Brother to Judy Weigel (deceased) and Kathy Guddop, Ralph was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he attended elementary and high school. He completed a graduate degree from Westminister Theological Seminary. He taught for a number of years at Illiana Christian High School in Lansing and co-founded the “soup supper” fundraisers. He set up a Christian Elementary school in Chicago. Ralph also drove a laundry truck for some years, and in later life he was a Montessori teacher, and a substitute at Thornwood High School.
Ralph was an active member of Hope Christian Reformed Church in Oak Forest from 1968 – 1981. After leaving Hope he remained a spiritual seeker and explored Unitarianism, Buddist philosophy and Tai Chi.
Ralph enjoyed drawing, philosophy, traveling, nature, and music - classical, jazz and folk groups such as the Clancy Brothers, Simon & Garfunkel and Peter, Paul & Mary. He liked to attend live theater and visit museums. The Shedd Aquarium was a favourite.
Ralph struggled with mental ill-health that caused periodic depression and led to reclusiveness in his later years. He also suffered dementia in the last 6 years of life. It is because of the care of the skilled and compassionate Vitas hospice nurses that his final days were peaceful, and his death dignified.
If you would like to honor Ralph’s memory, in lieu of flowers you may wish to: tell a story you remember about Ralph in the Memories section; and/or donate in Ralph’s name to your favorite charity, a local theater company or mental health program; the Shedd Aquarium (www.Sheddaquarium.org); or Illiana Christian High School (contact csiersema (at) illianaweb.org).
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