Ralph Melchkart

It is with heartfelt sadness we announce the passing of our beloved father, Ralph Melchkart of Saskatoon, in his 90th year.

He was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Helena (Lohman) Melchkart, his wife, Laureen of 56 years, two sisters, Trudy and Vernice, three brothers, Mike, Cletus, and Eugene.

Ralph leaves to mourn his son, Ken (Tancey), daughter Michelle (Dave), and son Darren (Tammy); along with seven grandchildren (Mathew, Meagen (Geoff), Jonathon, Melinda (Brandon), Carter (Keyona), Sofia and Brandon) and eleven great grandchildren. (Joy, Alex, Carmen, Alexis, Graeson, Oliver, Emmerich, Sullivan, Willow, Nova, and Zayne), as well as his younger sister, Helen (Ed) Boyle, and numerous sisters/brothers-in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Ralph was born in Humboldt, Saskatchewan. His family moved to Prince Albert, Saskatchewan when he was younger. He had fond memories of his life and friends in P.A.

He met the love of his life, Laureen, and got married on April 8th, 1961. In 1963, the couple decided to move to Saskatoon. In 1966, the couple bought their home, where they raised their family and resided for 55 years. Ralph and Laureen were known for having an open-door policy, and everyone was always welcome.

Ralph’s career consisted of him being a Journeyman autobody technician, maintenance manager for a local hotel, and then he pursued his dream to be self employed and successfully ran his own business for over 30 years.

Ralph and Laureen loved to travel and spend time at family functions. In 2009, they had a great adventure traveling on a bus tour across eastern Canada and the Maritimes. They loved spending time outdoors and their child have numerous memories of camping trips, holidays, and precious time with their grandchildren.

Ralph was a talented musician; he would often be asked to play his accordion and guitar at family functions. In his retirement, he joined a seniors band and shared his talent with residents at local nursing homes.

Ralph enjoyed many hours in the yard, tinkering in his garage, renovating their family home, and helping the kids establish their own homes.

Ralph had a wonderful life, with family and friends being his biggest treasures. He enjoyed talking to everyone he met and loved to make others laugh and smile. Everyone who knew Ralph can still see his smile and hear his contagious laughter. Through his love of life, he always knew how to support and guide his family. His love was constant and unconditional, and his kindness shone through even on the darkest days.

As his health declined, he moved to Oliver Place in 2021, then to Golden Villa Care Home in 2024. Ralph’s devotion to faith provided him comfort; he stood courageous with God by his side, for when he was called home. Although Ralph will be missed tremendously by all, he will live on through his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, family, and many friends.

The family would like to thank all the health care team at St. Paul’s hospital and the incredible Seniors First home care team who made Dad's final days as comfortable as possible. A special thank you to Dad’s dedicated caregivers at Golden Villa care home, Deliah and Salvie.

In lieu of flowers and to honor the love and care both Ralph and Laureen received, the family requests that donations be made to St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation at: https://www.stpaulshospital.org/foundation/donate/index.php.

Ralph's Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025, in St. Patrick's Church, 3339 Centennial Drive, Saskatoon, SK. Lunch to follow the service. If you are unable to attend Ralph's Funeral Service, please click the following link to view a livestream: Ralph's Funeral Service Livestream.

The immediate family will have a private interment to be held at a later date at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, Saskatoon.

Martens Warman Funeral Home is honoured to be entrusted with Mr. Ralph Melchkart's care and arrangements.