Ralph Gosser will be ever remembered as a caring cowboy. He had the biggest heart and his faith was unwavering.
On Dec. 2, 2022, after many battles with cancer Ralph “Goose” E. Gosser left this world to go home. Ralph was born Oct. 17, 1946, in Russell Springs, Kentucky, to farmers Carthel E. and Burdean (Wilson) Gosser. The family moved to Ohio and Ralph graduated from Norwood High School in 1964.
Starting in high school, he worked at United Dairy Farmer on Montgomery Road until May 1965. Ralph married Gloria Smith on July 8, 1966, and they were blessed with two children: Scott and Leann.
Ralph joined the United States Navy on June 14, 1965, during the Vietnam War. He served as a medic aboard a guided missile cruiser, the USS Yarnell (DLG-17), during six cruises in the Mediterranean Sea, Caribbean Sea, and North Atlantic Ocean. Gosser was honorably discharged on June 13, 1967.
Upon returning home, Ralph took a position as a Laboratory Technician at General Hospital until November 1967. Ralph joined the Cincinnati Police Division as a Police Recruit on Nov. 19, 1967. On Feb. 25, 1968, he was promoted to Patrolman, issued Badge 546, and assigned to District 5 (1012 Ludlow Ave.). He was transferred to Communications Section (310 Lincoln Park Drive) on Jan. 3, 1971. Two months later, he returned to District 5. He spent most of his career in Camp Washington. Officer Gosser resigned Sept. 8, 1978, with almost 14 years of service to his country and community, and eight letters of appreciation and/or commendation, including two from the police chief.
He took over operation of a hardware store in Camp Washington. Later, he operated Gosser’s Horse Drawn Wagon Rides near Harrison, Ohio. He also worked in security at Fernald until 2006.
Officer Gosser was an active member of the Harrison Avenue Baptist Church. He was a true cowboy in many ways and enjoyed the freedom and relaxation while he was on his horse and anything to do with horses. Ralph was always making things out of horseshoes: Christmas trees, coat racks, boot racks, anything you could think of, he made it. He loved working with his horses, whether it was hooking up the horses to plow and work the fields, horse and carriage rides in downtown Cincinnati, or for weddings and funerals.
Another big part of Ralph’s life was his church and being an active member of Harrison Avenue Baptist Church. Besides his love of God, he also loved his family and always made sure that they knew how much he loved them.
Ralph was preceded in death by his loving wife: Gloria (Smith) Gosser; parents Carthel E. and Burdean (nee Wilson) Gosser; and daughter-in-law Rhonda Gosser. Those left with broken hearts and many wonderful memories are his children Scott and Leann Gosser; grandchildren Zach and Paige Harper, Meagan Gosser; great–grandchild Blaize; his dear friend and companion Michelle Snyder; brother Kennie (Wanda) Gosser; sister-in-law Rita Parks; brothers-in-law Tim and Greg Smith; nieces Vanessa Blatt and Candace Stang. He was also a dear friend to many.
Visitation will be at Harrison Avenue Baptist Church on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 1 p.m. Burial with Military Honors to follow at Glen Haven Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Church or any veterans organization. Funeral home representative will be available during the visitation to accept memorials in Ralph’s memory. If unable to attend memorials may be sent to Brater Winter Funeral Home, 201 S. Vine St. Harrison, OH, 45030.