Ralph E. Schwendeman
Ralph E. Schwendeman, age 93, of Middlefield, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 27, 2025.
He was born on July 15, 1931, in Middlefield, to the late Charles F. and Eleanor (nee Tullius) Schwendeman.
Ralph was a proud graduate of Middlefield High School and continued his education at Fenn College (now Cleveland State University).
In August 1950, he married the love of his life, Doris, and together they built a beautiful life filled with love, family and faith.
He dedicated his career to Geauga Industries, where he worked as a factory and purchasing manager until his retirement in 1991.
Ralph was deeply involved in his community, serving as a school board member for 13 years and as a member of the Parkman 55+ Club. He was one of the founding families of St. Lucy Church, where his faith remained a cornerstone of his life.
Ralph had a passion for the outdoors and enjoyed gardening, hunting small game, traveling and camping. However, his greatest joy came from spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Doris; children, Rusty (Rhonda) Schwendeman, Steve (Kim) Schwendeman and Sharon (Benjie) Pilarczyk; 11 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild and another one on the way.
He is also survived by his brother, Paul Schwendeman; and sisters, Gertrude Hall and Eleanor Fricker.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; daughters, Terry Parnaby and Janice Schwendeman; sons-in-law, Dana Parnaby and Steve Jonath; and brothers Charles, Francis and his wife Mary, and Roy Schwendeman.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at Sly Family Funeral Home 15670 West High St., Middlefield, for calling hours on Monday, March 3, 2025, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Lucy Church, 16280 East High St., Middlefield, on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 11 a.m., with burial to follow at Overlook Cemetery in Parkman Township.
Ralph’s legacy of love, kindness, and dedication to his family and faith will be cherished forever.
Memorial donations can be given in Ralph’s name to: St. Lucy’s Church, P.O. Box 709, Parkman, OH 44080; or St. Jude’s Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
