Ralph Dickinson Searles

Ralph Dickinson Searles, 82, passed away unexpectedly on November 13, 2024, while traveling abroad in Rome, Italy alongside his beloved wife Cynthia. He was born on March 13, 1942 in Berwyn, Illinois to Ralph and Esther (Schram) Searles.

Ralph was active in the Boys Scouts, attending Camp Philmont in Arizona at age 14. He graduated from Morton High School and went on to study at the University of Wisconsin, Stout where he was a member of the Chi Lambda Fraternity. He was united in marriage to Cynthia Borne on July 10, 1965 in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Following his honorable service in the United States Marine Corps, Ralph earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Arts Education at the University of Minnesota-Mankato and subsequently received a Master’s Degree from St. Thomas University. 

Ralph's career spanned over three decades in the packaging manufacturing industry, beginning as a Packaging Engineer at 3M Corporation in Minneapolis from 1968 to 1970. He then joined the Menasha Corporation in Minneapolis, where he excelled as a sales manager, relocating to Appleton, Wisconsin and later transitioning to become General Manager from 1970 to 1984. His distinguished career continued at Great Northern Corporation, where he served as President and Chief Executive Officer until his retirement in 2000. Ralph was highly regarded in the business community and held various positions on professional, church, and community boards.

Ralph was a man of punctuality, often rallying his family with the reminder that "the bus is leaving," a phrase that conveyed not just timekeeping, but a sense of togetherness and adventure. Ralph traveled the world extensively with Cynthia, visiting destinations that left them with countless memories. Upon returning home, Ralph found joy in cooking, and his love for sweets was evidenced by the candy supplies he always carried. He was a problem solver at heart, a guiding presence for his three sons who instinctively looked to him for wisdom, marking their transition to adulthood with their simple yet profound question: “What do you think, Dad?”

In their retirement, Ralph and Cynthia enjoyed time at their cottage in Pelican Lake, Wisconsin, where "Garage University" projects filled Ralph’s days amidst trips to home improvement stores. In Appleton, he enjoyed golf at Butte des Morts Country Club and solving the world’s problems with the McDonald’s group. As an avid fisherman, he cherished moments spent by the water with friends and family and nourished his faith as a longtime member of First United Methodist Church. His winters were spent in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, where he gave back to the community through the Citizens on Patrol (COP) in Volusia County and golfed at Sugar Mill Country Club. 

Ralph is survived by his wife of 59 years, Cynthia; sons Doug (Kathryn) Searles, David (Julie) Searles, and Scott (Saija) Searles; grandchildren Steven (Jessica) Searles, Annika Searles and Oliver Searles; and great-grandson Grayson Searles; sister Ginny Fugate; sister-in-law Carolyn (Oscar) D’Souza and many other extended family members.

Ralph is preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Harvey (Kathryn) Borne, sister Clara (Tom) Tripp, brother Bill (Carol) Searles and brother-in-law Jordan Fugate.

A memorial service for Ralph will be held at First United Methodist Church, 325 E Franklin St, in Appleton, WI, on December 5th, 2024, beginning with visitation at 1:00 PM followed by a memorial service at 3:00 PM. Celebration of Life will be held at Butte des Mortes Country Club, 3600 W Prospect Ave. in Appleton from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Interment will take place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota in the Spring of 2025. Please visit Ralph’s obituary page on the Wichmann Funeral Home website to view a livestream of the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to an Industrial Trade Scholarship Fund established in the memory of Ralph at Fox Valley Technical College Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 2277 1825 N. Bluemound Drive, Appleton, WI 54912-2277.

As we gather to honor the legacy of Ralph Dickinson Searles, let us remember the profound love he imparted, the wisdom he shared, and the vibrant life he led. Ralph's legacy extends beyond his successes and accomplishments; it resides in the memories shared by his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege to know him. His departure has left an indelible void in the hearts of his family and friends, who mourn the loss of a wonderful husband, father, papa, teacher, and friend to all.