Ralph C. Hood Jr., age 86 of Waupaca, WI passed away on Saturday, September 3, 2016 at home with his loving family by his side.
He was born on May 24, 1930 in Bessemer City, NC, the son of Ralph C Hood Sr. and Virginia (Ratterree) Hood. On September 1, 1956 Ralph married Joan Bell in Marquette, MI. They just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Ralph had an exemplary military career that spanned over 22-1/2 years in the United States Air Force serving in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. After retiring from the Air Force he worked at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan as a maintenance supervisor from 1970 to 1975. In May of 1975 Ralph, Joan and their children moved to the Waupaca area where he worked for the School District of Waupaca as the Building & Grounds Supervisor, retiring in June of 1992. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 1037 in Waupaca.
Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Joan M. Hood of Waupaca; four children: Jon Hood of Waupaca and his children, Brandon (Amanda) Hood and their daughter, Claire and Travis Hood of Appleton, Kathy (Barry) Jacowski of Almond; and their daughter, Nicole, David (Carie) Hood of Green Lake; and Jerry Hood of Waupaca; and Ralph’s best friend, Rocky. He is also survived by his sister, Charlotte Cox of Corvallis, OR and his brother, John (Janet) Hood of Prescott, AR; sisters-in- law: Margaret Bell, Helen Bell and Sharon (Howard) Ellis all from Marquette, MI; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Bill and Frank; his sister, Marqurite Cleek; his brothers-in- law, Elwin Bell and William Bell.
Ralph enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons and attending his son’s sporting events. He loved spending countless hours with his granddaughter and grandsons and his two dogs, both named Rocky. Ralph and Joan enjoyed their many trips to Florida during the winter months and their camping with friends during the summer months in Wisconsin. He also loved sitting and watching the many different species of birds which he fed on a daily basis.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, September 13 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Maple Crest Funeral Home, N2620 Hwy 22, Waupaca, WI 54981. Burial will take place at a later date.