Ralph D. Etter, 90, of Wayne, died suddenly on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024 at his home near Wayne.
Services will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are with Hasemann Funeral Home of Wayne.
Ralph Deane Etter was born March 9, 1933 at Rulo, Nebraska to James William “Bill” and Ocie (Sawyer) Etter. He was baptized at First United Methodist Church and later Journey Christian Church in Wayne. He graduated from Humboldt High School in 1950 and attended Peru State College from 1952-1953. Ralph served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict from 1953-1955. He entered Wayne State College in 1955 and graduated in 1961 after working a few years.
Ralph married Beverly Anderson Jan. 23, 1959 at First United Methodist Church in Wayne. They lived their entire married life in Wayne. Ralph was employed at American Republic Insurance Company in Iowa and Reserve Life Insurance Company before teaching school. He taught school in Pilger from 1962-1969 and Wisner-Pilger School from 1969-1974. He then worked for Physicians Mutual Insurance company from 1974-2000. Since that time he has worked for his son, John at John’s Welding.
Ralph was a past member of First United Methodist Church and present member of Journey Christian Church in Wayne. He belonged to the American Legion, United States Golf Association, Gideons International and the Wayne Country Club.
Survivors include his wife, Beverly; sons, John D. Etter of Wayne and Dr. Thomas M. (Amy) Etter of Ponca; grandson, Samuel Gomez-Etter of Wayne; granddaughters, Audrey Etter, Sydney Etter and Haley Etter of Ponca; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter-in-law, Marisela Gomez-Etter; one brother; five half-brothers; one sister; and two half-sisters.
