Ralph Allen Gemmer88, Indianapolis, passed away on January 12, 2017 at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis  Ralph was born on June 13, 1928 in Whitley County, IN. He was the son of Charles Fred Gemmer and Irene (Notter) Gemmer. Ralph graduated from Lafayette Center High School in Allen County in 1946, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Purdue University in 1950. Afterward, he served in the U.S. Army as a 1st Lt. in the Transportation Corp during the Korean War.Ralph married Emily Alice Mills in 1949, to whom he was married for 55 years. She preceded him in death in 2004. He was also preceded in death by his siblings: Geraldine Clancy, Arden Gemmer and Gladys Tharp. He is survived by his sister, Phyllis Gruber from Cheyenne, Wyoming. Currently, he is survived by his wife of 10 years, Pamela Ann Hatfield; by his children and their families: Barbara and Alejandro de Gortari, Indianapolis, IN, their children, Alex, Andy and Cristy; Charles and Cynthia Gemmer, Fishers, IN, their children, Adam and Brian; Nancy Jo Gemmer, Indianapolis, IN, her children, Bryce and Emily; Jill Gemmer and her companion, Edwin Heyde, Roanoke, IN, her children, Cassidy, Courtney, Chelsea and Caryn; Sara and Tom Herman, Monroe, LA, their children, Matthew, Sam, Abby and Libby; and 10 great grandchildren, Tucker, Reese, Lewis, Drew, Auriana, Harrison, Hudson, Cooper, Brooklyn and Jasper.Once he entered the professional world, Ralph worked for several engineering firms including: Peterson Construction in Wapakoneta, Ohio; Pierce, Gruber and Beam, and Henry B. Steegs in Indianapolis. In 1965 he helped to establish United Consulting Engineers, Inc., and served as president until his retirement in 1989. Landscape Design was his final business venture from 1995-2006.Ralph was very active in both his church and community. He attended Broad Ripple United Methodist Church for more than 60 years. Not only did he teach Sunday school, he served as Chairman of the Administrative Board and Finance Committee. As a loyal fan of Purdue sports and the John Purdue Club, he attended most home and away football games and many home basketball games during the 50 years after his graduation. He enjoyed organizing popular tailgate parties for his friends and family. As an avid race fan, he attended the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race for 60 consecutive years! On a professional level, he was a member of numerous organizations even serving as the president of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). During his younger years, he donated blood on a regular basis to the community blood banks.Ralph was known for his big heart, generosity and witty sense of humor. First, he loved God, and then his family. He was most passionate about planning family reunions and gatherings. For many years he drove his RV motor home to all kinds of sporting events both local and out of state. He enjoyed playing cards, primarily Euchre and Bridge, and working a variety of crossword and jigsaw puzzles. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His friends and family will miss his fun-loving personality.Flanner and Buchanan - Broad Ripple, 1305 Broad Ripple Ave., Indianapolis, IN, 46220 is handling his funeral arrangements with the visitation there from 2 - 4 p.m. and again from 6 - 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017. The funeral service will be held at Broad Ripple United Methodist Church on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. with viewing one hour prior. Burial will follow at the Union Chapel Cemetery and conclude with a gathering at the church afterward. Donations may be made to the Broad Ripple United Methodist Church in his memory. Online condolences may be made at www.flannerbuchanan.com. Arrangements entrusted to Flanner and Buchanan - Broad Ripple.