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1937
2014
RYDHOLM, Ralph Williams, creatively directed a long and wonderful life and arrived at the end the way we all might hope to: at home, in his sleep, and surrounded by the family who loves him. He was born in Chicago in 1937 to parents Thor and Vivian, and spent most of his life in that city he adored. He graduated from Austin High School and then Northwestern University. After he enrolled to earn a master's degree in business from his alma mater, he had a big spat with a statistics professor over his tardiness for class. When Ralph felt right or wronged, he let you know it. The argument must have been a doozy because he dropped out of school. Knowing Ralph to be a wit with words and clever of mind, a friend suggested advertising. Phew. The ad biz was a great fit for a fellow with a sociologist's understanding of human behavior, a mathematician's grasp of logic, an actor's passion for performance, and a bard's knack for rhyme. Sometimes he was the audience: reflective and appreciative. Sometimes the showman: front and center. Sometimes the critic: questioning and validating. Over forty years, Ralph led creative departments at J. Walter Thompson Chicago, Ted Bates in New York, and Tatham, Laird, and Kudner, eventually rising to CEO at the latter. In one particular stretch of memorable work for brands like Burger King, Pepsi, and Ronco, he noted that everybody loves a burger when they can have it fixed their way, go halfway and you might as well stop, and the problem with buttons is they always come off. Ralph moonlighted as an amateur sleuth, swiftly solving mysteries he encountered in books, on TV, at the movies, or within his beloved Mohawk Street brownstone, which he bought in 1968 and obsessively refined. He loved to fix problems, be they in his home or body-he found joy in long afternoons with those who specialized in sewage systems, pest control, and dental work. He loved his wife, Jo, to whom he was married for more than fifty years. He wooed her relentlessly and stunned many when he won the account. The three kids that followed pursued some of his biggest passions. He loved music; his daughter Julia became a musician. He prized education; his daughter Kristin became a teacher. He consumed television; his son Erik became a TV producer. Together, Ralph and Jo traveled the world, but enjoyed no place more than the lakeshore of southwestern Michigan, where he landscaped the forest into a glorious spring flowering that inevitably became a salad bar for the local deer populace. He loved sports, devoting himself to Northwestern football, attending Bears' games religiously, and fruitlessly root, root, rooting for the Cubbies for his nearly 77 years. As an athlete, he could throw a tight spiral, hammer a hard serve, and occasionally make it off the first tee. But his whole family agrees that what may excited him most of all was the promise of a party. Dinner party, dance party, wedding party, pizza party-any party. He pointed proudly to ones of his own that featured high drama, loud music, and a dash of self-destruction. He knew something about everything, and so much about so many. He often said of himself, "I may not be a deep person, but I'm broadly shallow. And volumetrically, it's exactly the same." His family's love for him is both deep and broad and they miss him so much. In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by his sister, Virginia Rydholm Grimes, and her husband, Dale. A memorial gathering for friends and family will be scheduled. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages a donation to The Chicago High School for the Arts, or any other organization that inspires and fosters curiosity and a creative life.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Ten years since his death and I find myself thinking of Ralph as I am about to publish my 20th book - because I remembered the person who encouraged the fledgling girl who wanted to be a writer and was hired that day by a man with a huge grin who showed up to my interview at JWT in an angel outfit complete with white robe and crooked halo. He was pitching an account. Dramatically. Women didn´t get many chances in those days but he took a gamble on me and thanks to him i became one day in the future an executive creative director myself. And many other things. I think of Ralph often as I just did today. Thank you Ralph. You knew who I was before I did. Yes you were an angel. And I trust still are.
Anonymos
Work
January 21, 2024
Ralph was one of those extraordinary vivid people who live in the memory. He is remembered with respect and affection. Nicholas Oppenheim (London).
Nicholas Oppenheim
May 22, 2023
Our brains work in such funny ways so if i tell you i woke up thinking of Ralph about a week ago, how about that! We need him now to explain all this and make a few pungent uproarious comments about this current
Condition! We miss you and your
Singular outlook. Xo jeanne haber
May 21, 2020
We were birds of passage in Chicago many moons past. My wife, Biddy Oppenheim, died nine years ago but I know that she would have wanted to be associated with my very fond and clear memories of Ralph and the wonderful Rydholm family. God bless you all. Nicholas Oppenheim.
Nicholas Oppenheim
Friend
May 21, 2020
So nice to be reminded of a fun smart man who always kept me laughing. Thinking of him brings a smile to my face. And hello to his wonderful wife Jo. Xo jeanne h
Jeanne Haber
May 21, 2019
Thanks for the wonderful Ralph reminder. Such a great person always recalled with joy. From the Oppenheim family (London).
Nicholas Oppenheim
May 21, 2019
Dear Rydholm Family,
I just heard of Ralph's passing and am so sorry for your loss. I was your tenant downstairs on Mohawk from 1989-1994 and have so many fond memories of Ralph. My favorite has to be him coming down to fix something in his very colorful pajamas(I think they were feet pajamas) with a huge smile on his face. My thoughts are with you all. Jodi Nelkin Savitt
February 6, 2015
Dear Jo,
Mark and I were so saddened to hear of Ralph's passing in May, only yesterday through you. What wonderful memories of your life together you will have forever. My sincere sympathy to all of you.
Ingrid
Ingrid E. Albrecht
December 24, 2014
Jean Stenerson
August 10, 2014
Sad to read of Ralph's passing. My recollection of Ralph was years ago at a Christmas party at my grandfathers home at Cloverdale Farm Capron Illinois. He recited "The Night Before Christmas" from beginning to end and he was just a very young boy.
Jean Thompson Stenerson.
Jean Stenerson
August 10, 2014
There is a time and place for those we love to start another journey. I never had the pleasure of meeting Ralph but talked on the phone. I could feel and hear his compassion for life, one lived well. I'm sure he will be missed by many but your memories of him will last a life time..cherish them! My sincere condolences to his family and close friends that new him
Cheryl Pettke
July 25, 2014
My memories of Ralph go back to the early 50s
when I was a prepubescent little devil about 4
years younger than Ralph and his buddies but
when they were short handed they always included me in their pickup games of line ball or touch football. Whenever I got nervous and dropped a pass Ralph would claim
he would use child psychology to make me hang onto the ball and go through a bit of
improvised hypnosis on me. It usually worked. Even then he knew how to get results,
Billy deMaria
July 8, 2014
My memories of Ralph go back to the early 50s
when I was a prepubescent little devil about 4
years younger than Ralph and his buddies but
when they were short handed they always included me in their pickup games of line ball or touch football. Whenever I got nervous and dropped a pass Ralph would claim
he would use child psychology to make me hang onto the ball and go through a bit of
improvised hypnosis on me. It usually worked. Even then he knew how to get results,
July 8, 2014
Ralph was a crreative genius, and his ability to commbine that talent with humility and humor was unique. When working on a project with him, he made you feel great. He will be missed by all who knew him. Jules Stiffel
June 24, 2014
Jo, Sorry about your loss of Ralph. I know what it is like to experience the loss of your husband. Courage, Donna Graham
June 13, 2014
Jo, I was deeply sorry to learn from Jeanne Haber that Ralph died. It is now over thirty-one years since we departed Chicago. We left many good friends behind. I really regret that separated by time and distance we were not able to stay in contact. Ralph left a deep impression of an impassioned thoughtful and witty man. Sincerest condolences to you Jo and all your family. Nicholas Oppenheim.
June 2, 2014
Great ad mate. Sorry to hear. He's probably already writing the new anthem for the heavens. All the best to Jo and the family from Ian and Eugenia Miller and family.
June 1, 2014
One of the very few that was larger than life and always made me laugh. I experienced 'high drama' chez vous on one New Year's Eve night! Ralph was never one to disappoint. With much sadness and many great memories....jeanne haber
May 30, 2014
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved Ralph. Our time in Chicago was memorable because of you. I still remember a wonderful fun evening at our home where everyone was wearing my wide-brimmed hats. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Alex Broderick
May 29, 2014
Ralph, how could you? I hope you left us knowing how much we thought of your superb abilities and how much you were admired
and respected. Working with you at TLK was pure professionalism
and creative pleasure. Oh yeah, and fun!
Sincere condolences to Jo and the family.
Bill Biderbost
May 29, 2014
The right words... Ralph always had them - with the laugh track always ready if needed.
Years ago, he gave me one of the biggest compliments I ever received - mostly because it was from him.
RIP, RR - a life well-lived.
Bruce Bendinger
May 29, 2014
It's hard to believe that all good things and people must come to an end. Ralph was a very unique human being with razor sharp wit and very special talents. It was our privilage to have known and worked with him for many years at the wonderful advertising institution, JWT. He will surely be missed by many.
Our sincere condolences to Jo and the entire Rydholm family.
Ray Lyle and Jackie McCauley-Lyle
May 28, 2014
Through ESC I knew Ralph very well. He was a joy to be with. We served together on the Board of Directors, Board Marketing Committee and on client projects. He inspired me and many others with his creative ideas and leadership. He was a unique gentleman who will be greatly missed.
John Kroening
May 28, 2014
I was a young, aspiring account guy who worked with Ralph at a time he rose to JWT/Chicago's Creative Director. With a seriousness of purpose to find a creative solution to client's problems but with a unique ability to see the humor in almost any situation, he represented the best of what a creative mind can bring to all situations. I admired Ralph greatly and offer his family sincere condolences.
D.
David M. Miller
May 28, 2014
I worked with Ralph at JWT. He was such a great talent and a terrific guy. Will never forget the day he wrote and recorded "America's Burger King" for then client Burger King. He and the rest of the Chicago office were so excited. The best work EVER done for them. Thanks for all the good times and important lessons, Ralph. Will never forget you.
Dan Odishoo
May 28, 2014
R2, My sweet Ralphie Boy. Who knew such a funloving,happy jolly guy could make us all so horribly sad. So much love to you and family honey. Say hi to Mary Pat for me. Your faithful secretary...
Sandy Millman
May 28, 2014
jo, all the donahues wish you well.
Ralph probably wrote the line "Life should be led like a cavalry charge '... because that's what he did.
Nick Donahue will never forget the Cubs game,the theater in Wildwood and the golf outing at Lost Dunes.
May 28, 2014
I knew Ralph only casually to say hello at Lost Dunes Golf Club. I really wish that I'd gotten closer to him after reading the obituary today. Your description of Ralph was delightful, you did him proud - very nicely done. Peace to Ralph, his family and his friends too.
Kevin Gratkowski
May 28, 2014
I met Ralph at Ted Bates in NYC...he loved that I came to my interview wearing a flight suit. haha! His infectious good humor encouraged creativity in everyone around him...it was always safe to try stuff out with Ralph. What a gift!! Ralph, may you rest easy, old sport. You were one of the greats !
Rachel Baron
May 28, 2014
Ralph's beloved Wildwood will be just a little bit quieter now---but not in a good way. All your neighbors will miss you and your passionate voice in support of this glorious spot along the Lake.
John Immel
May 28, 2014
Jo,
Barbara and I were abroad and the news caught up with us today. We are both terribly saddened to hear the news and will call.
Our very best to you and the two children. Lots of fun memories and laughs.
Joe and Barbara O'D.
May 28, 2014
What a dear funny man whom I had the pleasure of working with at JWT. Hoping he is singing the NU fight song with my dear husband Lou somewhere up there, they were classmates. Godspeed, Ralph.
Cathy Beres
May 27, 2014
I had the pleasure of knowing Ralph through ESC and serving with him on its Board. He was a true "Man for All Seasons" and will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Butch Pfaelzer
May 27, 2014
A legend in his own time. I loved him dearly.
Peggy Pilas
Peggy Pilas Wood
May 27, 2014
Very early in my career, I had the pleasure of working with Ralph and several of his creative team when they provided pro bono consulting for the Newberry Library. I learned a great deal from him about how to present to a group and I remember his infectious enthusiasm for everything. He will be missed by many. MaryPat Mauro
MaryPat Mauro
May 27, 2014
Erik, I rember your dad well. He will be missed
malcolm youngrten
May 27, 2014
My love and prayers for peace in these difficult days, weeks and months go out to the Rydholm family.
May 27, 2014
Sending love to all of the Rydholms. Ralph always had a great story, but he also loved to ask questions and learn about people. He was funny, warm, generous, brilliant, and is tremendously missed.
Whitney Oppenheimer
May 27, 2014
A creative who understood media--what a rare pleasure.I was fortunate to have that relationship at three different agencies.
I'll miss his chuckle and wit. My condolences. Phil Gerber
May 27, 2014
We both could remember the infield for 1945 Chicago Cubs but sometimes could not remember what we had for breakfast! Ralph was one of the brightest people I have ever known and once in a while he let you know that!!!
John Schram
May 27, 2014
Your Wildwood neighbors will miss you, Ralph. Vila i frid (på svenska)
May 27, 2014
What a wonderful man. Full of life. Always smiling and laughing. He was my favorite boss of all time.
Ralph will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.
May our Lord give you comfort and peace.
Cheryl Blockus
May 27, 2014
I never met this man, but I wish I did. He sounds like a hoot...
Noreen Collins
May 27, 2014
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