Nov. 23, 2016 – Hartford, WI – Ralph Schellinger, 56, of Hartford went to be with the Lord unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 22, 2016 in Park Falls, WI
Ralph Schellinger was more than a sum of his actions; he was a man of True Grit. He was a loving and amazing husband of 33 years, a loving Father who sacrificed the world to make things possible and always let me know how proud he was of the man I had grown to be. He was a Loving Son, Brother, Brother In-Law, Uncle, Grandson, Nephew, Cousin and Godson. He was a True Family Man. He was a loving life-long Friend to many and was able to put a smile on your face regardless of the type of mood you were in. No matter who he met in his life, he always left as friends.
Over the course of Ralph’s life he touched many lives, and always had time to talk whether his schedule permitted it or not. He was a Man of God, and was a member of the St. Kilian Building and Grounds Committee; and would help with any Church projects whenever he was asked. He was actively involved as both a Leader/Committee Chairman for St. Kilian Boy Scout Troop 741. While in the Troop he committed his time, resources and his Shop to help forge a future for Scout Youth; and was able to be a mentor to many individuals who reached the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest award of the order. He provided cheerful service and always showed that “many hands make the task light.”  He owned and operated Ralph Schellinger Construction Inc. for 25 years; which was a family all its own, serving customers and businesses throughout the state of Wisconsin and over her borders. The building industry has lost one its best, and he is sorely missed by all that he was able to help over the years. He was an active participant in the Hartford Lions Club, which he was able to help with various Calendar Fundraisers, and the Annual Pancake Breakfast. His smile will be missed when handing out breakfast in the morning at the event; and his spirit will be missed listening to him over the phone.
During Ralph’s free time he enjoyed riding his White Harley Davidson Motorcycle with his wife Mary. Whether he was driving for work or for pleasure he enjoyed the freedom of the wind in his hair and the sun at his back. Many, who knew of his snowmobile travels, also knew of his time in Canada with his dear friends Frank and Tom, our neighbors of the North. He loved spending time at his family’s Cabin in the North Woods. My Father also enjoyed his time watching NASCAR and cheering on now retired Terry LaBonte in the #5 Corn Flakes race car. My Father and I shared a rivalry between the #3 Dale “The Intimidator” Earnhardt Sr. and the #5 Terry “The Iron Man” LaBonte every race. We were rivals with our drivers, but we were brothers at home, we were a Father and Son enjoying time together watching what we had a passion for and challenged each other every race. Even after that rivalry had since ended and we switched up our respective driver line-ups he always was known to provide the chant “WINNER!” to both myself and family and friends in the pool we enjoyed together.
He always lived a life that was simple and humble, carrying his passion for John Wayne with him each and every day. Regardless of what the day presented him, whether it was a challenge for the day or the ability to revel in the success of a plan coming together; he was always steadfast in his decision making and strong and sure in his advice. He was the “Duke”, and we were all his “Cowboys.” He was passionate in his beliefs holding true that a “handshake meant more than pen and paper.” He encouraged us all to dream and aspire and succeed in our own rights, and was always there to lend his heart, his words of encouragement and his smile.
Always remember to: work hard, be honest, say “Thank you,” “I love you”, “great job” and forgive each other, each and every day. In the end, some of the best things are free and we can never forget to appreciate all the little things Ralph (My Husband/My Father/My Friend) has shown us. He provided our life with a stay positive attitude, and never let us forget how much he loved my Mother and I. His life lessons, his firm handshake, his laugh and his love will forever be etched into our hearts.
May we never forget his “Bear”-like Hugs, his Smile that would light up a building, his love for life, and plain and simple the man that would always say before leaving our hearts for the day “Were burning daylight!”
In Memoriam, we ask you to never let Ralph’s Legacy die, may you always know and never forget how much you all meant to him, and we kindly ask that you share your stories to keep his memory alive!
Love Always, Mary, Joseph, Megan and all his Family! XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Ralph was born to Bernard and Charlene “Chip” (nee Lechner) Schellinger on August 31, 1960 in West Bend, Wisconsin. He was united in marriage to Mary Ladd “The Love of His Life” on October 15, 1983 at St. Kilian Catholic Church in Hartford.
Loving and devoted husband to Mary Schellinger for 33 years; Loving father to Joseph (Megan) Schellinger. Son of Bernard Schellinger and Lucy Szmanda, Brother to Peter (Monica) Schellinger, Stephen (Jacqueline) Schellinger, Donna (Gary) Voigt, Anne Schellinger (David) Zuern, Jane (David) Fude, Paul (Kelly) Schellinger, Julie (Dennis) Regan. Sister-in-law Danielle Ladd. Nieces and nephews Jaevyn Moore, Adam (Hillary) Schellinger, Lauren, Claire, Amanda (Rob Land) Schellinger, Jared Schellinger, Matthew (Lindsey) Voigt, Johnny, Remington, Joshua (Becky) Voigt, Porter, Lane, Ava, Maggie (Ross) Braun, Duke, Ella, Benjamin (Jamie) Schellinger, Ronni, Knox, Jessica (Brian) Keith, Hayes, Kelsey (Ben) Stoffel, Jonathan, Daniel Fude, Michael, Mitchell, and Madalynn. He is further survived by many other dear relatives and friends.
Ralph was preceded in death by his mother Charlene, his brother Ronald Schellinger and infant brother Joseph Schellinger.
Mass of Christian Burial for Ralph will be held on Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Kilian Catholic Church, (264 W State St. Hartford, WI) with Fr. David LaPlante officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Additional visitation at the church on Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. Mass.
Interment in St. Kilian Cemetery, Hartford.
Memorial contributions to a charity of your choice in Ralph’s name are appreciated.