Bilsten, Ralph Jr Elwood

Memorials: Donors Choice Cemetery: Private Family Inurnment, Westside Cemetery, Westside, Iowa He was a loving son to Garnett and Ralph Sr., brother to six siblings, husband for 59 years-11 months to his wife Eva, father to Mark, Jan and Jodi, father-in-law to Pat Jepsen, Rob Simmens and Bob Hall, grandfather to Karlee, Kerri, Erin and Evan, step-grandfather to Tiffany, Chelsea, Matt and Ben, and step-great grandfather to Hailey and Peyton. He moved our family from Westside to Denison in 1960 where he owned and operated Bilsten Barbershop and later became a realtor owning and operating Bilsten Realty. He served as Vice President of the Denison Jaycees, President of the Denison Chamber of Commerce, Denison Councilman, and the Denison Mayor in 1974-75. He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church where he served as both a deacon and an elder and enjoyed singing in the choir. He was a US Army veteran during the Korean War, stationed in Germany and a proud member of the American Legion, Elks, VFW, and Moose. He enjoyed a good game of golf, a lucky hand in cards and a strong drink. He will always be remembered for the eternal smile on his face, the twinkle in his blue eyes and his quick sense of humor. In these times, it is with our utmost respect that we will remember him as a true gentleman. Although his firm handshake, his affectionate kisses, his generous nature and his presence will be sorely missed, we are convinced he will live on eternally in faith and forever in spirit. Survivors include his wife, Eva Bilsten of Sun City, Arizona, three children: Mark (Pat) Bilsten of Denison, Iowa, Jan Bilsten (Rob Simmens) of Cedar Falls, Iowa, and Jodi Bilsten (Bob Hall) of Littleton, Colorado; four grandchildren: Karlee, Kerri, Erin and Evan; four step grandchildren: Tiffany, Chelsea, Matt and Ben; two step great-grandchildren: Hailey and Peyton; three sisters: Darlene Allsup of Des Moines, Iowa, Phyllis (Bob) Gerken of Cedar Falls, Iowa, and Sharon Kirk of Cedar Falls, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Shelby Obituaries maintained by John Schulte. WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen [ Return to Index ] [ Read Prev Msg ] [ Read Next Msg ]
Born 1932-02-24 in Denison, IA (USA) [1] .
Lived 2009 in Denison, IA (USA).
Lived 2010 in Sun City, Arizona AZ (USA) [1] .
Ralph Bilsten, 79, of Sun City, AZ., died Saturday, May 14, of natural causes. He was born February 24, 1932, son of Ralph & Garnette Bilsten. He married Eva Kracht on June 3, 1941, in Westside, IA. Ralph was a native of Westside, then moved his family to Denison in 1960. He was a barber for 17 years, then became a realtor until retirement. He served as VP of the Denison Jaycees, President of the Denison Chamber of Commerce, Denison Councilman, and the Denison Mayor in 1974 and 1975. Ralph was a member of the United Presbyterian Church where he served as both a deacon and elder. He was a U.S. Army veteran during the Korean War, stationed in Germany. He was a member of the American Legion, Elks, VFW, and Moose. Survived by his wife Eva of Sun City, AZ.; son Mark (Pat) of Denison, IA.; two daughters, Jan Bilsten (Rob Simmens) of Cedar Falls, IA., and Jodi Bilsten (Bob Hall) of Littleton, CO.; four grandchildren, four step-grandchildren and two step-great grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents; sister Audrey, and brothers William and Jack. Services pending. . Published in Denison Bulletin/Review from May 26 to June 26, 2011

Born 1932-02-24 in Denison, IA (USA) [1] .
Lived 2009 in Denison, IA (USA).
Lived 2010 in Sun City, Arizona AZ (USA) [1] .