Ralph Andrew Valentino Schmedemann

Ralph Andrew Valentino Schmedemann, 62, of Herington, KS, formerly of Dwight, KS passed away October 15, 2024, surrounded by those that he loved most, his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. Ralph was born November 30, 1961, to Ralph (Bud) Lee and Etta Lorraine (Root) Schmedemann on what was said to be a cold fall night where the ice was in varying degrees of thickness depending on who was telling the story. A short 20-mile drive to St. Mary Hospital, where not only he was born, but many years later, his two children, and where his wife dedicated 9 years of her nursing career. 

Ralph is survived by his wife, Isabel Sylvia (Cordier) Schmedemann, of nearly 37 years, his true love… his other half…his lobster. They married on May 7, 1988, but according to Ralph it was the same weekend as prom and Mother’s Day and needed reminding every year from a keepsake napkin found in an old photo album. She survives at their home in Herington. He is also survived by his two children, Katelin Rose Schmedemann, his baby girl, his project manager, and the one that later reminded him of birthdays, and specifically, an anniversary or two, and Henry Lee Schmedemann, his clone in all the best ways whether humor, mannerisms, parenting approach, or his ability to love wholeheartedly and unapologetically. He is survived by his three grandchildren, Wesley Robert, Vincent Cordier, and Sylvia Pearl Schmedemann, and his two precious Border Collie/Lab pups, Luna and Star.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Peter Charowhas Sr., sisters, Dorothy Smith and Valerie Terzi. He is survived by his sisters Cheri Minkowitz, NY and Anita Schmedemann, rural Dwight. Lastly, he is survived by his aunt Eileen Jury, many nieces and nephews and his favorite mother-in-law Waltraud Bammes. 

Ralph worked for over 25 years as a land surveyor crew chief for civil engineering firms. Later he got his CDL license and drove long-haul for a year and then found a driving position that kept him closer to home and family. But it wasn’t until a few years ago that he found his passion, something that had always lied beneath the surface with a childhood that always had a coffee percolator percolating and his adulthood filled with his morning coffee shared with his wife. He and his wife opened Ralph and Izzy’s Coffee Shop on May 18, 2020. It brought him great pride and joy and he flourished in his role as the proprietor of the hub for small town gossip and community. Ralph loved giving back to the community and used the tips from customers to support local needs such as the VFW, Herington School teachers, and so many more charities and individuals. It wasn’t until the cancer took his energy and time and forced the closure and sale of his little shop in late 2023. If asked, he would have told you it was the best job he ever had, because he enjoyed a morning cup of coffee, his family working beside him and his customers who gave him purpose. 

Ralph will be remembered by many for his sense of humor and the laughter that echoes through a soul and brought a forever smile to one’s face, and for his acceptance and love for the people he met and with whom he connected. He was the ultimate family man who up to the end wanted only to be surrounded by his adoring family, especially his children and grandchildren. 

Ralph has been cremated and no burial is planned at this time. 

In lieu of flowers, suggested memorials are to be donated to the family in an effort to help cover the onslaught of medical bills and expenses. Or to, Saint Xavier Catholic School Library in his name, as this is where he spent 12 years and where his love of reading was nurtured would be appreciated. 

To share a memory of Ralph, or leave a special message for the family, please visit the guestbook below.