Ralph Edward Westerkamp

Ralph Edward Westerkamp, born June 3, 1930, in Cincinnati, Ohio to Bernard and Evelyn (Rockel) Westerkamp passed away in his home in Louisville, KY on August 23, 2022. Ralph was the younger brother to Bernie Westerkamp. He attended Hughes High School and went on to study pharmacy at the University of Cincinnati. Ralph served in the United States Army from 1954-1956, where he was placed into a MASH unit in Korea. He left the military with an Honorable discharge and good conduct medal as a sharpshooter. Ralph's professional life as a pharmacist began after his discharge from the Army. He came to St. Joseph, Michigan to be close to his brother and his family and worked in Uptown Drug store as a pharmacist. From there he moved to Niles, Michigan and became the pharmacy department head at Pawating Hospital until he retired in 1990. He married his first wife JoAnne Aldrich in 1972 and became stepfather to Beth and Tom. After 18 years of marriage, they divorced. Several years later Ralph attended his 45th high school reunion and reconnected with his high school sweetheart Martha (Carter) Spurrier. It was as if the 45 years had never passed, and they were married on June 18, 1994, surrounded by all their children, family, and dearest friends. In their adventures together, Ralph and Martha climbed Mt. Washington 3 times, something he never would have done if not for her. They shared a home in Englewood, Florida and Louisville, Kentucky. That love affair lasted until they were separated when Martha passed on November 18, 2018. Ralph had a deep love for his family, golf, horse racing and his 2 convertible Karmann Ghia cars.

Ralph is survived by his nieces Kay (Dave) Rodgers, Gail (Terry) Doll, nephew Cary Westerkamp, stepdaughter Beth (Tim) Marzolf, stepson Tom (Tina) Aldrich, stepson Ken (Sharon) Spurrier, stepdaughter Sharon (Chet) Yates, stepson Ron (Sheryl) Spurrier, stepson Drew (Sharon) Spurrier, stepdaughter Faith Sherlock. Grandchildren, Taylor Henderson, Nick Marzolf, Michael Marzolf, Ashley Armstrong, Tiffany Hall Brooks, David Hall, Brittanny Bergstrom, Matthew Sherlock, Ryan Sherlock, Josh Spurrier, Julia Spurrier, Shawn Spurrier. Great grandchildren, Finn Henderson, Daniel Bergstrom, Nora Bergstrom, Kaitlyn Hall, Connor Hall, Noah Brooks, and baby Armstrong due in February 2023.

In accordance with his wishes, Ralph will be laid to rest at the Military Cemetery in Sarasota, Florida.

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