Ralph Edward Schaller, 79, son of Oscar and Gladys Howard Schaller, was born June 4, 1928, at Fitchburg, Mass. He died March 18, 2008, at his home at Bucyrus after a long illness.
He joined the Navy at age 17. After serving one term, he joined the Army, serving 20 years. He retired in 1968 as a master sergeant. He saw combat in Korea for one year and was awarded two Bronze Service Stars, a Command Infantry Badge, Korean Service Medal and a National Defense Service Medal.
After retiring from the military, he was a security guard in Las Vegas for a few years.
He furthered his education and obtained bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fine arts – ceramics – from Wichita State University. He taught ceramics at several colleges, culminating as head of the ceramics department at Loyola University of Chicago, where he served for 11 years.
After retiring, he and his wife purchased a small pottery studio – North Country Pottery – in Moyie Springs, Idaho.
He loved gardening, playing cards – poker – and fishing.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Priscilla “Pat.”
Surviving are his wife, Patricia Rosen Schaller; his children, Mark Schaller of California, Dawn Schaller and Jill Pait of Massachusetts and Todd Schaller of Ohio; and five grandchildren.
No services are planned at this time.
Arrangements are under the direction of Evans Funeral Home.
