Ralph E. Luse, 70, Monon, died Thursday, October 12, 2000 at his residence. He had been ill for 18 months.

He was born in Flint, Michigan on March 29, 1930 to William and Erma Malone Luse. He married Thelma Palazzola in Peru on August 29, 1964.

He served in the U.S. Army in the 34^th Infantry from 1946 to 1948. He also served in the U.S. Air Force. He moved to Monon in 1965.

He formerly owned the Texaco station in Monon for 4 1/2 years. He also owned and operated Luse's Wrecker Service and Luse's Mobile Home Moving Service.

He was a member of Monticello VFW Post 2231 and a former member of Rail Cities Cruisers car club. He raced stock cars for several years at Rensselaer, Oxford and Monticello.

He is survived by his wife; sons, Michael Luse of Brookston, Rick (Merrilee) Luse of Buffalo, Ronald Mathews of Monticello and Martin (Mary) Sandberg of Monon; daughters Deb (Tom) Moore of Lafayette and Judy (Ton) Dowden and Deborah (Dave) Bresnahan, all of Monticello and Gina (Don) Fawley of Buffalo, Brother Bill (Jane) Luse of Monticello; and 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grand children.

Two brothers, a sister, a son and a great grand daughter are deceased.

Graveside services with full military honors are at 11:00 a.m. today in Chapel Cemetery with Rev. Steve Birch officiating. Kellogg Funeral Home is in charge.