Ralph L. W. Schmidt

Ralph L.W. Schmidt, Ph.D., colonel U.S. Army (ret.), a resident of Baton Rouge, died Friday, May 1, 2009, at age 89 while surrounded by his devoted family. He was born in Bradshaw, Neb., and grew up in Hampton, Neb., on his parents farm. At an early age, it became clear Ralph was not a farmer and he pursued academic interests. He earned an undergraduate degree from York College in York, Neb., his M.S. and Ph.D. were both from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. He married the love of his life on July 4, 1945, his wife of 63 years, Dolores, precedes him in death by seven months. He is also preceded in death by his parents, brother and son-in-law. He leaves behind a large and loving family, two daughters, Connie Raggio and Dr. Elisabeth Schmidt-Burks and husband Todd; three grandchildren, Dr. Michael Raggio and wife Tabitha, Anne Marie Raggio and Leslie Claire Burks; four great-grandchildren, James William Raggio, Catherine Elisabeth Raggio, Michael Joseph Raggio II and Kahlan Marie Francis. After his service in World War II, work brought Ralph and his family to Baton Rouge where he worked for LSU as a professor and dean. He was a member of Kiwanis and had a 50-year perfect attendance record. He enjoyed golf, cooking, playing card games, travel, and being with his family and friends. Visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East on Tuesday, May 5, was from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral service will be held at University Presbyterian Church on Wednesday at noon with the Rev. Patti Snyder officiating. There will be a brief visitation at the church from 11 a.m. until the services begin. Pallbearers will be great-grandson, James Raggio; brothers-in-law, Alfred and Ted Otte; son-in-law, Todd Burks; friends, Tom Hawk and Fred McMullan. Honorary pallbearers are Neil Belanger and Dale Paccamonti. Interment will follow at Port Hudson National Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family would like you to consider donations to Hospice of Baton Rouge or the National Alzheimer's Association.