Ralph Zerhusen

Ralph Joseph Zerhusen, 90, from Ryland Heights, KY passed away early Monday Morning, March 12th, with his family by his side. He was born July 3, 1921 to Joseph and Edith Zerhusen. The oldest of 5, he grew up in Covington and went to war in 1942 where he was awarded EAME Theater Ribbon with 4 Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Ribbon, the Silver Star, and the WWII Victory Medal. After the war, he found the love of his life, the late Louise Zerhusen and raised 5 children in Ft. Mitchell, KY. He worked for 40+ years at Zero Breeze Co. He was preceded in death by his brother, Al Zerhusen and his sister, Mary Jane Lueke. He is survived by his 5 children; daughters, Linda (Larry) Bohart of Ryland Heights, Carol (Steve) Holthaus of Highland Heights, and Cathy Zerhusen of Erlanger; his sons, David (Shauna) Zerhusen of Ryland Heights, and Stephen Zerhusen of Erlanger. He also leaves behind 14 grandchildren: Julie Wiegand of Louisville, Joseph Wiegand of Highland Heights, Spiff Wiegand of New York, Michelle Begnoche of Foster, Gary Mitchell of Cold Spring, Grant Mitchell of Cold Spring, Elizabeth Holmes of Independence, Matthew Zerhusen of Independence, Amy Maschmeyer of Covington, Ella King of Independence, Maggie Zerhusen of Ryland Heights, Shannon Brewer of Hebron, Lisa Brown of Hebron, Michael Zerhusen of Florence, 23 great-grandchildren; his brother, Elmer Zerhusen of Ft. Mitchell and his step-brother Tom Niemeier of Charlotte, NC. Ralph was a humble man; he never liked the center of attention. In life and now in death, he wouldn’t want us to focus on the sadness of his death, but instead to celebrate the happiness in our lives. He would want us to appreciate each other and our future. A man as humble and loving as Ralph will always be remembered by those of us who knew him and loved him. Although we will miss him, his smile, his pranks, his love, we take consolation in the wonderful memories left to cherish. Visitation will be held Thursday, March 15th from 4—8PM at Linnemann Funeral Homes Erlanger. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, March 16th at 10:00AM at St. Patrick’s Church 3285 Mills Road Covington, KY 41015. Burial will follow at Mother of God Cemetery Latonia, KY. Memorial contributions: The Diocesan Catholic Children’s Home 75 Orphanage Road Fort Mitchell, KY 41017.