Welcome to the memorial page for
Ralph Lowell Mlaska
November 6, 1926 ~ March 17, 2017 (age 90) 90 Years Old Light a Candle
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A candle was lit by Kimberly Dubit Lutes
on March 26, 2017 6:32 PM
Message from Cheryl Mlaska
March 25, 2017 3:30 PM
Saturday, March 25, 2017
It is raining and cold in Des Moines this morning. Feels fitting for today. I wish I was with all of you in Maryland. Uncle Ralph has been foremost in my thoughts this week. I would have liked to pay my respects. I have been so fortunate to have 3 Uncles in my life, who have been so very good to me. The Mlaska clan is small and scattered, and last week we lost a member of our 2nd generation. My heart goes out to Lynn, Nancy, Trish and all of the members of their family.
He raised a family that is growing, thriving, and continuing even today. He worked hard, provided for, and cared for those he loved. He was a brother and friend to my Father, his little brother. I appreciate that he stepped up and did the hard work. One thing that stands out for me was taking Grandpa Louie to the hospital (kicking every step of the way). My 21 year old self was too afraid to challenge my Grandfather even for my Grandmothers sake. Uncle Ralph got on an airplane, traveled half way across the country, and escorted him to the hospital. For anyone that has ever know Grandpa Louie, that was incredible.
I have been gifted many things in my life and something that I treasure came from Aunt Phyllis and Uncle Ralph. It is a pendant watch necklace. I thought it was the height of fashion when I received it in the 1960's. It no longer keeps time, but I could not bear to part with the watch. I was luckier than my Cousins, Brothers, and Sister. Just by proximity to Grandma Rose and Grandpa Louie I was able to see my extended family, probably more frequently than they did. We were all connected to the Grandparents. Then as time marched on, to the Uncles and Aunts. Time just keeps marching and now there is only my Pop to represent the 2nd generation.
Uncle Ralph called me after Aunt Phyllis passed away and thanked me for everything I did when Grandma Rose died. He never had to deal before with the necessary details of death, funeral homes, cemetaries, and plots etc... That always meant a great deal to me, that he took the time to call me and thank me. Uncle Louis did the same thing after Grandma Rose passed away. Back in those days long distance calls were expensive and meant something significant. Both of those Gentlemen called me and that meant the world to me to be acknowledged by my Mlaska Uncles.
I will miss our phone calls. These days no one even considers picking up the phone to call someone across the country. He (like many great Mlaska Men) always had a story to tell (or a great joke!), usually to make a point or end a conversation. I hope he had a happy life. He seemed to. Of course I wish I had picked up the phone and called him one more time. The living always seem to have regrets. It is all so true that you should make time for the visits, phone calls, and saying I love you to the people that are nearest and dearest to your heart. I will be a lost soul next November with no Birthday phone call to make. Perhaps I will call my Cousins.....
Rest easy Uncle Ralph. I hope you knew how much I respected and enjoyed you. I prefer to imagine that you are some place wonderful surrounded by those that loved you.
Trish, Nancy and Lynn may time ease the grief of your hearts.
Love,
Cheryl (aka Cherrie) Mlaska
It is raining and cold in Des Moines this morning. Feels fitting for today. I wish I was with all of you in Maryland. Uncle Ralph has been foremost in my thoughts this week. I would have liked to pay my respects. I have been so fortunate to have 3 Uncles in my life, who have been so very good to me. The Mlaska clan is small and scattered, and last week we lost a member of our 2nd generation. My heart goes out to Lynn, Nancy, Trish and all of the members of their family.
He raised a family that is growing, thriving, and continuing even today. He worked hard, provided for, and cared for those he loved. He was a brother and friend to my Father, his little brother. I appreciate that he stepped up and did the hard work. One thing that stands out for me was taking Grandpa Louie to the hospital (kicking every step of the way). My 21 year old self was too afraid to challenge my Grandfather even for my Grandmothers sake. Uncle Ralph got on an airplane, traveled half way across the country, and escorted him to the hospital. For anyone that has ever know Grandpa Louie, that was incredible.
I have been gifted many things in my life and something that I treasure came from Aunt Phyllis and Uncle Ralph. It is a pendant watch necklace. I thought it was the height of fashion when I received it in the 1960's. It no longer keeps time, but I could not bear to part with the watch. I was luckier than my Cousins, Brothers, and Sister. Just by proximity to Grandma Rose and Grandpa Louie I was able to see my extended family, probably more frequently than they did. We were all connected to the Grandparents. Then as time marched on, to the Uncles and Aunts. Time just keeps marching and now there is only my Pop to represent the 2nd generation.
Uncle Ralph called me after Aunt Phyllis passed away and thanked me for everything I did when Grandma Rose died. He never had to deal before with the necessary details of death, funeral homes, cemetaries, and plots etc... That always meant a great deal to me, that he took the time to call me and thank me. Uncle Louis did the same thing after Grandma Rose passed away. Back in those days long distance calls were expensive and meant something significant. Both of those Gentlemen called me and that meant the world to me to be acknowledged by my Mlaska Uncles.
I will miss our phone calls. These days no one even considers picking up the phone to call someone across the country. He (like many great Mlaska Men) always had a story to tell (or a great joke!), usually to make a point or end a conversation. I hope he had a happy life. He seemed to. Of course I wish I had picked up the phone and called him one more time. The living always seem to have regrets. It is all so true that you should make time for the visits, phone calls, and saying I love you to the people that are nearest and dearest to your heart. I will be a lost soul next November with no Birthday phone call to make. Perhaps I will call my Cousins.....
Rest easy Uncle Ralph. I hope you knew how much I respected and enjoyed you. I prefer to imagine that you are some place wonderful surrounded by those that loved you.
Trish, Nancy and Lynn may time ease the grief of your hearts.
Love,
Cheryl (aka Cherrie) Mlaska
A candle was lit by Kelley L Gulin
on March 24, 2017 12:53 PM
Message from SLewis
March 24, 2017 7:18 AM
I am truly sorry for your loss, please accept my deepest sympathy. May the God of all comfort gives your family strength during this difficult time. 2nd Corinthians 1:3,4 I pray that this message brings your family much comfort in the days ahead
Message from Mike, Michelle, Jessica and Caroline Mlaska
March 23, 2017 10:01 AM
Your family will be in our prayers.
Message from Gerrie Dubit
March 24, 2017 4:03 PM
Sending to the Malaska family my heartfelt sympathy. He was a wonderful person and will be remembered by all who knew him. With much warmth, Gerrie Dubit
A candle was lit by Lisa Lynn Cullinane
on March 21, 2017 5:26 PM
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