Ralph Sigrist, 94

Ralph Willard Sigrist, age 94, a long-time resident of Sturgis, passed away Saturday afternoon, February 1, 2025, at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis following a long illness.

Ralph was born on April 22, 1930, near Brighton, Indiana, son of the late John M. and Lucille (McElhenie) Sigrist.

His early years were happily spent on his grandfather’s farm enjoying the freedom of playing in the fields with the animals. In 1942 the family moved to Sturgis, where he spent all the rest of his years. The family joined the First United Methodist Church in Sturgis where Ralph served the church in several capacities. He was proud to be one of the longest members of the church choir serving for over 65 years. Ralph was a gifted pianist as well as a vocalist. He sang with a gospel quartet for several years sharing his gifts with various groups in the area. He also traveled to Germany with the Sturgis Community Choir. In his retirement he enjoyed singing and competing with the Barbershop Chorus.

Ralph graduated from Sturgis High School with the class of 1947. He continued to meet regularly with his class members until his illness prevented attending reunions and monthly luncheons.

Ralph enlisted in the United States Army immediately upon his graduation and served as a radio operator at the Pentagon during the Korean War. Upon discharge he returned to Sturgis to work with his family business, Sigrist Furniture, becoming co-owner of the business with his brother-in-law Richard Messner, Sr., until his retirement.

He served his community as a Lion’s Club member, long-standing member of the DDA and of B.P.O.E Elks Lodge #1381. During this time, he followed another interest and learned to pilot small aircraft joining a Sturgis based flying club. He was so happy when his eldest daughter, Cindy also learned to fly.

Ralph was a passionate golfer, and you could find him golfing at Klinger Lake Country Club where he was a long-time member, or possibly at any one of a number of other golf courses, locally, nationally, and internationally. After retirement he purchased a home in Sebring, Florida where he was able to golf throughout the winter months. He was also a member of a group of retirees who met for golf weekly in Sturgis.

Ralph married Janice Rex in Sturgis in 1961. Although this marriage ended in divorce, together they raised 3 daughters, Cynthia, Diana, and Mary. In 1985 Ralph married Linda Frizzelle Norman in Sturgis, and gained 3 bonus children, Kristy, Michael and Susie Norman. He was so proud of all the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was happy to tell everyone that 4 of his grandchildren were born on his birthday.

Linda and Ralph enjoyed a long and happy retirement together as they wintered in Florida and spent time traveling and visiting many parts of the world.

Ralph was a very gentle, loving, quiet man, who was loved by everyone privileged to know him.

He is survived by his wife, Linda, daughters Cindy Sigrist, Diana (Jeff) Massucci, and Mary (Greg)Weber, Grandchildren, Morgen Krontz, Karlie, Sierra and Nelson Grate, Daniel, Jacob, and Tessa Massucci, and Nick and Mitchell Weber. Stepchildren Kristy (Patrick) Wilcox, Michael (Christina) Norman, and Susie (Brad) Gill. Also 4 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister and brother-in-law: Donna and Richard Messner.

The family wishes to express their utmost gratitude to the staff of Thurston Woods for the kind and compassionate care shown to Ralph and all his family during his stay.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 to 1:30 P.M. Wednesday, February 5th at the Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St. in Sturgis. A graveside service and burial will follow the visitation at 2:00 at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis. Ralph will rest beside his parents and sister Donna Messner. Chaplain Rodger Moyer of Thurston Woods Village will officiate. Military honors will be conferred by the U.S. Army Honor Guard.

Memorial donations would be appreciated to the Thurston Woods Village Staff Appreciation Fund, 307 N. Franks Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091.

We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.