Ralph
E.
Christman
Obituary
Ralph E. Christman, age 91, passed away on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, in Fort Wayne, IN. Born on August 3, 1931, in Huntington, IN, he was the son of the late Herman and Isabelle Christman and step-mom, Hattie Christman. While in high school, he met the love of his life, Ruth Ann (Feipel). They were married on April 22, 1950, and spent the next 73 years building a beautiful life together and watching their family grow. Ralph was the proud owner and operator of Christman Milk Transport for over 50 years until his retirement. He was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church and St. Gaspar Catholic Church in Rome City. Ralph was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and served on several local and regional boards, including Bishop Dwenger High School. He enjoyed living at their Sylvan Lake home, tending his garden, fishing, playing Euchure and visiting with family and friends. He also loved hunting with his boys and grandsons. He was a master of short and simple songs and would always be quick to recite a little ditty. Above all, he loved his wife and children and cherished his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His faith and his love for his family defined him. Ralph will be dearly missed not only by his family, but by all who knew and loved him. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Ruth Ann Christman; daughters, Cindy (John) Heath and Krisann (Paul) Dygert; sons, Michael (Deb), Thomas G. (Nicole), and Bill (Jeanne) Christman; 15 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and brothers, William and Herman “Pink” Christman. Ralph was preceded in death by his son, Daniel (Sue) Christman; granddaughter, Leah Faye Christman; brother, Edward Christman; sister, Ruth Wyatt; and his parents. A Mass of Christian Resurrection will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 4916 Trier Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46815 with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. Ralph will be laid to rest at Catholic Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Memorials can be made to St. Charles Borromeo School for tuition assistance in Ralph’s name.
Services
Condolences
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Our prayers are with your family. Ralph was a dear man and will be missed. May he rest in Peace. Janice, Rocky, Justin, Jaxson and Maxwell.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Sorry I cannot attend the services. My deepest condolences to all of the Christmans. Ralph was a great guy. I always liked to be around him. I will toast him with a swig of schnapps from my refrigerator.
Great man. Always made me feel part of his family. I think of him as a moral compass even though I am miles away and fail often. What he did with his life is nothing short of a miracle. I will miss u Ralph
Ruth, I’m so sorry to learn of your loss of Ralph. Memories of long ago always brings a smile.
Prayers to you and yours, Mary Houser
i have such great memories of Uncle Ralph growing up. Especially around Christmas time when we would go to the old homestead before Sylvan Lake share with the whole bunch of cousins. Such good food, memories shared with many many cousins, aunts, uncles. Truly blessed to be in Christman family. Uncle Ralph was a go-getter for sure having his own milk business.
Remember his hearty laugh, quick wit, always willing to help out, but you dont want to be on his bad side look out, very loving person, smart, and very steadfast. Loved also his wife, my Aunt Ruth Ann. They were a wonderful couple.
They came to my parents home when his brother Edward died to see what they could do for the family.
Well rest well my Uncle because I believe you earned your rewards in heaven.
Love to ALL at this time of grief. Cheryl (Christman) Shelburne
Ruthann
Oh, Joanne and I always loved you and you and Ralph
So sorry that hes gone now you guys had such a wonderful life together and wonderful family. He will be sadly missed with all our love .