Obituary of Ralph M. Ehmke

Ralph Montgomery Ehmke, having been known to his many friends as Dan, passed away peacefully in Puerto Vallarta Mexico at the age of 76 surrounded by friends on June 30, 2009. He was born on August 31, 1932 in Amsterdam, NY and had resided in Fort Johnson, NY for many years. Dan was the son of Eva Dorothy Ladd and Clifford Stanley Ehmke who are deceased. He is survived by his only sister Emily Scott and her husband Anthony, both of Fort Johnson, NY. He is also survived by two nieces Lisa Scott and her significant other Chris McClanahan who reside in Carter Lake, Iowa and Paula and Jeremy Shepherd and their children Hope Isabella and Evan Anthony who reside in Wichita Falls, Texas. Several cousins also survive. Dan graduated from the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School, the class of 1951. Shortly after graduation he enlisted with the U.S. Navy and attended boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois. During his enlistment he was assigned to the U.S.S. Lowery, a destroyer that traveled around the world twice and was on board during the Korean War. Upon receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy in 1954 in Norfolk, Virginia, he attended Pace College in NYC, training to be a CPA. At that time he went to work for Aetna Insurance Company. He started this position in Albany, NY and with each promotion was transferred to different offices for the company starting with Albany, NY, then to Springfield, MA, to Toronto, Canada, and finally to Orlando, Florida. He then returned home to help take care of his aging Mother. Working in this area for several years he worked with several different insurance companies until retirement. Enjoying vacations in Mexico, Dan decided to move into that area several years ago. He was of the Protestant Faith. He was cremated in Mexico and his remains will be dispersed in the Bay area in December. He will be truly missed by his family and friends. A Celebration of Life is planned for Dan here in Amsterdam on July 30th, 2009. Please call his sister Emily Scott for further information. Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so to the American Heart Association or to a charity of their choice in Dan's name. Local arrangements have been entrusted to the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam, NY 12010.