On the morning of December 19, 2023, Ralph Richard Hassler, 71, passed away at St James Hospital in Butte, MT surrounded by his family.
Ralph was born in Minot, ND on May 22, 1952, to John Edward “Ed” Hassler and Lilly Huwe Hassler. He grew up in Zion, Illinois and enlisted in the Army shortly after graduation. He proudly served in the Army from 1972 to 1975. Years later, Ralph met the love of his life, Suzanne, whom he married in 1993. Ralph and Suzanne shared many interests and enjoyed one another’s company constantly. Their love for the open country and mountainous areas brought them from Mundelein, IL to Helena, MT in 1994 and later to Butte, MT in 2013.
Ralph had a deep faith in God that was visible through his generosity both in the giving of his time and his talents. Although Ralph’s career path was cut short by a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in 1989, Ralph used this opportunity to draw closer to God and give back to others. Despite the physical limitations caused by MS, Ralph considered MS a blessing knowing that it gave him the opportunity to serve his family, friends and his community. Displaying a great deal of patience and compassion, Ralph volunteered in many capacities. He assisted numerous veterans with rides to various activities, accompanied friends to appointments, and sat patiently with others suffering with MS, but his favorite volunteer position was as a sound technician for the churches he devoted himself to throughout the years in the communities in which he lived. When physical limitations prevented Ralph from serving any longer, he still held steadfast to his beliefs by faithfully attending church and sharing his faith with his family and friends.
Ralph is preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Lilly; his brothers, Darold and Lowell Hassler; and his niece, Darla Hassler.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Suzanne; son, Michael (Colleen) Allen of Helena, MT; daughter, Emily (Joe) Warren of Butte, MT; brother, Wayne (Peggy) Hassler of Mansfield, TX; sister-in-law, Naomi Hassler of Colorado Springs, CO; grandchildren, Megan (Justin) Lewis, Ryan (Sammy) Casey, Michaela Allen, Nikita McKitrick, Alison Warren (Riley Richardson), Katelyn Warren, Lauren Warren, Reagan Warren, and Bowen Warren; great-grandchildren, Bryson, Chase, Walker, Ryker, Avery and Noelle; along with numerous extended family.
A Celebration of Ralph’s life will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, December 29, 2023, at Compassion Church, 1856 Marcia St, Butte, MT, with a luncheon immediately following. No graveside services are planned.
Please visit below to share a condolence or leave a memory of Ralph.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care for Ralph and his family.
Greg LaMiaux says
My hugs to the family and Suzanne. Rest in Peace.
Greg, NRS Butte
Charlene Messick says
Suzanne – Joe and I are so very sorry with the passing of Ralph. Such a kind person he was. Know we are thinking of you tonight and for days to come 💜.
Charlene and Joe
Anonymous says
Deepest sympathy for the loss of Ralph and the church family of Compassion.
Naomi Ruth Hassler says
I have many great memories of my brother-in-law, Ralph, especially the trips Lowell and I made to Montana where the brothers enjoyed fishing, even when they weren’t catching much. There was also a very special trip to the Oregon coast where the brothers fished in the Pacific Ocean. Ralph and Suzanne traveled to Colorado for the wedding of our daughter, Kris Hassler Gates, and they visited us again in Colorado when Lowell had been diagnosed with ALS and was nearing the end of his earthly life. I pray for the Peace of Christ to comfort Suzanne and all of the family until the roll is called up yonder.