RALPH C. MICHAELS

Sept. 19, 1921 - Oct. 28, 2007
SOUTH BEND - Ralph C. Michaels, 86, of South Bend, entered into eternal life on Sunday, October 28, 2007. Ralph was born on September 19, 1921, in South Bend, to Helen and Chester, and had been a lifelong resident of South Bend.

He graduated from Central High School and went on to graduate from Indiana University after his service in World War II. Ralph and Virginia Slott were married in South Bend on September 21, 1946, and enjoyed 59 years of marriage prior to her death in 2006.

He was also preceded in death by his sister, Irma (Joe) Waszak; and a brother, Emil (Thanet) Michaels. Ralph and Virginia's children include Rebecca (Michael) Roling of Milwaukee, WI, Amanda (Daniel) Skwarcan of Niles, MI, Monica (Greg) Anderson of South Bend and Bruce (Sue) Michaels of South Bend. Also surviving are nine grandchildren, Kathryn Roling, Dean (Angie) Skwarcan, Taylor Anderson, Madeline Anderson and Max Anderson, Erin Michaels, Wesley Michaels, Brittany Michaels and Adrienne Michaels; and two great-grandchildren, Anna and Beatrice Skwarcan.

He is also survived by his loving brother, Jerry (Mary) Michaels of South Bend; his sisters-in-law, Jacquelyn (Tom) Overholser of South Bend and Thanet (Emil) Michaels of Fort Colllins, CO. Ralph came from a family of two brothers and one sister.

He entered the Army in 1942 and served as a staff sergeant in the Service Company, 337th Infantry, 85th Division. He saw action in North Africa, Italy and Occupational Austria in World War II. Upon his return from the war, he married Virginia and moved to Bloomington to complete his studies at Indiana University. After working for Colpaert Realty and Tower Federal Savings and Loan, Ralph became interested in real estate appraisal work and worked as a residential appraiser for several years. He studied for and achieved his MAI (Member of the Appraisal Institute) in 1964 and went into business as both a commercial and residential appraiser. He mentored many new appraisers and was a well-respected member and past president of the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers.

He thoroughly enjoyed his life's work and eventually semi-retired in 1987. He then pursued golf, travel and fishing in addition to occasional appraisal work. He always had a building or improvement project that he was working on and provided on-the-job training for whoever was available to help him - his children, their friends and their spouses. Ralph's positive outlook on life, his humor, honesty and faith inspired all who knew this outstanding member of the "Greatest Generation." He was always available to listen, advise, counsel, console and encourage. He made a difference in the lives of many. He was a role model to all and will be missed by the friends both young and old that he related to so effortlessly and shared his laughter with.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 31, in Christ the King Catholic Church (933 and Darden Roads). Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 8 today in the HICKEY Funeral Home, 17131 Cleveland Road, where a Rosary will be said at 7 p.m.

The family and Ralph wishes to extend a special thank you to the 4th-floor staff at Saint Joseph Hospital, to Nurse Wendy at Saint Joseph Hospital, Mishawaka, to the Clay Fire Department and paramedic staff, and to the staff of St. Joseph County Hospice House for their exceptional compassionate care. Memorials may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care. 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637. Online condolences and memories may be sent to hickeyfuneralhome.com.

Published by South Bend Tribune from Oct. 29 to Oct. 30, 2007

02/10/2023 EJS