Passed away at Joliet Area Community Hospice Home, Wednesday, March 20, 2019. Age 83 years. Survived by his loving wife of 63 years Gladys L. Schmidt (nee Skoien). Two daughters Janice (Mike) Fay and Robin (John) Kish. A son Dale (Linda) Schmidt. Seven grandchildren Shannon, Nichole, Maxine, Justin, Wren, Erin and Jasmine. Five great-grandchildren Phoenix, Penelope, Emily, Tristin and Damon. Two brothers Raymond (Norma Jean) Schmidt and Ronald (Kay) Schmidt. His sister Lenor Neurda. Preceded in death by his parents Herman W. and Stella Mae Schmidt. A brother-in-law Frank Neurda. Ralph was born May 13, 1935 in Lansing, IL. and was a lifelong Joliet resident. He retired from Caterpillar Tractor Co in Sept 1991 after 34 years. Member of First Church of the Nazarene. Ralph enjoyed riding horses, fishing and prospecting for gold. Funeral services will be held at the First Church of the Nazarene, 1009 S. Briggs Street, Saturday, March 23 at 10:00 A.M. Rev. Brad Thomas officiating. Interment Mt. Vernon in Lemont, IL. Visitation will be held Saturday from 8:30 A.M. until time of service at 10:00 A.M.