May 30th

Ralph Heipel

Ralph passed away after a brief battle with cancer on Sunday, May 30, 2021 at Grand River Hospital, Kitchener. Ralph was born 77 years ago in Kitchener, Ontario, a son of the late Clarence and Doris (Moffett) Heipel.
Ralph will be forever missed and lovingly remembered by his wife Sharon (Tessmer) Heipel, whom he married on December 23, 1967. Cherished and devoted father of Greg (Shelley) and Sharlene (Hans). Ralph will be forever missed and always remembered by his grandchildren Reilly, Clare and Sean. Survived by brothers Charles (Rosemary) and Keith (Pat), his brother-in-laws Glen (Rosemary) and Larry (Jayne) Tessmer, his sister-in-law Linda Knipfel (Brian) and by his nieces, nephews, extended relatives and many friends.
Ralph built a respectable career as a property assessor. For over 30 years he made sure to have coffee on for the arrival of his colleagues. He decided to take an early retirement and spent it living the very best life. He enjoyed a decade as a school bus driver. Ralph and Sharon found many friends who shared their love of VWs and tractors. His days were filled with busy and fulfilling outdoor activities. Baden streets will be a little quieter now that his daily trips to his woodlot have come to an end. Most of all Ralph was a family man. He enjoyed every second of being a husband and father. He was blessed to have his grandchildren living just a few steps away. A final joy in these last few months was watching Clare and Reilly take over his lawn cutting. A lawn that took him hours to meticulously maintain can be chopped down in under two by these teenagers.

His wife was his cherished companion and very best friend.

Ralph was a long time member of the Wilmot Mennonite Church. He has shared the joy of celebrating many life milestones with friends from church.

Ralph will be remembered as a quiet presence with a loving light. He put others at ease and had a gift for finding serenity and joy in each moment of each day. This quality will live on his children and grandchildren.

Cremation has happened and a private family graveside service will take place in Fairmont Cemetery, Baden. A celebration of Ralph’s life will be announced at a later date when all can gather together.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to MCC or Grand River Regional Cancer Centre can be done on the funeral home website or by contacting the funeral home.
Personal condolences and donation information available at www.markjutzifuneralhomes.ca
Funeral Arrangements entrusted to the Mark Jutzi Funeral Home, New Hamburg.