Ralph Tarr

Ralph W. Tarr, 93 of Madison passed away June 13, 2012. Ralph was born November 15, 1918 in Summerfield, Kansas, the son of Mary Rodgers and Willard R. Tarr. He graduated from Summerfield High School and Tarkio College both where he played football. Ralph taught school in Kansas and Nebraska. He attended University of Chicago to prepare to be a hospital administrator. He was administrator in Sikeston, MO, Assistant Administrator at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo, MI and Administrator at Grand Haven, MI Municipal Hospital.

In 1954 he married Jerry Richardson in Kalamazoo. They lived in Grand Haven where their children were born. In 1967 Ralph and family moved to Madison, WI where he worked for the Wisconsin Division of Health until his retirement in 1988.

At age 50 he became Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 18 and over the next 25 years worked with many young men and adults developing many lifelong friendships. He helped 25 young men achieve the rank of Eagle Scout and many more to be camp counselors at Camp Castle Rock. He was recognized for his work with the Vigil Honor of the Order of the Arrow, the Silver Beaver Award, the Presbyterian God and Service Recognition and shelters at Camp Castle Rock.

Ralph was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church and was ordained as an Elder and a Deacon.

Ralph was a member of the Optimist Club of West Madison. Where, among other things, he was Santa for their Children's Christmas Party.

He is survived by his wife Jerry, children Charles Willard (Ann), John Richardson, Mary Charlotte, and Donald Robert (Tracey): Grandsons Robb (Wendy), Eric (Kate), Nathan, Matt and Ben: Great Granddaughter Aislynn: Brother Harold (Liz) and niece Nancy Stanford.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Eugene and Robert and sister Miriam.

A memorial service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Saturday June 23 at 11:00am with a visitation beginning at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Westminster Presbyterian Church, Glaciers Edge Council, BSA, Optimist Club of West Madison, Rankin Hall Tarkio College, United Presbyterian Church of Summerfield, KS.