Ralph J. Losing

Funeral services for Ralph J. Losing, 93, of Baker, will be held 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 27, 2025 at The First Baptist Church in Baker with Pastor James Parks and Darrell Losing  officiating.

Family Receiving Friends will take place Sunday, January 26, 2025 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson Funeral Home, Baker, with a time of sharing at 5:00 p.m.

Ralph passed away Friday, January 17, 2025 at Superior Care Villa in Baker.

Ralph was born on April 17, 1931, in Sheboygan, WI, to John W. Losing and Christine (Bechtold) Losing. He attended grade school and high school in Sheboygan, WI. In 1945, as a young teen Ralph rode the train to Montana to work for his Uncle Ernie and Aunt Irene Bechtold. In 1946, Ralph, with his parents and brother, Roger, moved to the farm/ranch north of Baker. 

Ralph enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in November of 1951 and was stationed in Anchorage, AK as an airman 1st class jet mechanic for 4 years. During this time, Ralph also obtained his private pilot’s license. After his military service and his return to Baker, Ralph worked construction, oilfield and ranch jobs. He also obtained his Airframe and Powerplant license while working at Bethel Aviation in Baker.

 Ralph married Karen Irene Wollesen on June 19, 1960, at the Wollesen ranch at Mill Iron, MT. In May of 1961, after the birth of their first daughter, Victoria Jo, Ralph and Karen moved to Anchorage, AK, where Ralph worked for Aircraft Rebuilders at Merrill Field

During this time, Karen came back to MT to deliver their son, Jerry Robert, born on their third anniversary. In 1963, Ralph and Karen permanently returned to Montana and purchased the farm from Ralph’s parents. In the following years, Ralph’s family grew with three more daughters: Valerie June, Janell Justina and Terri Lynn. 

Along with farming and ranching, Ralph enjoyed flying his airplanes, rebuilding airplanes, tractors and engines. He was innovative in rebuilding and repurposing anything. Woodworking, gardening and raising chickens were additional passions of Ralph’s. Ralph attended the First Baptist Church of Baker, served as a Country Pals 4-H leader and was a member of the Farmer’s Union board of directors. Ralph held numerous part-time positions over the years including Baker Air Service, Mitchell’s Oilfield Service, a crop appraiser for the ASCS, and a volunteer van driver for the Veteran’s Administration. Ralph was a life-long member of the NRA and the Experimental Aviation Administration (EAA). 

He spent the last year of his life at Superior Care Villa where he entertained the staff and fellow residents with his quick wit and ready smile. He developed meaningful relationships with many of his fellow inmates. He also became a master Bingo player and enjoyed using his Bingo bucks to purchase gifts for Ruth and snacks for himself. Ralph’s family is forever grateful to Michelle and the loving and caring staff at Superior Care for enabling Ralph to enjoy his time there in a dignified, thoughtful and kind setting.

Ralph is survived by his five children; Vickie (Marty) Askin of Kenai, AK; Jerry (Jill) Losing of Baker; Valerie (Jack) Peaslee of Miles City, MT; Janell Losing-Miller of Miles City, MT; and Terri (Rich) Arnold of Glenrock, WY; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; his brother, Roger; and companion Ruth Breen.

Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Karen; his grandson, Cael John Askin and his son-in-law, Randall Miller. 

The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Superior Care Villa or the Baker Food Bank.

Following cremation, a family burial will be held at a later date.