Ralph J. Valine

He was born Jan. 13, 1939, in Stambaugh, son of the late Edwin and Ryene (Okerman) Valine. Ralph graduated from Iron River High School in 1957. He went on to receive degrees from Suomi College and Northern Michigan University.

Ralph married Gail LaRock (Roberts) on Nov. 23, 1966, at St. Peter‚Äôs Lutheran Church in Stambaugh. He taught English and speech in Iron River for four years and then in Florence for 26 years before retiring in 1993. Fondly known to his students as “R.V.” Ralph enjoyed teaching tremendously because he loved the kids and his subject material. He was also a drama coach for many years and a forensic coach for 26 years. His forensic team went to the state competition for all 26 years.

Ralph was the president of the Stewardship Subcommittee for the Northern Great Lakes Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. He was an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, where he served on the church council and played the organ for many years. Ralph was a supervisor for the Town of Florence from 1980 until 1984 and had been the president of the Florence Utility Commission. He was also a past member of the Wisconsin Education Association Council and the Retired National Education Council.

Ralph enjoyed his weekly coffee and popcorn at “the Farm‚” and the Wisconsin tradition of going “fish-ing‚” every Friday night at local restaurants. He loved reading, watching game shows, and being on his computer.

Survivors include his loving wife, Gail; daughter Debbie Valine; son Roger (Carrie) Valine; daughter-in-law Lorna Alvarez Valine; grandchildren Chelsea (Tyler) Neuens, Tyler Valine, Alex Valine, and Kaycee Valine; great-grandchildren Olivia, Lincoln, and Declan; stepsisters Edith (Pat) and Joan; and stepbrother Donald.

In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey Valine; brother Bruce; infant sister Susan; half-brother David; stepsisters Dorothy and Inez; stepbrothers Kenneth, Jim, and Leland; and by his stepfather, Carl Adamson.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until noon Saturday, Feb. 21, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Florence, followed by a funeral service at noon. Interment will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church or the Florence County Dollars for Scholars nonprofit foundation.

Friends may leave condolences and tributes to Ralph’

s family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com.

The family has chosen Jacobs-Lundholm Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Florence to honor Ralph’s legacy of life.