Ralph James Werkmeister, age 84, of Sac City, Iowa, passed away on Monday, April 3, 2006, at his home in Sac City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30, Friday, April 7th, at the First Christian Church in Sac City with burial at the Wall Lake Cemetery under the direction of the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home.

Visitation is from 4:00-8:00 p.m., Thursday, April 6th, at the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Sac City.

Ralph was born on December 26, 1921, in Odebolt, Iowa, the son of Fred and Lena (Rippel) Werkmeister. He attended country school and graduated from Early High School.

On October 28, 1945, Ralph was united in marriage to Violet Lamaak. Five children were born to this union: Judie, Peggy, James, Linda, and Marlys.

Ralph farmed east of Early where he raised his family. He enjoyed the outdoors, tending the livestock, crops, and harvesting in the fall.

On December 26, 1981, Ralph and Elnora Streed were married at Faith Lutheran Church in Early. They made their home in Sac City. Ralph was a member of Peace Lutheran in Wall Lake and Faith Lutheran in Early prior to joining the First Christian Church in Sac City.

He retired from farming in 1987 and started working for the Howard Center as a maintenance man and transit driver, retiring in 2005. He also helped Elnora with paper deliveries in Storm Lake.

Survivors include his children: Judie Marsh and husband Dale of Wall Lake, IA, Peggy Parker and husband Bob of Cherokee, IA, James Werkmeister and wife Peggy of Denison, IA, Linda Werkmeister of Early, IA, and Marlys Werkmeister of Sioux City, IA; four step children: David and Suzan Streed of Lafayette, CO, Dr. Esther Streed of Urbandale, IA, Mark and Candy Streed of Lafayette, CO; and Mary Streed of Parker, CO; seven grandchildren; 13 step grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and 27 step great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Shirley Stout of Sac City; brother-in-law, Harlan Stout of Minneapolis, MN, extended family members, and many nieces and nephews.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; wife Elnora on March 31, 2006; three brothers: Orie, Clifford, and Raymond; and a sister, Christina Sampers.