Ralph Paul Zempel

, 67, of Rogers City passed away July 25, 2018 whlie at work in Grayling.

He was born October 26, 1950 in Rogers City to Richard and Joyce (Erkfitz) Zempel.

He is survived by his wife, Natalie; three children, Tereasa Welker of Maryland, Tyler Zempel of Sterling Heights and Jordan (fiancée, Ellen Skiba) Zempel of Alpena; two grandchildren, Danielle and Logan Welker; his mother, Joyce Zempel of Rogers City; a sister, Lynn (Harlow) Hardies of Belknap; and a brother, David (Mary) Zempel of Frankfort.

Ralph was preceded in death by his father, Richard; and an infant sister, Brenda Sue.

He graduated from Rogers City High School in 1968. On September 21, 1985 he married Natalie Wagner at St. John Lutheran Church in Rogers City. He began working at the Calcite Plant in 1970; 18 years later he took a position at the Lafarge Corporation in Alpena where he retired from in 2008. He was cu

rrently employed by IPEC as a safety coordinator. Ralph loved to play the guitar in church and at social gatherings. He enjoyed playing spitzer; he was a baseball coach and umpire for many years. Ralph was an active member of Peace Lutheran Church and St. John Lutheran Church, both in Rogers City.

He loved spending time with his family.

Visitation was at the Beck Funeral Home Saturday, July 28, with a prayer service that evening. Visitation resumed Sunday at St. John Lutheran Church until time of his funeral with the Rev. J. Derek Riddle officiating.

Burial followed at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to St. John Lutheran Church or Peace Lutheran Church in memory of Ralph Zempel. Online condolences may be addressed through www.beckfuneralhome.org.