Ralph Edward Persson passed away peacefully at home on January 11 at the age of 92. He is survived by his wife Olga and his daughter Kari. Ralph was born and raised in Wood River, Nebraska. His studies at the University of Nebraska were sidelined by WWII when he volunteered for the AirForce and trained as a Navigator. The war ended just as he was going to be deployed overseas. After his discharge, he returned to finish his degree in Architecture at the University of Nebraska. An avid model airplane enthusiast, he moved to Topeka Kansas where the winds were better for his sport. It was in Topeka, he met and married Olga Persson. He practiced architecture in Topeka, eventually becoming a partner in Ekdahl, Davis, Depew and Persson Architects. His love of wind continued as his family was started and a racing sailboat was built in the garage. Throughout the sixties and seventies the family spent every weekend during the summer sailboat racing at Shawnee Lake in Topeka.. Olga was his first “Jib man” with Kari following in her footsteps in the late 70’s. His love of sailing continued with vacations in the Caribbean and eventually led him to Fort Myers, FL. Taking an early retirement in his fifties Ralph and Olga moved to Fort Myers where Ralph designed and built their dream home on the water. Ralph continued to sail and started pen and Ink Drawing and Watercolors. Olga also painted and they were active members in the Fort Myers Beach Art Association, and Sanibel-Captiva Art Association. Ralph will always be remembered as a soft spoken hard working man with a warm heart and giving soul. His family mourn his passing but cherish his full life and the memories he left behind. A private memorial service is planned.

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