Obituary: Ralph F. Petesch

Services for Ralph F. Petesch, 77, Valley Falls, formerly of the Winchester and McLouth areas, will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 8, 2007, at Barnett-Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Oskaloosa. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Atchison.

Mr. Petesch died Monday, March 5, 2007, at Tonganoxie Nursing Center.

He was born July 19, 1929, at Easton, the son of Anthony and Anna Zelfer Petesch.

Mr. Petesch worked for Cecil Phillips and Baker’s Quarry. He managed the Fred McCloud Farms and the Tom L. Burnett Cattle Co. He had formerly owned and operated Petesch Feed and Farm Store in McLouth.

He had lived in Valley Falls since October 2006, having moved from Winchester.

He was a member of Meriden Antique Engine and Thrashing Association and enjoyed demonstrating the apple press to Jefferson County schoolchildren. He was a former 4-H Club leader in Ozawkie.

He was married to Phyllis Darlene Fridell on April 17, 1952, at Atchison. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include a son, David, Meriden; a daughter, Kathy Petesch, Tonganoxie; three granddaughters; and four great-grandchildren.

Three great-grandchildren died earlier.

Visitation will be from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 7, at the funeral home in Oskaloosa.

The family suggests memorials to the Meriden Antique Engine and Threshing Association, sent in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 416, Oskaloosa 66066.