Ralph Duane Wolpert, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away after a brief illness on Wednesday, January 2, 2019, at Ascension St. Mary's Hospital at the age of 97 years. Ralph was born to the late Reinhardt and Floy (Schneider) Wolpert on May 26, 1921 in Saginaw, Michigan. He proudly served as a United States Marine during WWII and was stationed in the Pacific theater. Ralph married Kathleen O. Jones in 1943 whom he was married to for sixty years. In 2008, Ralph married Wilma (Willie) Littlefield, she survives him. They enjoyed over ten years together traveling, going out to dinner and gambling at the casino. In 1947 Ralph started Wolpert Refrigeration and Equipment, Inc. in Bridgeport, Michigan. His sons James and Michael Wolpert also joined the family business and they presently continue to own and operate it today. Ralph was a founding member and past president of I.S.E. Buying Group. Ralph also founded and served on the Saginaw County Sheriff Auxiliary Air Patrol. He was also a member of the Saginaw Club, Saginaw Country Club, Fordney Club, Honest John Club and the American Legion Post #439. Ralph's favorite hobby and past time was piloting his own airplanes for over 38 years. He especially valued his friendship with Craig Beins who shared a mutual appreciation and passion for planes. Over the years Ralph also enjoyed fishing and hunting on the farm property located in Harrison, Michigan. Surviving besides his wife Willie are his children James (Jo Ann) Wolpert, Trudy (Jon) Kolhoff, Robert Wolpert, Timothy Wolpert, Michael (Brenda) Wolpert, Dennis (Mindy) Wolpert, 16 grandchildren: Scott Wolpert, Denny Wolpert, Jamie (Dave) Bradley, Janessa (Matthew) Durance, Jeff (Alicia)Kolhoff, Stacey(Brandy) Kolhoff, Greg Kolhoff, Lindsey (Arthur)Spicer, Tyler Wolpert, Travis Wolpert, Josh(Aleisha)King, Kyle (Kellie)Wolpert, Kristie Wolpert, Kurt Wolpert, Meghan (Chris)Henning, Stephanie(Chris) Wajer, step children Mike(Sonya) Skrocki, Susan Young and 18 great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Ralph was predeceased by his first wife Kathleen 0. (Jones) Wolpert, his sister Violet Wolpert, brothers Walter and Richard Wolpert and his grandson, Jordan J. Wolpert. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the ICU nurses for the support and care provided to Ralph during his stay at St. Mary's. Friends may visit with the family at W. L. Case and Company funeral home, 4480 Mackinaw Rd. on Sunday, January 6, 2019 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. and on Monday, January 7, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. The Rev. Michael Korte will officiate with entombment at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider Sheriff's Support Division of Saginaw County, Aviation Division or a charity of your choice.
Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company Mackinaw Funeral Chapel
4480 Mackinaw Road
Saginaw, MI
US 48603
