Ralph J. Schmitz, 86, New Weston, Ohio, died March 20, 2016 at his home.

He was born June 25, 1929, in North Auburn, OH, to the late George and Blanche (Fisher) Schmitz. On February 20, 1954, he married Alvera (Kramer) Schmitz, who survives.

Also surviving are nine children, Connie (Dave) Miley of St. Marys, OH, Theresa (Tony) Grillot of Osgood, OH, Ron Schmitz of Edwardsville, IL, Jim (Suzanne) Schmitz of Beavercreek, OH, Carol (Tom) Suchland of North Pole, AK, Kevin (Renee) Schmitz of Chanhassen, MN, Ken Schmitz of New Weston, OH, Keith (Diane) Schmitz of Cedarpark, TX, and Beth (Levi) Lawler of Luling, LA; two sisters, Agnes (Alfred) Heydinger of NC and Rosemary Riley of Shelby, OH; 27 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild; four sisters-in-law, Ann Schmitz of Versailles, OH, Hilda Schmitz of Union City, OH, Eileen Schmitz of Fort Recovery, OH, and Delores Schmitz of St. Henry, OH.

Also deceased is a grandchild and siblings, Edgar, Paul, Robert, Bernard and Cletus Schmitz and Rita Boeckman.

He was employed as a truck driver for Shraders, Greenville, for over 40 years.

Ralph served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a member of the American Legion Post 345, Fort Recovery, served as its commander, was active in its honor guard and also served as a district commander. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 3324, Fort Recovery, was a fourth degree member of the St. Gasper del Bufalo Assembly, Minster, OH and was past commander and member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5135, Coldwater.

Ralph was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church, Burkettsville, Ohio. He was a faithful blood donor, enjoyed gardening and woodworking.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, Burkettsville, Ohio, Fr. Tom Hemm officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.

Calling is 4:00 pm-8:00 pm Tuesday and 9:00 am-9:45 am Wednesday at Brockman-Boeckman Funeral Home, Fort Recovery. An American Legion prayer service will be 7:45 p.m. Tuesday, followed by a Knights of Columbus prayer service at the funeral home. Military graveside honors will be conducted by the American Legion.

Condolences may be directed to www.brockmanboeckmanfh.com.