Ralph Carling

Ralph Harry Carling, age 94, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2026, following a long and courageous battle with dementia. Born on June 7, 1932, to the late Herman and Helen Carling, Ralph was a first-generation American, raised by parents who instilled in him a deep appreciation for hard work, family, and opportunity.

Growing up in Detroit, he developed lifelong values that shaped the man he became. As a young boy, he delivered newspapers throughout his neighborhood, a job that taught him responsibility, discipline, and the satisfaction of earning his own way. After completing his education, Ralph answered the call to serve his country. He enlisted in the Air Force and proudly served as a Korean War veteran. Following his time in the service, Ralph worked for General Motors where he met the love of his life, Julia. They married on October 21, 1958, and shared 38 wonderful years together.

In 1970, Ralph moved to Acme, Michigan, where he built a home that would become the heart of countless family memories for generations to come. Ralph forged a long and dedicated career, finally retiring from Cone Drive.

Ralph cherished his family above all else. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Julia, with whom he now rejoins in peaceful rest, as well as his father, mother and a brother in childhood. He is survived by his children: Ella (Greg) Dreves and Chris (Tracy) Carling, grandchildren: Jennifer (Brent) Benway, Brian (Amanda) Dreves, David (Emily) Dreves and Jeffrey (Lauren) Dreves, and great‑grandchildren: Gregory Tucker, Cole, Vivian, and Mari Dreves, Caroline and Joshua Dreves, and Sophia, Grayson, Evelynn and Bennett Dreves.

Those who knew him will remember his work ethic, humor, his unmistakable sweet tooth, and his constant desire to make sure everyone around him was well-fed. He had a deep love for wildlife, finding joy in watching the animals and birds that visited his yard. He also had a lifelong passion for cars, whether admiring their craftsmanship, reading about them in magazines or taking a trip to the local dealership.

A celebration of life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on June 30, 2026, at Life Story Funeral Home (400 W. Hammond Rd, Traverse City, Michigan, 49686), with visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Breakthrough T1D, research for type 1 diabetes, in support of his great-grandson.

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