Ralph L. Cole

A funeral service for Ralph Cole will be held on Friday, December 27, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Oaks Community Church in Emerson, Iowa. (41310 Ellington Road, Emerson IA, 51533). Interment will follow at the Farm Creek Cemetery in Henderson, Iowa.

Ralph Lewis Cole, age 82, passed away peacefully in his sleep early Tuesday morning on December 17, 2024.  He told his son many times, "I look forward to sitting on a log fishing with my dad in heaven."  Now he is enjoying that experience.

Ralph was born on June 11, 1942, the second of six children of Ralph Irvin Cole and Argie Pearl (Mahan) Cole. Ralph was born in the country near Henderson Iowa, where he grew up and spent his early adulthood. In 1967, he married Colleen Freshour and to this union two sons were born: Matthew Scott and Daniel Lee.  In 1987, he became a missionary with American Missionary Fellowship and moved to Alma, Nebraska.  For 20 years, he served area communities and churches and was the director of Camp Joy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Colleen in 2023.

He is survived by his sons: Matthew Cole and his longtime girlfriend, Jenny Rich; and Daniel Cole; and extended family members.

A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorials in Ralph's honor can be directed to, Orphan Fund, P.O. Box 896, Alma, Nebraska 68920.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Alma is in charge of the arrangements.