Ralph Edwin Poetker, age 88, of Jackson, passed away Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born Sept. 30, 1931 in South Webster, Ohio to the late Oscar and Ruth Ann (Rose) Poetker.
He graduated from Jackson High School in 1951 and shortly after enlisted in the United States Navy, having served in the Korean War. Ralph was a retired maintenance mechanic from the Piketon Atomic Plant. He was a member of the Jackson Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, past President of the Gallipolis Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a member of the Southern Ohio Wood Carvers Association, Boy Scouts of America “Boy Scout Troop 48”, active 4-H adviser and was the past President of the Jackson Alumni Association.
He is survived by his children: Vicki Kille, Mike (Maureen) Poetker, Tim (Will) Poetker, Jane (Dreama) Poetker and Mark (Penny) Poetker; and brother: David (Reina) Poetker. He was also survived by several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife: Ramona Jean Poetker; second wife: Delores Poetker; brothers: Murl and Walter Poetker; sister: Emma Jane Walton; and son-in-law: Buddy Kille.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020 at the Jackson Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 181 Breaden Ave., Jackson, Ohio with President Caleb Orton officiating. Burial will be in the South Webster Cemetery with military graveside honors by the DAV Jackson Chapter 45. Family will receive friends from 11 a.m. up to the time of the funeral at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to: The Markay Cultural Arts Center, c/o Southern Ohio Arts Council in Ralph’s name, to P.O. Box 149, Jackson, Ohio 45640.
A special thanks to the PCM nurses and Paula Arthur from Heartland Hospice for their care for Ralph. Arrangements are under the direction of the Mayhew-Brown Funeral Home. Condolences can be emailed to www.mayhew-brownfuneralhome.com