Racine – Ralph “Rusty” Cyrus Lanphere, 78, affectionately known to many as “Mr. Case” due to his 40-year career with the J.I. Case Co.; passed away peacefully at Parkside Manor – Kenosha on Friday, August 10, 2012 under the compassionate care of Hospice Alliance.
Ralph was born in Galesburg, IL on April 18, 1934 to the late Herbert and Zala (nee: Barton) Lanphere. Following high school, he went on to earn a BA degree in Industrial Design from the University of Illinois – Champaign, after faithfully serving our Country with the United States Navy in 1957.
On November 15, 1958 in St. Augustine, IL he was united in marriage with the love of his life, Mary “Louise” (nee: Bryan) Lanphere. They made their home in Racine from 1958 – 2009, when Rusty moved to Parkside Manor in Kenosha to be assisted with his brave struggle of advanced dementia.
Extremely artistic and well-respected by his peers, Rusty was employed by the J.I. Case Co. as the Director of Design for over 40 years, retiring in 2000. With a new found Christian faith, he attended Crossway Community Church in Kenosha and First Evangelical Free Church in Racine. Enthusiastic about staying fit and healthy, Rusty was actively involved at the YMCA, Racine Aquatic Club, an avid handball player, little league football coach, appreciated taking long walks, and was an all-around sports fan. He had a special place in his heart for animals and for his automobiles. Above all, Rusty loved and cherished being in the surroundings of his entire family.
Surviving are his loving wife of nearly 54 years, Louise; their faithful children, Lisa (Ken) VanDaalwyk, Lori Lanphere, Larry (Bonnie) Lanphere and Luci (Henry) Kujellis; grandchildren, Sarah Strassman; Esther and Rachel Martin; Lauren Lanphere; Kelsey and Kylee Kujellis; Lexie Lanphere, Hannah Martin and William Lanphere; great-grandchildren, Dylan Martin; Raegan, Levi and Griffin Strassman; sisters, Kathy Lanphere and Cindy Jewczyn; brother, Earl Lanphere; special friend of the family, Marlene Knopf; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name.
Funeral services for Rusty will be held in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 at 11:00 am with Rev. Mike Bullmore and Rev. John Bodnar officiating. Interment, with military honors, will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Tuesday from 9-11 am. In memory of Rusty, memorials to Crossway Community Church, First Evangelical Free Church, Hospice Alliance – Kenosha, Parkside Manor –Kenosha, or to the J.I. Case Heritage Foundation have been suggested.
Special thanks to all who helped Rusty on his journey to Glory!
Anonymous says
Gerry Salzman says
I just wanted to express my condolences to Ralph’s Family. Also wanted them to know what a wonderful and creative person he was. I first met Ralph when International Harvester and Case joined back in the mid 1980’s. Given 2 strong organizations, Ralph made the transistion for all of us a lot easier.
I enjoyed working with him when we launched a new product and new styling/badging was required. I alsways got a kick out of his approach to management. He would try and come up with 3 alternatives for management to consider. Two proposals were what he would recomend and a third was so so ridiculous, he felt no one would ever want. Made the decsion easier. He just hoped someone whould never pick the bad proposal. (Kind of an IQ test!!!)
As a person of faith, I am sure Ralph is still designing in his new home and our Lord is accepting all of his reconendations.
With deep respect and appreciation.
Gerry Salzman
Gregg & Susan Montgomery says
Our initial relationship with Ralph and Louise was through our consulting design business, but it soon became much more than that – they both became friends. One of the neat things about Ralph was that he truly treated everyone the same – from the guys working on the tractor assembly line to the CEO of Case, and he always did it with a sense of humor. It was amazing to watch and be a part of.
Don Watt says
I worked with Ralph in the CaseIH world and he was truly a visionary. He always had a vision of what style and color scheme was best for the product and the family of the IH brand. He also understood, beter than all of us, the politics of achieving the end results. He was a great professional and a wonderful person who touched many lives and careers. Ralph MADE a difference!
Kelly Kravig says
So sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. I first started working with Ralph nearly 27 years ago. He was the consumate gentleman and a professional in all his work. My deepest sympathy to the family. Kelly Kravig – Marketing / CNH