Ralph Speer

Ralph M. Speer, 95, of Van Wert passed away at 9:10 AM on Monday, January 17, 2022 at Meadows of Delphos.

He was born on September 16, 1926, in Jackson, Michigan, the son of the late Ruel M. and Marie (Schweinfurth) Speer. On April 28, 1951, he married Joan "Jodi" J. Speer, who passed away on November 18, 1997.

Ralph served in the United States Navy during WW II and Korea.

Ralph retired in 1987 after 34 years with Aeroquip, in Van Wert, as an Engineering Supervisor.

Ralph was a member of the Episcopal church, the Van Wert Civic Theatre, Van Wert American Legion post, the Van Wert American Legion 40 et 8, the Van Wert Elks Lodge, the U.S.S. Boxer Veteran Association and the American Legion Zouave Precision Drill Team. As a member of the Zouave's, Ralph appeared in the movie, The Court Jester, with Danny Kaye. He was also a former Cub Scout Pack Committee Chairman.

Surviving are his children, Richard (Deborah) Speer of Melbourne, Florida, Douglas (Tammy) Speer of Columbus Grove, Linda Shady of Daytona Beach, Florida and Cynthia Speer of Grayson, Georgia; a sister, Carolyn Clark of Jackson, Michigan; and 7 grandchildren, Ryan (Maria), Megan (Adam), Angela (Angel), Dan (Kat), Eric (Taylor), Jon and Joshua. Ralph is also survived by his beloved friend and companion, Pat Weiging and her son, Randy.

In addition to his parents and wife, Ralph was preceded in death by a son, David Speer; a son-in-law, Michael Shady; a granddaughter, Amanda; and sister, Betty Miller.

A memorial service will be held at 7:00 PM on Thursday FEBRUARY 10, 2022 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert. Military rites will be rendered immediately following the service at the funeral home.

Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 PM on Thursday, FEBRUARY 10, 2022 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ralph`s memory may be directed to the Van Wert Civic Theatre or Van Wert Fire & EMS.

To share in Ralph's online memorial, please visit www.alspachgearhart.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, 722 S Washington Street, Van Wert, OH 45891.