Ralph Greenfelder

Ralph Greenfelder, 87, of Mansfield, passed away peacefully Thursday, October 27, 2011 at his home after a short illness with his family by his side. Born November 23, 1923 in Massillon, he was the son of Walter and Elmira (Elsie) Greenfelder. A graduate of Massillon High school in 1942, Ralph served as a Sergeant in World War II with the 123rd Army Air Force Base Unit. He received several medals including the American Theatre Service Medal, European-African Middle Eastern Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, three Overseas Service Bars, and the World War II Victory Campaign Medal. Ralph was employed with General Motors for 25 years in Plant Protection and retired in 1980. He was member of St Peter’s Catholic Church, Amvets Post 26, American Legion 888, Mansfield Leiderkranz, and a life time member of VFW Post 3124 in Massillon. An avid fisherman, Ralph also was a devoted football fan, especially of the Massillon Tigers, the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and all the pro football he could watch.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Dorothy (Ruzinok) Greenfelder; daughters, Kathy (Dick) Bajai of Bellville, Diane (Jeff) Urban of Bucyrus, and Becky (Rick) Toomey of Lexington; eight grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; sister, Nancy Greenfelder of Lake Anna, VA; and brother, Walter Glen Greenfelder of Massillon. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Dean Greenfelder; granddaughter, Lynsey Hunter; great granddaughter, Macy Schadek; great grandson, Luke Earick; sisters, Betty Rohr and Rita Eberhardt; and brother, Harold Greenfelder.

Friends may call Sunday, October 30, 2011 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd., Ontario. Mass of Christian burial will be held Monday, October 31, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 104 W. 1st St., Mansfield, conducted by Rev. Tom McQuillen. Military graveside services conducted by the United States Army Burial Detail out of Ft. Knox, KY will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the Msgr. Dunn Foundation for Education at St. Peter’s Parrish or Hospice of North Central Ohio, 1050 Dauch Dr., Ashland, OH 44805.