Ralph A. Boerger, 95, New Bremen, died at 6:20 p.m. Dec. 26, 2014, at Elmwood Assisted Living, New Bremen.

He was born March 5, 1919, in Fort Loramie, to Frank and Emma Ernst Boerger.

On Nov. 25, 1948, in Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Newport, he married Eileen M. Perin, who died June 11, 2014.

Surviving are two daughters, Linda Fortkamp, New Bremen, and Connie (Rick) Hoelscher, New Bremen; three grandchildren, Scott (Amy) Fortkamp, Cincinnati, Robb (Nichole) Fortkamp, Springboro, and Tina (Brandon) Jester, Newport; five great-grandchildren, Luke, Henry, Pete, Vince and Lucy Fortkamp; and three sisters, Clarissa Thieman, Minster, Mary Frances, Russia, and Ruth Dabbelt, New Bremen.

Also deceased are a grandson, Casey Hoelscher; a son-in-law, Ralph Fortkamp; six brothers, Leo, Alfred, Clarence, Frank, Robert and Herbert Boerger; and four sisters, Alma Feldman, Catherine Boerger, Juliana Wagner and Dorothy Wolf.

He was a member of the Church of the Holy Redeemer, New Bremen, where he had been an adult Mass server for over 27 years, helping with regular weekday and funeral Masses. He also was a member of the church's former Men's Society.

He was involved with the purchase and construction of the present day church and received the honorary shovel at the groundbreaking from the New Bremen mayor for his work and dedication to the church. He served as secretary for the church's first Pastoral Council.

He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles 1391, Minster, and was a life member of American Legion Post 241, New Bremen.

He proudly served as a staff sergeant in the United States Army during World War II. He was a medic with the 45th Infantry Division in the European Theater, serving on the front lines for 511 days. For this service he was highly decorated and received the Silver Star and the Bronze Star.

He enjoyed gardening, many times giving away his abundance of produce to neighbors and friends. He also was an avid fisherman.

His portrayal of Santa Claus for more than 50 years touched the lives of numerous children of all ages. He retired from the Minster Supply Co. in 1983 and also had been involved in farming, raising chickens and milking cows for a number of years.

Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Church of the Holy Redeemer, New Bremen, the Rev. Thomas Mannebach officiating. Burial will follow at German Protestant Cemetery, New Bremen.

Calling is 3-7 p.m. Tuesday at Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home, New Bremen, and 9-10 a.m. Wednesday at the church when the rosary will be prayed.

Memorials may be given to the Casey Hoelscher Memorial Scholarship Fund within the New Bremen Education Foundation or the charity of the donor's choice.

Condolences may be sent to www.gilberghartwigfh.com.