Ralph Chester Schwandt II passed away at his home in Munster, IN on October 18, 2021.  Ralph was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Chester Schwandt.  He is survived by his mother, Sharon Schwandt; his son, Mason Schwandt; his daughter, Grace Schwandt; his wife, Samar Schwandt and her four children, Issa, Muneer, Jeneen and Khtab; his grandson, Malokia; his sister, Susan (Robert) Hynek: Amber/Brett Goins, Joshua, Paige/George Homer and Benjamin; sister, Sharon (Robert) Janiga: Cameron and Lindsey; and sister, Sandra Sullivan: Morgan and Coleton; and cousins, Keith, Derrick, Penny and Jeremy.

Ralph was the youngest with three sisters, who loved him dearly and a mother who adored him.  He truly will be missed by his wife, Samar and her four children.  His son, Mason and daughter, Grace were the love of his life.  He cherished every moment he spent with them.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 29, 2021 at Kish Funeral Home 10000 Calumet Ave.  Munster, IN with Reverend Michael Yadron officiating.  Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery Calumet City, IL.  Visitation will be on Friday, at the funeral home from 9:00 a.m. until the 1:00 p.m. service.

Ralph graduated from Munster High School and Western Michigan University.  He spent his adult life following his father’s footsteps with his love for the Trucking Industry.  He was employed for several years driving locally and loved working at the local Pepsi Company in Munster, IN to stay close to his children.

Ralph lived life to the fullest.  He loved driving his “Big Trucks” along with his passion for anything motorized.  The faster the better.  The stories are endless.  Everyone who came into contact with Ralph loved him.  His smile was infectious and his personality was larger than life.  If you knew him, you instantly loved him.  His absence in this world will leave a hole in the hearts of many.  WE LOVE YOU RALPHIE!

Do not stand at my grave and weep.

I am not there.  I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glints in the snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the mornings hush, I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there.  I did not die.

-Mary Elizabeth Frye