Deacon Ralph "Bud" Tharp

Ralph J. "Bud" Tharp, Jr. died on his birthday, January 2nd, 2024. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Lois; his 8 children: Ann (Ron) Geary, of Lincoln, Brian (Shelley) Tharp, of Meadow Grove, NE, Lynn (Scott) Whitmore, of Port Angeles, WA, Karen (Dave) Thiele, of Waterloo, Paula (Mike) Swerczek, of Omaha, twin daughters Clara (Randy) Parker, of Bellevue, and Margaret Tharp, of Omaha, and Lora (Fritz) Busch of Campbellsburg, KY; Bud was also blessed with 21 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by his parents Ralph, Sr. and Margaret Tharp; and brother Michael.

Bud established Tharp Dental Craft which he operated for many years in both Norfolk and Omaha. He was ordained a Roman Catholic Deacon in 1979 and worked as a chaplain at Bergan Mercy Hospital for several years. In his final days, Bud was lovingly cared for on the same medical floor he served as a chaplain.