3601 E Dudley Ln
Sioux Falls, SD 57103
USA
Funeral Mission
May 3, 2018
Sioux Falls, SD
The family of Ralph F. Arendt has requested the Patriot Guard Riders to Honor their WWII veteran with a flag line showing our appreciation and respect for his service to his and our great country.
Ralph entered the U.S. Army Air Force on February 4, 1943 at Fort Sheridan, IL. He served in the European Theatre during World War II and earned a silver battle star. He was very proud to have been a member of the 7th Photo Reconnaissance Group and 325th Photo Reconnaissance Wing, which were commanded by the President’s son, Elliott Roosevelt. Ralph’s stories often included references to the many mornings he saluted General Jimmy Doolittle, Commander of the 8th Air Force; and of the day the teletypes brought news of the President’s death. His scrapbooks hold photos of “Elliott getting his stars,” and aerial photos of D-Day and other battles. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal on December 3, 1945 at Camp Grant, IL.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM Thursday, May 3 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Sioux Falls, with burial at St. Michael Cemetery. Visitation begins at 5:00 PM Wednesday, May 2 at George Boom Funeral Home & Crematory, Sioux Falls, where the family will greet friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM and a Liturgical Wake Service starts at 7:00 PM. Visitation will be “flags only”.
Stage: 9:30 AM, Thursday, May 3, 2018 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 3601 Dudley Lane, Sioux Falls, SD. Burial will be at St. Michael Cemetery immediately following Mass.
Flags will be provided.
Ride Captain: Randy Ward, A.S.C.
605-359-8719
reward1948@yahoo.com