Ralph Emil Viebrock, 79

Ralph Emil Viebrock, 79, of Sedalia, died Tuesday, February 10, 2015, at Bothwell Regional Health Center.

He was born August 18, 1935, in Sedalia, a son of the late Emil Henry and Ella Christine (Albers) Viebrock. He was baptized September 29, 1935, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Cole Camp by Reverend Hugo Renz and confirmed April 2, 1950, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Sedalia by Reverend Walter F. Strickert. On June 3, 1956, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Sedalia he married Jeanette Moon, who survives of the home.

He was raised and educated in Sedalia and was a graduate of Smith-Cotton High School Class of 1953.

Ralph entered into the Missouri Army National Guard May 1, 1956, attaining rank of Sergeant First Class in charge of 105 Howitzer Group. He was honorably discharged March 20, 1959.

He went to work on April 1, 1953 in the construction division of the Missouri State Highway Department. In March 1959, he went to work for T&O Lime and Rock, and then in August 1963, General Contractors was formed. In 1970 he founded Viebrock Construction & Equipment, Inc. and built streets, highways, bridges, water and sewage treatment plants and buildings. He sold Viebrock Construction & Equipment, Inc. in 2009 and an internet sale was held in March 2010 to sell heavy equipment.

Ralph was a faithful member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Sedalia and served in many leadership roles over the years at the church including President of the congregation, Vice President of the congregation, member and past chairman of the Board of Elders and Board of Trustees. During the winter, Ralph always made sure the parking lot was cleared of snow before Sunday services. He and Jeanette delighted shut-ins with regular visits and Papa Jake’s doughnut holes.

He also served on many boards in the community including Sedalia Khoury League, Chamber of Commerce, Sedalia-Pettis County Industrial Development, First State Savings and Heit’s Point, Cole Camp.

He was a member of the Association General Contractors of Missouri (AGC of Mo) serving as President in 1986, and served a three year term on the National Board of Directors in Washington DC from 1989-1991.

He and Jeanette traveled extensively and of all the places they visited, he enjoyed Washington, D.C. the most.

After retirement, he enjoyed raising cattle and taking his grandson, Jason, to the sale barn on Mondays.

Ralph had a competitive spirit. Whether he was playing cards with his friends or debating with his son-in-law, Steve, and grandson, Joe, Ralph always seemed to come out the winner.

Ralph had an incredible love (rights) to Jeanette’s coconut cream pie.

He enjoyed MU Tiger sports and was a huge fan of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Ralph was honest, fair and well-respected by all who knew him.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, Debra Viebrock, of Grandview, Cynthia Moon (Steve), of Sedalia, and Stan Viebrock (Emily), of Kansas City; three grandchildren, Joseph Moon (Amanda), of Sedalia, Jason Moon, of Sedalia, and Tanesha McCullen (John), of Greenwood; and five great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Teresa Viebrock, and a sister, Almarie Miesner.

Visitation will be 5:30 pm-7:30 pm, Thursday, February 12, 2015 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Sedalia.

Funeral service will be 10:30 am, Friday, February 13, 2015, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Sedalia with Pastor Jeremy Freeman officiating. There will be a second visitation at the church from 9:30 am until 10:15 am prior to the service. Pallbearers will be Charlie Thomas, Rick Yount, Dean Ringen, Marvin Shull, Cletus Tagtmeyer, John Wolf, Larry Brown and Herb Argenbright. Honorary pallbearers will be Adam Fischer, Bob Scott, Dr. Robert Stockwood, Larry McRoy, Bill Hodges, Dale Herron, Barney Bahrenburg and Delbert Steffens. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in care of the funeral chapel. Condolences may be offered online at www.mclaughlinfuneralchapel.com.