Ralph Andresen, Sr.

RALPH ANDRESEN, SR.

Ralph Andresen, Sr., age 66, of Memphis, MO, died Sunday, March 13, 2016 in Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL.

He was born February 25, 1950 in Peoria, IL, a son of Ole and Virginia Reed Andresen. He and Roberta Shinall were the parents of Ralph, Jr. and Raymond. Together with Cheri Moss, they had a daughter, Traci, and then he and Clarissa Slater were parents of Marcus. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn. He and Becky Hopp had been loving companions for the past eight years.

Survivors include his fiancé, Becky Hopp of Memphis, MO and her mother, Mary Lipper of Kahoka, MO; three sons: Ralph Andresen, Jr. of Springfield, IL, Raymond Lee Andresen of Ashland, IL and Marcus Andresen of Creve Coeur, IL; a daughter, Traci Heath and fiancé Steven Karr of Sioux City, IA; Becky's children, whom he considered his own: Shana Lindsey and Misty Adams of Kahoka, MO and Jason "Red" (Bethany) Hopp of Licking, MO; grandchildren: Kimberly Andresen, Stephanie Andresen and Nick Andresen all of Lowder, IL; Rayven and Alexandrea Heath, both of Sioux City, IA; Jordan (Devon) Green of St. Louis, MO; Blain, Shane, Shaylee "Pain" Lindsey, all of Kahoka; Athena Hood of Licking, MO, Jewell Hopp of St. Francisville, MO, Nicholas and Tony Hood and Melody and Robbie Hopp, all of Licking, MO; Jace Soper and Tober and Novi Adams, all of Kahoka; one great-grandson: Owen Braynard of Lowder, IL; two brothers, Charles (Darla) Andresen of Athens, IL and Rob (Kathy) Andresen of Charlottesville, VA; one sister: Joy (Norm) Mayberry of Memphis, MO: Becky's siblings: Randy (Debbie) Lipper of Revere, MO and Carroll (Anita) Lipper of Kahoka, MO; an uncle, Bob (Connie) Reed of Athens, IL as well as nieces, nephews and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marilyn; Becky's dad, Kenneth Lipper, Becky's son, Brent Hopp, a dear friend, Jerry Ostrander; as well as other relatives.

Ralph graduated from high school in Illinois and although not further educated, he picked up on anything he did or tried and was a master and jack of all trades. There wasn't anything he tried to do that he couldn't. Like his mother, Ralph had many adventures in life and spent the majority as a tow truck driver and semi repairman. He received numerous awards and was recognized by the governor, mayor, and other officials for the jobs he did in difficult situations. His passion was music, particularly with sheet music, and he was a volunteer historian in the music industry most of his life. He was accredited with three books on sheet music and was friends with many top name musicians he met through this part of his life.

Ralph was also a self-taught computer whiz and serviced computer many years including several business in Memphis since he moved there approximately 10 years ago. Ralph was an excellent carpenter and enjoyed wood working. He had a natural talent which allowed him to be able to do jobs without using a level as he had an "eagle eye" for straight lines. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing and hunting for mushrooms.

Services were held Wednesday, March 16, 2016, at 6:30 p.m. at Wilson Funeral Service, Inc. in Kahoka, MO with Kim McNamar officiating. Cremation will follow with inurnment at a later date in the Kahoka Cemetery. Friends called at Wilson Funeral Service, Inc. after 9 a.m. Wednesday with family receiving friends from 5 p.m. until the time of the service. Special music included "The Greatest Man I Never Knew" and "The Entertainer".

Memorials in lieu of flowers are suggested to Becky Hopp for final expenses.

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