Ralph Naslund, 94, passed peacefully on July 26, 2021. Born in St. Louis in 1926 to Mary Eva (Sanders) and Ralph T. Naslund. His father succumbed to tuberculosis when Ralph was just four years old. He was raised by his beloved mother and his uncle, Elmer Naslund. He left school to serve in the Army as a radio operator in the WW2 Pacific Theater and Korea. He later joined his uncle’s business and ultimately was the sole owner of Commercial Electric. In 1970 Ralph married Suzanne O’Rourke to whom he was a devoted and loving husband. They made their home in the historical district of Webster Groves for fifty years.
Ralph was an avid reader of military history, collector of military vehicles, WW2 military radios and memorabilia. He was a ski instructor, small aircraft pilot, train enthusiast, Boy Scout Master and Gun Safety instructor. He enjoyed traveling with his wife to Colorado, New York, Florida and cruising the Caribbean.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Suzanne. Memorial gifts can be made in Ralph’s honor to the Bethesda Health Group Foundation.
Services: Friday August 13, 10:00 AM at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. A service of KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL
Suzanne, I am so sorry to not have been in touch with you and Ralph over the years. Ralph’s great friend Joe Greco died in January, 2011. Perhaps we touched base at that time I do not remember, but I am so sorry to realize Ralph has been living all this time and I did not contact you both. What an amazing life he led and I’m sure you will miss him so much. He and Joe had such fun together. I hope your many happy memories help as you grieve, and then remember Ralph with love. I always so enjoyed the time we spent with Ralph and then of course the two of you! Be well and know I am thinking of you. I’d love to be in touch.