Ralph H. Wisher Jr., 70

Ralph H. Wisher Jr. peacefully passed away in the arms of his wife Karen, on March 12, 2015, after a long battle with an illness.

He was born Jan. 13, 1945, in Richland, Washington, to Ralph and Alice (Frach) Wisher. Ralph was raised in Kennewick, Washington, where he graduated from Kennewick High in 1963, after which he joined the National Guard, serving for six years.

He married Tula Ady and they had two beautiful children, Heather and Jeff. He moved to Kalispell in 1976, opening Able Body Shop on April 1 of that year. Ralph always said “If you love what you’re doing, you’ll never work a day in your life,” and that’s how he felt about Able Body Shop. He enjoyed serving people of the greater Flathead Valley, and was very grateful to everyone who helped make Able Body Shop the success it is today.

Ralph met and married Karen Kearns in 1981, adopting her son Jason as his own, making a family of love. Ralph’s passion was collecting and restoring vintage hotrods; the faster the better! His need for speed took him to the 1/4 mile drag strips with his dragster, and to the Bonneville Salt Flats of Utah with his Lakester race car. Ralph and Karen loved traveling the world, with Ralph especially enjoying Europe. He so loved his children and was very proud of all three. His grandchildren held a very special place in his heart, and his heart was full to the brim, being blessed with 14 grandchildren.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Sr. and Alice Wisher; and sisters, Margie and Joanne.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Karen; daughter, Heather, and Josh; son, Jeff, and his wife, April; son, Jason, and his wife, Karly; and siblings, Linda and Dean Johnson, and Gary DeReche. Ralph’s legacy carries on through his grandchildren Haylee, Jack, Ashton, Mckenzie, Max, Leela, Addi, Gunnar, Gretta, Oakley, Gannon, Rowan, Barret and Magnus; and his great-grandchild, expected to join us this summer; as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, March 20, located at the Red Lion Inn, Kalispell. Please join us in the celebration of a wonderful man, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.

Ralph donated land to the Lions Club so the children of Evergreen would have their own field for sports. He so wanted to see it finished and it’s almost there. In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to Abs Park First Interstate Bank. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Ralph’s family.