November 03, 1944 - October 21, 2023
Ralph was born in Roswell, New Mexico where his father was stationed in the Army at the end of WW2 on November 3, 1944 to Sam and Mabel Schoesler. He grew up in Walla Walla, Washington where he served as the bat boy for his Dad’s pro baseball team and enjoyed the delicious family meals of his Grandma Fiewig. Ralph enjoyed playing sports and earned honors as an All-State lineman for the WaHi Blue Devils. He sustained a knee injury at Eastern State in his first college season, thereby ending his football career. Afterwards, he moved to the Seattle area and pursued his love of flight by becoming a pilot and flying airplanes. He met and married Annitta Olson, became a father to Thad and Kim, and began his 30+ year career at United Airlines. This job afforded flight benefits which resulted in numerous fun, family vacations. Ralph moved his family to Spokane, Washington in 1969, where his youngest son, Philip, was born in 1974. In 1976, the Diamond Lake cabin was purchased with Sam and Mabel; this magical place offered many years of boating, fishing, snowmobiling, ice skating, and fetching wood. When his grandchildren were born, he became known as “Pop” and was a loving grandfather to Sam, Mallorie, Dominic, Derek, Sophie, and Ava. Pop was a big fan of the Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Mariners, and a loyal supporter of the West Valley Eagles. He also enjoyed playing golf with family and friends. Ralph spent his retirement winters traveling to Yuma, Arizona with his wife, Judy. He played golf and did odd jobs with the friends he met at the Country Roads park. While in Spokane, he enjoyed completing projects at home, tending to his flowers, and reading. Pop spent summers on the Pend Orielle River at his beautiful property where Phil and Ting were married. His place was a popular stop for local boaters where he served up his famous margaritas and snacks. Ralph is survived by his wife, Judy, and his sister, Cheryl. He is also survived by his children: Thad (Karrie), Kimberly, and Philip (Ting) along with grandchildren: Sam (Shelby), Mallorie (Wood), Dominic, Derek (Riley), Sophie, and Ava. Pop had three great granddaughters: Mollie, Audrey, and Emmie. Ralph is remembered as a kind, gentle, helpful, and loving family man. He is already greatly missed by those who knew and loved him. A celebration of life is planned for this Saturday, November 11th at Felts Field in Spokane Valley. Please reach out to his family if you would like to attend.
