Ralph James Wenthold

Ralph J. Wenthold, 88, Major, U.S. Army Retired, went to join his parents, four brothers, three sisters, grandson Mark Alan Stoudt and son-in-law Charles Miller on August 9, 2010. Ralph served his country in the U.S. Army retiring after 21 years of service. He joined the Army two days after his 18th birthday and served in World War II with the 551st Parachute Infantry and in Korea on loan to Oklahoma's 45th Division. With the 551st he served in North Africa, Italy, parachuted into France in the second invasion, and fought in the Battle of the Bulge where his unit was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation. Ralph earned two purple hearts, a battlefield commission in France, the Bronze Star and many other commendations. Ralph also retired from the Post Office after 19 years of service. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 65 years, Hazel, four sons, Mike and wife Dena, Tom and wife Judy, Matt and wife Monica, Mark and wife Diana, three daughters, Kay Miller, Connie Stoudt and husband Ken, Michelle Barnett, 14 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 5 nephews and 9 nieces.