Ralph E. Knerem

On Friday, November 6, 2020 at 4:29 pm, Ralph E. Knerem loving father of three children passed away at the age of 77. Ralph was born October 19, 1943, in Cleveland, Ohio to Lyle and Edith Knerem. He served in the Army branch of the U.S. military from 1967-1969 where he completed three honorable tours in the Vietnam War. He also served three additional years in the Army Reserves through 1973 with an honorable discharge. He raised three sons, Ron, Steven and Mark. There is no question that Ralph loved his country and his brothers and sisters in the military. He wore his Purple Heart and additional honors proudly. He drove convoy trucks, worked the utility lines and experienced combat most notably next to his brother, Richard in Vietnam. He loved his Native American roots and would attend pow-wows and adorn his fashion with the Native American spirit. Ralph also loved to fish with his close friends and family on the many lakes of Greater Cleveland and Lake Erie. In addition to fishing Ralph loved to bowl, like his father. Some might say he loved bowling as much as his country and he taught his three sons his expertise. Ralph also loved watching and attending baseball, football games and hockey. He also loved the Bible and was always open to share his love for God. Ralph was a military man through and through.  If you called him for help he would be there, if you didn't call him for help he would be there. He always liked to make jokes and he would never get offended if you joked back at him, especially with his sons. Meanwhile, he would carry on his big smile as he tried to think of a comeback. Ralph is preceded in death by his father, Lyle and mother, Edith. He is survived by his three sons, Ron, Steven and Mark; his brothers, Bill, Richard, Keith, Keary; sisters, Marie and Nancy; and cousins, nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2020 from 4-8 pm at Ferfolia Funeral Home, 356 West Aurora Road (Rt. 82), Sagamore Hills, Ohio 44067. OUT OF RESPECT FOR ONE ANOTHER MASKS WILL BE WORN AND SOCIAL DISTANCING OBSERVED. Funeral service will be held Friday, November 13, 2020 at 11:30 AM at Crown Hill Abbey Mausoleum Chapel, 8592 Darrow Road, Twinsburg, Ohio 44087. Burial with military honors provided by the U.S. Army and Northfield VFW Post 6768 to follow. Flowers or Donations may be sent to Ferfolia Funeral Home, 356 West Aurora Road, Sagamore Hills, Ohio 44067. Donations may also be sent to https://warriorsjourneyhome.org/

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