Ralph Quayle

Ralph was born in Ishpeming on May 28, 1945, a son of the late Donald Clayton and Marie Rose (Berger) Quayle. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

On February 8, 1969, he married Susan Kay (Spencer) Quayle, the love of his life, and they spent just shy of 53 years of marriage. Together, they raised their two children and as their family grew, always enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ralph worked for Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company for 31 years, retiring as a warehouse attendant from the Empire Mine in 1999. Ralph enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, woodworking, and traveling, which included a few cruises that he and his wife truly enjoyed. He was an avid Packer fan and never missed watching a game.

Ralph was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where he served as an alter server and eucharistic minister. He was a member of the Knight of Columbus- Fr. Vincent Ouellette Council #1541, where he was a Past Grand Knight. He was also a former member of the Ishpeming ELKS Lodge.

Ralph is survived by two children; Wendy (Steve) Luokkala of Ishpeming and Gary (Pam) Quayle of Escanaba, a brother Bruce (Lynn) Quayle of Sheboygan, WI, three grandchildren Heather Quayle, Amanda Baumler, and Branden Quayle, two great grandsons: Austin and Gavin, his fur baby, Daisy, very special nieces; Tammy (Dan) Schartner and Nancy (David) Spencer, along with other nieces, nephews, cousins, brother in law Frank Spencer, and two step-grandchildren.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Marie Quayle, wife Susan, two brothers Roger and Peter Quayle, and a grandson, Steven Luokkala, Jr.

Ralph’s family will greet relatives and friends from 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm on Friday, September 6, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 4:30 pm with Fr. Larry Van Damme to officiate.

The UP-Funeral Honors Team will accord Military Honors.

A luncheon will follow the service in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or the Marquette County Medical Care Facility-Activities; for the benefit of its many wonderful residents.

Ralph’s family would like to thank the staff of the 300 floor at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility for their kind and compassionate care that our Dad received while there (and the kindness shown to his children), along with Dr. Michael Prevost for the many years of medical care.

Dad~

Well, we knew this time would come but we certainly aren’t prepared to be on this earth without you. When your light went out, our world became so much darker.

You made being your children the easiest job ever. I know over the years we have both given you gray hair and many headaches but even when you were sooooo mad at either one of us (especially, Gary -lol) you always showed us so much love. We could always count on you when we needed you, gave us your advice even when we didn’t want to hear it, helped us navigate through high school and early romances that went south, marriages, divorces, children, and any other life events that came along the way. You instilled in both of us to work hard for what you want, appreciate the little things, stand up for yourself and what you think is right, be strong when you don’t think you can be, treat others with respect, and most of all; be kind. We would pick you for our Dad again and again in every lifetime.

On January 28, 2022, you lost your other half. Losing Mom was so devastating to you but we know you did your best to go on for Gary and I even though all you have wanted was to be with her. I hope that when you got to Heaven, Mom was right there to greet you with a big smile.

I can truly say that spending the last eight months with you nearly every single day has meant so much to me and I will always be “Daddy’s girl”. We will miss you more than words can say. Until we meet again

Love you forever and always ~ Wendy and Gary

Ralph’s obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.