Ralph Castaneda Jr. passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at the Residency with 2 of his sons by his side. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am on Thursday, January 27, 2022, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Scottsbluff with Fr. Rayappa Konka as Celebrant. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Scottsbluff with military honors rendered by the Gering American Legion Post #36. Visitation and Rosary Service will begin at 9am on Thursday at the church. The family respectfully requests that in lieu of any flowers, memorials in Ralph’s honor be made in care of the church. Online condolences may be made by viewing Ralph’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Funeral Home in Scottsbluff is entrusted with arrangements.
He was born May 2, 1930, in Scottsbluff, NE to Ralph Castaneda Sr. & Pauline Lutz being raised by his paternal grandparents Santos Francisco and Narcissa (Vargas) Castaneda.
He served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and was very privileged to play on one of the Navy’s baseball All-Star Team.
Ralph loved playing baseball in his youth and especially enjoyed watching his favorite team the Saint Louis Cardinals and watching his favorite player “Stan the Man” Musial. He enjoyed watching football, playing cards, and working his crossword puzzles. He enjoyed working in his yard and took great pride in how it looked.
He was a very caring neighbor and used to clear snow up and down the street thus being presented with the “Friendly Neighbor Award”.
He is survived by his wife Marcella of 69 years of marriage, 5 sons, Santos, Ralph Allen (Vickie), Armand, Reynold (Kelly), Alex (Kim) and 2 daughters, Barbara (Joseph) Darr and Yolanda Bowman. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren and 2 sisters Cartina Giron and Carmen (Gilbert)Trevino.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, sisters Josefina Esparza, Frances Porras, Esther Castaneda, Christina Sanchez, Pauline Bailon, Mary Giron and brothers, Howard Castaneda & Roland Castaneda.
