Ralph Rydzewski

Rydzewski, Ralph

Ralph Rydzewski, age 94, of 950 S. Rapids Road, Manitowoc, a former Valders resident, died Sunday, November 29, 2015 at his residence.

He was born on October 25, 1921 in Manitowoc, son of the late Martin and Mary (Coblewski) Rydzewski. Ralph attended Manitowoc schools including St. Mary's and also Manitowoc Vocational school. He also attended many heating and air conditioning schools and seminars including those at UW Madison. On March 6, 1943 he married Bernice Ann Larson at St. Mary's Church in Manitowoc. She preceded him in death on July 30, 2009.

Ralph worked for Wm. Schaus & Sons and the Manitowoc Shipyards in the early forties as a Journeyman Sheet Metal Worker. He worked on the City of Midland and other ships including US Navy submarines. In 1946 he built a new shop, Valders Sheet Metal, in Valders. He installed heating and air conditioning units and did sheet metal work in many Valders and area homes and businesses. He also made several stainless steel steeple crosses for area churches. From 1958 to 1974 he worked in Sheboygan for the Ted Kuck Company as Manager of Heating & AC, designing and estimating residential and commercial jobs. Ralph worked in Green Bay and Appleton in the late 1970's and early 1980's focusing on industrial work. He retired from Feldman Inc., Appleton, in 1983.

Ralph served in the U.S. Army in World War II as a Technical Sargent for the 176th Engineer Construction Battalion. Ralph operated sheet metal aircraft shops in Pusan and Seoul, Korea. He was also an expert rifleman and awarded the Meritorious Unit, Army of Occupation, Asiatic Pacific Theater Service, and Good Conduct Medals. He was Honorably Discharged July 24, 1946.

He was a past member and President of the Valders Fire Dept., participated in Valders JC startup and served many years on the Valders Community Chest. He served as a Trustee on the Valders Village Board. Ralph was a lifetime member of the American Legion and served as Commander for both Valders and Manitowoc County. He was a member of the Valders Lion's Club for over 36 years and was past president. He was a key member to help with the construction of the "Viking Ship" and participated in many parades on the ship promoting Valders. He most recently served on the Board of Valders Viking Villa as treasurer. Ralph was a Valders resident since 1946. He was a member of St. Mary's Church, Clarks Mills and the Holy Name Society.

Ralph also greatly enjoyed his cottage at Little Sturgeon Bay in Door County, fishing, doing cottage projects, and spending time with his wife Bernice, family and friends. He had many special years at Deer Camp, hunting with his sons and family in northern Wisconsin. He also loved the Packers and Badgers, especially watching games with his sons and family. He designed with blueprints and constructed two new homes in Valders. He was the best of dads and a terrific engineer ...there was nothing he couldn't repair and install.

Survivors include four sons and three daughters-in-law: Dennis and Joanne Rydzewski, Appleton, John and Mary Rydzewski, Brookfield, Thomas and Sue Rydzewski, Luxemburg, Peter Rydzewski, Two Rivers; eight grandchildren: Renee (Mark) Lechner, Deanne (John) Loehr, David (Jennifer) Rydzewski, John Jr. (Kimberly) Rydzewski, Rachel Rydzewski, Nora (Matt) Rynes, Nicole Rydzewski, Phillip Rydzewski; ten great grandchildren: Cailin and Maren Lechner, Alec, Luke and Noah Loehr, Lauren and Hope Rydzewski, Autum, Noel Rydzewski; and Madeline Rynes; a sister-in-law: Elline Brick; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and good friends. He was also preceded in death by four sisters and brothers-in-law and five brothers and sisters-in-law: Esther and Fred Wenzel, Beatrice and Gerald Henninger, Violet and Floyd Bebeau, Bernice Rydzewski, Edwin and Marge Rydzewski, Gerald and Helen Rydzewski, Martin and Teresa Rydzewski, Linus and Emily Rydzewski, Leonard Rydzewski; two sisters-in-law and four brothers-in-law: Dolores and Leonard Pfeffer, Betty Lou and Allan "Bud" Erickson, Charles "Chuck" Brick, Ellsworth Larson; one niece: Patty Rydzewski and other relatives.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am. Thursday, December 3, 2015 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Clarks Mills. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. Richard Klingeisen. Burial will be held at Evergreen Cemetery, Manitowoc. Military Rites will be accorded by V.F.W. Otto Oas Post #659.

The family will greet relatives and friends at St. Mary Catholic Church, Clarks Mills, from 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 3, 2015 until 10:45 a.m.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.pfefferfuneralhome.com

The Pfeffer Funeral Home, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

Ralph was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and from the bottom of our hearts we will always love him and miss him.