Ralph C. Skoglund

Ralph C. Skoglund, 88, of Felch, passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2015 at ManorCare Health Services in Kingsford. Ralph was born May 17, 1927 in Norway, MI, son of the late Ivar and Ellen (Branback) Skoglund. He was raised along with his 6 brothers, in the Swedetown location up on Norway Hill. Ralph lived most of his life in the same neighborhood he grew up in, where he was surrounded by friends and the family that made him so proud of his Swedish heritage. He attended the Norway Schools and was a United States Army Veteran of WWII. Ralph married Kathryn Ferris on December 15, 1950 at the original First Presbyterian Church on the corner of Carpenter and Brown Street in Iron Mountain. Together they raised their 4 children and were married for 57 years. Kathie preceded him in death on July 18, 2007. Ralph worked for Norway Gravure as a pressman for a time, before taking a position as a lineman working for the City of Norway. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and was employed as an electrician for many years through the Local Union 219. Ralph and Kathie, along with Jim and Grace Tregillis, owned and operated The Local Pub in Norway for several years. There, they enjoyed the company of many friends, old and new, and left with many good stories to tell. Ralph spent most summers with his family, at Six Mile Lake near Felch, MI. He always had a project of some type going. He enjoyed woodworking and made many nice items. He was a bird watcher his whole his life, a hobby inherited from his mother, Ellen. Ralph knew most birds by sight, could identify their songs, and whistle the song back to them very nicely. He also kept them fed every winter. Ralph was quick to smile and usually found something he thought was good for a laugh in most situations. He was a good family man and his family loved him for it. He leaves us with many happy memories. Ralph is survived by children, Glen Skoglund of Norway, Patsy (David) Carnahan of Felch, Nancy Griffith of Kingsford, and Steve (Vicki) Skoglund of Norway; grandchildren, Miranda (Dan) Repp, Michelle Olson, Scott Carnahan, Casey (Nancy) Carnahan, Andrew Finendale (Erin Walker), Bailey (Jimmy) Erickson, Whitney Bales (Jamie Kraemer) and Cody Bales; great-grandchildren, Jeremiah, Ruby & Zechariah Repp, Olivia & Nash Kraemer, Brianna & Kyla Olson, Logan & Grace Carnahan and Jimmy, Jacob and Brianna Erickson; a brother, James Skoglund of Norway; a sister-in-law, Adelaide (Bob) Marceau of Harvey; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, Ralph was preceded in death by an infant son, five brothers, Donald, John, Ted, Richard and Bob Skoglund; and a special dog, Bud. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 31 from 3:00 to 5:00pm at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. A memorial service will follow at 5:00pm at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Norway Township Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Ralph Skoglund online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.

Ralph C. Skoglund

May 17, 1927 - July 8, 2015