Racine- Ralph (Coach) C. Henkes of Racine died Monday, February 16, 2009, at his residence. Ralph was born April 11, 1928, and was a lifelong Racine resident. He attended St. Mary Catholic School, McKinnley Jr. High, and Washington Park High school. After serving for 18 months in the U.S. Army Medical Corp, Ralph attended and graduated from the University of Minnesota. While attending the University he married Jane E. Henkes (nee. Ludwig), who preceded him into eternal life two years ago. Ralph taught and coached at Wind Point School, Horlick High School and retired from the Prairie School where he molded young lives for over twenty five years. He coached state championship teams and individuals and was recognized as "The Coach of the Year" by the Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Association in 1987. Ralph served two terms as a City of Racine alderman in the 1970's. He was actively involved in all aspects of his community serving as a past president of the Tuesday Optimist club and the Holy Name Society, Boy Scout leader, and serving as a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Ralph loved to sing and was a member of the Dairy Statesmen, the Church Singers, St. Lucy's Parish Choir and the Funeral Choir. He also loved to travel and took several soccer teams to Europe to compete. He recently started taking accordion lessons and had hoped to play his harmonica and accordion at the same time. Ralph is survived by his six children, Michael (Terri) Henkes of Kenosha; James (Lori) Henkes of Racine; Thomas (Carol) Henkes of Maplewood, MN; Clare (Dave) Zbikowski of Blaine, MN; Robert Henkes of St. Paul, MN; and Jennifer (Paul) Popowski of Lake Mills; 11 grandchildren, Mike, Jon, Rachel, Cara, Erica, Laura, Chris, Sam, Henry, Kyle and Victoria; brothers Barney and Norbert, his special friend Dee and by many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. And as Ralph wrote in preparation for this notice, "If I missed anyone, you can contact me by "knee-mail". In accordance with Ralphs wishes, cremation will take place. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. in St. Lucy's Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue, with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Private interment will be held in Holy Cross Cemetery in Caledonia. Visitation will be at St. Lucy Church on Friday from 4-6 p.m. Memorials may be made to St. Lucy's Church choir for the purchase of music.