Ralph Fichtinger

Ralph L. Fichtinger, age 88, of New Munich, died Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at the Melrose Area Hospital in Melrose, Minnesota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 23 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Munich with Rev. Roger Klassen, O.S.B. and Rev. Art Hoppe concelebrating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church in New Munich. Parish prayers will be at 5 p.m. followed by the St. Joseph's Men's Society at 8 p.m. Friday evening.

Ralph Fichtinger was born August 9, 1920 in St. Martin Township, Stearns County, Minnesota to Leo and Elizabeth (Mayers) Fichtinger. On October 26, 1946 he married Marcella Sand in New Munich. After their marriage, the couple lived and farmed on the family century farm. They retired and continued to live on the farm. He enjoyed wood carving, listening to Old-Time music, and watching and going to baseball games. Ralph was the type of guy that could fix anything. Ralph was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Munich and the St. Joseph's Men's Society.

Survivors include his wife, Marcella Fichtinger of New Munich; children, Gary (Ann) Fichtinger of Hazel Green, WI, Pat (Gordon) Gillesby of Andover, Gayle (Paul LaFreniere) Fichtinger of Savannah, GA, and Mark (Michelle Levinski) Fichtinger of Glenside, PA; seven grandchildren, Michael, Paul, David (Melissa), Leah (Orel), Jeremiah (Jamie), Lewis, and Emma; five great-grandchildren, Maria, Raymond, Greta, Nora, and Ana; and brother, Charles Fichtinger of St. Cloud.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents.

Serving as casket bearers will be Gary Fichtinger, Mark Fichtinger, Paul Fichtinger, David Fichtinger, Lewis Fichtinger, and Paul LaFreniere. Serving as cross bearer will be Leah Fichtinger and scripture bearer will be Emma Fichtinger. Eulogy will be given by Gary Fichtinger, Pat Fichtinger, Gayle Fichtinger, and Mark Fichtinger.