Ralph Andrew Nissen

Ralph was born in Petaluma, Ca to his loving parents Andy and Alma Nissen. He graduated from Petaluma High School and for a short time attended a Christian College in Chicago before enlisting in the Air Force. He proudly served as a flight engineer while stationed at Norton Air Force Base. After his time in the service, Ralph went on to work in the aerospace industry 35 years for United Technologies, working on many projects for NASA and the military until he retired in 1996.

Ralph was an incredibly kind, caring and generous man, volunteering his time at Morgan Hill Bible Church, and St. Louise Hospital. He was always there for anyone in need and could always be counted on to step in and help. He was a faithful servant of God and was an example to everyone on what it meant to be a Christian.

Ralph was also a talented artist who loved to paint, sketch and draw, as well as woodworking. He loved taking art classes at the senior center and displayed many of his paintings there. He also made a large, detailed replica to scale of the Golden Gate Bridge with working lights, and the Transamerica building which he proudly displayed in his yard at his home in Morgan Hill.

Ralph was an amazing father to his son Jeff, and loving husband to his wife Nancy who preceded him into Heaven in 2008.

Ralph is survived by his son Jeff, daughter-in-law April, his stepchildren Susan, David, Peter, and Bob, grandson Eric, and granddaughter Kristel. He was preceded in death by his parents Andrew and Alma, his sister Lorraine, and his wife Nancy.

A memorial will be held September 9th at 11 AM at Morgan Hill Bible Church 15055 Monterey Highway Morgan Hill, Ca. 95037. In Lieu of Flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Morgan Hill Bible Church or Mount Hermon in Ralph’s memory.