Ralph Leo Baalmann was born September 22, 1930 on the farm near Angelus, KS to William and Regina (Robben) Baalmann and departed this life on January 15, 2007 at Smoky Hill Rehabilitation Center in Salina, KS at the age of 76 years, 3 months, and 24 days.

He attended school in Angelus and graduated from the 8th grade. Ralph lived most of his life in Angelus and was in partnership in farming with his brother Urban.

On April 18, 1964, Ralph married Lois Bell in WaKeeney, KS.

Ralph started driving the school bus for the Angelus Grade School in 1968. He took the job of custodian in 1969. From 1983-1985 he was bus driver and custodian at Grinnell High School. In 1986 he returned as bus driver and custodian for the Angelus school, retiring in 1992 after 24 years of service.

Ralph was a member of the Angelus 3rd and 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. During his years with the K of C, he served as Grand Knight, District Deputy, Health Services Chairman, and Chairman of the K of C Blood Drive for the American Red Cross. He was active in the Angelus community serving as the Community Leader for the Angelus 4-H club for about 17 years and teaching CCD classes at St. Paul's Church. In 1994 Ralph and Lois moved to Grinnell where Ralph was an active member of the Grinnell Senior Center and the Immaculate Conception Church before moving to Salina in 2005.

Preceding Ralph in death were his parents; three brothers—Edward, Brother Albert, and Urban; and three sisters—Sister Clementia, Sister Mary Theresa, and Martha Horinek.

Survivors include his wife, Lois, of the home; three daughters—Linda Jones and husband Dan of Salina, KS, Carol Baalmann of Overland Park, KS, and Beverly Rodriguez and husband Jamie of Fayetteville, NC; a sister, Helena Bruggeman of Oberlin, KS; five grandchildren, Damon and Hannah Jones and Jessica, Matthew, and Sara Rodriguez; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.