Ralph Gilbert Maertz

Ralph Gilbert Maertz, 77, of Owensboro, passed away on Monday, November 9, 2009 at Owensboro Medical Health System. Born in Sheboygan, WI on May 31, 1932 to the late John and Emily Dietz Maertz, Ralph attended the Lutheran Seminary at Concordia College in Milwaukee, WI and graduated in 1950. The following year he moved to Winfield, KS, where he attended St. John's College and met his wife Marguerite Nickel. Ralph and Marge married at Camp Chaffey in Ft. Smith, AR on June 26, 1953 and were married for 55 years. They had one daughter, Susan. Ralph was a corporal in the US Army, stationed in Tachikawa, Japan where he served as a Medical Aidman in the 15th Ambulance Battalion during the Korean War and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. Ralph later attended the University of Illinois at Springfield where he earned a degree in geology. Moving to Owensboro in 1966, he worked throughout the area as a petroleum geologist through his consulting firm, Devonian Development, which he founded in 1981. Ralph loved academics, music, sports and his family. He was also preceded in death by his wife Marge; brothers John and Alfred Maertz, and sisters Hilda Elwing and Annette Wilsing.

Survivors include his daughter Susan Maertz of Owensboro, and his sisters, Eileen Wilbert and Constance Stanley. He is loved, remembered and missed by many other family members and friends.

Services will be held 2 p.m. Friday, November 13, 2009 at Peace Lutheran Church with visitation from 12 until 2. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery. Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.