Ralph W. Federspiel
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Ralph W. Federspiel, Sr., 82, of Laconia, died at home on November 26, 2008 after a courageous battle with cancer. Ralph was surrounded by his loving wife, children, and grandchildren.
 
To say Ralph was a loving husband and father only begins to describe the devotion he had to his family. According to his wife of 60 years, Martha, and his 8 children, he was the winner of “World’s Best Dad” for 59 years in a row, and voted “World’s Best Grampy” by his 17 grandchildren.
 
From his childhood days growing up on the shores of Clear Lake, Indiana, with his 8 siblings, Ralph loved beautiful clear lakes. During his 26 years with Royal Typewriters while climbing the corporate ladder and moving his family from state to state (Indiana, Michigan, Iowa, Kansas, Connecticut, and Massachusetts) Ralph always sought out the clearest lakes in the territory. He was an avid sailor and lake photographer. He ultimately bought a summer cottage on Pitchwood Island on Lake Winnipesaukee where he reveled in entertaining his grandchildren in the clear water that was a dear part of him.
 
After his career with Royal, Ralph moved the clan to the Lakes Region where he bought Maxfield’s True Value Hardware Store in Pittsfield which he ran for 10 years before he sold the store to his son, Ralph, Jr. Ralph, not one to retire, then sold boats at Irwin Marine for 15 years.  
 
During Ralph’s 36 years in the area he was always a devout member of Our Lady of the Lakes Church.
 
Ralph is survived by his wife, Martha Ann (Bosler) Federspiel and 8 of his children and their spouses: Suzanne Federspiel and Clint Richmond (Boston), Louise and Dr. Peter Harris (Derby Line, VT), Jerry and Marcia Federspiel (Richmond, VA), Marian Federspiel and Marshall Hickok (Meredith), Ralph and Doris Federspiel (Gilford), Greg and Susan Federspiel (Lenox, MA), Clare and Jack Hounsell (Naperville, IL) and Nancy Federspiel and Sam Peirce (Bolton, MA). Ralph is also survived by his 17 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, his sister, Dorothy Bosler and 2 brothers, Robert and Jerry.
 
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the St. Vincent De Paul Society or Community Health and Hospice; both of Laconia.
 
There will be a funeral Mass and memorial service at Our Lady of the Lakes on Saturday, November 29, 2008 at 12:30. A luncheon will follow in the church hall.