EAST FRANKLIN – Ralph Eldon Grosjean, 82, died Jan. 23, 2005, at home with his family in East Franklin. He was born Jan. 30, 1922, in Omaha, Neb. to Wilbur and Hazel (Neilson) Grosjean. He graduated from high school in Omaha, attended the University of Nebraska, and graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn. in 1945. He was stationed in the Philippines at the end of World War II. Ralph married Louisa Angus on June 7, 1945. They lived in North Chatham, N.Y. for nearly 50 years and raised their family there. They moved to Franklin in 2001. Ralph is remembered in North Chatham for a life of volunteer work in the community and the church. Ralph worked as a civil engineer in New York State until his retirement in 1977. He was a gifted artist, a singer, a fine craftsman and a calm and patient teacher. At the Coast Guard Academy he sailed on the ship Danmark and the schooner Atlantic and kept the love of sailing throughout his life. He will be remembered for his love of family and for his ability and willingness to give help whenever it was needed. Ralph was predeceased by two sons, Stephen and Andrew; and a sister, Jeanne. He is survived by his wife, Louisa; a son, Charles and his wife, Susanne, of Franklin; a daughter-in-law, Christine; a grandson, Emerson; and a granddaughter, Lisa and her husband, John, of Norfolk, Conn.; a daughter-in-law, Lina; and granddaughter, Rebecca of Malta, N.Y.; a grandson, Taino of New York City; a grandson, Jesse and his wife, Laurel, of Bangor; a grandson, Carl, of Troy; a sister, Ellen of Dallas, Texas; three great-grandchildren, Stephen, Colin and John of Norfolk, Connecticut; several nieces and nephews. A memorial gathering for friends and family will be held in the spring. Contributions may be made to the Hospice of Hancock, 14 Mckenzie Avenue, Ellsworth, ME or to Faith in Action Community Connection, PO Box 5072, Ellsworth, ME 04605. Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth.
RALPH ELDON GROSJEAN
