Ralph Jelenc

Ralph J. Jelenc, 97, of Sheboygan, passed away Thursday, May 21, 2015 at St. Nicholas Hospital. Ralph was born October 8, 1917, in Sheboygan, to the late Martin and Barbara (Frankovich) Jelenc. He graduated from Sheboygan High School in 1937. On May 1, 1951, he married the former Dorothy Brusse Hengst in Sheboygan. Ralph was well known as a local bar tender and was also the owner of the Jelenc Tavern on South 8th Street. He worked at Sheboygan Glass Co. and retired in 1983. Ralph was an accomplished musician, playing the accordion, organ and played with several bands. He enjoyed playing for his patrons at his tavern and to friends and family. Ralph enjoyed bowling, camping, dancing and happy hour. He also enjoyed celebrating the 4th of July with family and friends at his home on Lakeshore Drive and taking bus tours throughout the United States with Dorothy. Survivors include four sons, Bruce (Barbara) Hengst, Mark (Lynn) Jelenc, Kim (Deborah) Jelenc and Joel (Gloria) Jelenc; thirteen grandchildren, Mike (Mary) Hermann, Lynda (Travis) Damrow, Ann (David) Brill, Andrew (Tracy) Hengst, David (Molly) Hengst, Thomas (Lisa) Hengst, Kelly (Kurt) Blum, Christopher (Brianna) Jelenc, Justin (Tatum) Jelenc, Stephani (Ben) Wallen, Amanda Jelenc, Rebecca Jelenc and Adam Jelenc; 20 great grandchildren; one sister, Mae Mervar; one son-in-law, John Hermann and special friend, Vi Klein. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Dorothy, one son, Wendell Hengst, one daughter, Betsy Hermann, one sister Adella, step-mother, Rose, two brothers-in-law, William Mervar and Willard Brusse and one sister-in-law, Ina Brusse. A funeral service for Ralph will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 12:00 p.m. at the Ballhorn Chapels and Crematory (1201 N. 8th Street, Sheboygan) with the Rev. Mark Jaberg, Pastor of St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Sheboygan officiating. Friends may call on Tuesday, at the funeral home, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will follow at the Sunrise Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Ralph's name. The family would like to thank the staff of St. Nicholas Hospital, Morning Side Nursing Home and Terrace Estates for their special care and concern shown to Ralph over the years.