Ralph Velthouse, 96, of Dowagiac, passed away peacefully in the arms of his daughter on July 6, 2010, at Kelli’s Cozy Care in Galien.

He was born on March 18, 1914, in Glenwood to Ralph and Hermanie (Shafer) Velthouse and resided in Dowagiac his entire life.

On May 22, 1943, he married Eula J. (Dee) Greenway. His wife preceded him in death on May 30, 2010. Ralph retired from Jessup Door Co. in Dowagiac at age 69.

Ralph loved to walk, and he walked more than five miles a day until the age of 93.

He walked the golf course and to his favorite coffee shop, Trackside, usually twice a day, meeting them when the doors opened.

He continued to talk about Trackside and his friends there and was always looking forward to having breakfast there again. He was proudly baptized by Pastor Jon Den Houter of First Christian Church in Dowagiac at the age of 93. At age 2, his grandson decided his grandpa’s name should be “Bobby,” and his family affectionately called him “Bobby” the rest of his life.

Ralph is survived by: his daughter, Linda Kapp of St. Joseph; his grandson, Scott (Kate) Kapp of St. Joseph; his great-grandchildren, Chelsea, Katie, Grant and Garrett; and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Judy and Jim Dodd of Dowagiac, as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Greg Kapp, and his six brothers and sisters. The family would like to acknowledge Len and Kelli McHugh and their staff at Kelli’s Cozy Care, who took extraordinary care of our dad and grandpa. It was so hard to let you go, but go you must, to be with Mom again, who you could not live without. His grandson said it best: “Bobby was the greatest man I ever knew.”

We will forever miss you both. Ralph’s family will gather with friends on Sunday, July 11, from 2-5 p.m. at Yazel and Clark Chapel, where his funeral service will be on Monday, July 12, at 10 a.m., led by Pastor Jon Den Houter from First Christian Church. He will be laid to rest at Mission Hills Cemetery in Niles. Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to First Christian Church, 121 Oak St., Dowagiac. Please sign his guestbook, and leave a memory of Ralph at www.yazel-clark.com.