Ralph Ray Schweitzer

In Memory OfRalph R. Schweitzer Ralph Ray Schweitzer, of Milford, died Thursday, May 05, 2005, at his home in Milford at the age of 75 years 4 months and 14 days. He was born December 21, 1929, in Milford, Nebraska to Ralph A. and Vera (Barnett) Schweitzer, the first of two children born. As a young boy he attended Milford Public Schools and later graduated with the class of 1948. Upon his completion of high school, Ralph worked for Lincoln Telephone Company until he enlisted in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict where he was a member of the SeaBees. On October 4, 1951, he was united in marriage to Doretta Roth at the Milford Missionary Parsonage and to this union a daughter, Pennie, and two sons, Bruce and Mark were born. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1955, Ralph returned to work for the telephone company where he made installations and repairs. After a career of 43 years, Ralph retired in January of 1992. He was baptized in August of 1951 and attended Grace Missionary Church in Milford. Ralph recommitted his life to Christ in December of 1998. He enjoyed making various woodworking items for the church and other members of the community. Ralph was a meticulous craftsman and he only "wasted the sawdust" when he was making items. He was a member of the Milford American Legion Post #171, and also served as a Webelos leader for Cub Scout Pack #290 and was a scout leader for Boy Scout Troop #290. Ralph enjoyed taking the scouts on canoe trips near Dunning, Nebraska. He enjoyed working outdoors in the yard and garden and was always ready to help others whenever asked. Ralph especially enjoyed helping with projects at Timber Lakes Camp located near Ottawa, Kansas and spending time with his family. Ralph is survived by his wife, Doretta, Milford, daughter and son-in-law, Pennie and Richard Rardin, Milford, sons, Bruce and Mark Schweitzer, both of Lincoln, four grandchildren, Jill and Robert Hain, Raymond, NE, Jeff Rardin, Lincoln, Chris and Nic Schweitzer, Lincoln, one great-granddaughter, Haley Hain of Raymond, a sister, Marjorie Pence, Lincoln, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Clifford and Sandra Roth, Fremont, Lonnie and Jeanne Roth, York, Imagene Burkey, Milford, and Julie Hafer, Seward, nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, Ezra and Mattie Roth and Susan Roth, brothers-in-law, George Pence, Kenny Hafer and Darold Burkey, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Barbara Roth. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 9, 2005 at Grace Missionary Church, Milford, with Rev. Andrew Petro officiating. Visitation is Sunday, 1-9 pm and one hour before services at the church on Monday with family greeting friends at Lauber-Moore Funeral Home from 7-9 pm Sunday. Interment will be in Blue Mound Cemetery, Milford. Memorials have been established to Grace Missionary Church or for Timber Lakes Camp and may be directed in care of the family.