Ralph James Sheffer

He was born July 9, 1943 in Detroit, Michigan to Donald and Bertha (Fosness) Sheffer. Ralph was a member of the First Apostolic Lutheran Church.

Ralph graduated from Redford Union High School in 1962. He attended Lake Superior State Mining University and graduated with a degree in Engineering Technology.

On July 3, 1965, Ralph was united in marriage to Sarah Hillstrom in Calumet, Ml. They shared over 58 years together and were blessed with 11 children. They resided in the Detroit, Michigan area until 1976 and then Pinckney, Michigan.

Ralph returned to school, while living in Pinckney, and earned a master’s degree in business. He was employed by General Motors Corporation for 33 years. Following his retirement, they moved to Bootjack, Michigan in 1998, and resided there until 2022, when they relocated to Howell, Michigan.

Ralph was an avid fisherman, hunter, outdoorsman, handyman and mechanic and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Donald Sheffer and Bertha Larkin, his parents- in-law, Uno and Ruth (Waino Suomala) Hillstrom and brothers and sisters-in-law, Rosie Hillstrom, William and Shirley Hillstrom, Karen Hillstrom, Denise Hillstrom and Carl Maki.

He is survived by his wife, Sarah, his children; Eric (Avis) of Fenton, Kirk (Jill) of Howell, Craig (Susan) of Brighton, Wade (Kelly) of Brighton, Jody (Erik) Johnson of Fenton, Bradley (Michelle) of Howell, Jon (Kara) of Howell, Timothy (Kate) of Fowlerville, Bret (Kassie) of Brighton, Julie (Nick) Markham of Ishpeming and Emily (Travis) Pennala of Linden, his brother, Richard (Vickie) Sheffer, two half-sisters, Kim and Pam, 57 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, brothers and sisters-in-law, David (Charlene,) Hillstrom, Mary Maki, Christine Seppala, Brita (Howard) Ylitalo, Charles Hillstrom, Terry (Mary) Hillstrom and a host of relatives and friends.

Funeral service 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at the First Apostolic Lutheran Church, 2970 Oak Grove Road, Howell, Michigan, with visitation 1 hour prior to the service.

Visitation 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at the church. Interment at Riddle Cemetery, Howell, Michigan.

Arrangements by Thayer-Rock Funeral Home. www.thayer-rock.com.