Ralph Bearss

Ralph Joseph Bearss, age 86, of Gladwin, passed away on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. He was his own John Wayne. Ralph was known by those closest to him as a larger-than-life, unremitting force. He survived many potentially fatal accidents and medical events. The Gladwin Clarion captured his enduring life in a headline, “Gladwin man cheats death” after Ralph survived being caught in a tractor PTO shaft. His cardiologist warned that he would not survive another heart attack, two heart attacks ago. And of course, he recovered from many falls, injuries, and farming accidents. Ralph always outworked and outlasted every member of a work party. His son-in-laws would refer to him as a beast after working alongside him. His grandchildren were overheard discussing his superhero strength, saying, "Papa is never going to die. He is a fairy." Fairy, being a reference to a life force that cannot be killed in a video game, they played. He was an imposing figure whom people often feared until they learned of his good nature. Ralph had a beautiful smile and was quick to flash it.

Ralph was born in the home of his late parents, Dorothea and Ralph Bearss, on June 15th, 1939. He died on October 22, 2025, at the age of 86. Ralph spent nearly his entire life on this farm, tirelessly working to preserve it for the love of his life, Mary Anne.

Ralph and his wife, Mary Anne Bearss (Daring), met while Ralph was in the United States Marine Corps and stationed at Parris Island, South Carolina. Their love story is a favorite of the family. A big, strong, strapping Marine from Michigan and a small-framed little redhead from the deep depths of the low country of South Carolina. While an unlikely pairing, they married and shared 62 years together, growing Dad’s dream of maintaining the family farm and raising four children. They married on June 15th, on Ralph’s birthday. Sometimes Father’s Day also occurs on June 15th. Ralph, Mary Anne, and their children celebrate the occasion by gathering for a meal and an ice cream cake from Dairy Queen. After years of trying to fit Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary, and Happy Father’s Day on a cake, we created our own humorous tradition of ordering a cake that reads, “Happy Whatever”.

He gave his family a unique experience of enjoying the farm's beautiful scenery while also ensuring his children and grandchildren had playtime. He maintained many four-wheelers and motorcycles, ensuring ample cleared trail space for riding. The family farm has become a multigenerational gathering place filled with old memories and a space for grandchildren and great-grandchildren to make new ones.

Ralph’s life has been one of duty, honor, and service. He had a staunch belief in right and wrong and never missed an opportunity to help a neighbor, vote, attend community events, and attend funerals. He showed up for people, some he knew, but he also helped strangers.

Ralph loved to share stories about his diverse range of professions. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam Era. His true calling was farming. He also held a number of roles in Clement township, including clerk, supervisor, and tax assessor, over the course of several years. He also assisted in developing the Clement Township Fire Department and served as a volunteer firefighter. He worked at General Motors and served as the elected President of the Ogemaw County Farm Bureau. He was deeply involved in improvements at the Ogemaw County Fairgrounds, including serving as the swine leader for 14 years. He also loved his work hauling propane for Foster Oil. He enjoyed work and worked tirelessly in all kinds of weather, powering through hunger, thirst, cold, heat, and pain that would cripple men half his age.

Ralph had an adventurous spirit and loved a road trip as much as he loved being at home on the farm. Ralph’s favorite activities included finding the most indirect route to a destination while travelling. He preferred the back roads and visiting sites off the beaten path, rather than those along large interstates. He loved visiting the Low Country of South Carolina, where he had many adventures as a young man in the military, exploring Mary Anne’s hometown. He loved hunting and would hunt with his son, grandsons, and son-in-laws. He loved tinkering in his barn and working on equipment. He possessed numerous talents in automotive and machine maintenance, plumbing, and electrical work. His children and grandchildren gifted him a T-shirt that reads, “If Pappa can’t fix it, no one can”.

He is preceded in death by his Father, Ralph Bearss, his Mother, Dorothea Bearss, his Sister, Ada Beers, his brothers, Larry and Roger Bearss; and his daughter, Pamela “Pammy” Kay (Steve) Hinton.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Anne Bearss, his Sister, Martha (Gil) Burgeson, his children, Khaki (Matt) Engster, Sarah (Ken Werner) Bearss, and Ralph “Joe” (Missy) Bearss, Jr. He is survived by Grandchildren, Alex (Cortney) Engster, Caleb (Brittany) Engster, Elly Engster, Stuart Werner, Ian Werner, Stephen (Ashley) Hinton, Derek Hinton, Tristan Hinton, Arryn (Matt) Anthony, Connor Bearss and Riley Bearss. He is survived by great-grandchildren Brantlee Engster, Tinley Engster, Lola Engster, Jocelyn Engster, and Miyah Anthony.

Ralph made his own burial arrangements prior to his death and requested a direct burial with no funeral service. The family will hold a private graveside service. Arrangements are in the care of Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home. www.hallkokotovichfuneralhome.com