Ralph Emanuel (1941-2022)

EMANUEL, TOMAS

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 7/1/2022 at 10:00:25

Ralph Emanuel, aged 80 of Fairfax, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 25, 2022, in his home surrounded by his loving family. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling Street SW. Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at St. John XXIII Catholic Church in Fairfax. A luncheon will be served immediately following the Mass in the church hall. Inurnment will be in Czech National Cemetery.

Ralph was born on November 28, 1941, in Norway, Iowa to Ralph H. and Betty M. (Erger) Emanuel. He was a member of the last graduating class at St. Patrick’s High School in Fairfax and went on to graduate from Loras College in 1963.

Ralph was united in marriage to Nancy Tomas of Norway, Iowa on June 6, 1963, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Fairfax. They recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife Nancy and their three children: Teresa (Tom) Mottet of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Rob (Carla) Emanuel of Urbandale and Brett (Mary) Emanuel of Kansas City, Missouri. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Alex (Mali), Noah, and Lily Mottet, Claire, Rian, and Jack Emanuel and Owen Emanuel; as well as by his sister Marcia (Larry) Foubert and his brother Clarence of Fairfax. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Ralph cherished his family more than anything. He greatly enjoyed participating in every aspect of his children’s lives both big and small. He attended countless activities and sporting events while they were in high school. He proudly watched them marry and add their own children to the family. He looked forward to all birthdays, sporting events, and holiday celebrations that brought the family together. He and Nancy hosted “Cousins’ Camp” every summer. All the grandkids came to stay with them for a full week of activities and outings. So many enjoyable memories were made over the years.

Ralph had an Accounting and Tax business for many years. He treated his clients like family. He served his community through his 25 years on the board of directors of South Slope Cooperative Communications. He also spent endless hours volunteering for the Fairfax Baseball Association.

Retirement brought more time to golf, which he loved to do. Through time spent at Tara Hills Country Club and winters in Florida, Ralph was able to reconnect with old friends and make many new ones.

Ralph was kind, honest, and he gave from the heart. He will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial can be made to Camp Courageous of Iowa located at 12007 190th St, Monticello, IA 52310.