Ralph R. Rufener

Ralph R. Rufener, 82, of Dover, died Sunday, January 14, 2001, in his home.

He retired in 1983 from Cardinal Foundry & Supply Company in Cleveland where he had worked as Foreman.

Born February 23, 1918 at Dover, he was the son of the late Herman and Minnie Schilling Rufener.

Ralph was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church at Dover and was a 1937 graduate of Dover High School. He was involved in the Army Ordinance from 1943-46 in Puerto Rico during World War II, and was later active as a member of the American Legion, Forty et 8, and the Dover VFW. Ralph was also a life member of the Dover Elks, member of the Dover Moose, Tuscarawas County Senior Citizens and the Strasburg Chapter of AARP.

He is survived by his companion of 18 years, JoAnn Patterson of the home. Also surviving is a daughter, Patricia Byrd of West Virginia.

In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by his sister, Hazel Maurer.

A funeral mass will be held Thursday at 1pm in St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dover with Fr. William Arnold officiating. Interment will be in the Ridgecrest Memory Gardens, where the Dover VFW will conduct military graveside services. A reception will follow services in the St. Joseph School Activity Center. Friends may call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home on Thursday from noon-12:45pm.

Those unable to attend, or wishing to share their fondest memories, may sign the online register book for Ralph by visiting the ''online obituaries'' link on our website at www.tolandherzig.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to either Hospice of Tuscarawas County or the St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Toland-Herzig, Dover
330-343-6132