Ralph Ockerman

Ralph Ockerman, 72, of Idaho Falls, returned to his heavenly home on Sunday, April 22, 2012, after a valiant battle with kidney and heart failure. He was surrounded by his loving family. Ralph was born July 10, 1939, on the Blackfoot Indian Reservation ro Melvin Alvin Ockerman and Dorothy Matilda “Tillie” Yancey Ockerman. He graduated from Firth High School and continued his education at Idaho State University and Business College. Ralph joined the United States Air Force in 1958. He was stationed at Mountain Home Air Force Base and served for four years. On October 28, 1960, he married Peggy Jean Rose. On October 27, 1961, they were sealed in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. They divorced after 43 years of marriage, but have remained loving, life-long friends and devoted parents and grandparents. Ralph was a pressman at the Idaho Falls Post Register for forty-two years. He was a dedicated provider for his family and often worked multiple jobs. Ralph was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in various callings, including ward clerk, executive secretary, ward mission leader, in the Seventy’s Group, and as a temple officiator. For ten years he was a member of the Gold Wing Road Riders. Ralph was proud to have won First Place in the Western States Chili Cook-off in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He loved nature and everything outdoors, especially camping, fishing, and 4-wheeling with friends and family. He enjoyed gardening and was a creative cook who loved trying new recipes (even at the expense of his children). He enjoyed reading western novels and spending time with his four-legged best friend, Sadie. Survivors include: Daughter: Michelle (Ron) Ward of Pleasant Grove, UT; Son: Ralph Dean (Deanna) Ockerman of Iona, ID; Son: Kevin (Sharlene) Ockerman of Ammon, ID; Son: Craig Melvin (Jessica) Ockerman of Pocatello, ID; and Son: Scott B. (Julie) Ockerman of Rigby, ID; Brother: Kent Ockerman of Goshen, ID; and 24 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, with three on-the-way, and many more to come. He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Tillie Ockerman; son, Michael David Ockerman; brother, Melvin Vern Ockerman; and sister, Melba Ockerman Bailey. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 26, 2012, at the Idaho Falls LDS Woodruff 2nd Ward, 1660 - 12th Street, with Bishop Scott Earl officiating. The family will visit with friends from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at Wood East Side, 963 South Ammon Road, and Thursday from 10 to 10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Goshen Cemetery with Military Rites performed by the Blackfoot American Legion Post 23 and the Idaho Honor Guard.