Ralph was born July 27, 1936, the only child of Ralph V. and Marie (Thompson) Black. He graduated from Fremont High School in 1954 and attended Midland University for one year on an athletic and academic scholarship. His most treasured part of college was meeting the love of his life Norma Eastberg, whom he married on May 6, 1956. Realizing that he wasn't interested in studying, he joined the United States Air Force serving for 5 years reaching the rank of Airmen First Class. As a married couple, they lived in Riverside CA, Sunny Meade CA, Minot ND, Fremont NE, Hays KS and Hastings, NE before settling in Neligh NE in 1968 after purchasing the Gamble's store there. He and Norma maintained the Gambles store until 1981. After that, Ralph became an Antelope County Deputy sheriff and served in that capacity until running and being elected Antelope County Sheriff in 1990. He served almost 3 full terms before retiring in 2001.
He went on to drive the activity bus for the high school for 13 years and loved interacting with all of the students. Ralph served the Neligh community throughout his time there. He coached, officiated and announced sports, serving as the voice of the Neligh Oakdale Warriors football program for 50 years. He suggested the name ''Warrior Field'' for the then new field. He was a volunteer firefighter for 20 years and EMT for 31 years. He served as President of the Neligh Board of Education, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Congregational Church, Board Chairman of the Nebraska Police Standards Advisory Council at the Law Enforcement Training Center in Grand Island and President of the Neligh City Council. He was inducted into the NSAA Hall of Fame in honor of his years announcing high school sports.
He and Norma returned to Fremont in 2021 to be closer to family.
Ralph is survived by his devoted wife of almost 69 years, Norma Black of Fremont, sons Rick (Barb Black) of Yuma AZ and Scott (Shannon) Black of Lincoln; grandchildren Jesse Black of South Carolina, Nicole Brinson of South Carolina, Macy (Jason) Thelen of Lincoln, Kyla Black (Nathan Ross) of Ceresco, Brady Black of Prineville, OR and Logan (Grace Bernadt) Black of Omaha; step granddaughters Amy Berry and Ann (Derek) Fischer; greatgrandchildren Tyson (Whitney) Zegers, Cooper and Madalynn Thelen, Samantha (William) Schumann, Stacey Black, Casey, Camren, Mark Brinson Jr., Claire (Jakob) Hasbrouck, David (Kristie) Berry, Andrew Berry, Jackson Berry, Jonas Fischer,; and great great children Sutton and Drake Zegers, Jakob, Heaven, Carmen and Brooklyn Hasbrouck, Kai Berry . Brother-in-law Ronnie Eastberg and Sister-in-law Glenice Eastberg and multiple nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law Edgar and Grace Eastberg, brother-in-law LeRoy Eastberg and sister-in-law Cees Eastberg.
The memorial service will be 10am, Saturday, May 10, 2025 at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont. Flag presentation will take place at the funeral home. Memorials can be directed to the Neligh Oakdale Booster Club.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(4)
Steve and Willetta Lindsay
Brunswick, NE Monday, May 5, 2025 Our thoughts and prayers to all of the family. Ralph was great to work with and Norma was always a joy to be around. Rest I. Peace Ralph.Fountain Springs Estates
Fremont, NE Monday, May 5, 2025 Everyone at the apts would like to express our condolences. We sure miss Norma and Ralph. They were great neighbors and friends.Andy Beyer
Neligh, NE Sunday, May 4, 2025 My deepest sympathy to Norma, Rick, Scott and their families. I have known Ralph and Norma for as long as I can remember. Great people! Worked and played beside Ralph for many years. I will miss him. Peace be with you all.Mikayla Armitage
Neligh, NE Sunday, May 4, 2025 Thoughts and prayers to the entire family. Papa Ralph will be missed by many. I have so many memories of listening to him at the home games or parades, going to the house to visit or even to the sheriffs office, his morning coffee at the cafe or just seeing him around town. He was a true leader and great man. Thank you for all your years of dedication to Neligh and Antelope County. Thinking of you all! Rest in peace