It's with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our father, Ralph Vlies, Jr., on July 28, 2024. Ralph was born on August 23, 1929, in Algoma to the late Ralph and Sarah (Challe) Vlies. Ralph was raised in Algoma, went to St. Mary Catholic Grade School, and graduated from the Algoma High School in 1949. Ralph worked at Katch's Department Store in Algoma after graduation for one year. On January 4, 1951, Ralph proudly served in the US Army. He was stationed over in Germany during the Korean War. His duties included building and tearing down bridges across the Rhine River. He was very proud of his service to his country and his service will be forever in his heart. He was honorably discharged on December 31, 1952, and served in the Army Reserves from January 1, 1953, to April 1, 1957. He had the rank of Corporal while in the Army. Ralph also was a part of the Algoma Civil Defense for many years. After his service to his country, he met the love of his life, Betty Ann Picha, from Kewaunee. Ralph dated her for a few years going to many polka dances in the area. They got married at St. Mary Church on July 2, 1955. They honeymooned in Colorado. He worked at the Algoma Plywood (Algoma Hardwoods) for 40 and a half years. While there he was president of the Union 1521 for many years. He was also President of the AFLCIO for many years. Ralph loved riding his moped through Algoma and talking with friends that he would meet along the way. He loved his sports teams, including the Packers, Brewers, and Badgers. His famous saying during the games was "bunch of bums". He also enjoyed playing in the Algoma Slow Pitch league for Bergers for many years. Ralph was always there for his children and grandchildren throughout his life. Ralph was a very Christian man and was devoted to his church, by Ushering for many years. After his retirement he went on to be the playground supervisor for St. Mary School for 10 years. After he left this last job of his life, Children from St. Mary would come up to him and tell stories of him playing with them on the playground, those 10 years. That kept him much younger in his heart than his age would show. Ralph is survived by his three children, Dennis (Sandra), Terry (Jill) and Lori Lischka; grandchildren, Amanda (Chad) Thiry, Joshua (Erin) McGinus, Alex (Margaret) Vlies, Samantha Vlies, Nicholas Lischka (fiancé Katie) and Ashley Lischka (fiancé Paul); great-grandchildren, Bryce, Olivia, Morgan, Evan, Brittney and Macey. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Betty, son, Michael; and son-in-law, Scott Lischka. Visitation for Ralph will be Saturday, August 3, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Algoma, from 9:00 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. with Father Andrew Kurz officiating. Military Honors will be held after Mass and entombment at the Shrine of the Good Shepherd Mausoleum. The family wants to give a very special thank you to Jenny and her staff at Autumn's Journey for all the care and kindness given to Ralph and his family during his stay there and to Unity Hospice. The Schinderle Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements for Ralph Vlies and his family. Express your sympathy, memories and pictures on Ralph's tribute page at www.SchinderleFuneralHome.com.