Ralph Edwin Stutheit, 81, of Humboldt, was unexpectedly called for a fishing trip in Heaven, Wednesday, February 20, 2019. He was born at home to Edwin and Nadine (Reid) Stutheit on November 3, 1937, in Humboldt, where he grew up and attended Humboldt High until joining the United States Air Force in 1955, missing his senior year.
After serving his country for four years, he returned to Humboldt. Only nine days into civilian life, he became a heavy equipment operator and met the love of his life, Clara Portrey, at the local café in Dawson. The couple soon married and started their family. They were known to “cut a rug” with their smooth dancing style. In addition to helping his parents run “The Camp,” Ralph owned Stutheit Construction, a soil conservation company. After many years in business, Ralph later joined the Contractors Teamsters Union #571 and continued to operate heavy equipment throughout the remainder of his career until his retirement in 2005. Because no hard working man is ever retired, he sold bait by raising minnows and catching worms (even in the rain on his hands and knees) as well as cutting down trees to make firewood.
Ralph was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed traveling the backroads searching for wild game or watching the snow geese take off at Squaw Creek. Most notably, Ralph was known to be quite the fisherman. There is not a pond, lake, or river in the surrounding area he couldn’t catch a fish out of. He loved to swap stories with his friends and neighbors at the local co-op or around the table at morning coffee. Frequently, he could be seen waving to the passerby’s while enjoying his koi pond next to the house. The Stutheit front porch is quite a popular place to be. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend who will be forever loved, forever missed, and always in our hearts.
Ralph’s Legacy Continues Through: Devoted Wife of 58 Years: Clara (Portrey) Stutheit, Children and Spouses: Deb (Jess) Hughes, Michael (Karen) Stutheit, Ann (Mario) Mendez, Mary (Mike) Morris, Grandchildren: Brooke, Evan Hughes, Michaela, Austyn Stutheit, Renzo, Adrian Mendez, Shonda (Joey) Gingerich, Latisha Applegarth, Joey (Amanda) Applegarth, Andrew Morris, Great Grandson: Bently Stutheit, Siblings & Spouses: Carol (Wayne) Minchow, Robert (Shirley) Stutheit, Roger (Carolyn) Stutheit, In-Laws: Barbara Shields, Helen Fox, Leon (Kathy) Portrey, (Judy Portrey), Numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.
In Heaven to Welcome Him: Parents: Edwin and Nadine Stutheit, Parents-in-law: Charles & Rose (Johnson) Portrey, In-Laws: Mary Moore, John Portrey, Lawrence (Carol) Portrey, Rosie (Donald) Weddle, (Mary Kay Portrey), (Earl Fox), Nephew: Doug Minchow, Great Nephew: Taylon Artman
Services: A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 15, 2019, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 312 4th Street, Dawson, Nebraska, with Father Kenneth Hoesing officiating.
Greeting: Family will greet friends and relatives from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, 2019, at St. Mary’s Reception Hall, located directly across from the church.
Memorials: Care of the family. Online condolences may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com.
