Ralph Charles Daehn, Jr., On the evening of November 9, 2016, Ralph passed away peacefully while surrounded by family at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena, Montana after a courageous 9-month struggle with brain cancer. Ralph was 83 years old. Ralph and his wife of 59 years lived most of their lives in Illinois. They moved to Montana City two years ago to be closer to their daughter and her family.
Born on August 21, 1933 in Oak Park Illinois, he was the son of Ralph and Henrietta Daehn. He married the love of his life Beverly Shanske in 1957 and served in the U.S. Army in Pine Bluff Arkansas. He received B.S. Degrees in Mechanical and Metallurgical Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology and a M.S. Degree in Materials Science and Engineering from Northwestern University. His professional career included engineering positions at Danly Press Company, Continental Can Company, and Packer Engineering. At the age of 55, he started his own engineering consulting company, Materials Engineering, Inc., in Virgil, IL, which remains successful today. In semi-retirement he was active in consulting and worked for DS Containers in Batavia, IL. He loved his work and was proud of the many significant contributions he made to the can-making and materials industries and was very active in professional societies, was named a Fellow of ASM International and received their Putnam Service Award, and was active in other societies, particularly the Verdandi Lodge of Svithiod.
Despite his vast professional achievements, family remained the most important part of his life. Ralph was eternally gentle, kind and curious. Throughout his illness, he never complained and provided an amazing example of how to live and die with grace. Among his many interests, he was a bicyclist, equestrian, sailor, music enthusiast, photographer, world-traveler, publicist, handyman, ham radio operator, peace-lover, and student of European, Viking and Native cultures. He lived life with great passion and gusto, always walking to the beat of his own drummer while being kind and generous to all who he came in contact with. He is survived by his wife Beverly, son Glenn (Peggy), daughter Linda (Joe Michaletz), and grandchildren Andrew, Katie, and Matthew Daehn and Jake and Charlie Michaletz and sister Carol Kallal. He will be deeply missed by all who really knew him.
Ralph’s family would like to thank Dr. Thomas Weiner and his wonderful staff, Dr. Karl Guter of the VA Hospital, Pastor Brad Ulgenes of St. John’s Lutheran Church, and their very special friends who provided support and compassion throughout Ralph’s illness.
A graveside service with full Military Honors will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 15th at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Ralph.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
3:00 p.m.
Tuesday November 15, 2016
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Helena, Montana
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
3:00 p.m.
Tuesday November 15, 2016
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Helena, Montana
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Bill and Julie (Fischer) Patterson says
Love and prayers to Ralph’s family. The first time I met Ralph was at the CCARC Field Day event at the fairgrounds. Ralph’s curiosity and enthusiasm were evident as he looked at the operation and asked questions of the participants. Ralph had a great laugh, a kind heart, and a joy-filled enthusiasm for life. The world was made a better place by his presence.
Philip Oscarson says
Please accept my condolences.
Jordan and Pamela Mencher says
Jordan and I send our heartfelt condolences to Bunny and the rest of Ralph’s family. We were blessed to know Ralph for just about a year as a neighbor, and new friend. One of our memories is Ralph’s luck in winning at our community bingo nights. He was a lucky guy, and we were lucky to have gotten to know him. Jordan is grateful for the time he got to spend with Ralph sharing their life stories. We will miss him.
Patrick Fischer says
What stood out to me the most was Ralph’s eagerness to help anyone and everyone he could. I always loved visiting with him and learning about his experiences as an engineer. He was truly an amazing man.
Eric Werner & Kathryn M Kozak says
Ralph was a gracious, intelligent and inquisitive soul. Kathy and I enjoyed our friendship with Ralph and Bunny while they lived in Illinois, and are so sorry to hear about his passing. We wish love and peace to the Daehn family.
Nick Darien says
It was always a pleasure to find Ralph and Bunny at Chicago area professional association meetings. Ralph was always an example of enthusiasm and graciousness. Deepest sympathy to Bunny and the Daehn family. I’m certain that Ralph left a treasure chest of memories to fortify you as you reconcile the grief of his passing.
Suzanne Valerio says
Ralph and his sister Carol were my favorite cousins. They and their Mother Henrietta were especially kind to us when my siblings and I were very young.” Ralphie “was my first crush as a little girl,My hero always , a role model and a Man among men. We all have fond memories of his wedding and how beautiful Bunny was and is today. His tender love for his children was palpable. As we all grew into adulthood, he generously shared with us and our children his horses and excitement over every new discovery in his lab. He was as proud of my children as he was of his own and vice-versa. He truly lives forever in all of our hearts.
Susan Wellman says
I first met Ralph way back in 1993. We shared our love of Standardbreds and of Scandinavian heritage over the decades. Ralph was always so welcoming – I was invited to his house in Wayne and he and Bunny were so hospitable. He always sent videos of his mounted units when they demonstrated (and he rode Egyptian Fashion), and at Northern IL Horse Fair I got to ride Monte in the demo………..he supported us at Midwest Horse Fair and always sent us video. We shared so much of what we had in common – something I never had with my own father. Don’t worry, Ralph – we are taking care of Copper for you!!! We will be reunited some day. God bless you for all you taught me, showed me, by your example.
Arvid Casler says
Ralph was a mentor to me. I’ll never forget when the local chapter of ASM called me for assistance and my only condition was,”…If I can get Ralph to help me.” He did and we were successful. With no other way to let him know my gratitude, I went and had a custom award made to present to him. Years later, we would end up on the same litigious event, on opposite sides and loved every minute of it. It pains me deeply that future professionals will not enjoy his presence. He will be deeply missed and will always be in my thoughts.
Kent Johnson says
Ralph was my hero. We first met when he was still with Packer Engineering, through our work together in ASM International. Since both of us were metallurgists, we got on very well together. It was always a pleasure to be with Ralph and to talk about our common interests. He was wonderfully gracious and supportive, which headed me in many new directions. One of which was starting my own business, as he had done. I always told Ralph that he was my hero. This was because when he started his consulting business he had already arranged to have one client for two days in every week. That provide cash flow, as well as three days a week to grow the business. I was not that fortunate, but if you are going to start a consulting business, Ralph’s way, is the way to go. Both Wilma and I have really enjoyed the privilege and honor to have known Ralph and Bunny. To say that he will be missed, encompasses a large group of people that he has touched. Our deep condolences to Ralph’s family, friends, colleagues, and the many that have been fortunate to have known Ralph. I know that I am a better person for having met Ralph. We need more such people in this world.