Ralph P. Metzger, passed away June 29, 2023 at St. Luke’s Hospital after a fierce battle with malaria. He is survived by his wife Karen, daughter Rachel (Josh), son Dan (Jocelyn) and his grandson Levi. He was preceded in death by his eldest son, Mark.
Ralph was born January 26, 1961 in Rochester, New York. He was a son of German immigrants and spoke German before he learned English. In his early adulthood Ralph studied fine arts and trained with his grandfather as a woodworker. He and Karen married in 1981. They spent a year living at sea while Ralph worked as a ship’s carpenter aboard a missionary ship in South America and the Caribbean. They returned to upstate New York, and he spent time building houses and helping to raise his young children. In the early nineties Ralph and his family moved to Pakistan to do missions work, and they remained primarily based in Pakistan for nearly twenty years.
Ralph had a curious and entrepreneurial spirit. He pursued a wide range of business ventures, including manufacturing high-end yo-yos and designing and operating a worm farm. He was also a lifelong learner, and in his forties completed an MBA. In recent years he made frequent visits to Africa integrating faith and business goals by leading workshops on Biblical entrepreneurism.
Building relationships meant a great deal to Ralph, and in his lifetime he visited old friends and made new ones in dozens of countries. He continued to enjoy woodworking projects even as he explored the world. He and Karen took on the task of restoring a 122-year-old home together, with a vision of creating a safe, peaceful space to share with others. He was an advanced scuba diver and enjoyed hiking in the Adirondak Mountains.
His students and colleagues remember him as a committed teacher and thoughtful advisor. His family and friends remember him as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. All cherish many fond memories of his immense kindness, quick humor, and steadfast faith.
A celebration of Ralph’s life will be held at 9:30am on Saturday July 8, 2023 at Christ Community Church, downtown campus in Kansas City, MO. Another celebration of his life will take place in Rochester, on August 5, 2023 at 10: 00 am at Browncroft CommunityChurch 2530 Browncroft Blvd. 14625.
Until we meet again old friend and brother in Christ.
This is a beautiful obituary. I learned things about Ralph I never knew. He has lived 3 lifetimes compared to most of us! I think his life was a courageous example of faith and trust. It was a wonderful thing to watch his love of God manifest itself into practical and creative ways. He will be missed by so many!
What a beautiful life of faithful service to his Father and family body Ralph exemplified. It was a privilege knowing him.
Acknowledging the sense of loss, the feelings of injustice, and disbelief in the quickness of Ralph’s death. May the Lord carry the family and comfort each of you in the days, months, and years to come.
I remember, at a conference, how well Ralph and Karen “fit” together in Thailand – seeing how you complimented and cared for each other. A model for my wife and I, so now I cannot imagine the loss.
I will miss Ralph’s ability to be encouraged in situations where he saw the difficult realities – yet seemed to trust in the Lord to guide and lead him continually. I considered him a co-worker friend that I looked forward to spending time with. I always appreciated his insights and perspective.
His desire to disciple the brothers in Pakistan encouraged me to pray for them as well as seeking to help believers from a similar background in my own life.
I know that this is not the end but eternal life for Ralph.
He is not alone but at home with the Lord.
For our temporary separation means for him a reunion with Jesus, the Savior he loved!