Ralph E. Baughman

Ralph E. Baughman

Iowa City

Ralph E. Baughman, 98, of Iowa City, died on Jan. 11, 2023, at his home surrounded by family.

Private family services will be held and a public celebration of Ralph’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed toward St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Iowa City.

Ralph was born on June 24, 1924, in Russell, Iowa, the son of Howard and Edna (Feight) Baughman. He graduated from Indianola High School in 1943. In January of 1944, he was inducted into the Army Infantry. He served at the Battle of the Bulge as a Sergeant in Company C of the 179th Infantry, and was awarded three Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart, and several other decorations for his service in World War II.

On Oct. 10, 1950, Ralph married Mary Irma Driscoll in Iowa City, Iowa. Mary passed away on April 19, 1962. He married Norma Jean Buckman on May 31, 1969, in Iowa City.

He was a farmer, dairy cow specialist and worked at Hometown Dairy for many years. Later, he became a foreman and supervisor at HP Smith in Iowa City. He retired in 1991 and enjoyed traveling and camping with family and friends, eventually splitting his time between Iowa City and Apache Junction, Ariz.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 53 years, Norma; children, Rita Ligocki, Christine Baughman, Timothy Baughman, Thomas Baughman, Suzanne Parsons, Matthew Baughman, Gary Baughman, Joseph Baughman, JoAnn Herdliska and Steven Baughman; sister, Marilyn Porter; 21 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, seven great-great-grandchildren, additional extended family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Edna, three brothers and six sisters, first wife Mary, daughter Nancy, grandson Timothy, and great-grandson Boone.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.lensingfuneral.com.