Ralph Rastopsoff

Nov 18, 1948 -

Oct 18, 2020

Ralph Steven Rastopsoff passed from this life to a new life in Heaven on Oct. 18, 2020, with his sisters, Nattie and Patty, and Pastor George Richardson by his side.

Ralph loved Jesus and spent time in prayer, letting his family and relatives know what was happening in this world, wanting us to make sure we were ready when God comes to take us to Heaven.

Ralph was born on Nov. 18, 1948, to Tootsie Nelson and Zack Rastopsoff in Egegik, Alaska. He grew up in Kodiak, Alaska, and also in the Kodiak Baptist Mission Home. He worked as a fisherman, as a courier for CIRI and a as a laborer on the trans-Alaska pipeline.

He was an artist and loved drawing and carving as well.

He met the love of his life in 1976. They were together for 44 years until she passed in December 2019.

Ralph is preceded in death by both his parents, Tootsie Nelson and Zack Rastopsoff; his beloved wife, Essie Rastopsoff; grandfather, Nick Zack Rastopsoff; aunts, Julia Rastopsoff and Annie Nelson; uncles, Stephan Nelson and Andrew Nelson; brothers, Stephan, Nick and Rodney; and sister, Judy Chernikoff.

He is survived by his sister, Nattie Rastopsoff; niece, Ann and her three children; nephew, Alan and family of California; sister, Rose and family; brother, Elmer Peterson and family; sister Patty with brother-in-law, Gary Folger and children; sister, Elizabeth Vance and boys; brothers Ben and Craig Chernikoff and their families; and many other aunties, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

There will be a Celebration of Life at Farm Loop Christian Center, 5900 North Farm Loop Road in Palmer, Alaska, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020. There will be a small potluck following the service.

Condolences may be sent to Nattie Rastopsoff, 5755 North Rhonda Palmer, AK 99645.