Ralph S. Neal

Ralph S. Neal

January 23, 1948 – February 27, 2023

Ralph Stephen Neal, age 75, surrounded by his family he went home to be with the Lord, on February 27, 2023 after a courageous six-year battle with cancer.

Born January 23, 1948. Ralph was the sixth of eight children born to William and Mary Ellen (Baum) Neal. He attended Lincoln Elementary and Monroe High School.

In 1965, Ralph enlisted in the United States Marine Corp, during which he served two tours of boots on the ground in Vietnam. He proudly served until his honorable discharge in 1969.

He was employed for 31 years at the Detroit Edison Coal Burner Plant, as a heavy equipment operator, retiring in 2008.

Ralph married Heidi Laubenstein and from this union came the birth of a son, Ralph Jr. Ralph met the love of his life: Linda (Nied) Steele and after 12 years together got married on September 26, 2018.

He was presently attending Calvary Baptist Church and was a member of the VFW Post 1138 of Monroe and the American Legion.

Survivors include his wife: Linda; sons: Ralph Jr., Ryan (Danielle) Steele, and Jeff Steele; grandsons: Edward and Ryan; siblings: Dave (Nancy) Neal, Dan (Carole) Neal, Elaine Neal, and Rachel Godek; father-in-law: LeRoy Nied; sister-in-law: Terri (Gary) Kovacic and brother-in-law: Paul (Lisa) Nied. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings: William Jr., Walter, and Linda.

Everyone is invited to a visitation on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at Rupp Funeral Home from 2:00 to 8:00 pm. A funeral service will be on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at Rupp Funeral Home starting at 11 am. Officiating is Rev. Dr. Jim Walker and Pastor Matthew LaFave. Burial will follow immediately at Roselawn Memorial Park, where an Honor Guard Service will take place under the auspice of the VFW Post #1138 of Monroe.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Monroe VFW Post #1138, Calvary Baptist Church, 7527 Whitmore Lake Road, Whitmore Lake, MI, 48189, or to Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Online condolences may be sent to www.ruppfuneralhomeinc.com