Ralph Stanley Nusbaum, 85

Ralph Stanley Nusbaum, age 85, of Waterville, died on the morning of Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at Foxdale in Waseca.

Ralph was born in Faribault on July 3, 1939, to parents Everett and Ethel (Theilbar) Nusbaum. He attended Waterville High School before continuing his education at vocational school in Faribault. In 1957 he was married to Carol Jean Weilage, and they divorced twenty-five years later. For most of his working years he owned and operated Ralph’s Service station. He loved his work as a mechanic until an automobile accident forced his retirement in 1983. He was a long-time member of the Elysian Fire Department and served as the Fire Chief for 16 years.He was an avid Twins fan, and he enjoyed woodcarving and playing cribbage. He also loved to travel (often solo) and had visited most of the 50 states as well as Canada and Mexico… his wheelchair not slowing him down a bit. Spending time with his family was his most loved activity of all.

Ralph is survived by three children, Michael (Melanie) Nusbaum of Portugal, Teri James of Elysian, and Laurie Danberry of Waterville; a daughter-in-law, Deana Nusbaum of Kentucky; a brother, Dale Nusbaum of Waterville; twelve grandchildren, Ian Nusbaum, Shannon (Nathan) Kuball, Lisa (Elliott) Cage, Justin (Stephanie) James, Jacob (Ellie) James, Mathew (Katrina) Routh, Jeramy Routh, Brandon (Danae) Nusbaum, Katy (Nathan) Andregg, Steven (Jennifer) Nusbaum, Tina Nusbaum, and Jackie Nusbaum; many great-grandchildren; special nephews, the Larson Boys; and countless other special relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by both of his parents; two sons, Doug Nusbaum and Curt Nusbaum; siblings, Bernard Nusbaum, John Nusbaum, Jerome Nusbaum, Marie Larson; and one son-in-law, Wayne James.

A public visitation was held from 2-3 p.m. on Monday, September 9, 2024, at the Waterville Chapel of Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service. Following a closing prayer, interment followed at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Elysian. Friends and family gathered at “The Main Street Venue” in Elysian following the cemetery.