Ralph Christman

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Ralph Christman, age 84, a retired Christian Church minister of over 40 years, passed away peacefully on Dec. 6, 2011. Ralph was born on Dec. 10, 1926 in Fresno, Calif., to Cloyd G. and Elizabeth Gladys Christmas, Sr.

He grew up in Torrington, Wyo., and graduated from High School in Scottsbluff, Neb. Following High School, he enlisted and served in the Untied Sates Merchant Marine Corp during World War II as a radio operator in the South Pacific. After the war he met and married the love of his life, Esther Kembel. They were married for 53 years before she preceded him in death in 1999.

Ralph graduated from Minnesota Bible College (now Crossroads College) and served in pastorates in Ronneby and Batavia, Minn.; Havre, Mont.; Rowan, Iowa; Chadron, Neb.; and Paragon and Coatesville, Ind. Following his retirement he lived near his eldest son Ron and remained active in the Christian Church until his death.

 Ralph is survived by two sons and two daughters: Ron and Pam Christman of New Palestine, Ind., Roger D. and Janet Christman of Houston, TX; Deborah Christman-Layman of Houston, Texas; and Diana and George Hipple of North Platte, Neb. Ralph is also survived by 12 grandchildren and spouses; and 13 great grandchildren; brothers, Virgil and Marilyn Kent of Gering Neb.; Cloyd G. and Helen Christman, Jr. of Joplin, Mo.; and Richard and Connie Martin of San Francisco, Calif.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011, at Flanner & Bucanan, Washington Park East, 10722 East Washington Street, Indianapolis. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2011, at Park Chapel Christian Church, 1176 East McKenzie Rd., Greenfield, Ind.

In lue of Flowers the family request your gifts and expressions of love be sent to: Cross Roads College, 920 Mayowood Rd. S.W., Rochester, MN 55902-2382, Attn. Ralph Christman Scholarship Fund.