Obituary for Roelof "Ralph" Schraa
Roelof (Ralph) Schraa June 11th, 1945 - April 23, 2022. Ralph was born in Zuidwolde, Drenthe, Netherlands
to Jan Schraa and Geesje Grietje (Grace) Haveman on June 11th, 1945, and Ralph was their third son. His brothers are John (deceased) (Eileen), Dick (Joan).
Ralph's father passed away in 1949 and his mother remarried Albert Keep. Together they had Harma (John), Jerry (Rita), Andy (deceased) (Marti) Paddy (Ed) and Margaret (Henry). On June 18th, 1958 the family immigrated to Canada landing in Halifax and traveling via Montreal to settle on Caledon Lake near Orangeville.
Ralph met Eleanor when they were in high school in 1963 and they started going together in 1967, they were married on May 31, 1969. Together they had 5 sons, John (Doris), David (Ceri), Rob (Shirley), and Jason (Rebecca) and 11 grandchildren, Michael, Matthew, Christina, Steven, and Joanna, Mackenzie, Grace, and Taylor, James, Tyler, and Raine
Ralph was predeceased by his son Ron in 2017.
Ralph and Eleanor purchased the family farm on Highway 10 in 1977, and there they raised their family. Ralph was an avid farmer, he raised and showed Holsteins until he switched to Brown Swiss in 1995.
Ralph raised Swiss cattle until his retirement from dairying in 2002. Ralph was very passionate about his cattle and they were a tremendous quality purebred herd. Ralph owned a cow that was classified excellent 9 times.
Ralph sold cattle to Europe, as well as all over the world. In the fall of 2002 Ralph sold the herd and continued to raise beef cattle until 2007 when he sold the remaining cows. In 2008 Ralph and Eleanor sold the farm but continued to live in the Shelburne/Dundalk area and Ralph raised sheep and goats until 2015. Ralph was semi-retired but continued to farm and help neighbors with their hay whenever needed. Ralph was a farmer that always focused on quality over quantity. He loved all animals, gardening and was always a willing neighbour ready to step in and lend a helping hand, or a son.
Ralph was so proud of his sons and his Grandchildren and would take out pictures to show visitors every chance he got.
Ralph passed away suddenly from surgery complications at the Hospital in Owen Sound. Flowers gratefully appreciated or donations can be made to your local 4H club.
The family will receive friends at the McMillan & Jack Funeral Home, 291 Main Street East, Dundalk on Thursday from 6-9 p.m. Funeral service will be held in the Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, April 29, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. with a luncheon to follow at the Frank McIntyre building. Cremation to follow.
to Jan Schraa and Geesje Grietje (Grace) Haveman on June 11th, 1945, and Ralph was their third son. His brothers are John (deceased) (Eileen), Dick (Joan).
Ralph's father passed away in 1949 and his mother remarried Albert Keep. Together they had Harma (John), Jerry (Rita), Andy (deceased) (Marti) Paddy (Ed) and Margaret (Henry). On June 18th, 1958 the family immigrated to Canada landing in Halifax and traveling via Montreal to settle on Caledon Lake near Orangeville.
Ralph met Eleanor when they were in high school in 1963 and they started going together in 1967, they were married on May 31, 1969. Together they had 5 sons, John (Doris), David (Ceri), Rob (Shirley), and Jason (Rebecca) and 11 grandchildren, Michael, Matthew, Christina, Steven, and Joanna, Mackenzie, Grace, and Taylor, James, Tyler, and Raine
Ralph was predeceased by his son Ron in 2017.
Ralph and Eleanor purchased the family farm on Highway 10 in 1977, and there they raised their family. Ralph was an avid farmer, he raised and showed Holsteins until he switched to Brown Swiss in 1995.
Ralph raised Swiss cattle until his retirement from dairying in 2002. Ralph was very passionate about his cattle and they were a tremendous quality purebred herd. Ralph owned a cow that was classified excellent 9 times.
Ralph sold cattle to Europe, as well as all over the world. In the fall of 2002 Ralph sold the herd and continued to raise beef cattle until 2007 when he sold the remaining cows. In 2008 Ralph and Eleanor sold the farm but continued to live in the Shelburne/Dundalk area and Ralph raised sheep and goats until 2015. Ralph was semi-retired but continued to farm and help neighbors with their hay whenever needed. Ralph was a farmer that always focused on quality over quantity. He loved all animals, gardening and was always a willing neighbour ready to step in and lend a helping hand, or a son.
Ralph was so proud of his sons and his Grandchildren and would take out pictures to show visitors every chance he got.
Ralph passed away suddenly from surgery complications at the Hospital in Owen Sound. Flowers gratefully appreciated or donations can be made to your local 4H club.
The family will receive friends at the McMillan & Jack Funeral Home, 291 Main Street East, Dundalk on Thursday from 6-9 p.m. Funeral service will be held in the Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, April 29, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. with a luncheon to follow at the Frank McIntyre building. Cremation to follow.