Ralph Annette, 93, of Waterloo, died on Monday, February 28, 2005, at the Ravenwood Nursing and Rehab Center. He was born on May 8, 1911, in New Hampton, Iowa, the son of Harvey and Laura (Zimmerman) Annette. Ralph married Doris M. Stiefel on July 4, 1934. She died September 10, 1974.

Ralph worked at John Deere from 1928 until retiring as Supervisor of Dept. 39 in 1968. After retirement, he owned his own roofing business. He was a member of the Bethel Presbyterian Church, the Waterloo BPO Elks, Martin Lodge #624 A.F. & A.M., and John Deere Supervisor Club.

During the depression Ralph worked as a cook at a CCC camp near Lamont, developing Backbone State Park. His experiences during the depression shaped much of his life and his values. Neatness was important, he liked to dress well and keep things in order, he had a need to keep cash available, but more importantly he learned the value of hard work, an honest reputation and earning respect. He had a pride in what he did, who he was, and his family.

Ralph is survived by his two daughters, Sheryl Annette of Waterloo, Sonya Snyder and her husband David of Waterloo; three granddaughters, Susan Cook of Waterloo, Michelle (Craig) Wolterman of Walford, Iowa, Shannon (Mark) Melcher of Waterloo; a step- granddaughter, Christine (David) Hall of Rochester, Minnesota; and six great-grandchildren, Andrew and Benjamin Melcher of Waterloo, and Alexa, Autumn, Nick, and Nate Hall of Rochester, Minnesota. He is also survived by a special friend, Evelyn Hardcastle of Waterloo.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Doris; sisters, Ada Johnson, Clara Craft, Nellie Burco, and Jennie Ross; and brother, Lee.