Ralph S Petersen, 88, of Osceola, passed away on Wednesday Sept 12 ^th in his home with his family at his side. He was born Dec 18 ^th 1929 in Posen, IL to the late Simon and Florence (Pugh) Petersen.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife Agnes (Keeps), three brothers Dewayne Peterson, Richard Petersen, and Glen Petersen. He is survived by five children, Ralph (Robin) Petersen, Reenet Banks (John), Randolph (Sharon) Petersen, Roderick (Lynnaie) Petersen, and Richard (Debora) Petersen. He is also survived by 22 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

In 1946 Ralph enlisted in the United States Marine Corp where he served for 21 years. After retiring from the United States Marine Corp he worked as warehouse foreman for 24 years at G.W. Berkheimer.

Dad enjoyed traveling the country with mom and his family and friends Ron and Mary Golden. They preferred driving over flying and visited virtually every state in the lower 48. He was an avid Penn football fan, even before they were good, at times being 2 of the few fans in the stands sitting on the 50 yard line with his family.  He attended the Drill Instructors reunions, the Missouri Marine (USS Missouri) reunions, and the 3/26 Vietnam reunions.

He was an avid reader often reading 3 to 4 books a week with his buddy Duke by his side. He also loved gardening with a great fondness for roses.

Visitation will be from 4pm to 8pm Monday Sept 17, 2018 at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Hwy, Osceola, IN 46561. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30am Tuesday Sep 22, 2018 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church 4508 Vistula Rd. Mishawaka, IN.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Michiana Homes for Heroes.