Ralph E. Friese passed away peacefully at his home in Hemphill, Texas on November 19, 2021 at the age of 95.

Ralph was born in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin on Feburary 9, 1926 to Harry Friese and Clara Klebs Friese. He was a graduate of Beaver Dam High School in 1943. After graduation he enlisted in the US Army and served during World War II from 1943 to 1946 with overseas duty in Italy. After the war he enrolled in the University of Wisconsin School of Engineering obtaining a BS degree in Chemical Engineering.

He married his cherished bride, Patricia Stair (Pat) in 1954 and was the father of their three children born while they lived in Waco, Texas. He was a loving husband and father. Ralph was employed as a program manager for Rocketdyne, a division of North American Aviation in their Solid Rocket Division in McGregor, Texas until 1970 when he and his father-in-law purchased Lowe's Creek Park on Toledo Bend Lake. He retired in 1983 and enjoyed fishing, hunting and especially trotlining. Woodworking, stamp collecting and model airplanes were other hobbies. He was an accomplished Bridge player and enjoyed playing with his friends. After retiring he and Pat traveled and went on cruises with family and friends. He was a faithful member of Hemphill First United Methodist Church.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 67 years, Pat Stair Friese of Hemphill; his children, Sandy Cox and husband, Steve of Lake Naconiche, Texas, and Mark Friese and wife, Kellie of Lake Nacogdoches, Texas; grandchildren, Chris Cox, Cory Cox, and Shara Friese; great grandchildren, Genesis Cox and Jayden Cox.

He was preceded in death by sisters, LaVerne Andreski, Twyla Schwarzenbacher and his beloved daughter, Nancy Lynn Friese.

A visitation will begin starting at 1:00 p.m. before service time on Monday, November 22, 2021 at Hemphill First United Methodist Church in Hemphill.

A funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, November 22, 2021 at Hemphill First United Methodist Church in Hemphill, Texas with Bro. Alberto Williams officiating.

Burial will follow in Harpers Chapel Cemetery in Hemphill, Texas.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Hemphill First United Methodist Church.
P.O. Box 287
Hemphill, Texas 75948