Ralph Joseph Nichols' Obituary
Ralph Joseph Nichols, 93, from Marine City, died at home on September 23, 2016. He was born February 19, 1923. He spent his childhood years on a farm in the Adair area with the Wess Simons family. Ralph attended Marine City High School and graduated in 1942.
After graduation, Ralph joined the United States Navy and was aboard the USS Cariboue as a rear gunner during World War II. He served two tours of duty primarily in the Atlantic and Pacific theatres.
Ralph met his wife, Margaret Ann DeLude prior to his military service in 1942. Upon his return they were married on June 15, 1946 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Marine City. They were married for 70 years. A few years later he began his career in carpentry and eventually built a home where he and his “Annie” raised their family. His business, Nichols Homes, provided new construction and remodeling.
Ralph was a faithful member of Holy Cross Catholic Church for 70 years and the Knights of Columbus council 856 for over 50 years. He was instrumental in the construction of the K of C hall on King Road in Marine City. He was Grand Knight, and through his steady and unceasing efforts he secured the Supreme Councils highest award, the State Council Award. Ralph was also a member of the Fourth Degree Color Guard Richmond Assembly. The Columbian Association Board and an honorary member of the Holy Cross Alumni Association.
Ralph hunted locally and in the Grayling area for many years. He enjoyed boating, fishing, and swimming in the St. Clair River. His hobbies included square dancing with his wife, playing softball, bowling, euchre, and playing horse shoes for decades! Ralph also built several floats for Christmas and civic parades and received numerous ribbons for his float creations and multiple trophies from horse shoe tournaments. He also served as chairperson for the Marine City Summer Festival for several years. Ralph leaves a legacy of service and volunteering for his church and community. He truly lived the K of C motto “in service to one, in service to all”.
He is survived by his wife Ann, son Larry (Patty Street) Nichols, daughters Amiee (Joe) Distelrath, and Therese (Tim) Witherspoon and grandchildren Kristi (Nate Shopbell), Kelly (Damian Starr), Sarah (Jon Davidson), Matthew, Jessica, Mary, John, and great grandchildren Parker, Lincoln, Libby, Miriam, and Gloria.
A Mass of Resurrection will be Wednesday September 28th at 12 p.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Our Lady on the River Parish, Marine City. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery. Visitation is Tuesday 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a rosary recital at 7:00 p.m. at Young Funeral Home, China Twp. Additional visitation at the church Wednesday 11:00 to 12:00 prior to mass. Memorials are suggested to the Fr. Al Sadler Memorial Fund. To leave a message of comfort please visit www.youngcolonial.com
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