Ralph Frank Firzlaff

Ralph Frank Firzlaff, 98, of Plainview, MN passed away at his home on September 11, 2021. He was born April 28, 1923, in Milwaukee, WI to Frank O. and Inez (Foster) Firzlaff. He graduated in 1941 from Plainview High School prior to enlisting in the military in 1943. He served in WWII in the European Theater 16th Armor Division and light tank crewman until his discharge in 1946. Upon his return, he was united in marriage on November 30, 1946, to the love of his life Elithe “Tootie” Richardson at the Presbyterian Church in Plainview.
Ralph worked in auto body repair as an auto mechanic with the Ford garage until 1967 when he became the Maintenance Engineer at the new Hillcrest Nursing Home in Plainview. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Order of the Eastern Star, a lifetime member of the VFW and American Legion Posts both in Plainview, and a member of the Community Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed playing bingo and going fishing.
Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 74 years, Elithe of Plainview; his daughter, Patti (William) Staudacher of Minneiska; grandchildren, Cory Staudacher of Plainview, Jason (Dawn) Staudacher of Lewiston, Angela (Brian) Dondlinger of Simi Valley, CA, Derek (Tiffany) Staudacher of Kellogg; great-grandchildren, Isaac, Brandon, and Christian Staudacher, Vada and Will Dondlinger, Brooklyn, Brielle and Charlie Staudacher; his brothers, Richard (Edna) Firzlaff of Alabama, Bruce (Sharon) Firzlaff of Plainview, and a sister, Eleanor Ryan of St. Peter. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Frank Firzlaff, Jr. and sister, Ruth Schneider, brothers-in-law, Richard Ryan, and Arthur Schneider.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.
Arrangements entrusted to Schleicher Funeral Homes, Plainview Chapel, the guest register may be signed at www.schleicherfuneralhomes.com