Ralph Truax

Ralph Truax, 92, of Fountain Hills passed away April 23, 2018, the day before his 93rd birthday. He was born in 1925 in White Bear Lake, Minn.

Ralph is survived by his daughter, Gayle Jacobson; his grandchildren, Brad (Erin), Kristin, Lindsay (Ben), and Jeff (Katy); as well as his great grandchildren, Max and Tate.

Ralph was recognized as one of Fountain Hills’ oldest veterans having served in World War II and Korea.

Ralph served on the USS Lexington, a naval carrier, in World War II and ended up in the Marine Corps Reserve upon moving back to Minneapolis after the war.

His squadron was activated in August 1950 and he, too, soon found himself at the Pusan Perimeter.

With his previous war background he was part of a unit in charge of all the armament – the bombs, mortars, guns, napalm and more.

In an interview a few years back Ralph said he saw the Korean War as basically an extension of World War II with a lot of the same equipment and tactics.

Ralph had been active member of the Fountain Hills VFW Post 7507 for many years.

He served as a Post officer in multiple positions, having served as Junior Vice Commander, Senior Vice Commander and also as Adjutant in addition to being Commander. Ralph was an “All-American Commander” during his 2008-2009 term.

He was the VFW Golf Committee chair for years before letting others assume that chairmanship. In his honor, this year the golf tournament will be renamed the Ralph Truax Memorial VFW Golf Tournament.

At the time of his passing, Ralph was the Post Historian, membership chair and events chair.

He was a member of many committees and active in fundraising. He was the inspiration for the Thursday night social, poker and game nights.

Ralph was a mentor and inspiration to Post members and highly respected by all.

A memorial service will be held at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church on Saturday, May 12, at 1 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made in Ralph’s name to Hospice of the Valley, Shepherd of the Hills and VFW Post #7507.