Funeral services will be held this morning at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, West Bend, for Ralph A. Robel, 76, who died at his home on Dec. 20, 1999.

Visitation will be at the church from 9 a.m. until 10:45 a.m., with the Pastor Daniel Kelm to officiate at the 11 a.m. funeral. Burial will follow at Washington County Memorial Park. Arrangements are being handled by Schmidt Funeral Home, West Bend.

Mr. Robel was born on March 13, 1923, son of Jacob and Adeline (nee Mintzloff) Robel. After graduating from high school, he served in the Pacific Theater with the United States Army during World War II.

Following his discharge, he worked as an engineer with Northwestern Railroad. He married Erna A. (nee Kuphal) Birkholz on Sept. 23, 1972 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Described as a "caring and devoted husband," Mr. Robel said the best years of his life were spent with his wife. She preceded him in death on Oct. 19, 1998.

Survivors include brothers Elroy and Jacob (Beatrice) Robel, both of Cedarburg; nephew Thomas R. (Chris) Robel of Cedarburg; special friends Henry and Barb Otten; other relatives and friends.