Send Condolence
Ralph Lloyd Isham
Date Of Birth:October 8, 1919
Date Of Death:December 30, 2011
Service Date:A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012 at St. John's Lutheran Church, 1617 East Emerson, in Bloomington with the Rev. James E. Reents officiating. Private family inurnment will take place at St. John’s Lutheran Church Columbarium. The family will receive friends from 10 am until the time of the service on Thursday at the church.

Bloomington- Ralph Lloyd Isham, 92, of Bloomington passed away on Friday, December 30, 2011 after a short illness. Per Ralph's wishes cremation rites will be accorded. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Bloomington with the Rev. James E. Reents officiating. Private family inurnment will take place at St. John's Lutheran Church Columbarium. The family will receive friends from 10 am until the time of the service on Thursday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church in Ralph's name.

Ralph was born on October 8, 1919 in Oakland, California, the son of Ralph and Olive (Solomonson) Isham. He graduated from Freemont High School in 1938.

Soon after graduation he began work at Wells Fargo Bank in San Francisco, where in 1940 he met his future wife, Pearl Carson.

In 1951 he went to work for the Standard Oil Company of California, retiring some 34 years later as a financial analyst for their subsidiary, the Chevron Chemical Company.

 Ralph and Pearl were married on February 23, 1946 at Norwegian Lutheran Church in San Francisco. She preceded him in death on July 16, 2011.

Ralph served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during WWII and attained the rank of sergeant. He served with distinction in the Philippines and New Guinea with the 16th Portable Surgical Hospital, part of the 41st Infantry Division.

Ralph is survived by one son: James (Sue) Isham of Sterling, Alaska, one daughter: Christine (Gary) Gruber of Bloomington, Five Grandchildren: Linda Isham of New Jersey, David Isham, Eve Isham, Ph.D. (Arne Ekstrom, Ph.D.), Priscilla "Bo" Isham, and Ed Isham all of California. Also surviving are 3 great-grandsons, Insee, Jason and Tristan of California. His twin sister Miriam Ring of Portland, Oregon also survives.

In addition to his wife Pearl, Ralph was preceded in death by his parents.

Ralph and his family lived most of their lives in San Rafael, CA where they were active members of Marin Lutheran Church in Corte Madera, CA.   He and Pearl moved to Bloomington in 1993. He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Bloomington.  Ralph enjoyed time with his family, gardening, travel, and was a true gentleman.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the doctors and staff at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington for their kindness shown to Ralph.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at kiblerbradyruestmancom.

 

 
  • From: Karen Harsha
    Location:Bloomington, Il

    Christine and Gary,I have a lot of words in my heart and the only thing that is coming out at this time is that I will miss Dad Isham,he is with Mom Isham in heaven, his true Love. He is out of pain that he suffered with. We had good times on our small picnic trips and trips to the farm. I am so glad that he and your mom were in my life. I will be here for you. LOVE, Karen

  • From: Don, Peggy and Sarah Arter
    Location:United States

    Our love and prayers are with you, as you remember and release dear Ralph to the heavenly realm of God's kingdom, where he and the love of his live, Pearl, will enjoy the promises of the CHRIST, of whom they were both most faithful. We will always remember Ralph's gentle spirit, love and devotion to his family, willingness to help whenever he could, and happy participation in so many of our family events. Although your hearts may be heavy for some time, we know that there must also be comfort and relief in knowing that he did it "His" way! We celebrate his presence in our lives, and are richer for it! God bless all of Ralph's family and our prayers are with you. Love, Donnie, Peggy and Sarah

  • From: Caryl Ring
    Location:Tualatin Oregon

    Uncle Ralph (Bud) was the only Uncle I grew up with. I will miss him terribly and my heart aches for your lost Chris and Jim. May we find the peace of Christ during this hard time of passing. But we can look forward to being reunited again, when we see them for that great gathering in Heaven.

  • From: Don & Lilian Weiberg
    Location:Herrljunga Sweden

    We have lost our family and travelfriend Ralph,he was our companion in 6 countrys in Europa.But the bright memorys never can vanish,He always has a place in our hearts. We are sorry for your loss of Ralph,our thoughts are with you at difficult time Our deepest Condolence

  • From: Janice Barth
    Location:Lexington, IL

    Christine and Gary, my prayers are with you both. Not enough words can help ease the pain. Dad is no longer suffering and he is with mom smiling down upon us all.

  • From: Mickey McCombs
    Location:Shirley, IL

    Christine & Gary, so sorry for your loss(es). Though I did not know either of them, I know how much they meant to you. Christine, you are such a good daughter! My parents are still around and I hope I can be as strong as you are.

  • From: Gunborg & Tage Weiberg
    Location:Vaestra Frolunda . Sweden

    The memory over Ralph will shinein our hearts. We are close you:Chris & Gary in your hard times

  • From: Vicki De Graves-Rilla
    Location:San Rafael, CA

    Hi Chris, I was sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. It is a comfort to know your parents are together again. My mother also passed away, 12/29/11, her service is today and we will be placing her with my Dad. You will be in my thoughts as well today. Vicki