On the morning of Friday, September 29th, 2017, in Helena, Montana, Ralph Clifton Williamson Jr., age 81, peacefully went home to the Lord.
Ralph was born on February 26th, 1936 in Seville, Ohio to Ruth (Buckholtz) and Ralph C. Williamson Sr. He was the oldest of their family, of three sons.
The family moved to Glendive, Montana when Ralph was a young boy. He attended school there and graduated from Dawson County High School in 1954. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force. After three years of active duty, he transferred to the Air Force Reserve, where he served until his honorable discharge in 1961. During this time Ralph acquired his “Willie” tattoo on his forearm.
On December 27th, 1959, Ralph married a pretty nursing student, named Marlene Trangmoe in Glendive, MT. They enjoyed nearly fifty eight years of marriage. Throughout their years together Ralph often gifted Marlene with Chantilly perfume the scent she was wearing when they first met. The young couple were blessed with three sons; Curtis R., Timothy J. and Paul A.
After Marlene obtained her R.N. degree, Ralph continued his education and training. He received his B. of S. degree from Northern Montana College in Havre, MT., where he graduated with honors in 1974. He studied Vocational Technical Education, with a Trade and Technician Major. For four years he taught at Helena Vocational Tech Center where he was instructor of Aircraft General and Airframe Systems and Components. He then taught welding at Capital High School, in Helena for 18 years until his retirement. For many years they lived in the Gruber Estates in Clancy, MT., while their sons were growing up. Throughout his life Ralph enjoyed golf, cross-word puzzles, computer technology, genealogy research and cooking. His chicken fried steaks were legendary. After retirement he and Marlene traveled extensively throughout the U.S. in their motor home, becoming snowbirds for a few years.
After moving to Helena from Glendive the family became members of Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church. Ralph was a church council member and served three years as Evangelism Committee Chairman. He was a member of Gideon’s International from 1992 to the present. He also served as Church Assignment Secretary and Camp Secretary. Whenever Ralph encountered people who were down on their luck and asking for a bit of money, he gave them a small New Testament Bible with some cash tucked inside. He kept a small supply of these in his vehicle ready to go.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, his brother; Carl, and Carl’s wife; Bobby.
Ralph is survived by his wife; Marlene, at the family home in Helena, and his three sons; Curtis (Michaelene) in Missoula, Tim (Connie) in Helena and Paul in Clancy, MT. Also surviving Ralph is his brother; Jim (Linda) of Missoula, seven grandchildren, nine great-children, numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews. Other survivors include his many friends and extended family. When their children were young, Ralph and Marlene opened their hearts and home to foster children.
In lieu of flowers the family suggest donations be sent in Ralph’s name to The Helena Gideons, PO Box #627, Helena, MT. 59624. Please see below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Ralph.
Ralph’s family would like to give a special thank you to Cooney Convalescent Home for his care, these last few months. Many thanks to Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home for the support, information and help in making the final arrangements for Ralph. We wish to thank the special people at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church for their support and hosting the reception following the service at the church. The Williamson family would like to express their appreciation to the many friends, neighbors and relatives who so kindly provided food, sympathy, prayers and support during this difficult time. We appreciate each and every one of you.
And as Ralph would say: “Peace be with you and also with you.”
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday October 4, 2017
Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church
3580 Benton Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the memorial Service
Wednesday October 4, 2017
Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church
3580 Benton Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
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Clint Ohman and Renie Lacey says
We love you Ralph. You are one of the good guys. You are in God’s care.
Lori Kroll says
Ralph was a good man, he always made me feel like family. He had a great sense of humor and would always help those in need. Thank you Ralph for being such a wonderful man , you will be missed.
Gary Duff says
Ralph was one of the best teachers in the district. He was a no nonsense instructor with a great sense of humor. He not only taught his students all the welding techniques he could, but more importantly, He taught, by example, a way of living. We’ve lost a very good man and friend.
Tony Novak says
Ralph had a very positive influence on my life…he was always full of encouragement and taught me to never give up.
He was my favorite teacher. He will be missed.
Verna Kroll says
Williamson Family
So sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. He was a good soul. My memories of him will always be Computerland and when he would come in to buy “techy stuff” we would visit for quite a while, he was a nice break from work.
He will be missed, I’m sure! Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
R.I.P. Ralph
Sandy Quickenden says
I had the privilege of working with Ralph for many years at Capital High School. He was an outstanding professional colleague and a good friend. He had a great sense of humor and would bring joy and happiness to some of our “crazy” days. I always remember him as “Willie the Welder.” I am sorry that I will not be able to attend his service because of health issues. To the Williamson family, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. In sympathy, Sandy Quickenden.
Michaelene Williamson says
It’s been over three years now since Ralph past. I remember how he would chuckle when I called him my Favorite Father-in-law. He was a dear man with a strong sense of honor.
He didn’t care for others to be in the kitchen and in the way, when he was cooking.. I myself felt honored when he welcomed me into the kitchen to teach me how he made his chicken-fried steak. I always think of him when I make it. His was still better.