Ralph Chinn

Ralph David Chinn, “Ralphie”, 93, of Correctionville, Iowa; proud United States Army Veteran; passed away peacefully January 9, 2024, at Good Samaritan Society Nursing Home in Holstein, Iowa.

A true Country Boy at heart, Ralph would often be seen in his polished Western boots and hat. He enjoyed his youth on the farms helping with shearing sheep, filling the hay barn, tending to the Black Angus and Brown Swiss calves, and riding horses to town.

Ralph served in the United States Army as a Staff Sergeant from November 23, 1948, to June 25, 1952. Trained at Fort Riley, Kansas, and stationed in Füssen Germany, he went on to Merrell Barracks, formerly Hitler’s SS-Kaserne in Nürnberg, which had been captured by American soldiers three years earlier.

Ralph was in the 70th Field Artillery (the name was changed to 7th Army before he left the Service). The patch he wore on his shoulder said 7 Steps to Hell. In Germany he trained at a Mechanic School in Kitzingen before heading to Munich for NCO-Academy Motor Sergeant training.

March of 2023 Chinn received recognition from the Harrison Ford American Legion Post 0291 in Pierson for being a member for 71 years.

Ralph was a proud semi-truck driver for over 60 years, 20 of which were self-employed. He drove for the Pierson Elevator, Ray Puttman, Goettsch Trucking, Davis Brothers, Marx Trucking, and lastly the Seabloom Boys. He drove his last load in February 2016 at the young age of 85.

He enjoyed boating, dancing, fishing, and working on his many vehicles.

Ralph was a self-sufficient man who loved deeply. He was dependable as the sunrise in everything that he did. Some called him an “Energizer Bunny”. He never said no and was always ready to work or give a helping hand. His approach to life was simple: love others and treat them with respect.

Cherished father of the late David Chinn, Debra (Reed) Henrichsen, and Donald Chinn. Very proud grandfather (“Gramps") of Jennifer Henrichsen, Heather (Jared) Vedral, Jon (Stacy) Henrichsen, Amanda (Brandon) Swegan, Michelle (Mark) Aasen, Amy (Donny) Dugan, Ryan Chinn, Justin (Teri) Chinn, Donald Chinn Jr., Russ Henrichsen, Brittney Miller and the late Casey Chinn.

Great-grandfather of Hunter and Aubrey Vedral; Collin, Lexis, Parker, and Preston Henrichsen; Elise, Anders, and Hendrik Aasen; Shane, Katlyn, and Connor Dugan; Kendra (Jesse) Logan; Alicia (Taylor) Luvaas; Leigh (Ty) Morphew; Austin, Trent (Tayler), Eric (Calista), Alex, Jesse, Donnie, and Tommy Chinn; Paige, Isabelle, Deacon, Aidan, and Isaac (Taylor) Swegan; Alexander Summers; and Vivian Swegan.

Great-great-grandfather of Salem, Reece, Hadley, Colt, Cash, Caelor, Crue, Paxton, Ely Anna, Owen, Wiley, Waylon, Mylo, and two on the way.

He was a fond uncle and cousin to many.

Ralph is preceded in death by his former wife Dorothy Chinn (nee Diamond), parents Mable and Ted (Vanona Conry) Chinn, brother Marvin, and half siblings Clinton, Laurel, and Mildred Bierman.