Ralph Franklin Findley

Findley, Ralph Franklin Passed on to his Eternal home Saturday, September 6, 2008, at the age of 95. His wife of 57 years, Dode, passed away in 1995. Ralph had been a full time resident of Shell Point Retirement Community in Fort Myers, FL, since 2004. He died peacefully following a short stay in hospice care, as a result of complications from congestive heart failure. Born April 22, 1913, Ralph, the youngest of four children, grew up in Wauwatosa, WI. He married Gertrude H. "Dode" (nee Schrubb) in 1937, and moved to Elm Grove, WI in 1939. Ralph and his brother Kenneth Findley together ran the Findley Adhesives Company in Wauwatosa for 50 years before passing it on to the next generation. Ralph actively supported his church, the YMCA and contributed to the education of persons called into ministry. Ralph and Dode opened their home as 'grandparents' to American Field Service students who on occasion needed a neutral and peaceful place to rest for a few days. Their world travels often found them visiting with former AFS students in their countries and homes. Ralph is survived by his children, Gretchen (Harold) Petraske, Bruce (Emily Kletzien), John (Barbara) and Sandy (Bill) Rose, five grandchildren and seven great - grandchildren. He is remembered for his faithfulness to God, his continually seeking and growing in his relationship with Jesus as well as his kindness to others. Ralph will be missed by his family and friends. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, October 10, 2008, 4:00 PM at Community United Methodist Church, 14700 Watertown Plank Rd., Elm Grove, Pastor Ronald Retherford officiating. A Memorial Service will also be held at the Village Church, Shell Point, Fort Myers, FL, on September 27, 2008, 10:30 AM. Memorials in Ralph's name may be made to The Village Church, 15100 Shell Point Boulevard or Larsen Pavilion/Hospice Program, 15071 Shell Point Boulevard at Shell Point Retirement Community, Fort Myers, FL 33908. In addition, memorials may be made to Community United Methodist Church, Elm Grove, WI. 1 Corinthians 2:9 No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.