Ralph Louis Zeitler of Saginaw, Michigan
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Saturday, October 9, 2021, at Shields Comfort Care. He was 87 years old. The son of the late Casper and Hulda (Kade) Zeitler, Ralph was born on February 3, 1934, in Merrill, Michigan. He was a proud 1952 graduate of Merrill High School. While attending a wedding, Ralph met the love of his life, Leona Rohn, they dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on August 8, 1953; she survives him. Following graduation, he went to work as an insulator with Local #47 Heat and Frost Insulators for 50 years until his retirement. Together they raised three beautiful children, two sons and a daughter: Ralph Jr., Daniel, and Kimberly Jane. Ralph was an avid outdoorsman, finding peace and tranquility in the woods and hunting. As a young man he enjoyed snowmobiling and boating. Throughout his life, Ralph, would love to spend time in his barn or garage tinkering. He will forever be remembered for his hard work ethic, wonderful sense of humor, for his kind, calm, and quiet spirit.
Surviving are his wife of 68 years, Leona Zeitler of Saginaw; two sons and a daughter: Ralph (Wendy) Zeitler of Saginaw; Daniel (Sherry) Zeitler of Kalamazoo; Kimberly Jane Zeitler of Saginaw; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law, Alice Zeitler, Maxine Leddy, Nancy (Paul) Moran; a special niece, Sally Byron. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Lloyd and Harold Zeitler; two sisters: Alice (Billie) Pahl and Hilda (Leonard) Crawford; four brothers-in-law: Jim (Shirley) Neuenfeldt, Albert (Thelma) Rohn, Alvin (Ruth) Rohn, and Dale Leddy.
A funeral service will take place at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 12, 2021, at Zion Lutheran Church, 17927 Dice Road, Hemlock. Pastor Paul Hauser will officiate. Burial will take place at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at noon. In lieu flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Zion Lutheran Church. Please share your thoughts and memories with he family at the church or through www.casefuneralhome.com.