Ralph Waderich

Ralph Roger Waderich was born on Saturday, December 29, 1934, on the family farm north of Ute, Iowa, to proud parents Walter Gottlob and Freda Amanda (Thies) Waderich. Surrounded by loving family, he was called to his heavenly home by his Lord and Savior on Saturday evening, June 6, 2026, at the age of 91 years, 5 months, and 8 days.

Ralph was baptized and later confirmed his faith in Christ at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ute. He was a lifelong member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Dow City. As a boy, he attended the Lutheran school in Ute through his junior year. The family then moved to a farm west of Dow City, where he completed his final year of school and graduated with the Class of 1953.

On November 11, 1956, Ralph married the love of his life, Donna Mae Malone, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Dow City. The couple was blessed with four children: Renita Raye, Roger Eugene, Dennis Donald, and Joan Renee.

Throughout his life, Ralph held several jobs. He first worked as a delivery driver for Omar Baking Company, then for Roy Gumm at his service station, and later sold insurance. In 1961, Ralph and his brother, Don, opened Waderich's DX at the corner of Highway 30 and Main Street in Dow City. They operated a full-service shop that provided auto and tire repairs, oil changes, and fuel to local residents and travelers alike. Later, after he and Donna moved to Omaha, Nebraska, Ralph worked part-time at a service station and Hy-Vee until his retirement.

Ralph's commitment to the Dow City community was evident through his service as mayor from 1965 to 1969 and his involvement in strategizing and planning the construction of the community club. He was always ready and willing to help with town celebrations and parades.

Ralph enjoyed many hobbies over the years, including golfing, bowling, fishing, attending dog races, traveling with Donna, playing cards and dice, assembling jigsaw puzzles, and solving Sudoku. He read the newspaper daily and faithfully kept a journal of his thoughts. He also enjoyed watching sports on television, including college basketball, football, volleyball, and baseball. Ralph was an avid golf fan as well and attended several golf tournaments. Most of all, he was a devoted supporter of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Over the years, he attended countless ball games, tournaments, school concerts, dance recitals, and award presentations.

Ralph was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Family was very important to him, and during visits he especially enjoyed playing cards, dice, and Yahtzee with them. He even tried to teach some of them how to play the piano, although he himself did not know how.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; son, Dennis Waderich; daughter-in-law, Kim Waderich; brother, Wilfred “Bud” Waderich; sister-in-law, Luella Mathison; brother, Don Waderich; sister-in-law, Linda Waderich; and brother-in-law, Wayne Riley.

Left to cherish Ralph’s memory are his beloved wife, Donna Mae; daughter, Renita (Rolly) Laubscher, of Norwalk; son, Roger (Marsha) Waderich of Denison; daughter-in-law, DaNette Waderich of Dow City; and daughter, Joan (Randy) Workman of Omaha, Nebraska; 12 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; sister, Marlene Riley of Indianapolis, Indiana; and many other relatives and friends.

His memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., with visitation prior to the service from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Dow City. Inurnment will be held at a later date. The family will direct memorials.