Ralph J. Loesch, 78, of Millheim, died Saturday, October 21, 2006 at Centre Crest in Bellefonte.
A son of the late Arthur L. and Ida Mae Gross Loesch, he was born April 8, 1928 in Ferguson Township.
He was educated in local schools. On April 9, 1950, at the former Reformed Church in Boalsburg, he married Helen M. Ralston who survives at home.
Originally a farmer, in July 1990 he retired after 18 years of service as a carpentry specialist from the maintenance department of Centre Community Hospital. During his career he was also employed by H. I. Houtz & Sons Construction from 1950 to 1962 and Meadow Pride Dairy from 1962 to 1972.
Ralph was a member of the Millheim Fire Company & Club since 1972. He also enjoyed hunting and woodworking.
His survivors include his two daughters, Linnea Louise Slaybaugh and her husband, Herman, of Lemont and Susan Marie Neese of Millheim; three sons, William Ralson Loesch and his wife, Diane of Port Matilda, Dennis Keith Loesch and his wife, Joyce of Julian, and Robert Lee Loesch and his wife, Christina of Fort Meade, MD; nine grandchildren, Melissa Adams and her husband Jeremy, Adam Nole, Ashley Loesch, Heather Loesch and her fiance, Chris Demeyan, Marie Bell, Thomas Loesch, Courtney Loesch, Frederick Holt and his wife, Maria, and Philip Holt; and six great-grandchildren. Also surviving are Ralph's sister, Betty J. Frazee of State College and his brother, Elmer L. Loesch of Lemont.
Funeral services officiated by the Rev. Michael Reece will be private at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Centre County Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Meals On Wheels of State College at 205 S. Garner St., State College, PA 16801.
A guest book may be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com