Ralph Joseph Andersen 87 passed away from heart failure at is home on Cave Lake near Medimont, ID on February 17, 2010. A long-time independent logger in the St. Maries area, he was born in Gopher, South Dakota on June 10, 1922 to Andrew and Mildred Holmes Andersen, the oldest of five sons and one daughter. The family migrated to North Idaho in 1936 where they lived and he worked until enlisting in the U.S. Coast Guard during WW II. Following his honorable discharge in April of 1945 he returned to the area and began a long career as a logger and contractor. He married Mary Lou Kamp on July 11, 1948 at Harrison. He and his wife were the Harrison Royalty several years ago for the Old Timers Celebration at Harrison. He was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church of Harrison , a member of the Harrison V.F.W. And the Medicine Mountain Grange. He enjoyed hunting, collecting antique logging equipment and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife at the family home. He is also survived by sons and daughters-in-law Earl and Jacqui, Joe and Laura and Erick and Audrey Andersen all of Harrison Flats, ID Don and Marion Andersen of Neenah, WI, Dan and Kay Andersen of Clarkston, WA His daughters and sons-in-law Marcia and Chris Carlson of Medimont, Terri and Gary Pullen of Bandon, Or, Debra and Jay LaKamp of Portland, OR and Donna and Bruce Day of Lewiston, ID He is also survived by brothers and their wives Dale and Sharon and Andy and Aurelia Andersen all of Coeur d' Alene, ID and Wayne and Shirley Andersen of Spokane, WA Also surviving are 29 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by brother Richard and sister Inez. An evening Prayer Vigil Service will be held Sunday, February 21, at 4:00 p.m. At St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church followed by a dinner for family and friends at the Medicine Mt. Grange Hall, Medimont, ID Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, Feb. 22 at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Timothy Ritchey celebrant. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery with a reception to follow at the Benedictine Hall for family and friends. Music for the service will be provided by Kay Zarpentine and Barbara Henderson. Pallbearers will be his sons. The family suggests memorials to Hospice of Benewah Co. 702 College Ave., St. Maries, ID 83861 Hodge Funeral Home, St. Maries is entrusted with arrangements.
