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Evansville High School

Ralph McKenna Obituary

RALPH JAMES MCKENNA, 84 BELVIDERE - Ralph James McKenna, 84, of Belvidere died peacefully Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2011, in Amberwood Care Center, Rockford, after a long illness. Born Dec. 6, 1926, in Juda, Wis., the son of John C. and Genevieve (Larkin) McKenna. Ralph grew up in Evansville, Wis., and graduated from Evansville High School. He joined the U.S. Army in World War II and served from Dec. 11, 1944 to Dec. 11, 1946, in the Pacific Theater. Ralph attended and graduated from the U.W. LaCrosse, earning his BA in 1941 and his MA in 1959. He taught high school P.E. and coached football, basketball and baseball in Algoma, Wis., until 1961 when he moved to Belvidere; where he taught in the high school science department and coached basketball, golf and football. During the summers he spent 20 years as a dispatcher for Green Giant and then worked for the Rockford Park District as a starter for Elliott Golf Course and then for Aldeen until his retirement. Ralph married Lois Hoffman on July 18, 1964, in Belvidere. Ralph is loved and will be missed by his wife, Lois of Belvidere; daughters, Susan (Todd) McKenna-Slapp and Ann McKenna, both of Green Bay, Wis.; stepson, Jeff (Mary) Mielke of California; step-daughter, Lynn (Kerry) Nichols of Port Washington, Wis.; grandchildren, Conner and Molly McKenna-Slapp and Luke Mielke; sister, Marianne (Jerry) Beckwith of Evansville, Wis.; sister-in-law, Carolyn Angle of Dakota; numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents and brother, Jack. Memorial celebration of Ralph's life at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, in the Performing Arts Center of Belvidere High School, with the Rev. Beth Carson and Ralph's son-in-law, Kerry Nichols celebrating. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given in care of the Ralph J. McKenna Scholarship Fund at Belvidere High School. Arrangements by Buck-Wheeler-Hyland Funeral Home, 218 W. Hurlbut Ave., Belvidere. To light a candle or to share a memory, please visit buckwheelerhyland.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Rockford Register Star from Oct. 28 to Oct. 29, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Ralph McKenna

20 Entries

Richard Hetland

October 22, 2021

Ralph was such a positive influence in my life. He coached me at BHS and then was part of the coaching staff we were both on with Doug Chapman as our incredible football leader. His quiet demeanor and intensity were part off his coaching style. I had him both as a coach and a neighbor. I remember giving him and Lois a German shepherd called Scruffy. Scruffy was so loved by Ralph and Lois. I always tried to get him to smile, which when I did, it was that slight little mischievous grin. Ralph being a loyal packer fan that would travel to Green bay for all home games, was always giving me a rough time about being a Bear fan. There are certain people in you life that have had a positive influence. Ralph was one of them. I hope the good Lord is a Packer fan. If not, Ralph with convert Him to being one!

Karen Sanderson

November 23, 2011

I had Mr. McKenna for a Drivers Ed Teacher somewhere close to the year 1982. Sorry to his family for their loss. Karen Sanderson

Paublo Garza

November 11, 2011

Our Prayers go out to the Mckenna Family. My experience with Mr. Mckenna was on the football field and he taught me key values of respect towards others and was a great motivator. God bless !!

Karla Hart

November 6, 2011

Lois, I'm so sorry to hear about Ralph my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

Richard Hetland

October 31, 2011

My deepest and most heart-felt condolences to Lois and the family. He will truly be missed the many friends that loved this remarkale man. Mac coached me at BHS in the mid 60's and I had the honor of coaching with Mac in the early 70's when "Buc Pride" began to mean somethig to the Belvidere community. Mac's "rough" exterior only hid a compassionate and caring individual. Mac and Lois extended to me and my brother Bill their support and concern when both my parents passed away. And his commitment to the BHS football program said it all. Mac and Doug Chapman taught me so much more about just coaching. It was their drive to succeed and the dedication it took to succeed that forever influenced me in my life. Many times Mac and I would get on one another about which team was better, the Packers or my Bears. Nothing was ever resolved. [Mac had a stubborn streak, in case you didn't already know that!] Mac had the same loyalty to the Packers that he had to BHS football, his family and his many friends. God will now have to become a Packer fan. Mac wouldn't have it any other way. Good Bless you Mac.

Lynell (Halverson) Campbell

October 30, 2011

I am so sorry for your loss, Lois. I am glad you and my parents were such good friends and enjoyed dancing and evenings out together throughout the years. Always had fun at those pasture parties. He will be greatly missed. Our sympathies with you and God bless him on his journey.

Charlene (Kjenner) Peters

October 29, 2011

As soon as I read his name it brought back memories of high school science. My sympathy to the family.

tory mason

October 28, 2011

rip coach, you were an influential part of my younger years and you will never be forgotten....all the respect in the world to you......

October 28, 2011

My deepest sympathy to the McKenna family. He was a man that taught more than just science. He taught life values and those will be his legacy in Belvidere for years to come. My Dad, Steve Cole, coached BJT for many years and by doing so worked very closly to do the high school coaching staff. He was truly a one of kind. He will be missed by many.

kurt swanson

October 28, 2011

i had him 9th grade science he didnt take no goofing I also lived around the block from him and his wife kurt swanson

John Yurs

October 28, 2011

Please accept our deepest sympathies.

Kathleen Clanin

October 28, 2011

I had Mr. McKenna for 9th grade science. I learned quite a bit in that class but learned much more from him as a person. He was always visible at the games and was a huge supporter of the students. He had a very quiet demeanor but you also knew that he meant business. He was a wonderful asset to the BHS teaching staff and to the community as well. He will be missed by many.

Cindy Barr

October 28, 2011

My sincerest condolences to the McKenna family. I am so glad that Ralph and Lois were able to join the BHS Class of '67 at our 40-year class reunion in August 2007. Everyone enjoyed visiting with Coach McKenna and re-living so many high school memories with him.
Cindy (Glee) Barr

Mark Taylor

October 28, 2011

Coach McKenna, no nonsense on the field and in the classroom. Quiet yet strong demeanor that commanded respect. Sly smile that started from the corner of his mouth and could light up a room. These are the first attributes that come to mind when reflecting back. I feel very fortunate to have been a player and a student in his classroom. He taught by example and influenced so many young lives. His contributions in the classroom, on and off the field will live on as part of his legacy. My sincere regrets to Lois and family.

Letty Bradley

October 28, 2011

My heart goes out to you, Lois, and your family. Happy memories of a life well lived. Sincerest sympathies.

Dave Gonet

October 28, 2011

I taught with Ralph at BHS. I always admired him greatly. He was always the genuine article and always a gentleman. I wish to offer my heartfelt condolences upon your loss. Truly, it is a great loss for us all.

David Englund

October 28, 2011

My sincere condolences to the entire McKenna family. Ralph touched the lives of so many Belvidere students! I was glad that he was able to participate in the football championship seasons.

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