Ralph C. Schlegelmilch

1928 - 2023

Ralph C. Schlegelmilch, age 95, of Chaska passed away peacefully Monday, September 25, 2023 at Auburn Manor in Chaska.

Funeral Service 11:00 A.M., Friday, September 29, 2023 at Trinity Lutheran Church (417 Oak St.) in Carver with Rev. David Jander as officiant. Visitation Thursday, September 28, 2023 from 4 P.M. - 7 P.M. and one hour prior to the service on Friday, all at the church. Interment in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Carver.

Ralph Carl Schlegelmilch was born March 1, 1928 in Augusta, MN to Carl and Mary (Butterfass) Schlegelmilch. He was baptized into the Christian Faith on March 25, 1928 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Carver. Ralph remained a faithful parishioner of the Trinity Church all his life. He attended school in the one room school house #6, located on his very farm. Ralph completed an 8th grade education and graduated in 1942. On April 22, 1950, Ralph married the love of his life, Marian Brusehoff. Together, for the next 69 plus years, they grew the farm and loving family of seven children.

Ralph was a passionate farmer. He had few interests besides farming. However, he did enjoy fishing, hunting, travelling and time spent with his family. He and Marian were both active in the Augusta Ball Club. Ralph had a strong faith in God and an incredible work ethic, which he instilled in all of his family.

Both Ralph and Marian loved and enjoyed family. The more the better! They were gifted with seven children; five daughters and two sons. The family grew to 18 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. Ralph really had fun with his grandchildren. He loved teasing them, especially about spooks out in the corn field, and chasing them around the farm. Halloween was scary for all of the grandchildren because that's when Ralph and Marian put on their best show.

After the passing of Marian (3.5 years ago), Ralph moved to Auburn Courts and then Auburn Manor where he was so loved. In the home, Ralph became known as Mr. Ralphie. He taught everyone about his passion, farming. He had a twinkle in his eye and a sly smile for everyone. He will be dearly missed.

In his words, to all the staff at Auburn, "You do good for me. Thank you!"

Ralph was preceded in death by his wife Marian; parents Carl and Mary Schlegelmilch; sister and brother-in-law Leona and William "Bill" Buetow; father-in-law and mother-in-law Harry and Hilda Bruesehoff; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Eddie and Mavis Deis, Gordon Tellers, Harlan and Betty Ann Kroells, John Schultz, Harry "Sonny" Bruesehoff Jr.

Ralph is survived by his loving family: daughters Vicky (John) Bonde, Karla (James) Ryshavy, Wendy Sorensen, Nancy Bailey, Laurie (Myron) Jabs; sons Russell (Lisa) Schlegelmilch, David (Linda) Schlegelmilch; grandchildren David (Mindy) Diethelm, Scott (Kate) Haas, Shannon (Nate) Watson, Erik (Brooke) Sorensen, Jennifer (Adam) Anderson, Sean (Danielle) Bailey, Megan (Chad) Genz, Michael (McKenzie) Jabs, Jodi Jabs, Dan Jabs, Carrie (Shaun) Kamann, Angie (Ethan) Weiland, Ruth (Ben) Rockwell, Rachel Pilipauskas, Joanna Schlegelmilch, Stephanie (Brandon) Koch, Alix Schlegelmilch Samuel Schlegelmilch; great-grandchildren James and Emma Watson, Hayley and Chase Haas, Tucker, Luke, Jake and Vera Sorensen, Landon, Kylie and Weston Anderson, Sloane and Maeve Bailey, Kellan, Emmett and Hannah Genz, Addison, Barrett and Maisey Jabs, Calvin, Hazel, Greta and Autumn Kamann, Marleyna and Rollie Weiland, Aurora and Evelyn Rockwell, Tahtianna and Tobias Pilipauskas, Oliver Koch; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law Harriet Tellers, Charlotte Schultz, Daniel (Janette) Bruesehoff; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Trinity Lutheran Church, Carver, MN.

Casket Bearers are Ralph's grandsons, Scott Haas, Erik Sorensen, Sean Bailey, Michael Jabs, Danny Jabs, David Diethelm.

Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia, 952-442-2121, www.johnsonfh.com.