Ralph Lambrecht

Ralph E. Lambrecht, 93, passed away Thursday December 15, 2022 in his home in Lake Bluff, Illinois. Ralph was born on April 2, 1929 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the only child of Ervin H. Lambrecht and Eleanora “Nora” (Schmidt) Lambrecht. He married Margaret Evans, also of Oshkosh, on August 1, 1953. Ralph attended a Lutheran grade school, Oshkosh High School, and graduated from Purdue University in 1951 with a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering.

A childhood growing up a few blocks away from Lake Winnebago fishing, boating, and later racing, led Ralph to a distinguished 35-year career with Johnson Outboards-Outboard Marine Corporation. During that time Ralph spent 2 years in the US Army at Fort Leonard Wood and Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey. Following retirement from Outboard Marine in 1986 Ralph continued his work in the marine industry as a consultant as well as a member of the International Standards Organization Committee which established safety, performance and environmental standards for recreational watercraft in the EU.

Following 2 years in the Army, Ralph and Marge lived in Waukegan, Illinois until moving to Lake Bluff in 1968 where they focused on raising a family, being contributing members of the United Methodist Church, and cultivating many lifelong friendships with neighbors, co-workers and Lake Bluff community members. Ralph and Marge enjoyed a vibrant retirement with worldwide travel and ocean cruises. Ralph again picked up antique outboard racing, the same (now vintage), boats and motors from his youth. Ralph saw the world through his “engineering lens” which earned him the nickname “AAR” (Always Right Ralph) which Marge would use endearingly, or sarcastically, as a situation might dictate. Her outgoing warmth and quick-wit was the “yin” to his “yang” which fueled their loving marriage for 66 years until her passing in April 2020.

We extend our deepest appreciation and gratitude to his caregivers: Vanessa Proctor who with superb dedication cared for both Marge and Ralph to the very end, Carmelita Benzon, Maria Fe Bell and Ligaya Saulo-Bell who were praying with him at the end. With their care, commitment and dedication he was able fulfill his deep wish to live out his days in the house he shared with Marge for over 50 years.

Ralph was preceded in death by his wife Marge, son Robert and grandsons Josh and Garrett. He is survived by 2 children Sarah Lambrecht (Gerhard Barth) of Evanston, IL and Tom Lambrecht (Jamie) of Whitefish, MT, 2 grandsons Willie Barth and Ryan Lambrecht, 3 granddaughters Kayla Waters, Drisana Barth, and Grace Lambrecht, 2 great-grand daughters Kiev Lambrecht and Emmori Waters, 1 great grandson Rhett Waters and 2 nieces Cathy Evans and Carol Shepard (Tom), and nephew Bill Evans (Debbie Gardner).