No headline

Ralph Wohrle, 89

Ralph Edgar Wohrle, 89, born June 14, 1927, to Edgar and Mary Wohrle, died Saturday morning, March 18, 2017.

Dad grew up at 4 West 28th, in Spokane south hill, and went to St. Augustine’s grade school from 1933 to 1941. He then went to Gonzaga Preparatory school, where he graduated in the class of 1945. He then attended both Gonzaga University and Spokane Community College.

Ralph and Margaret Wohrle had four children during their 23-year marriage. They were divorced in 1973.

When the family was young, Ralph enjoyed snow skiing in the winter, and working in the garden and yard in the spring and summer.

Dad loved boating, and had numerous ski boats, including his first boat which he made by hand, a houseboat and lake property on Lake Coeur d’Alene. Dad also loved pheasant hunting. He used to hunt all over the Palouse area, Othello, Royal City and Warden, Wash.

Dad was an Exalted Ruler of the Elks Lodge No. 228 in downtown Spokane and the past president of the Spokane Executive Association.

Dad was a World War II veteran. After the war, he joined the U.S. Naval Air Reserve. He served in the Air National Guard for many years and was fortunate to take many trips with the guard. Dad retired from the reserves after many years of service.

Dad owned and operated The Glass Hospital for many years and sold the business to his business partner. He then worked for other glass companies for years and finally retired from The House of Aluminum.

Ralph was preceded in death by his ex-wife, Margaret C. Wohrle; sister Rosemary Uphu; and longtime girlfriend, Fran Popp.

Ralph Edgar Wohrle is survived by oldest and first born daughter, Sarah (Sally) Ann Pathak residing in Richmond, B.C., James (Jim) Edward and Penny L. Wohrle residing in Spokane, Wash., Susan Jean and Albert Hamel residing in Bend, Ore., and Robert Ralph Wohrle residing in Spokane; grandchildren Dipa and Janet Pathak, Jai Pathak, Kristin and Jon Vanos, James Wohrle and Lexi Dandelles, and Megan and Allison Hamel; great-grandchildren Rylee Vanos, Maxwell Vanos and Aria Pathak.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.