Person:Ralph Hertsel (1)

Ralph and Esther moved to Cass County in 1948. Ralph got a job at American Coach in Cassopolis.

Sharon Hertsel was born in Elkhart, IN. Ralph and Esther lived with Otis L and Mabel Hertsel for a short time and then got an apartment above the Fair Store in Dowagiac, MI.

Their third home was a farm house owned by Margaret Warren's family (next door neighbors on Jefferson St. in Cassopolis, Cass County, MI). They wall papered before they moved into the house.

They later moved to "Redfield " by Kathryn and Walter Hunsburger (Cassopolis Rd., Cass County). After that they relocated to North of Vandalia by White Temple School.

Then we moved to "Dohm's" (people that owned House). The farm house was south of Dowagiac. We cut our own wood in the woods for heat. I remember being cold and it seemed to take forever to gather the wood. The house also had "bees".

The 7th home of the Ralph/Esther Hersel family was Glennwood (near Dowagiac, MI). We lived there until about 1957. We then moved to Cassopolis, MI. Grandpa Smith died and we moved into Grandma Smith's house at 409 E. Jefferson St.

Ralph Hertsel worked at American Coach 12 years, was ill for 2 years and then worked at Wood Co, Elkhart, IN until age 61 when he retired. He retired a year early because of ill health.

Ralph and Esther sold the house in Cassopolis to Daniel and Gail Mesko Hertsel and bought a new mobile home in Elkhart. They moved to Elkhart in the early 80's.

In 1988 they sold the mobile home and moved to a senior citizen's apartment "Edwardsburg Manor" on Gateway Dr. in Edwardsburg.

Conversation with Ralph Hertsel, 6 9 1999 Ralph Hertsel was born in a house on the corner of Washington and 3rd St., Elkhart, IN

In part from the Obituary Elkhart Tribune

Ralph L Hertsel January 13, 1925 - August 5, 1999

Edwardsburg - Ralph L Hertsel, 74 of 69138 Gateway Drive, went to be with the lord at 9:32 p.m. Thursday (Aug. 5, 1999) at Elkhart General Hospital, where he had been a patient for nine days. Mr. Hertsel was born on Jan. 13, 1925, in Elkhart, the son of Otis and Mable (Cox) Hertsel, and served in the U S. Army during World War II. (He was part of the wave of army that landed on Omaha Beach in 1944). He moved to Cassopolis in 1958 and Edwardsburg in 1987. On April 12, 1947, Mr. Hertsel married Esther M Smith in Elkhart, IN, and she survives with two sons, David (Cheri) of Edwardsburg and Daniel (Gail) of Nappanee, four daughters Mrs. John (Sharon) Smith of Elkhart, Mrs. John (Diane) Areklet of Pentwater, Michigan, Mrs. Burler (Sally) Baucom of Niles and Mrs. Jerry (Betty) Olszewski of Granger, 14 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; and one sister, Mrs. Edward (Jeanene) Franks of Elkhart, nieces, nephews and cousins. When he was younger he enjoyed camping, traveling, and taking pictures and family visits. Preceding Mr. Hertsel in death besides his parents were brothers, Mr. Glen R Hertsel, Mr. Charles R (Dick) Hertsel, Mr. Everett (Pete) Hertsel, and sisters Mrs. Arden (Margaret) Wallin, and Mrs. Buford (Betty) Johnson and special Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and cousins. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday (Michigan Time) at Paul E Mayhew Funeral Home and one hour before the 2 p.m. service Monday at Ontwa Baptist Church. The Rev. Clarence Dycus and the Rev. Mike Elsey will officiate. Burial will be in Edwardsburg Cemetery. Mr. Hertsel retired in 1985, where he had worked for over twenty years from Banks Lumber Co. and was a member of the Ontwa Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon. In his later years of life he gave his time and efforts to the lord. His last moments of life were spent with his pastor, Rev. Mike Elsey. Ralph Hertsel pleasured in serving the lord Memorials may be given to the church, 69946 Elkhart Road, Edwardsburg, MI 49912.

Gail Mesko Hertsel spoke at Ralph Hertsel's Following are a few notes of some of what she said.

He sat with his arm propped up on pillows with his legs crossed at the ankles. He was an early riser: up at 3:00 and usually to bed by 7:00 or 8:00. Home on the weekends unless him and Mom would take a trip. They also made local visits to family for visits with relatives. Sometimes those trips were to Northern Michigan which was a place that he truely loved. The story of baby twins getting into the lard while Dad was babysitting. What a mess to clean up two little babies, so slippery.

David's most cherished memory of his father was the day he came home from Vietnam. Dad hadn't even known that David was to be coming home. David surpised him at the shop. David and his father both served the same branch of service. They were stationed at the same AIT of the army at Fort Sill in Oklahoma. David and Dad had much in common and enjoyed long telephone conversations about their common service. Fort Sill had changed little since the days Dad was stationed there for his WWII service.

Diane appreciated her Dad most for being her confidante. He was a good listener and knew just what to say to make her feel good when she was down. She will miss the comfort that her Dad always provided.

Betty will remember her father for the simple things he took pleasure in. He loved good vanilla ice cream (he crumbled saltine cracers on top) and rye bread. Milk and Cheese. He liked his back scratched and his neck rubbed. He liked to take drives in the country, especially in the fall. He loved babies, puppies and kittens. He enjoyed long visits with friends and family. He liked shirts with pockets and a treat with his Grandchildren that he called Pooh Pops.

He used to sit with the babies, holding them to his chect with their little legs dangling over his forearm he would hum them to sleep.

Sharon remembers her wedding day. She was so nervous but her Dad's strong steady arm kept her on the right path to the alter to meet her soon to be husband John Smith. Little House on the Prairie (a television program) could bring Dad to tears. He was sentimental that way.

Cheri remembers he always called his first Grandchild, Wade "Hamburger". Mom and Dad always made her feel a part of the family rather than just an in-law. She enjoyed being with them.

Danny was impressed with Dad's skill at organization. Dad never lost much time looking for things because everything had a place and every thing was always init's place. Dad was always "on time" and often early. Danny will miss their talks of sports and cars. Dan and Dad both loved cars old and new. Dad always took very good care of his vehicles.

Dad had a sense of humor. The day he died and they transferred him from one floor to another in the hospital he was teasing one of the nurses. He was bright, alert and humorous the day he died and always.

Ralph, Margaret, and Everett Hertsel around 1926-1927

Ralph Hertsel 1990's at sister Jeanene Franks house

Ralph Hertsel about 1944 army picture

Ralph Hertsel about 1926

1. ↑ Social Security Death Index.
2. ↑ 1930 United States Federal Census.
3. ↑ Social Security Death Index.
4.   Social Security Death Index.
5. ↑ 1930 United States Federal Census.
6. ↑ Social Security Death Index.
7. ↑ 1930 United States Federal Census.
8. ↑ Social Security Death Index.