Obituary for Ralph Peake
Ralph Earl Peake Jr., age 87, of Nashville, MI passed away on March 28, 2023 at The Flower House in Nashville, MI. Ralph was born October 3, 1935 in Battle Creek to Georganna (Cummins) and Ralph Peake Sr. He spent his youth helping his father on the farm and built his strong work ethic helping many other local farmers. He excelled in basketball and baseball while attending Delton Kellogg schools, graduating in 1954.
While in grade school he met the love of his life, Joy Harrington. They remained high school sweethearts, married in 1955, and raised three children over their 66-year marriage. Ralph began farming after high school and hired into the Kellogg Company, where he would eventually become manager of the plant engineering and stores. He remained at Kellogg’s for 35 years, retiring at age 55.
Ralph loved trips up north, fishing, spending time at their river lot near Kalkaska, traveling in their RV, and wintering in Florida. He was meticulous about his lawn and enjoyed hours on his mower maintaining it. Ralph was also an avid golfer and even recorded multiple holes-in-one over the years. For many years, he spent Thursdays traveling around the state with a group of friends visiting different golf courses after meeting for breakfast. Ralph also played fast-pitch softball for many years in Battle Creek, winning several city championships. He and Joy later enjoyed traveling the country to watch fast-pitch tournaments. He particularly enjoyed spending time with family, and he was well known to all as a devoted prankster.
Ralph is survived by his three children: Larry (Christine) Peake, Mark Peake, and Jill (David) Eddy; sister Geraldine Stampfler; grandchildren Brian Peake, Brent Peake, Brad Peake, Cassandra (Evan) Carey, Holly (Danielle) Muepo, Zachariah Eddy, Joseph (Lynnzi) Eddy, and Emma Eddy; five great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and his special dog Harley. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Georganna Peake; sister Janice Carroll; brother-in-law-Thad Stampfler; and the love of his life, dear wife Joy.
A funeral service will be held at Cedar Creek Bible Church on Monday, April 3rd at 11 a.m. with a luncheon to follow. The family will receive visitors Sunday, April 2nd from 4-7 p.m. at Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, and from 10-11 a.m. at Cedar Creek Bible Church prior to the service. Interment will take place at a later date with a private family service.
Memorial Contributions can be made to Vermontville Bible Church, The Flower House at 9950 S. Clark Road, Nashville, MI, or to Cedar Creek Bible Church.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Daniels Funeral Home - Nashville. For further details please visit our website at danielsfuneralhome.net
While in grade school he met the love of his life, Joy Harrington. They remained high school sweethearts, married in 1955, and raised three children over their 66-year marriage. Ralph began farming after high school and hired into the Kellogg Company, where he would eventually become manager of the plant engineering and stores. He remained at Kellogg’s for 35 years, retiring at age 55.
Ralph loved trips up north, fishing, spending time at their river lot near Kalkaska, traveling in their RV, and wintering in Florida. He was meticulous about his lawn and enjoyed hours on his mower maintaining it. Ralph was also an avid golfer and even recorded multiple holes-in-one over the years. For many years, he spent Thursdays traveling around the state with a group of friends visiting different golf courses after meeting for breakfast. Ralph also played fast-pitch softball for many years in Battle Creek, winning several city championships. He and Joy later enjoyed traveling the country to watch fast-pitch tournaments. He particularly enjoyed spending time with family, and he was well known to all as a devoted prankster.
Ralph is survived by his three children: Larry (Christine) Peake, Mark Peake, and Jill (David) Eddy; sister Geraldine Stampfler; grandchildren Brian Peake, Brent Peake, Brad Peake, Cassandra (Evan) Carey, Holly (Danielle) Muepo, Zachariah Eddy, Joseph (Lynnzi) Eddy, and Emma Eddy; five great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and his special dog Harley. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Georganna Peake; sister Janice Carroll; brother-in-law-Thad Stampfler; and the love of his life, dear wife Joy.
A funeral service will be held at Cedar Creek Bible Church on Monday, April 3rd at 11 a.m. with a luncheon to follow. The family will receive visitors Sunday, April 2nd from 4-7 p.m. at Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, and from 10-11 a.m. at Cedar Creek Bible Church prior to the service. Interment will take place at a later date with a private family service.
Memorial Contributions can be made to Vermontville Bible Church, The Flower House at 9950 S. Clark Road, Nashville, MI, or to Cedar Creek Bible Church.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Daniels Funeral Home - Nashville. For further details please visit our website at danielsfuneralhome.net