Ralph L. Greenlee, 84, Spearfish, SD died Sunday, January 15, 2012 at David M. Dorsett Healthcare Center in Spearfish.

Ralph was born December 22, 1927 at McCook, NE to Alva and Velma (Downs) Greenlee. He grew up on a farm near Curtis, NE, graduating from Curtis High School in 1946. He joined the Army in 1946-1947 and was stationed in Japan. When he returned he worked for Northwestern Bell Telephone and later for the Union Pacific Railroad in North Platte, NE. He later went to work at the Hot Springs Veteran's Administration Hospital as an electrician, refrigeration/air conditioning mechanic until his retirement in 1988.

He married his wife of 61 years, Erma in June of 1950. They had three children.

Ralph is survived by his wife Erma, Spearfish, sons; Bruce (Virginia) Greenlee, Spring Lake, MI, Michael (Jill) Greenlee, Powell, WY and a daughter Kim Greenlee, Spearfish. Four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by three sisters; Nita (Kenny) Mallack, McCook, NE, Karen (Marion) Tatum, Lincoln, NE and Ida Mae of Oregon. Two brothers Tim (Lael) Greenlee, Jim Greenlee, Missouri. Brother-in-law Rodney Swanson and sister-in-law Leona Greenlee. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Doris Swanson and brother Kenneth Greenlee.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 10:00 AM at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel in Spearfish. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis. In Lieu of flowers a memorial has been established to St. Paul Lutheran Church and Good Shepherd Clinic, both of Spearfish.