SHEBOYGAN FALLS, Wis., June 25 /PRNewswire/ — Ralph F. Stayer, the founder of Johnsonville Sausage, passed away on June 24, 2007 at the age of 92.
Ralph F. (RF) Stayer is survived by his wife of 69 years, Alice; his two children, Ralph C. Stayer and Launa Stayer-Maloney, and 27 direct descendents.
RF was a true American entrepreneur who taught by example that with a little hard work, hope and belief in a brighter tomorrow, anyone can change the path of their life. In 1945, RF took everything he had saved to purchase a meat market in Johnsonville, Wis. Today, we know that company as Johnsonville Sausage, which employees more than 1,300 members and distributes product to more than 39 countries.
RF was passionate about taste, especially when it came to Johnsonville sausage products. In fact, RF is responsible for creating many of the recipes still used today to make Johnsonville sausage, but RF’s passions extended beyond sausage. RF insisted on spending his free time fishing with the grandchildren, hunting with his son, or golfing with his wife and daughter. At the age of 70, he became the club golf champion at the Naples Country Club in Naples, Fla.; an accomplished golfer with four holes-in-one to his name. He traveled around the world as an avid outdoorsman in search of beautiful game and like all other fisherman RF had many a great “fish tale” to tell.
To RF, family extended beyond his immediate family to include the less fortunate who lived within his community. Known as an extremely generous philanthropist, RF did anything for kids in need, whatever it took to inspire children of a new generation to have faith in the American dream. Today, there are many physical examples of RF’s charity including: The Ralph F. and Alice Stayer Boys & Girls Club in Sheboygan, Wis. and The Stayer Park in Plymouth, Wis. A strong religious man, RF continued his charitable efforts through the Knights of Columbus, holding the ranking of a Fourth Degree Knight, which is the highest ranking a Knight can achieve.
RF was an active member of Johnsonville until his last breath and his passing has left a void in the entire company.
Details pertaining to the memorial service will be announced in due course.
About Johnsonville Sausage
Wisconsin-based Johnsonville Sausage is the number one national brand of brats, Italian sausage, smoked-cooked links and fresh breakfast sausage links. Johnsonville Sausage products are available in 39 countries including France, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Hong Kong, China and the United States. Johnsonville employs 1,300 members. Each of them takes ownership of product quality to ensure the excellence and “Big Taste” of Johnsonville Sausage. Founded in 1945 by Ralph F. & Alice Stayer, the company remains privately owned today.
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Source: Johnsonville Sausage
CONTACT: Anne Gaskin Nemschoff, +1-773-405-7025, anne@gaskinpr.com, for
Johnsonville Sausage
