Ralph J. Schuster, age 76, of Deer River died June 23, 2014 at home. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM on THURSDAY, JULY 10th at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church, 7101 – 143rd Ave NW, Ramsey, with Father Paul Jaroszeski as Celebrant. A time for visiting will be held one hour prior to the service.
Ralph J. Schuster, age 76, of Deer River, MN passed away peacefully at his home overlooking Lake Winnibigoshish on June 23, 2014 after a 2 year battle of cancer. Preceded in death by children Dawn & Marcella, parents John & Mary Margaret Schuster, and sister, Rosemary Fitzpatrick. He is survived by his wife, Sandra, of 52 years, children Michelle (Greg) Withers, Michael (Laura) Schuster, and Cynthia (Ade) Babatunde, and 8 grandchildren, Marcus and Janessa Withers, Megan, Cassie, Andrew and Sarah Schuster, Marcella and Jackie Babatunde and 4 brothers and 5 sisters Charles (Carol) Merton, Evelyn (Gene) Petroska (his twin), LaVonne (Thomas) Wontorek, Elizabeth (Richard) Nuss, John (Linda) Schuster, Andrew (Freddie) Schuster, Susan (Don) Bickelman, Michael (Debra) Schuster, Olivia (Steve) Kirk.
Ralph was born on October 27, 1937 in Prior Lake, MN. The family moved to Shell Lake, Wisconsin around 1944. He graduated from Shell Lake High School in 1956 and enlisted into the Air Force. He met Sandra in MN and they were married on July 14, 1962. After their marriage Ralph reenlisted in the Air Force and went to Vietnam. Later he was assigned to the 417th Maintenance Unit Army Reserves in Faribault, MN. He retired there with over 20 Years in the service as a Chief Warrant Officer 4.
Ralph worked for the University of MN at Cedar Creek Natural History area East Bethel working on Telemetry for 21 years. Ralph was lucky enough to enjoy 2 trips to Antarctica. Ralph left the University Of Minnesota in 1981 and with 4 others started their own company called Advanced Telemetry Systems in Isanti, MN. They designed and built telemetry equipment for all over the world. He retired from there in 1999. After retirement he and Sandee bought a home in Edinburg, TX on the Monte Cristo golf course. They enjoyed many happy years there with wonderful friends.
Ralph enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing with his buddies and spending time with his family and friends up at their home on Lake Winnibigoshish. Ralph was a hardworking man and was proud of what he accomplished in life. His kind heart will be missed by all. Ralph will be buried alongside his daughters Marcella and Dawn in New Ulm, Minnesota.
Mike, Sandy and All,
I was saddedned to hear of Ralphs passing, I considered him a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn his death and continue to celebrate his life
Aunt Sandy and family, please know that while we can’t be there with you to celebrate Uncle Ralph’s life, please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers! Love Gregg and family….
Aunt Sandee, thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. Sorry we couldn’t be there with you. Many prayers and hugs are coming your way! Love you, Mona and family