Ralph G. Elsass

Ralph G. Elsass, age 87 of Kettering, OH, passed away Sunday, February 12, 2006 at home surrounded by his family. Ralph was born April 24, 1918 near Botkins, Ohio, the son of William and Matilda (Koenig) Elsass, who preceded him in death. He married Helen Helmlinger on August 10, 1947. She survives him along with their three children, daughter, Kay Breece, sons Merle Elsass (Sherrie), Mark Elsass (Sandy); and six grandchildren; sister Viola Kantner of Wapakoneta, three sister-in-laws, Margaret Elsass, Jean Elsass and Pat Elsass, all of Wapakoneta. He was preceded in death by five brothers; Vernon, Ray (Alvena), Chris, Cliff (Millie), Nelson, a sister Mildred, and a brother-in-law Roland. Mr. Elsass was raised on a farm during the Great Depression. He played baseball with skill and enthusiasm for the local Botkins teams before enlisting in the Army Air Corp in 1941. He served through the end of WWII. Mr. Elsass continued to be sought out to play ball throughout the military and his career at NCR. He retired from NCR in 1975 after 29 ½ years. He enjoyed a long retirement with wife, family and friends. Funeral service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, where he was a member, on Wednesday, February 15th at 11:00 AM. Family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service. A funeral service will also be held at Bayliff and Eley Funeral Home in Wapakoneta on Thursday at 11:30 AM, where family will also receive friends 1 hour prior to service. Burial is to follow at Greenlawn Cemetery near Wapakoneta, where the Wapakoneta V.F.W will conduct military rites. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Hospice of Dayton or the charity of your choice. Arrangements in care of Newcomer Funeral Home, Kettering.