Ralph Schleifer

Ralph N. Schleifer, age 82, of Elburn, IL passed away peacefully Friday afternoon, May 20, 2005, at his home. After a recent hospital stay, Ralph was able to return home where he could be among the people and the things that he loved.He was born November 29, 1922, above the the grocery store in Kaneville, IL, the son Fred and Chestie (Beck) Schleifer. He grew up in Kaneville where he attended local schools. At a young age, he went to work in a factory for a time until 1942, when he went to serve his country in the U.S. Army during WW II. He served in the European theater and was stationed in Germany, North Africa and Italy. After his Honorable Discharge in 1945, Ralph returned to Kaneville where he went to work as a painter for Munchenauf Painters.On November 26, 1947, he was united in marriage to Anne Mae Wilson and they made their home in Kaneville. Ralph continued to work as a painter until 1952, when he started his own business, Fox Valley Drywall which had its humble beginnings in a garage. The business grew as the years passed and after forty-five years Ralph retired leaving the business in the hands of his grandson, Trent. In 1961, Ralph began Gypsum Material Company which is now Danial’s, Inc. and is owned by son, Dan Schleifer. A man who had a gift for business, Ralph, saw a "gem" in an area restaurant and the treasure of the land and water that surrounded it. He became the owner of "Fisherman’s Inn" in 1973, and his investment grew to be a renouned restaurant where thousands of people have traveled to enjoy its food and it’s vista.In 1989, Anne, who was not only Ralph’s wife, but his helpmate, passed away. After a time, Ralph, was blessed to met a second love and on February 26, 1993, he was united in marriage to Carol Williams. For the last twelve years, they worked to together in the management of the restaurant and its gift shop. Ralph was a humanitarian and looked for ways to serve his community. He restored the Dr. Hardy office and the old Kaneville Grade School preserving for generations to come the wonder of yesterday. He was a man with countless projects, which were never left unfinished. He was a contributor to countless causes and supported those who had a heart for area communities. He was a wonderful, devoted husband, dad and grandpa who leaves for his family a lifetime of memories; a legacy of a life well lived.He attended the Kaneville United Methodist Church; a member of the Board of Directors for the Aurora Old Second Bank for 30 years and served as President of Gypsum Drywall Contractors International. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol, of Elburn; one son, Dan Schleifer of Big Rock, IL;three grandchildren:Dawn Schleifer of Kaneville, IL and her family: Erica, Brianna, Joshua and MariannTrent Schleifer of Maple Park, ILBrad (Stacy) Schleifer of Sandwich, IL and their family: Amber, Allison, Cloe, Noah and Eli,one sister, Irene (Ted) Sachen of FL;several nieces and nephews and a community of friends.

Visitation will be from 3-8pm, Wednesday, May 25, 2005, at the Kaneville United Methodist Church, Kaneville. His funeral service will be held at 10:00am Thursday morning, May 26 at the church with visitation from 9-9:45am

Immediately following the service family members gather for a private interment at Kaneville Cemetery and return to church for a time of refreshment and fellowship to which all are invited at church.