Ralph Howard Thulin

Ralph “Bud” Thulin, 92, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday afternoon after a brief illness.

Ralph was raised in Fremont, Nebraska, where he graduated from high school in 1951. A proud member of the Fremont Tigers basketball team, he helped lead them to a Nebraska State Championship that year; an accomplishment he cherished throughout his life. He attended Midland College briefly before being drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served honorably during the Korean War. Shortly before his discharge in 1954, Ralph married his best girl, Donna Schmidt, beginning a marriage that would last a lifetime.

Together, Ralph and Donna raised four children: Denise, David, John, and Jane. Their family grew to include five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, each of whom brought him great joy.

An avid athlete, Ralph’s love of the outdoors and competition carried him through the years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and basketball in his youth, later turning to softball and golf. In his 80s, he even took up bicycling, embodying his lifelong energy and determination. Ralph retired in 1990 after a dedicated career with State Farm Insurance.

Beyond his many accomplishments, Ralph will be remembered by his family for his quiet humor alongside a deep, steady voice that always led the prayers at dinner. Summers were filled with swimming, rides on his lawn mower, and afternoons on the tire swing he hung for his grandkids. There were also cherished trips to the zoo, and camping trips in his driveway…moments that sparked wonder and joy. Known to many as the “Gentle Giant” his spirit of fun, and strength will live on in those memories forever.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Donna, and daughters, Denise and Jane. He is survived by his sons, David and John, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as a brother and two sisters.

A memorial service honoring Ralph’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 21, at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri.