Ralph E. Watts

May 27, 1940 - July 9, 2020

Ralph E. Watts, age 80, of Aurelia, Iowa died on Thursday, July 9, 2020 at the Cherokee Regional Medical Center in Cherokee, Iowa. Public graveside services will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Alta. Public visitation will take place on Monday, July 13, 2020 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in ALTA. The family is requesting that masks be worn during the visitation due to COVID-19. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to later distribute to Ralph's favorite organizations. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Alta is in charge of the arrangements. Ralph Eugene Watts, the son of Guy and Lavon “Bonnie” (Blake) Watts, was born on May 27, 1940 in Storm Lake, Iowa. As an infant, Ralph was baptized at the Alta United Methodist Church and later confirmed at the same church. Growing up, Ralph attended grade school and high school in Alta. He graduated from Alta High School in 1958. He then went on to attend Southern State Teachers College in Springfield, South Dakota for two years. On February 26, 1963, Ralph enlisted in the United States Army to serve his country. During his time in the Army, he served during the Vietnam War and was a specialist. He received an honorable discharge on February 25, 1969. On April 4, 1965, Ralph united in marriage to Loreen Friedrichsen. They were blessed with three children: Dawn, Charlotte, and Clinton. The couple later divorced. On June 6, 1987, Ralph united in marriage to Diane Braun at the Aurelia United Methodist Church. Ralph gained two children, Misty and Brian. For most of his working career, Ralph worked at a bank and telephone company. He was a jack of all trades and enjoyed working numerous other jobs throughout his life. Ralph farmed for over 20 years with his dad. He decided to retire from the telephone company in 2002, but continued to farm part-time. Ralph was very active in his community and was a member of the American Legion Post 390 in Aurelia, SERPACI, Little Sioux Red Power, and Antique Automobile Club of America. He also participated almost every year in the Albert City Threshermen and Collectors Show. Ralph was also a long time member of the Aurelia United Methodist Church and served as treasurer for many years. In his free time, Ralph enjoyed restoring antiques, working on old motors, going to his kids’ and grandkids’ activities, and farming. He also liked to travel with his wife, Diane. The couple went on numerous cruises over the years. Above all, family was Ralph’s top priority. He served as a rock for all, offering his wise words and support. He was blessed with a gentle soul and a patient ear. He always took the time to listen to his family and others. His encouraging words were highly regarded by many and he left a grand legacy. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Diane Watts of Aurelia, Iowa; children: Dawn (Clark) Voge of Cherokee, Iowa; Charlotte (Christopher) Quinney of Hickory, North Carolina; Clinton Watts of Readlyn, Iowa; Misty (Joseph) Daum of Cherokee, Iowa; Brian (Jessica) Watts of Riverside, Iowa; brothers, Jim (Connie) Watts of Storm Lake, Iowa and Burdette (Janette) Watts of Spencer, Iowa; grandchildren: Ashley (fiance, Monte Flaugh) Gehrts of Larrabee, Iowa; Adam Gehrts of Aurelia, Iowa; Melanie (Todd) Bauer of Holstein, Iowa; Amber (Tyler) Pearson of Cleghorn, Iowa; Connor Voge of Sioux City, Iowa; Dawson Voge of Cherokee, Iowa; Dale Tibbetts of Cedar Falls, Iowa; Travis Tibbetts of Wilmington, North Carolina; Allison Daum of Cherokee, Iowa; Madison Daum of Cherokee, Iowa; Evan Watts of Riverside, Iowa; great-granddaughter, Lydia Pearson; mother-in-law, Rosemary Braun of Orange City, Iowa; extended family and friends. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Leo Braun; granddaughter, Tatum Tibbetts; and great-granddaughter, Olivia Bauer.