Ralph J. Hohl

Ralph Julius Hohl, age 91, of Osceola, passed away on November 6, 2026. Ralph was born in Ashley, Indiana on May 20, 1935, to Henry and Erna (Birk) Hohl. A Madison High School graduate, he married his high school sweetheart, Roberta Jean Swift, on November 26, 1955.

Ralph's career path took him to Ball Band, City Pattern, and Total Industries. He also honorably served his country in the U.S. Army. His true passion, however, was farming; talking about it, planning for it, and enjoying its rewards.

Ralph was known for always supervising and managing everyone around him, with his last big supervisory job being the canning of several jars of hot garlic pickles. Each visit with Ralph required a replay of the day's events, after which he would provide the advice and guidance he wanted to share. Although his health failed him toward the end, his sharp intelligence stayed fully intact.

A loving father, devoted husband, and cherished brother, Ralph's proudest achievement was watching his children and grandchildren grow into accomplished and caring adults. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 69 years, Jean; his brother, Robert Hohl (Freda); his sister, Virginia Allen (Willard); his sister-in-law, Barbara Wood; and his brother-in-law, Harold Price.

He is survived by his children, Amy (Randolph) Thomas, and RJ (Carla) Hohl; his grandchildren, Jarod, Alex, Sydney, and Henry; his brother, Steve (Mary) Hohl; brother-in-law Gerald Wood, and his sisters-in-law, Alice Price and Marilyn (Dale) Donahue. He is also survived by many nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, and caregivers who are the blessings of a large extended family. In heaven, he will be joyfully reunited with the family and friends who went ahead of him.

A time for family and friends to visit is scheduled for Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 10am – 12 (Noon), with a brief service beginning at 12pm, all at Cruz Family Funeral Home, Osceola. Immediately following the service, Ralph will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife and Olive Cemetery in Elkhart. Family and friends are invited to a luncheon after burial.

The family deeply appreciates the years of support the Veterans Association provided to Ralph. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Jackie Walorski Veterans Clinic.

To light a virtual candle, share a story of Ralph’s life, or extend a message of comfort to his family, please visit the Guestbook.