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1932
2014
Ralph Schuling
Huxley
Ralph Schuling, 81, passed away January 12, 2014 and is now with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Ralph was born on July 4, 1932, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Charles and Marie Schuling. He graduated from East High School, in Des Moines, where he met the love of his life and beautiful bride of over 61 years, Mary Anne Crawford. After marrying, Ralph served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. After the war, the couple then returned to Des Moines where Ralph joined his father in the operation of Schuling Conveyor and Hitch Company in Des Moines, and later expanded to operations in Council Bluffs and Ames Iowa. Ralph shared his father's entrepreneurial spirit and engineering mind, always looking for ways to improve and invent, taking advantage of the growing importance of the automobile in work and recreational applications. 2014 marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of Schuling Hitch Company.
Ralph loved to serve his Lord and was active in his church, leading youth and college-age programs, serving as both an elder and deacon, and singing in the choir. The focus of church and family was a guiding light in Ralph's life and his church friendships endured throughout his life.
Ralph and Mary Anne traveled extensively, eventually settling in Oceanside, CA each year during the winter months for the past 28 years. He enjoyed the thrill of adventure, meeting new friends, and being surrounded by his growing family. He was a wonderful role model and welcomed his children's spouses with open arms. About six years ago, Ralph was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, a degenerative disease, which ultimately took his life. Although his mobility became severely restricted, Ralph retained his kind, loving and witty demeanor. The many loving memories of all of our days with Ralph will always remain strong.
He leaves behind his wife Mary Anne, and four children: Mike (Brenda) Schuling of Ankeny, Cindy Schuling of Huxley, Doug (Melanie) Schuling of Encinitas, CA, and Julie (Steve) Houge of Polk City; and, sister Sharon Orlins of Muscatine, IA. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Noel (Tyler) Smith, Tyler (Sarah) Schuling, Lindsay (Mike) Cooper, Chelsea Fausch, Cody Fausch, Marissa Schuling, Allegra Schuling, Wyatt Houge and Garrett Houge, and four great-grandchildren and one on the way, as well as many other family members and friends who loved him.
Ralph was predeceased by his parents, Charles Schuling and Marie Vandal and his step-mother Blanche Schuling, sisters Virginia Anderson Tesdell and Alene (Al) Koontz, and brother Richard (Dorraine) Schuling.
The family wishes to thank the many caregivers that assisted in making Ralph's life so very fulfilling to the end, namely Heartland Adult Day Center and Green Hills Health Care Center, both of Ames, IA.
Visitation will be Thursday, January 16, 2014 at Bethany Reformed Church at 720 NE 52nd Ave., Des Moines, from 5 to 8 PM. His memorial service will be held at Bethany Reformed Church, on Friday, January 17, at 10AM with burial following at Highland Memory Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to Heartland Adult Day Center, 205 South Walnut Ave, Ames, IA. 50010.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mike and family, I am praying that God will comfort you in this time of loss. Prayers and hugs.
Jeanne Lester
January 17, 2014
Mary and Mike (family):
More and more the 'old guard' is being called "home" and that is a great promise and testimony from the Lord. For those of us that remain - for the short duration - we must carry ourselves with the same grace and humility that Ralph exhibited in his earthly life. May you be comforted at this rough time by His strength and His abounding peace now and forever! Phil and Chris Ramsey
Ramsey
January 17, 2014
MARY ANN AND FAMILY. IM SO SORRY ABOUY RALPH YOU TWO WERE SOME OF MY BEST FRIENDS AT EAST HIGH AND DURING OUR CHILD RAISING YEARS. SO MANY GREAT MEMORIES. GOD WILL TAKE CAR OF HIM.
MARLA DAVIS =ZIMMERMAN= AND GIRLS
January 17, 2014
Good morning Mike, Cindy, Doug, and Julie. My name is Dianne Overton-Shields. I went to school and church with your family. Your parents were such good with the youth of the church. I remember many gatherings at your house. I rode the Sunday School bus and one of the last stops was your house. Cindy was always ready to ride. I am so sorry for your loss. There is comfort to know Ralph is with our Lord. Yesterday my husband of 40 years left to be with the Lord. I hope they meet compare notes. God bless your family. Dianne Overton-Shields
January 16, 2014
Mary, Julie, Cindy, Mike and Doug - We are sorry to hear of Ralph's passing. Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. Heaven gained an amazing Angel. It's time to rest in peace now Ralph.
Kirk and Jennifer Shultice
January 15, 2014
Julie and Family, so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Gary Harris Family
Cathy Harris
January 15, 2014
Praying for God's peace and comfort as you mourn the loss of Ralph. Know that I am thinking of all of you, at this time.
Linda Ludwig
January 14, 2014
Cindy, Chelsea, Cody, So sorry to hear of the loss of your dad and grandpa. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Candy Stensland
January 14, 2014
Cindy , so sorry to hear of your loss, our prayers go out to you and your family. God Bless
Bill & Bette Morris
January 14, 2014
Ralph was a great person and will be miss by everyone. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. It is the neat memories that help you though the hard times and I know your family has lot of good memories . Love Sue and family
Sue Scovel
January 14, 2014
Remembering Ralph and Mary Anne and expressing our sorrow on Ralph's death.
Please know our thought are with the Schuling family at this time.
Larry and Marilyn
Larry & Marilyn Palmer
January 14, 2014
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