Ralph W. Dienes

Ralph W. Dienes, 76, a long-time Baroda area resident, passed away on Wednesday November 30, 2009, surrounded by his family, following a courageous battle with cancer. Born in 1933 in Chicago, Ralph was raised in Watervliet and graduated from Watervliet High School in 1951. Ralph served in the United States Army from 1955 to 1957 at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. In 1958, he married the love of his life, Anita and began his family and career in Southwest Michigan. He was a production control specialist for Benton Harbor Engineering and Auto Specialties before he discovered what became his passion – selling cars. Ralph first became a part-time salesman at Leitow's in Bridgman in the late 1950's where he spent most of his career selling cars. He eagerly went to work each day to meet people and be with his friends. He won many awards as a top salesman for Chevrolet and Buick over the years. His reputation in the community and skill as a salesman led to the growth of a very loyal group of customers which, over time often included their families and friends. Until very recently, Ralph continued to sell cars for Weller's in Bridgman, Pastrick's in Benton Harbor and Jerry Hunt's Auto Center in Benton Harbor. In his youth, Ralph learned to sail on Paw Paw Lake and raced star class sailboats there for many years. He was an avid bowler and once had a 700 series. He also enjoyed golf, fishing and gardening. Ralph was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Watervliet and a former member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Bridgman where he sang in the choir. He was a member of the Coloma Lions Club, a past member of the Baroda Lions Club, and a member and past President of the Bridgman Band Boosters. He was also very active with the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life and Man-to-Man prostate cancer support group. Ralph is survived by his wife of 52 years, Anita; five children, Randy (Donna) of St. Joseph, Steve of Coloma, Jeff (Sue) of Portage, Indiana, Kim of Coloma and Scott (Amy) of Stevensville; eight grandchildren, Jennifer, Heather, Jessica, Sarah, Holly, Jason (Amanda), Andrea and Simon; one great grandchild, Tyler, and; his brother Bill (Carol) of Sturgis, Michigan. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Emma; two brothers, Larry (JoAnne) of Berrien Springs and David (Linda) of Mattawan, and; his sister Mary Jo (Gene) Winans of Watervliet. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online, may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. A visitation is scheduled for Thursday, December 3, 2009 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Starks & Menchinger in St. Joseph, Michigan, with liturgical prayers recited at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, December 4, 2009 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Watervliet with Fr. William Jacobs officiating. Burial will take place at the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Watervliet, with graveside Military Rites conducted by Coloma American Legion Post #362, VFW Post #1137 of Benton Harbor, and VFW Post #6803 of Watervliet. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Coloma Lions Club.