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Ralph W. Wiley, 87, of Storm Lake died Oct. 21, 2025, at Methodist Manor in Storm Lake.
Funeral services will take place Monday, Oct. 27, at 11 a.m. at Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake. Burial will be in Storm Lake Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday, Oct. 26, from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home in Storm Lake.
Ralph was born Oct. 8, 1938, to Francis and Carolyn (Richardson) Wiley in Storm Lake. He was baptized in 1939 at United Methodist Church in Storm Lake. Ralph attended school in Storm Lake, graduating in 1956. He then attended Buena Vista College for one year and Estherville College for one year. Following college, he joined the United States Air Force in 1959, serving two tours in Vietnam. He retired in 1979 as Master Sergeant.
On May 20, 1960, Ralph was united in marriage to the love of his life, Angela Dawn Briggs, in England. To this union, six children were born: Paul, Dale, Dean, John, Carla and Irwin.
From 1979 to 1985, he worked as a custodian and bus foreman for Storm Lake Schools. He then started R.W. Wiley Trucking Service, retiring in 2010 at the age of 73.
In his free time, Ralph enjoyed listening to HAM radio. He started a group and helped others acquire their HAM radio operator’s license. You could find Ralph fishing or hunting. More than anything, he treasured time with his family. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren held a special place in his heart. Ralph will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Ralph is survived by his children: Dale (Doris) Wiley of Storm Lake; John (Brenda) Wiley of Early; Carla (Bill) Bainbridge of Early; brother Lowell (Patti) Wiley; grandchildren: Ryan (Audrey) Wiley, Josh Wiley, Chris (Erin) Wiley; Sara (Alex Wimmer) Wiley; Cassandra (Patrick) Williams; Paul (Tiffany Vauble) Bainbridge; Anthoney (Jennifer Bachman) Bainbridge; great-grandchildren: Layton, Ripken, Juniper, Aiden, Hazel, Finnlee, Brooklynne, Brittany, Aaron, Audrianna, Patrick, Kaylynn and Ashton; extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Carolyn (Richardson) Wiley; sons: Paul, Dean and Irwin; brothers, Roger and Lyle; and great-grandchildren, Willliam and Adelynn.
