Ralph Schwartz, 56, died Monday, Aug. 13, 2007, in Minneapolis after a short illness.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial services to celebrate his life were held in Minnesota and Montana. Ralph was born Feb. 10, 1951, to Robert and Evelyn Schwartz. He graduated from Big Sandy schools in 1969 and received degrees from Saint Olaf College in Minnesota and The Manhattan School of Music in New York. While in high school, Ralph received many music awards and always was the one who played "Taps" for any community military ceremonies. His abilities as a renowned trumpet player and instructor were well known throughout the Minneapolis area, where he lived, and beyond. Although he had a great passion for his music, Ralph's great love of his family and friends was a special part of who he was. He always looked forward to trips back to Big Sandy to hunt, fish and have the opportunity to cook for and visit with his family and many friends in the area. Ralph was preceded in death by his father, Robert Sr.; and an older brother, Richard. He is survived by his children, Melani and Kyle Schwartz; former wife, Patti Arntz; mother, Evelyn Schwartz; two brothers, Robert Jr. And Raymond Bruce; and sister, Sondra (Don) Hanson; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Memorials to Ralph may be made at either: Ralph Schwartz Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 278, Wells Fargo Bank, Big Sandy, MT 59520 or Ralph Schwartz Fund, U.S. Bank, Four Seasons Office, 4105 Lancaster Lane, Plymouth, MN 55441.
