Ralph Cole, 91, passed away at the Iowa Veteran's Home on August 19, 2023.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 26th, at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell with a luncheon immediately following in the Heritage Room. Burial will be in Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 25th at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell.

Memorials may be designated in his name to the Iowa Veteran's Home and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with Ralph's family online at www.smithfh.com.

Ralph was born on May 3, 1932, in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of Roy Roscoe and Sylvia Inez (Boyd) Cole. He honorably served in the United States Air Force from 1950 – 1953.

On December 22, 1950, Ralph was united in marriage to Waneta Thoman in Kahoka, Missouri. They had four children, Tanya, Marvin, Rick and Jan. After 33 years of service, Ralph retired from John Deere in Ankeny. He was later employed by Manatt's.

Over the years, Ralph pursued a multitude of interests and passions. He enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, gardening, snowmobiling, boating, motorcycle riding, boating, ATVs, travel, and gambling. Ralph's fondness for horses stood out, and caring for these majestic creatures brought him immense joy. The 4th of July held a special place in his heart, representing a time of celebration and togetherness.

Ralph embodied the roles of a dedicated husband, loving father, and cherished grandfather. He possessed an unquenchable thirst for adventure and a remarkable willingness to share his knowledge, eagerly guiding others through a myriad of skills. Strangers were simply friends he hadn't met yet, and his vibrant spirit was truly larger than life.

Ralph's memory will be cherished by his grandchildren Tammy (Brian) Plowman, Melissa (Tony) Sivola, Christina (Richard) Stevens, Marissa (Brent) Quandahl, Amanda (Mike) Flater, Jason Cole, Jamie (Ty) Eitel, Jake (Monica) Cole, Michael (Tonya) Cole, Heather Cole, Lindsay (Christopher)Belger, and Kayla Broadston, daughter-in-law Cindy Cole, brothers Lloyd (Sara) Cole, Richard (Pamela) Cole, Lavene (Linda) Cole and sister Vicki (Steve) Lane. Ralph's legacy includes thirty-four great-grandchildren and eighteen great- great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Waneta; children, Jan, Tanya, Marvin, and Rick; infant grandson Andrew, and great-granddaughter Aubree; his parents, a sister, Arlene; brothers Harold, Virgil, and Roy Jr.