Ralph Follman

Ralph Follman, 85, a lifelong resident of St. Joseph, MI, passed away on May 4th 2013 at Jordan’s Life Care Center in Bridgman, MI. Ralph was taken care of with great love and devotion by his wife of 62 year, Rose, as well as by his children and the compassionate staff of both Hospice at Home and Area Agency on Aging until recently moving to Jordan’s. Friends may visit from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Friday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorial donations can be made to The Area Agency on Aging or Hospice at Home, both in St. Joseph or to Jordan’s Life Care Center in Bridgman Michigan. Those wishing to sign Ralph’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Ralph was born April 24th, 1928 in Berkley, Michigan to Henry and Laudress (Bradeen) Follman. He was a graduate of St. Joseph High School Class of 1948. Ralph was a medic during the Korean War as a member of the 11th airborne division of the U.S. Army. On June 18th, 1951 he was united in marriage to the love of his life (Ada) Rose Stainbrook. They were married for 62 years. Ralph graduated from Ferris State University in 1959 from the School of Pharmacy as a Registered Pharmacist. He worked for 30 years as a registered Pharmacist at Talbots Drug Store in Benton Harbor until 1995. Ralph was a fill in Pharmacist for many area Pharmacies until permanently retiring in 2001. Ralph was very proud to have been a Babe Ruth umpire for many years for the North Lincoln Youth Baseball Association as well as for the American Legion. Ralph umpired many baseball games at both Eaton Park as well as at Riverview Park. Ralph is survived by his wife Rose; his Children: Bruce and (Rosanne Gembala) Follman of Anaconda, Montana; Henry (Deb Regney) Follman of Lovelock, Nevada; Craig (Amy Bunce) Follman of Bridgman, MI and Leanne (Larry) Adams of Coloma, MI; his grandchildren: Josh and Mariana Follman of Atlanta Georgia; Katie Follman of Anaconda, Montana; Lindsey Follman of Kalamazoo, Michigan; Taylor Welch & Carly Welch of Stevensville, Michigan; Jemimy Follman of Bridgman, Michigan; Joe and Christin Adams of Baroda, Michigan; and Great-Grand Children Katelyn Follman and Clayton Joseph Adams. In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceeded in death by his 2 Brothers Kenneth Follman and Clarence Follman and his Sister Gwen Vanlente. The family appreciated the staff of Area Agency on Aging, Private Duty Nurse, Hospice at Home and Jordan’s for all of their loving care and support that they gave during this difficult time.