Ralph Jerald Thole, 82, passed Wednesday, June 21, 2017, of pancreatic cancer. He leaves his wife of 42 years, Thiparwal (Sugsangdao) “Noi” Thole; sons Steven and Jeffrey from his first marriage; daughters Tippi and Nikki; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many friends. He is preceded in death by his daughter Laura.
He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1953. He owned Ideal Novelty Company and Du Bowl Lanes with his brother Henry Clarence Thole Jr., and managed day-to-day operations of Du Bowl Lanes from 1976 to 1988. He loved his cars and was an active member of the Gateway Miata Club and St. Louis PT Cruiser Club. Thole’s Buder Elementary school classmates (class of 1949) held a special place in his heart, and he organized bi-monthly lunch reunions so everyone could stay in touch. Thole became a devoted Mizzou fan after his childhood friend Don Trestik and later his own daughters attended the University of Missouri-Columbia. Eager to show his Tiger spirit, he amassed an impressive collection of Mizzou shirts, wearing one every day for the past 20 years.
Services: Memorial visitation at KUTIS SOUTH COUNTY CHAPEL, 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd., Sunday, June 25, 3-8 p.m. with memorial service at 4:00 p.m.