January 3, 2011
Ralph E. Kieper, 88, of Oswego died Monday in the Oswego Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Oswego the son of the late Carl and Clara Kieper. Ralph worked for the Netherland Dairy for twenty-eight years before going to work for Alcan Corp, from 1967 until his retirement in 1984. He served in the United States Army during World War II. Ralph was a third degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus Council # 227, and he was the recipient of Knight of the Year. He was a member of the Elks Lodge # 271, and the American Legion. Ralph was a communicant of St. Joseph Church, and the Golden Age. He was a volunteer for many years for the Oswego Hospital, Red Cross, Harborfest, and RSVP meals on wheels. He was one of the local Santa’s Helper, the Easter Bunny and performed as a Clown. He was predeceased by his first wife Irene Kieper, daughter Judy Bonney, stepdaughter Jean Reynolds, brothers Bernard Kieper, Carl Kieper, and sister Alice Knickerbocker. Ralph is survived by his wife of thirty-eight years Carmella Kieper of Oswego, son Lynn (Jeanette) Kieper of North Dakota, daughter Linda (Byron) Quinn of Vermont, step daughter Judy (William) Dale of Oswego, stepson John (Joann) Black of NM, brothers Howard Kieper of TX, and Edwin Kieper of IN, sister Shirley Cronk of Fulton, sixteen grandchildren, twenty-five great grandchildren, four great great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted Friday 10:00 a.m. in St. Joseph Church. Spring burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Calling hours will be Thursday 4:00 –7:00 p.m. at the Sugar & Scanlon Funeral Home 147 West Fourth Street, Oswego. In lieu of flowers the family has requested contributions be made in Ralph’s name to St. Joseph organ and roof restoration.
Carm, Judy & Bill Dale…………Through the years I spent time with Carm & Ralph……..all good times and good memories…….
Ralph had alot of energy, extra energy to spare……..may he rest in peace………….. my condolences…………sending prayers your way……….Kent
Carm, Judy & Bill and family – Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers during this sad time. I always enjoyed seeing you and catching up.
When I read about Ralph Keiper’s spring burial in today’s paper, it reminded me that Mr. Keiper is responsible for one of my fondest childhood memories. During the late 50’s and early 60’s, my father, George Caruso, Sr. and I (about 10 years old) would pick up ice at Netherland’s Dairy on Saturday afternoon for the purpose of cooling the soft drinks and beer to be served that evening at Oswego Speedway. My dad would back the pickup truck up to the ramp, rap on the small ice door, and a few seconds later, a series of 200 lb. blocks of ice would come down a chute and thru the door, and my dad would direct the blocks to the back of the pickup.
But, what I remember most about those trips was finding out that it was Mr. Keiper who was on duty at Netherlands that day, because he would always let us help ourselves to an ice cream sandwich, or some other ice cream treat, before we left to go back to the track!
Rest in peace, Mr. Keiper, and thanks for being part of a life-long childhood memory. My dad passed away in 2008 at age 90 and I frequently think about that weekly afternoon trip.
Sincerely,
Doug Caruso