Ralph Lachmann

Ralph M. Lachmann SAUGERTIES- Ralph M. Lachmann, 81, a long time resident of Saugerties, died on July 2, 2013. Born Dec. 12, 1931 in Chicago, he was the son of the late Max and Grete Goerisson Lachmann. He married Kathleen C. “Kathy” Strachan on April 15, 1955 who predeceased him on June 5, 2011. Together they ran the popular Lachmann's Pastry Shop in the Village of Saugerties for over 45 years where Ralph was the chief baker behind the scenes. He served in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Antietam whose reunions he enjoyed attending. He was a past member of the Saugerties Rotary Club, “398” Club and the Rip Van Winkle Country Club. He enjoyed music, especially Dixieland Jazz, having attended the New Orleans Jazz Festival several times, and going to the theatre. He and Kathy traveled extensively throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia, and instilled this love of adventure in their children. He was the quiet strength in a family of seven children including five daughters: Pamela (Don) Farris of Dataw Island, S.C., Karen (Bob) Kuhlke of Alpharetta, Ga., Stephanie (Michael Zicko) of Raleigh, N.C. and Diane (Jim) Backus and Alyson (KJ) Swart of Saugerties, and two sons: Robert (Meg Ohno) of Saugerties; and Matthew (Robin Scholetzky) of Portland, Ore. He was also a proud grandfather to ten grandchildren (one born just days ago) and five and counting great-grandchildren. He is also survived by several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews and longtime dear friends including James W. “Jiggs” Dargan, his life-long friend. His funeral procession will form Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Seamon-Wilsey Funeral Home Inc. corner of John & Lafayette Sts., Saugerties thence to St. Mary's Church where at 9:30 a.m. a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered. Burial will follow at Blue Mountain Cemetery. Friends will be received Friday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers donations be made to St Mary's of the Snow Church. Friends may also light a candle or send an online condolence to www.Seamon-WilseyFun eralHome.com.