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Ralph L. Pulfer, 79 of Quincy, died Tuesday, March 15, 2005 at Dorothy Love Retirement Community.
He was born November 29, 1925 in Logan County, the son of the late Lewis and Ethel (Walcott) Pulfer.
On February 4, 1948 he married Lenora Mae Pence who survives along with five children; Jeanie and Keith Putnam of Conover, Jacqueline and George Mathes of Woodstock, Illinois, Connie and Michael Lynch of Columbus, Tom and Cindy Pulfer of Lakeview and Mark and Karen Pulfer of Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
He is also survived by ten grandchidren; Jodi and Travis Markwood of Rushville, Matt and Jade Pulfer of Clarksville, Jay and Becky Putnam of Conover, Brian and Lindsey Pulfer of Delaware, Benson and Kristen Pulfer of Bradenton, Florida, Brad Pulfer of Akron, Taryn Lynch of Centerville, Katherine Pulfer of Minot AFB, North Dakota, Travis Pulfer of Columbus, and Lucas Lynch of Eglin AFB, Florida. Three step-grandchildren include Elizabeth Mathes of San Diego, California, Patrick and Roxana Mathes of McHenry, Illinois, and Steven and Jennifer Mathes of Gilbert, Arizona. Four great-grandchildren and five step great-grandchildren also survive along with two sisters and two brothers; Mary Dinsmore of Centerville, Mildred Roesner of Curtice, Marvin (Phyllis) Pulfer of DeGraff and Willis (Sue) Pulfer of Maplewood.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a sister, Eileen Clark, and four brothers; Roger Pulfer, Russell Pulfer, Lewis Pulfer, Jr. and Roy Pulfer.
Mr Pulfer was a life long member of Grace Lutheran Church in Jackson Center. He served during WWII in the U.S. Army, was awarded the Purple Heart and was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was engaged in grain and dairy farming as well as an early pioneer and avid sportsman of Border Collie Sheep Dog Trials.
He was co-founder of the American Border Collie Association and the United States Border Collie Handlers Association, first person induced into the United States Border Collie Handlers Association Hall of Fame, first American to judge National Finals, first American invited to Ireland to judge National Finals, National Purina Herding Dog of the Year Award along with training, teaching and trading border collies nationally and internationally.
Visitation will be held from 3-8 pm Friday, March 18, 2005 at Rexer-Riggin-Madden Funeral Home, 210 W. Hayes St., DeGraff and one hour prior to the funeral, at the church. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, March 19, 2005 at Grace Lutheran Church, Jackson Center, with Rev. Dennis King and Rev. Janice Campbell officiating. Burial will follow in the Greenwood-Union Cemetery, DeGraff. Gravside military honors will be conducted by the Logan County Honor Guard. Pallbearers will be his seven grandsons with his three granddaughters acting as honorary pallbearers.
Memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, 607 S. Main St., Jackson Center 45334 or Dorothy Love Life Care Fund, 3003 W. Cisco Road, Sidney 45365.
