Ralph E. Fitchett, age 82, of Storm Lake died on Monday, August 28, 2006 at his home.

Funeral services will be Saturday, September 2, 2006 at 10:30 am at the United Methodist Church in Storm Lake with Rev. Dr. Beverlee Bell officiating. Burial will be in the Buena Vista Memorial Park Cemetery. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Visitation will be Friday, September 1, 2006 from 4-8 pm with the family present from 6 to 8 pm at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake, where there will be an Odd Fellow’s Service at 7:00 pm that same evening.

Ralph E. Fitchett was born on September 30, 1923 in Newell, Iowa to Harold and Mazie (Bengston) Fitchett. He attended grade school in Newell and Colorado. In 1941 he graduated from Newell High School. He then entered the United States Army and served his country in World War II. For his honorable service he received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star.

On February 15, 1948 Ralph was united in marriage to Clarice Rathbun in Storm Lake. The couple was blessed with three daughters: Becky, Ginny and Rhonda. The family made their home in Storm Lake where Ralph was employed by the U.S. Post Office, culminating his career as postmaster, until his retirement in 1986.

Ralph was an active longtime member of the United Methodist Church, as well as, the I.O.O.F. Odd Fellows. He also enjoyed playing cards and was a member of the VFW and the American Legion. He was a loving husband and devoted father. He loved spending time with his family and took great pleasure in (FFF) Fitchett Family Fun activities. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Left to cherish his memory are his three daughters: Becky Herpst of Rembrandt, Iowa, Ginny and husband Rusty Smith of Sioux Rapids, Iowa and Rhonda Fitchett of Fort Dodge, Iowa; grandchildren: Bonni Herpst and special friend Bill Christjaner, Meredith Smith and husband Ed Cook and Austin Smith; many extended family members and a host of friends.