Ralph “Dean” Edward Canter

Ralph “Dean” Edward Canter, age 68, husband of Linda Stogsdill Canter, of Indianapolis, passed away in the early morning hours on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, following a brave 15-month battle with cancer.

Ralph was born in Indianapolis on May 20, 1955, to Jack Eugene Canter and Lois Stapp Canter. Ralph graduated from Southport High School in 1973. It was during these years at Southport that Ralph met the love of his life, Linda. Ralph continued his education at Purdue University Indianapolis, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology and later, a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering.

In 1977, Ralph married his love, Linda. In the same year, he would also begin his career at Indianapolis Power and Light. During his 24 years at IPL, he would accomplish many things both professionally, and personally. Ralph worked his way up the ranks, ultimately becoming the Senior Vice President of Customer Service. He was so proud of his accomplishments at IPL.

In 1984 and 1987, respectively, his children Leigh and Joseph were born. He was so proud them and their educational achievements.

In 1999 Ralph got the opportunity to attend Harvard Business School’s 57^th Advanced Management Program, an accomplishment he would wear with pride for the rest of his life.

After parting ways with IPL in 2001, Ralph would go on to have a successful second act to his career working in construction management. After a short stint with Wabash Valley Power, Ralph would partner with Monument Advisors to purchase HETSCO, a small specialty welding company in Greenwood, IN. Ralph served as HETSCO’s CEO until 2009. Following HETSCO, Ralph worked at several construction companies, getting the opportunity to lead projects across the United States.

Following his retirement in 2018, Ralph enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, and (perhaps most importantly) grandchildren. He loved walking—20 miles a week!—and became quite good at pickleball.

We will miss him so much.

Love you, Papaw!

Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Linda Canter; children, Joseph (Jessica) and Leigh (Robert); grandchildren, Elodie, Cambria, and Indiana; and siblings, Curt, Ramona, and Mark.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Lois; and his brother, Dave.

The family will be receiving guests at Singleton and St. Pierre Funeral Service and Crematory on Friday, September 29, from 3:00-7:00PM. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 30, at 11AM at Greenwood United Methodist Church, 525 N. Madison Avenue, Greenwood, IN 46142. The family will receive guests at the church from 10:30AM until the time of service. Burial will be private.

Memorial contributions can be made in Ralph’s memory to the American Cancer Society.

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