Ralph William Kalkbrenner, 91, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2024, in Columbia, MO. Ralph was born to John and Mathilda (Kirshner) Kalkbrenner in McKeesport, PA, on Sept. 22, 1932. He is survived by his brother Raymond; and his daughters, Lisa Gardi (husband Ray) and Lynn Pickerel (husband Mike). He is also survived by grandchildren, Amber Boynton, Anne (Boynton) Carta, Aaron Boynton, Cheyenne Gardi, Aram Gardi, Matthew Pickerel, and Mark Pickerel; as well as five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann (Dupal); his sister, Laverne; his brother, Jim; and his grandson, Adam Boynton. Ralph was a loving and caring man who enjoyed spending time with his family, being outdoors, traveling the globe, and taking on home improvement projects. He was an avid inventor since childhood. He designed and constructed countless inventions in his home workshops throughout his life. During his long professional career as a mechanical engineer, he earned many patents for his innovations. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army (Korean War) and a recipient of a 50-Year Masonic Service Emblem with the Free Masons of Pennsylvania. Ralph was blessed to live a very full and creative life. His beaming smile and sweet kindness will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.