing up together, he will be missed by all. Gary & Pam Deroest
I worked with Ralph at DTE. He was always proud to bring in 1 of Gloria ‘s cakes! Donna Rote Devillez
Uncle Ralph will be greatly missed. We have found childhood memories of Christmas Eve spent at his home and summers playing in his beautiful backyard. The Casa Family
We would like to express our deepest thoughts and prayers to Ralph's family upon his passing. We were classmates and we always talked about the good ole days when we met. Stephen Reno
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