Ralph E. Wernimont

Obituary

Ralph Edward Wernimont was born on January 7, 1941, in Carroll, Iowa. He was the son of Edward and Mary (Vonnahme) Wernimont. Ralph was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in his faith as a youth. He attended and graduated from Sacred Heart School in Ayrshire, Iowa. Ralph went on to high school at Emmetsburg Catholic High School in Emmetsburg, Iowa, graduating in 1959.

After graduation, Ralph worked at the hardware store in Ayrshire. His duties included television and radio repair, TV antenna installation, and installation of complete home and farm electrical wiring.

In 1963, Ralph was united in marriage to Carol Myers. This marriage was blessed with three children, Mark, Steve, and Mary Jolene. In 1990, Ralph remarried to Colleen Mohn-Ost and built his dream home in Andover, Minnesota.

Ralph was employed in the research lab at Lenox Industries. His project was on the electric humidifier. Ralph owned and operated a part-time television repair business while he worked at Western Electric Company. He also owned and operated, WW Enterprises, which was a manufacturing business that made all types of custom electronic systems, and finding solutions to many electronic problems for clients. The company also fabricated and photo etched their own printed circuit boards. Ralph went on to work at KCCI TV and KRNT Radio in Des Moines, Iowa, as their Television Technical Director. In 1978, he became employed at Northwestern Bell and in 1986, he went to work for US West Communication as a System Administration Manager. He retired in 1996.

Ralph was a member of the Catholic Church in the different cities he resided in. He became a member of the Knights of Columbus at each parish and was a past Deputy Grand Knight.

Ralph liked hunting, fishing, and taxidermy in his younger years. In his later years, Ralph enjoyed photography, woodworking, and traveling. He also enjoyed gardening and plotting different varieties of hostas. Ralph loved helping people while sharing his many talents. He was a jack-of-all-trades and could fix anything. Ralph cherished spending time with his family, grandchildren and friends.

When Ralph required additional care, he moved to Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson, where he passed away on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at the age of 84 years.

Blessed be his memory.

Ralph is survived by his:
Wife, Colleen Wernimont of Montevideo, MN;
Children, Mark Wernimont of Blaine, MN,
Steve Wernimont of Hutchinson, MN,
Mary Jo Hoff and her husband, Steve of Hutchinson, MN;
7 Grandchildren;
10 Great-grandchildren;
Sister, Rita Hinners and her husband, Arlo of Waukee, IA;
Brother, Ted Wernimont and his wife, Sandy of Winona, MN;
Many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Ralph is preceded in death by his Parents, Edward and Mary Wernimont; Niece, Julie Tracy; Numerous, Aunts and Uncles.