Ralph W. Ravenschlag

On July 25, 1938, Ralph was born in Hinsdale, Illinois, to German immigrants, Alfred G. Ravenschlag and Wilhelmine Mietenkotte Ravenschlag. He attended school in Downer’s Grove, Illinois. These years were filled with mischief, shenanigans, lifelong friends and adventures that could only come from growing up in that era. Ralph’s older brother, Gerhard, was his best friend, tormentor, confidant and biggest fan. Gerhard was instrumental in Ralph’s life, providing love and support that he was forever grateful for and someone Ralph would want recognized for his kindness and selflessness. During high school, Ralph was a member of the Aqua Maniacs, a diving club that helped local authorities with underwater search and rescue. Ralph loved sharing this time in his life. After graduation from Downers Grove North High School in 1957, he attended Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois. He met the love of his life, Cheryl Wright, while attending WIU. The two met in a speech class, where Cheryl had given a speech on how to shoe a horse. Ralph was in love from that moment on, but took several years to garner the courage to ask her on a date. On June 8, 1963, the two were married, leading to 55 years of adventures, children and grandchildren. Ralph graduated with a double major in Physical Education and Social Studies in 1963. That fall he began teaching 8th grade and coaching all boys’ sports at Colchester, Illinois. After two years there he enrolled at Colorado State University to pursue a Master’s Degree in Physical Education. Following his studies, he took a job with Poudre School District teaching physical education in the mountain schools of Larimer County. During the school year he could be seen traveling between the far-flung schools in his robin’s egg blue VW Bug, tumbling mats strapped to the roof and boxes of playground balls stowed in the back seat. During his years in the District he also taught physical education at Washington Elementary, Laporte Ave. Elementary (later known as Juan Fullana), Mountain View, and Riffenburgh Elementary. He entered administration as Director of Physical Activities for Poudre School District. After two years, he missed teaching so much that he returned to the classroom, this time as a 5th grade teacher at Bauder Elementary until Johnson Elementary opened. He moved to Johnson, also as a 5th grade teacher, and taught there until retirement in 1994 after 30 years of teaching. Ralph’s passion for teaching and his students showed every day of his career, bringing his classroom to life with his imagination, humor and ability to connect with his students. Ralph was rewarded regularly with past students staying in touch and sharing their memories and appreciation for the inspiration he provided them as a teacher and friend. In the late 1960’s he and his wife built a house in Stratton Park in Rist Canyon and lived there for six years before moving back into Ft. Collins. These years were some of his fondest and allowed him to fulfill his childhood dream of living on a ranch with cattle and horses. During their 54 years in Colorado, Ralph and Cheryl climbed 25 of the 50 fourteen-thousand-foot peaks in Colorado and Mt. Whitney in California. Ralph always enjoyed cold Colorado brewed beer and made sure to celebrate each summit with one. Upon retirement Ralph and Cheryl built a cabin in Buckhorn Canyon. This project consumed three years and provided many adventures. For the last ten years Ralph and Cheryl spent winters in Rio Verde, AZ enjoying many outdoor activities like biking, hiking, pickleball, bocce and the desert terrain around the Verde Valley. Being a former Physical Education teacher, he continued his physical fitness by lifting weights and cycling 30 miles a day into his 80th year. Ralph passed from this life on May 20, 2019. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Cheryl; son, Eric, wife Lynn, children, Eva, Olivia, and Cole; daughter, Gretchen, husband Matt Smith, children, Ellie and Katrin; son, Kurt, wife Phoebe, children, Josie, Willy and Nori. He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Gerhard Ravenschlag. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. A private graveside service will be held for immediate family only. A Celebration of Life open house will be held July 10, 4pm – 7pm in the Agave Room above the Rio Grande Restaurant, 149 W. Mountain Ave, Fort Collins.

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Ralph W. Ravenschlag

July 25, 1938 - May 20, 2019