Ralph Schlaegel

Ralph G. Schlaegel, 95

July 9, 1922 – March 29, 2018

Ralph, beloved husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, and Great Great Grandfather, transferred residence to heaven in Coeur d’Alene on March 29th, surrounded by family.

Ralph was born in San Jose, California. He and his wife, Willie Ann, had lived in San Jose, Pollock Pines and Roseville, California before moving to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 76 years, brother Joseph Schlaegel of Salinas, CA, daughters Donna Branson and Cathye Clayton, both of Coeur d’Alene, and son Norm Schlaegel of Livermore, California, and their respective spouses Wayne, Bob, and Rosemarie.

Ralph is also survived by grandchildren Tim and Mark Branson of Coeur d’alene, Dan Branson of Sacramento, CA, Becca Gregg of Hayden, Idaho, Chris Clayton of Pullman, WA, Kevin Clayton of Taylors, South Carolina, Elena Hoblitt of Livermore, and Christina Martinez of Castro Valley, CA. and their families.

Ralph is also survived by great grandchildren Aeden and Chloee Branson, Sam Branson of West Virginia, Mark and Brian Clayton of South Carolina, Jacob Haynes of Idaho, Zachary Schlaegel and Drew Martinez of CA, Journey and Jovie Clayton of WA and great great grandchildren Zachariah, Sydni, and Gabriel Branson of West Virginia. He has many surviving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He enjoyed basketball, playing on both high school and recreational teams for many years.

Ralph was a veteran, having served in the Army Air Corp. before being employed at Moffet Field Ames Research Center in California, which produced the first wind tunnel test models of the Space Shuttle, U2 and other aircraft. He was an aircraft patternmaker, and in his spare time a skilled wood craftsman. He also loved singing in church choirs, trios and quartets. For many years he sang first tenor in a Gospel Men’s singing group known as the “Royal Bards”, which traveled all over central California.

After retirement he faithfully served behind the scenes in many capacities helping his church and senior citizens. He and Willie Ann, the love of his life, also enjoyed traveling with many friends and family throughout the country. In his later years he developed a deep love and appreciation for all of his family, and the many blessings that God had granted him.

Ralph’s favorite Bible verse was John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall have everlasting life”. He has now begun that everlasting life and is reunited with many who have gone before him.

Private services will be held at a later date. Please contact the family for time and date of service - [email protected].