Together Again

Just six days after losing the love of his life, Ralph E. Buelow, Sr. joined his wife of 66 years in Heaven. Ralph peacefully reunited with JoAnn on October 9, 2022 at Mercy One surrounded by his family.

A Funeral Mass will take place at 11 am on Thursday, October 13, at the Church of the Visitation in Camanche. A visitation will occur 2 hours prior, from 9 am to 11 am at the church. A burial of husband and wife together will immediately follow the Funeral Mass at Clinton Lawn Cemetery. Lemke Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements.

Ralph was born November 8, 1928, in Clinton, Iowa. He was the son of Reinholdt and Anna (Harkins) Buelow. Ralph graduated from Lyon’s High School in 1947, where he served as the manager of the football, basketball, and track teams. He lived at his parent’s home in Lyons until 1962, having bought it from his parents after getting married.

Ralph was united in marriage to JoAnn Prins on January 14, 1956 in Clinton, Iowa. Ralph and JoAnn were long-time members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and later the Church of the Visitation. Ralph was a member of the Knights of Columbus, achieving 3rd Degree status. Additionally, he was a member of the Moose and Odeon Clubs of Clinton.

Ralph started his professional life working for the Curtis Company and serving as a Sergeant in the Iowa National Guard. He served for 9 years. Ralph also worked for Clinton Corn Processing Company, and owned Winks Beverage Store for a time. Ralph and JoAnn managed the Travelodge motel in Clinton and then in Terre Haute, Indiana and Shreveport, Louisiana. Ralph concluded his career as the Elevator Man in the Wilson Building in Clinton, a job that had many ups and downs, as he loved to say.

As an adult Ralph enjoyed umpiring Clinton Junior League Baseball. He also loved managing the many Bingo sessions at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and playing cards. He was a master at Euchre, hearts and 500. Above all, he loved his family very much. He traveled regularly with JoAnn to visit his sons around the country. His grandchildren have fond memories of him teaching them how to play various card games. And they all have experienced his love of teasing! Ralph loved having a sit down chat and could talk to any of his family members for hours, listening to how their lives were going and reminiscing. Dad and Grandpa will be greatly missed.

Ralph is survived by his four sons: Robert (Pamela) of Bluffton, SC, Ralph Jr. (Margarita) of Naples, FL, Thomas Sr. (Catherine) of Clinton, David (Judy) of Clinton; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Ralph E. Buelow was preceded in death by his parents, his wife JoAnn, two grandsons, three sisters and four brothers.

Memorials made can be directed to the Church of the Visitation.