Ralph W. Grainger, 89, of 661 E. M-35, Gwinn, and Trenary (North Delta area) resident, entered eternal life early Thursday morning, May 12, 2005, at his home in Gwinn.

Born June 15, 1915 in Munising, a son of Walter and Mabel C. (Ellis) Grainger, Ralph was raised in the Trenary area and resided there until 2000 when he moved to Gwinn to reside with his sister, Esther.

Ralph worked most of his lifetime, having begun his work career in the lumber camps during the Depression.  He later entered the Merchant Marine and worked on the ore boats prior to serving in the US Army Quartermaster Corps during World War II in the European Theatre of Operations.    Following his honorable discharge in May 1945, Ralph returned to Trenary where he worked nearly 20 years as an electrician, serving the Trenary, Kiva, and Chatham areas.  He was also involved in farming, gardening, and logging.

Survivors include his sisters, Esther Taylor of Gwinn, Winifred Caldwell of Gladstone, and Laura (Bernard) Reynolds of Marquette; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.  In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by brothers, Arthur and Carl Grainger; a sister, Mabel Grainger; niece, Claire Beatrice Taylor; brothers-in-law, Paul Taylor and Wood Caldwell; and a sister-in-law, Olga Laurich Grainger.

Friends may call at the Trenary United Methodist Church on Sunday, May 15, beginning at 1:00 pm.  Funeral services will follow at 3:00 pm Sunday afternoon, in the church, with Rev. Irene White officiating.  Burial will be made in the Mathias Township Cemetery with members of the Alger County Veterans Council providing honors.  Pallbearers will be Rodney Grainger, Bud Reynolds, Al Hager, Jon Anderson, Mike Gendzwill, and George Nazarko.

The Fassbender Funeral Home is serving the family.