Ralph Schoofs

Our Beloved

Ralph Anthony Schoofs passed away on May 10, 2017, at the age of 89. He was attended at the time of his death by Patricia, his wife of 65 years, and several of his children.

He will always be remembered for his affectionate and fun nature, his commitment to God and family, his love of polkas, singing, dancing, sweets, his birthday laugh, and his tendency to see the positive in others.

Ralph With His Siblings

4 in front: Ted, Lonie (Apollonia), Anna, Dick (Egidius). 6 in back: Ralph, Allen, Francis (Pat), Dorothy, Katie, Lucille. Missing Joe

Visit The Schoofs Preserve

In 1973, Pat and Ralph began a forty-five year conservation project that included planting trees and establishing meadows, creating a wildlife pond, and returning biological diversity to their eroded farmland. Their efforts became a family legacy in 2015 when the Ozaukee Washington Land Trust protected the land from development and created the Schoofs Preserve—open to the public.

Ralph's family invites you to visit the Schoofs Preserve in memory of Pat and Ralph to hike, pray, bird watch, or cross-country ski. https://owlt.org/visit-our-preserves/property/25-schoofs

Bob Schoofs, Jane, and Bonnie Schoofs at the wildlife pond, 1985.

Back to Wisconsin and Retirement!

After Ralph’s retirement in 1993, they returned to their land in Erin Township, built a non-toxic home, and planted fruits and gardens. Close again to lots of family in the area! Even better, Ralph's son Andy and his spouse Bonnie with their three children, had built on the land too. Ralph and Pat became members of St. Mary of the Hill parish. Ralph was active with the Knights of Columbus and on the Healing Ministry Team.

A Strong Marriage Takes Commitment

Ralph and Pat with children and spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in 2001 at their 50th anniversary celebration.

The Gift Of Ralph

He is survived by his spouse Patricia, his brother Allen (Paula) Schoofs; a brother-in-law August Kirchner; his children, Jeanne (Dan Smith), Robert, Andy (Bonnie Schmidt), Atina (Martin Diffley), Daniel (Kristi Bergherr), Catherine (Jim Brown; nineteen grandchildren: Jennie Arbogash, Jim Arbogash, Tom Arbogash, Julie Ernst, Christina Brajkovich, Andrea Meyer, Martin Schoofs, Aaron Schoofs, Eliza Smith, Maize Diffley, Maxwell Schoofs, Nina Schoofs, Sarah Brown, Elizabeth Brown, Hannah Brown, Frances Brown, Ben Smith, Andrew Smith, Rebekah Smith, and nineteen great-grandchildren: Blake, Chase, Jaxson, Sasha, Roy, Nathan, Claire, Nolan, Branden, Michael, Gene, Grace, Rose, Kaylin, Nathaniel, Kateri, Matthias, and Baby girl, and one great-great grandchild Emmet; and godchildren Carol Nigh, David Schoofs, Bill Gruendeman, John Renner, Pat Larson, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by two children - John and Elizabeth, great-grandchildren Guineviere, Angel, Chrysanthia Violet, Grace, his parents Joseph and Catherine (Becker) Schoofs, Patricia’s parents, Andrew and Loretta (Geib) Kirchner, son-in-law Gene Novak, siblings and in-laws: Ted (Helen) Schoofs, E.A. “Dick” (Bea) Schoofs, Joe (Charlotte) Schoofs, Katie (Tony) Vitrano, Anna (Gregor) Nigh, Lonie (Joe) Retzer, Francis (Bernice) Schoofs, Lucille (Nathan) Nigh, Dorothy (Frankie) Volm, Estelle (Morrison) Kirchner.