Ralph Dale Schrenk

Lt. Colonel (Retired) Ralph Dale Schrenk, 91 of Orange Park, Florida passed away peacefully on September 14, 2018. His passing was preceded by his beloved wife of 64 years Naomi Ruth Robinson Schrenk. He was known to his children as Pop, and to his grandchildren as Poppi.Dale was born in Seymour, Indiana on September 16, 1926 to the late Inez Speckner Schrenk and the late Ambrose Schrenk. He was the youngest and last surviving child of his three siblings. He came from a mid-western German Catholic family and had values consistent with his upbringing- loyalty to God, family, and country. After graduating from high school in Seymour, he accepted a scholarship to Purdue University to play football. Shortly after beginning college at Purdue he received his draft notice.In 1944 Dale entered the Army and after serving in WWII, Dale continued service as an Army reserve member. Taking advantage of the GI Bill, he attended the University of Western Kentucky where he majored in Physical Education and played the position of linebacker on the football team. He soon met an adorable coed named Naomi and they fell in love and married in June 1949. During the Korean War, Dale was activated again and was given the opportunity to attend Officer Candidate School.As an Army officer, Lt. Colonel Schrenk was a stern commander of troops at all levels; but in his later years, with his grandchildren and great grandchild, he was a big teddy bear. He loved nothing more than wrestling on the ground and hugging them tight. Christmas time was Dale's favorite holiday season and he and Naomi loved giving and receiving gifts. Dale proudly put up a tree every year decorated with ornaments he and Naomi collected during their travels. He also loved watching football and playing golf.Lt. Colonel Schrenk served his country on active duty and the reserves for 25 years. He served in WWII, Korea and Vietnam. He also served in the UNTSO (United Nations) in the Middle East as a border observer from 1966-1969 and came under fire during the 1967 Arab-Israeli Six-Day War.During Lt. Colonel Schrenk's career he graduated from many of the military's advanced colleges. He was a graduate of the Command and General Staff College and the Language School in the Presidio of Monterey, California, where he completed a language course in Arabic.The Schrenk family had many adventures in their travels as a military family. From the late 1950's through the early 1970's they were stationed in Germany, Oklahoma, Illinois, Kansas, California, Jordan, Syria, Israel and then back to Kansas, where Lt. Colonel Schrenk served as an Artillery Battalion Commander. He received too many military medals to list, including the Bronze star with an Oak Leaf Cluster for his service in the Korean War.In 1971 the Schrenk family moved to Bowling Green Kentucky where Dale graduated with a Master's degree in Education. When Dale and Naomi's sons reached high school age, he retired from the military and the family moved to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; where he was employed as a High School Counselor at North Miami High School. Dale and Naomi also obtained Real Estate licenses and worked as agents. He and Naomi relocated to Orange Park in 1980, where they began their full retirement. Dale and Naomi had many happy years of traveling during retirement. They visited their time share in North Carolina every year, enjoyed seeing friends and relatives all around the country and went to Ireland in June 1999 to celebrate their 50th anniversary.Dale is survived by his two devoted sons Joseph (Tina) of Jacksonville, Florida and David Schrenk (Ilese) of Tallahassee, Florida. He leaves five grandchildren; Steven Schrenk (Jennifer); Marissa Schrenk (David); Brandon Orr;Travis Orr (Emily); Luc Schrenk and one great grandchild; Oliver Schrenk. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, and their families, who will miss him very much.We celebrate Dale's life as a man of the "Greatest Generation" whose life spanned the great depression, WWII, the majority of the 20th century and the early part of the 21st century. He was dedicated to his family, who will mourn his passing but will always remember his strength and love.A family graveside service, with full military honors, will be held on September 21, 2018 at 9:30 am at the Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road Jacksonville, FL 32218.In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to the 'Cure Alzheimers Fund', curealz.org.GravesideJacksonville National CemeteryFriday, September 21, 20189:30 AM4083 Lannie RoadJacksonville, FL 32218