Obituary of Ralph Danekas
Danekas, Ralph H., age 90, died, Tuesday, August 9, 2011 in Spokane from injuries suffered in an accident while mowing his lawn at his home in Ritzville. The son of Henry J. and Anna (Rosenoff) Danekas, Ralph was born May 3, 1921 on a farm near Ritzville. He graduated Ritzville High School in 1940. During WWII he served his county as a B-17 pilot. He married Dorothy Dean Doerschlag December 11, 1943, they were married 66 years; she preceded him in death in December of 2009. Together they owned and operated the Danekas Funeral Home in Ritzville starting the business in 1947. He was very active in the Ritzville community, he was Past President of the Ritzville Lions Club, Past Master of the Ritzville Masonic Lodge, and belonged to the Order of Eastern Star. He served on the City Council for 4 years, was an Adams County Commissioner for 8 years, was President of the Washington State Funeral Directors in 1964, and served 12 years on the State Examining Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers. He also served 4 years on the state's first Lottery Commission. He is survived by his sister Lucille Telecky, Ritzville and brother Robert Danekas of Grand Junction, CO; son Kirk (Ami) Danekas, daughter Lexie (Karl) Kupers both of Ritzville, and daughter Debbie Danekas of Edmonds, WA; three Grandchildren: Karla (Adam) Rimmer, Darin (Sadra) Danekas, and Kyle (Julie) Kupers; five Great Grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Sunday August 14, 2011 from 12:00 noon to 5:00 PM and Monday August 15, 2011 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Danekas Funeral Home-Ritzville. Funeral Services will be held Monday, August 15, 2011 at 2:00 PM, at Zion Philadelphia Church, 301 E. Broadway, Ritzville. Following the services will be a reception at the American Legion Hall in Ritzville. Private family graveside will be held prior to the church services at Ritzville Memorial Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Ritzville Lions Club Remolding Project, C/O Jim Leffel, 219 W. Main St. Ritzville, 99169 Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville, WA is in charge of funeral arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.danekasfuneralhome.org
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