Ralph Wendell Gerety, 87, of Nortonville, KS, passed away Saturday, February 7, 2015 at F.W. Huston Senior Living Center in Winchester, KS.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM, Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Nortonville, with Fr. Lazar Carasala, celebrant. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Church Cemetery, Nortonville. A parish rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm, Tuesday, with visitation to follow until 8:30 pm at the O’Trimble Funeral Home, 329 Main St, PO Box 267, Nortonville. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Nortonville City Park and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Words of comfort and remembrance may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.
Ralph was born in Horton, Kansas, on December 28, 1927, the son of Edward and Margaret (Beyer) Gerety. Ralph graduated from Atchison County Community High School and served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Upon returning home, Ralph farmed and along with his wife, Delores, they owned and operated Gerety Heating and Air Conditioning for over 30 years. Ralph and Delores Weishaar were married on August 11, 1949 at St. Joseph Church, Nortonville. Ralph was a member of St. Joseph Church, Knights of Columbus Council # 2093, Nortonville American Legion Post # 242, and Atchison (KS) Pilot’s Association. Ralph’s passion was farming and flying airplanes, although later in life, his grandchildren and great grandchildren brought him the most joy.
Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Delores, on September 6, 2013 after 64 years of marriage. He was also preceded by his parents; a son, James; three brothers, Robert, David and Bill; two sisters, Donna Smith and Helen Hargrove.
Survivors include a son, Tom (June) Gerety, Winchester; sister, Bonnie Schneider, Topeka, KS; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.