Ralph Leonard Parcell, age 77, of Mishawaka, passed away on June 5, 2009 at 6:00 a.m. following a brief illness. Ralph was born March 3, 1932 to the late Harvey and Loreen (Newcomer) Parcell. On June 3, 1978, Ralph married the former Ms. Edna Hardman in South Bend. Ralph and Edna had just celebrated 31 years of marriage.
Surviving is his wife, Edna Parcell of Mishawaka, and their children, Sherry (Alan) Beehler of Wakarusa, IN, Ralph H. (Chris) Parcell of Ft. Wayne, IN, Debbie (Joseph "Butch") Schelstraete of Mishawaka, IN, Wendy Lohman of South Bend, Matthew (fiance Andrea Klinkel) Barnes of Urbana, IL, Douglas (Wendy) Barnes of South Bend, IN, and Judy Brewer of New Carlisle, IN. Preceding Ralph in death was his daughter, Deborah Klopfenstein who passed away in February of 2006. Also surviving are 21 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, along with his sisters, Betty Honold of Mishawaka, IN, Carol (Salty) Saltzgaber of Gulf Shores, AL, Phyllis (Bob) Boocher, of North Dakota and Janice (Dan) Bryant of Mishawaka, IN.
Friends may gather at 10 a.m. to visit with the family on Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Highway, Osceola, Indiana, 46561. The celebration of Ralph's life will begin at 11 a.m.
Ralph had four passions in life; first and foremost, his wife Edna and their families and friends, then his art, music and martial arts. Working as a journeyman sign painter and talented artist for many years, Ralph eventually retired after owning his own business, Parcell Designs. He was also a naturally gifted musician, playing almost any instrument by ear, but especially enjoyed his mandolin. Ralph had played locally with the "The Grey Horse Band." Ralph also developed and instructed at the highest level, his own form of martial arts. In his spare time, Ralph had volunteered as a firefighter with the Penn South Fire Station.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given in Ralph's name to the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, 111 Sunnybrook Drive, South Bend, Indiana, 46637