Ralph H. Heer, age 92, of rural Stryker, and formerly of Archbold, died Sunday, April 13, 2014 at Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice. Ralph learned to fly at the Angola Airport and spent his lifetime flying. Prior to his retirement he had been a commercial pilot. He served in the Air Force in WWII, during which time he flew the B24 Bomber. His flying career also included flying as a Pilot for Pilliod Cabinet Company, as an Aerial Applicator for Huffman’s Spraying and then as a Pilot for Champion Spark Plug. He also had extensive flight training, was an Instructor for Flight Safety at Toledo Express, and was type-rated up to the G2.
Ralph was born in Fulton County, Ohio on August 5, 1921, the son of Clayton and Lillian (Crossgrove) Heer. On September 21, 1946 he married Gretchen Spoerle, and she survives. He was a member of St. John’s Christian Church in Archbold. He was also a member the Wauseon F & AM, Lodge #349.
Surviving besides his wife, Gretchen, is one daughter, Susie Richards of Ormond Beach, Florida. He was preceded in death by one son, Joe David Heer in 1978, his parents, and two brothers, Bob and Abe Heer.
The family requests that memorial contributions be given to St. John’s Christian Church or Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice. Grisier Funeral Home in Archbold has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.grisierfh.com.
