Ralph Donald Brethauer, 92, peacefully climbed the staircase into his Lord and Savior's waiting arms on January 15, 2026. Ralph was ready for his journey, announced when it would be, and welcomed it with grace.

Ralph was born to parents Philip and Mary (Wormsbacher) Brethauer on February 27, 1933, on his parents' farm south of Kersey, CO. He graduated from Kersey High School in 1952. After graduation, Ralph enlisted in the Army and was stationed at Fort Benning, GA. He was honorably discharged in 1955 and returned to the Greeley area.

Ralph was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting and fishing as he spent that time with his wife and family. He enjoyed many jobs throughout his working career where he always brought good-natured humor and an upbeat, can-do attitude. After retiring from Big R in 1994, he busied himself, taking on odd jobs and completing numerous woodworking projects including rocking chairs, yard furniture and even a queen-sized bed. He spent many years crafting wooden toys for underprivileged children at Christmastime, and just prior to his death he completed building several wooden models.

Ralph loved being with people, volunteering, and having fun. He played Santa Claus for many years for the Eaton community; played Benjamin Eaton for Centennial Days; served two terms on the Eaton Town Board; and hosted Bingo every Friday night for the Eaton Chamber of Commerce for over 3 years.

Ralph married Roberta Dumler on August 26, 1977, in Eaton, CO. They had a wonderful life together, traveling extensively to many places in the United States, numerous adventures to Hawaii and Alaska, as well as trips to Germany and England.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Roberta, Rapid City, SD; children, Sheri Siedhoff, Fort Collins, CO, Lauri Loyd (Jeffery), Pierce, CO, Becky Knowlton (Ben) Waldport, OR, and John Brethauer, Loveland, CO; grandchildren, Jeanie Phillips (Eric), Jessie Campagna (TJ), Robyn Engelbert (Alex), Haley Morrell, and Tucker Morrell; great-grandchildren, Emma Budden, Andrew Phillips (Alexis), Kerigan Phillips, Christopher Phillips, Brady Engelbert, Mary Bolton, Vivian Campagna, Sylvia Campagna, and Henry Engelbert; great-great-grandchildren, Kayson Phillips, and Jaxson Phillips; and numerous extended family and friends that he loved dearly.
Ralph has joined his parents Philip and Mary, great-grandson Isaac, and family members and loved ones who preceded him.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Moser Funeral Service Chapel, 3501 11th Avenue, Evans, CO. Private family inurnment will precede the service.

Ralph requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Monument Health Home+ Hospice in Rapid City, in care of Moser Funeral and Cremation Service.