He is survived by his wife Mary Louise (Fecke) Pax, children Margaret (Brad) DePottey, Ralph, Jr. (Jan) Pax, David (Amy) Pax, grand-children Ashley, Courtney, and Austin DePottey, Meryl (Ryan Anderson), Larson, Dayton, Jessica and Jonathan Pax, as well as by his older brother, Robert.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Gertrude, his sisters Lucille Bub, Esther Winhoven and Gertrude Farr, and his brothers Rev. Maurus Pax, O.F.M., Rev. Joseph Pax, C.PP.S., and Roman Pax.
Ralph grew up on the family farm, attended high school at Brunnerdale Minor Seminary in Canton, Ohio and continued studies at Saint Joseph College in Rensselaer, Indiana before enlisting in the U.S. Army, where he served overseas in Okinawa. Following his military service, he enrolled at University of Dayton, graduating in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. In August of 1961, he married Mary Louise Fecke in Dayton, Ohio, at Immaculate Conception Church. Continued studies at Purdue University yielded both a Master’s Degree (1962) and Doctorate (1964) in Physiology. Associate (1964) and Assistant (1968) professorships followed before his promotion to full professor in 1972. During his tenure at MSU, Ralph taught undergraduate and graduate classes, and mentored graduate students and post-doctoral fellows. Ralph retired from MSU in 1997 as a recognized world expert on schistosome physiology, authoring or co-authoring over 70 research publications and receiving patents for equipment developed through his research.
Ralph enjoyed travel throughout his life, both at home and abroad, visiting all 50 states and 37 (or more) countries. He participated in scientific research in some of these destinations, as well as archeological digs, as a volunteer. He also enjoyed working with his hands, creating hand-carved caricature animals along with turned vases and bowls. He expanded to create one-of-a-kind designs for each of his grandchildren every Christmas, throughout their childhood. He could be found helping out his children as well, with home projects, building unique cabinetry and other woodwork features.
He loved the outdoors, whether fishing, camping, planting and managing timber, or just enjoying nature. Camping in the Upper Peninsula was a favorite activity with family which included fishing, hiking and canoeing.
Ralph was a member of St. James Catholic Church in Mason, Michigan.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff at Holt Senior Care and Rehab Center for their support. Memorial donations can be made to a charity of your choice.
Memorial mass will be held on Friday, July 16, 2021 at 11:00am at St. James Catholic Church, 1010 S Lansing St. Mason, MI 48854 with a one-hour memorial visitation prior to mass.
Friends and family who are unable to attend the memorial mass in-person are invited to join the livestream on the following website, saintsjcc.org
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