RALPH SCHMALTZ

Raphael (Ralph) Schmaltz passed away on Wednesday, September 29, 2021, in Medicine Hat at the age of 91 years, beloved husband of Colleen Schmaltz. He also leaves to cherish his memory his children, Rosanna Schmaltz, David (Jo-Anne) Schmaltz, Fay Schmaltz (Dan Gaucher) and son-in-law, Vern Vossler (Vall Kelly); five grandchildren, Ann Vossler, Lorne (Rachel) Vossler, Erin (Fitu) Taefu, Davin Schmaltz and Althea Schmaltz; six great-grandchildren, Logan Schulz, Hallie Vossler, Vaughn Vossler, Tala Taefu, Sina Taefu and Elei Taefu; sisters-in-law, Irene Schmaltz and Barbara Schmaltz as well as many nieces and nephews. Ralph was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Rosa Schmaltz; mother and father-in-law, Charles (Ross) and Anna McKay; daughter, Yvonne Vossler; siblings, brothers and sisters-in-law, Frank Schmaltz, Simon Schmaltz, Elizabeth (Roy) Steier, Rose (Tony) Mardian, Mathilda Schmaltz; a sister in infancy and Juanita (Walter) McLennan. Ralph was born on March 16, 1930, on the family farm near Prelate, SK. He left home at the age of 19 to work on various farms and grain elevators before ending up in Redcliff, where he gained employment and would work for the next 39 years at Domglas before retiring at the age of 60. It was at Domglas where he also met a lovely young woman named Colleen. Ralph and Colleen were married on June 13, 1953, and remained devoted to each other for their 68 years of marriage, both claiming that they never ever had a real fight. Ralph was a member of the Knights of Columbus and previously served on the Parish Council at St. Mary’s Church in Redcliff and on the Pastoral Council at St. Patrick’s Church in Medicine Hat. He was a lifelong learner who loved reading and had an impressive library collection including many books on ancient history. Ralph enjoyed gardening (and eating the fruits of his labors!) the internet, western movies, his cowboy boots, a good suntan, coin collecting and sweets of all kinds. He was a kind and    gentle soul who was known for being able to calm fussy babies by holding them and walking with them and most especially for teasing anyone who would return his banter. The funeral mass for invited family will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church on Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Roque Pereira Celebrant.  Interment will follow in the Redcliff Cemetery. Due to the restrictions in place regarding COVID-19 from the Chief Medical Officer of Health, funeral services are limited to 50 attendants. Those who wish to remember Ralph with a donation may do so with a donation to AJ’s Loan Cupboard or to the Red Cross.  (Condolences may be expressed by  visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com)  Honoured to serve the family is