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RALPH SMYKAL Obituary
Ralph Smykal, 82, a longtime resident of Wheaton, IL, Leland, MI and Morrison, TN, died at home on May 30, 2011. He is survived by his wife of 55 years Betty Wright Smykal; daughter Sally (Steven) Modine of Hudson, IL; son Scott Smykal of Wheaton, and eight grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lt. Gen. Richard and Helen Smykal; and his sister, Susan (Kendall) Griffith of Highland Park, IL. Ralph graduated from the University of Illinois and was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He served as an officer and a Ranger in the Army National Guard. Until 2008 he was President and owner of Smykal and Associates, a company that had been in the home building business since the Chicago Fire of 1871. Ralph was active in his community serving as Chairman of the DuPage Airport Authority, Director and member of the Executive Committee of Central DuPage Hospital, Director Emeritus of the DuPage Community Foundation, President and member of the Board of Directors of the DuPage Council of Boy Scouts, and Director of the Illinois Association of Realtors. He was a major supporter of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Other interests were his nursery and cattle farm in Tennessee, "Oak Brook Farms", and his cottage in Leland, Michigan; both areas deeply rooted in family history. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, at Williams-Kampp Funeral Home, 430 E. Roosevelt Rd., Wheaton (1 blk. East of Naperville Rd.). Private family services are at the First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton and private burial at Wheaton Cemetery. Contributions to the DuPage Community Foundation or the Chicago Symphony Orchestra are appreciated. Funeral info: 630-668-0016 or www.williams-kampp.com To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for RALPH SMYKAL
December 3, 2011
we are just learning of the passing of Ralph Drove by the house in Leland and found a hugh addition going up. we are keeping the family in our thoughts and prayers. We are sorry to learn the "family" house in Leland has been sold. If any of the family does a return visit please let us know. Richard and Galen Krupka
June 7, 2011
Ralph gave me my high school landscaping company's first job in the 60's. I worked in his home and his customer homes through my graduation from College.
Ralph was an intelligent and a very nice man, I am sorry to hear of his passing.
I knew his family and offer my heartfelt condolences to Betty, Scott, and Sally.
Malcolm Robertson (formerly of Glen Ellyn, IL)
June 5, 2011
Have very fond memories of Ralph and his Mother as I was one of the first persons to buy a home in Saybrook/. 40 yrs ago. Lou Strong Sun City West Az.
Ralph Smykal
June 2, 2011
Betty - "Bobo", Tom and I are so sorry to hear of Ralph's death. Though we have been many years apart, we think often of those happy days at Illinois. We send our prayers and sympathy to you and your family.
Barbara(Marimon) and Tom Hostetler
Steve and Toni Channer
June 2, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with Betty and the family.
Catherine Thorne
June 2, 2011
I remember Ralph as a kind, knowledgable and gentle man. He was my mentor in my beginning Real Estate days on Roosevelt Rd. in the Wheaton Office. May the good Lord welcome him with open arms and peace to those he has left behind.
Karen Donovan Jackson
June 1, 2011
To Betty and family,I am truly saddened by your loss. My parents, Joe and Felice Donovan, truly loved you and Ralph. All of the wonderful times you all had over many, many years will be forever in my memory. I am sure, as we speak, Ralph and my parents are laughing about all the practical jokes, golf dates, dinners and trips to Savannah, and Florida. Ralph was such a dear friend to our family, and it is so hard to believe that another great man is gone. Always with a smile on his face, you knew loyalty and honesty were his strong convictions.
My deepest sympathies to your family.
Lou & Carol Drendel
June 1, 2011
He was a true gentleman and we have great memories of quality times spent at NAHB conventions, time on the links and some aerial hi-jinks when he developed Aero Estates and built our home on the airport. Our sincere sympathies to Betty and family.
Nan Lightbody
June 1, 2011
Grand memories of working with and for Ralph at Smykal Associates for over 15 years in Wheaton, IL. Meticulous yet funny, fair and generous, we were 'family'. To Betty, Sally and Scott, I pray for the wonderful gift of 'memories' that our Lord has given to sustain you in the days ahead. Praying Jesus comfort for you, Nan Lightbody
Lorrie Williamson
June 1, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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