Ralph Helmut Daugstrup

age 87, of Rocky River, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, April 7, 2023. Beloved husband of 64 years to Barbara (nee Palmer) Daugstrup; dear father of Sharon Dane-Solomon (Sidney), Lori Rosenbaum (Kevin), Michael Helmut Daugstrup, the late R. Bradford Helmut Daugstrup; grandfather of Christian (Lindsey), Connor (Elina), Tyler, Anna, Emily, Samuel, Nicole Bobholz (Sam) and Jacqueline Rosenbaum and great-grandfather of Liam; beloved son of the late Helmut and Hilda Daugstrup; brother of the late Ronald Wolfgang Daugstrup; uncle, great-uncle and friend to many.

Ralph was a first generation American born to hard-working German immigrant parents. A lifelong Clevelander, he graduated from Lakewood High School in 1953. Ralph was the first member of his family to attend college graduating from Case Institute of Technology (Case Western) with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1957. Married just a few months after graduation, Ralph went on to work for Pittsburg Conneaut and Dock Co., Cerlist Diesel, White Motor Corp. and IBM. While at IBM Ralph envisioned a way, using new data processing technologies, to computerize data collection and expedite existing hard copy billing processes. During that time Ralph met another young entrepreneur, Tom Hockman, who had a similar vision. Together their vision would become Quadax, Inc. The company grew with Ralph as founder, his partner Tom and a few full-time employees in July of 1973, to a company with an international presence employing 840 people in 2023. Many of the technologies, business lines and processes introduced by Ralph years ago, continue to make Quadax the success that it is today. Ralph retired as President/CEO of Quadax, Inc. in 2005 but remained on in a consulting capacity until his passing. This July Quadax will celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Ralph had so many other interests that he stayed very busy in retirement. He was an avid boater and fisherman, winning Power Boater of the Year at CYC in 2008. Ralph was also a skilled carpenter who enjoyed building and designing. And he never stopped trying to invent better ways to do almost everything!

Ralph was humble, thoughtful, sharp-witted, generous and intelligent. He cared deeply about his family and friends. He was loved by many and was truly one of a kind. We will miss him forever! Godspeed good man! The family is hosting a celebration of life at the Cleveland Yachting Club, 200 Yacht Club Drive, Rocky River on May 19, 2023 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ralph's name can be made to The Cleveland Orchestra https://www.clevelandorchestra.com/donate/ or by check to the Rocky River Education Foundation, 1101 Morewood Parkway, Rocky River, OH 44116. Please put "Daugstrup" in the memo line. (440) 333-9774, www.buschcares.com