Raphael Schwab (Ralph)

Stanton, NE

1938, Unknown,

Raphael (Ralph) Schwab, 99, passed away August 28, 2019. Ralph was born in Stanton, ND on Oct. 21, 1919. He attended school in ND, joined the Civilian Conservation Corp in 1938 and served in ND, SD, and Yuma, AZ. In 1942, Ralph was drafted into the US Army, became a paratrooper in the 507 Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, sent to Europe in 1943 and jumped into Normandy, France, in the early hours of June 6, 1944, D-Day, as one of the Allied Liberation Forces of Europe. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and jumped across the Rhein River, driving to the defeat of Nazi Germany. He was wounded in battle and received the Purple Heart.

Late in 1945, Ralph returned home to the United States and to ND. He met Dorothy at a dance. It was love at first site. They spent the next 70 years together. Ralph loved his God, his family, his grandchildren, his great-grandchildren, his nation, his Roman Catholic Church, his Knights of Columbus brothers, his numerous friends, and playing cards: Hearts/Spades/Rummy, and especially Pinochle! He was an avid businessman, carpenter, mechanic, and pheasant hunter! He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. We all love him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and fourteen brothers and sisters, a daughter Yvonne (Gilbert), a granddaughter (Sarah). Ralph is survived by Dorothy, his wife of 70 years; five children, Tim (Jane), Tedd (Lois), Pearl (Mike), Pat (Michelle), and Annette (Al); 22 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.

He was buried with military honors at Black Hills National Cemetery.

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