Ralph Schweitzer

WATERTOWN Ralph Joseph Schweitzer left the loving arms of his wife, in the comfort of his home, for the embrace of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Friday April 11, 2014. Ralph was born during a snow storm Dec.19, 1924 at the family farm of Joseph and Ida (Barth) Schweitzer on Oakwood Rd. in Franklin, WI. After graduating from Willow Edge School he worked on the family farm with his dad, bought a can milk route and worked for one year at Harley-Davidson in Milwaukee before starting a dairy farm next door to his parents. On May 1, 1948 he married Ruth M. Schmidt at Holy Apostles in New Berlin, WI. In 1958 they purchased a farm south of Watertown. In 1984, after retiring, he built a house and moved to the city of Watertown, when the farm was sold to his youngest daughter and her husband. Ralph took care of Ruth, who suffered from a long illness, until she passed away on Feb 16, 1992. On Aug. 14, 1993, Ralph married Marjorie Brummel at St. Bernard's Church. They enjoyed more than 20 years together. Ralph's love will live on in the hearts of his wife Marge, his six children; Gary (Kathy) Schweitzer; Wayne (Mae) Schweitzer; Donna (Leon) Jaeger; Dale (Kathryn) Schweitzer; Joel Schweitzer; and Debra (Kevin) Horack. He also is loved and will be missed by his ten step children; David (Sandra) Brummel; Daniel(Julie) Brummel; Howard (Melissa) Brummel; Linda Grimm; Kenneth (Dawn) Brummel; Edward (Sharon) Brummel; James (Kimberly) Brummel; Joseph (RoAnna) Brummel; Anita (Adam) Marlett; and Angela Brummel. Ralph was proud of his 16 grandchildren, 26 step grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, 11 step great grandchildren and one great great-grandson. Ralph is survived by three brothers Vernon, Raymond and Lloyd. He was preceded in death by his brother Milton and his sister Dorothy Delikat. R.J. was an active member of St .Bernard's. He served on the parish council, as an usher, on the auction committee, and delivered meals on wheels. He was a member of the Catholic Knights and the Watertown Agri-business club where he enjoyed working at the annual Dairy Breakfast. He was proud to be a working contributor for the Chamberland project. Ralph was a gifted craftsmen and loved working with wood, making beautiful furniture and countless gifts for his family, and items for the St. Bernard's annual St. Patrick's auction. He also loved his garden, fishing, playing Sheepshead, traveling and dancing. But most of all, he loved his family, especially the little ones and family gatherings. Our lives shall be empty without him, but our hearts are full of his love. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, April 16 at 11:00 AM at St. Bernard's Catholic Church with Monsignor Daniel Ganshert celebrating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Family and friends may call on Tuesday from 5:00 PM until the Scripture Service at 8:00 PM at Schmutzler-Vick Funeral Home and Cremation Service. There will also be visitation on Wednesday from 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM at the Church. Those wishing to express their sympathy through memorials may direct them to St Bernard's Catholic Church or Rainbow Hospice. Online condolences may be made at www.svfuneralhome.com. The family would like to thank the compassionate and caring staff of Rainbow Hospice and also the many family and friends who have supported us during Ralph's final journey.

Visitation

Tuesday, April 15, 2014 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Schmutzler-Vick Funeral Home & Cremation Service
500 Welsh Road Watertown 53098, United States

Visitation

Wednesday, April 16, 2014 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM
St. Bernard Catholic Church
114 S. Church St. Watertown 53094, United States

Service

Wednesday, April 16, 2014 11:00 AM
St. Bernard Catholic Church
114 S. Church St. Watertown 53094, United States