Ralph F. Schibler

The Rev. Dr. Ralph F. Schibler, beloved husband, father, grandfather, pastor, and educator, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at the age of 90.

Born on July 21, 1935, in Canton, Ohio, Ralph devoted his life to faith, family, and service to others. He was preceded in death by his parents, Julius and Thelma Schibler; his brother, Earl Schibler; and one grandchild, Andrew Hammons.

Ralph is survived by his devoted wife, Patricia (McDermott), whom he married on May 23, 1959, in Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania. Together they shared 66 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and partnership in ministry. They raised four daughters who brought him immense pride and joy: Rev. Catherine Schibler -Keegan (Clayton Keegan), Barbara Chen (Jerry Chen), Jennifer Hammons, and Nancy Schibler. Ralph was also a cherished grandfather to eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, who delighted in his wisdom, warmth, and “corny dad jokes”. Upon retirement, Ralph and Patricia made their home on Catawba Island, Ohio, where they treasured time together by the lake and in their community.

Ralph grew up in Youngstown, Ohio, and graduated from South High School before attending the University of Pennsylvania and Thiel College. He went on to earn his Master of Divinity from the Hamma School of Theology at Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, and later completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at Ashland Theological Seminary.

Ordained to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament on June 13, 1962, Ralph faithfully served congregations throughout Ohio, including Zion Lutheran Church in Canton, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Brunswick, and St. Mark Lutheran Church in Van Wert. Even after retirement, he continued to share his gifts as an interim pastor in numerous congregations across the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in the Northwestern Ohio Synod. He also mentored six pastoral interns and taught World Religions for ten years at Lutheran College in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Ralph’s ministry was marked by kindness, humility, and deep compassion for people from all walks of life. He had a gift for listening, for helping others feel seen and valued, and for finding grace in both the ordinary and extraordinary moments of life. His sermons reflected his thoughtful faith and his steady belief in God’s saving grace through Jesus Christ.

In addition to his pastoral ministry, Ralph was deeply involved in Rotary International, where he lived out his commitment to service beyond the church. He served as District Governor in 2007 and remained active in his local Rotary Club, where he was recently honored with the Distinguished Service Citation for his dedicated and selfless leadership.

A service celebrating his life and ministry will be held on Monday, November 17th, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Port Clinton, with Rev. Jarrod Schaaf presiding. Visitation will take place at the church prior to the service, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Memorial contributions can be made in Ralph’s name to causes he held dear: Rotary International – Ending Polio and Lutheran Outdoor Ministries in Ohio.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:21