Ralph Martin Larger, 99 (3 months shy of 100), Minster, Ohio passed away peacefully of natural causes at 12:50 am on Thursday, January 12, 2017 at Elmwood Assisted Living in New Bremen. He spent his last days surrounded by the love of his family.

He was born on April 1, 1917 in Fort Loramie, Ohio to the late Frank and Rose (Cardo) Larger. On April 15, 1941 he married the late Wilma (Meyer) Larger at The St. Augustine Catholic Church in Minster. Wilma passed away on February 5, 1981.

Surviving are their four children: Bonnie & Werner Schmiesing, Juliana & Richard Weigandt, Larry & Anne Larger, and Barbara & Mark Thieman all of Minster. Their son, Dale Larger, preceded him in death in 2000.

Ralph was very proud of his surviving 14 grandchildren: Dawn & Dave Conrad of Minster, Todd & Julianne Weigandt of Minster, Dee Dee & Stan Bender of Troy, Drs. Tyra & Tim Meyer of Wapakoneta, Doug & Dr. Karla Larger of Minster, Rogell & Caray Schmiesing of Minster, Marc & Amy Larger of Minster, Chanda & Mike Echols of Wapakoneta, Wes & Cassie Thieman of Minster, Abigail & Doug Bardasian of Missouri, Ashley & Jason Niekamp of Centerville, Philip & Natalie Larger of Dublin and John Larger and special friend, Larissa Tangeman of Columbus. Amanda (Mandi Weigandt) Wells passed away in 2011 and grandson-in-law Leighton Wells, Valparaiso.

Ralph enjoyed watching his 39 great-grandchildren throughout the years: Brendon & Marissa Conrad; Savannah, Shania, Stone, Guy and Star Weigandt; Madyson, Ireland and Tag Bender; Tristan, Jori, Taryn and Preston Meyer; Katie, Anna, Grant and Gracie Larger; Bryce, Isaac, Mara, Connor and Kali Schmiesing; Jacob, Austin and Isaac Larger; Mackenzie, Taylor and Riley Echols; Willa and Britton Thieman; Lawson, Mayer and Hudson Bardasian; Paisley, Libby and Duke Niekamp; and Lucy Larger. Abigail Juliana (AJ) Wells passed away in 2011.

Preceded in his death by all six of his siblings were: (Esther) & August Gaier Sr., (Bertha) & Edison Maurer, (Clarence) & Ursula Larger, (Freda) & Elton Moeller, (Dorothy) & Raymond Geise and (Raymond) & Virginia Larger.

A 1936 graduate of Ft. Loramie High School, Ralph's athleticism shone in basketball, baseball and track earning him many accolades. His baseball team won a State Championship and he won a State Title in the 100 yard dash in track.

After his mother's early death at the age of 36, Ralph began hauling milk for a local company at the age of 14 to help support his family's finances. As an early entrepreneur, Ralph began his own milk can route business. Two years later, Ralph's brother Raymond joined him in business. They purchased their first bulk tank in 1951. They were the proud owners of Larger Brothers Milk Transport from 1936-2006. Ralph reluctantly retired at the age of 80.

Throughout the years, Ralph loved spending time with his family, farming, being outdoors, fishing, playing cards, tossing horseshoes, watching the Cincinnati Reds and bowling well into his 90's.

He was a member of the St. Augustine Catholic Church, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Boys' and Girls' Club of America and a Mason of the Antioch Shriners.

Ralph donated time and money to many worthy causes during his life. His loyalty, compassion, generosity and integrity will never be forgotten by those who knew him and the countless people he helped when in need. He will be remembered as hard-working and loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather who never met a stranger.

He enjoyed making up songs and retelling many stories of his life endeavors. One story included tossing a baseball to change the hands on the Ft. Loramie Church clock. His ornery nature will truly be missed.

Friends may pay their last respects at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home in Minster from 2 pm-7 pm on Monday, January 16th and from 9:00-9:30 am on Tuesday, January 17th.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at the St. Augustine Catholic Church with Fr. Rick Nieberding as celebrant. Burial will follow in the St. Augustine Cemetery.

Any monetary donations will be used to start a Scholarship fund in his name.

Condolences may be left at www.hogenkampfh.com.