Ralph E. Rheinheimer, 91, of Orrville, Ohio, died March 12, 2026, at Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare in Wooster after a period of declining health. He was born Feb. 3, 1935, in Shipshewana, Ind., to Edward and Laura (Reinhardt) Rheinheimer. 

He graduated from Shipshewana High School in 1953 and attended Goshen College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education. He continued his studies at Indiana University, earning a master’s degree in chemistry education. On Aug. 5, 1962, he married Carol Stout in South Bend, Ind. She survives.

Ralph began his career in education, teaching in New Carlisle, Ind., from 1960 to 1974. After moving to Orrville, he worked for many years as a real estate agent with Green Valley Realty and Real Estate Showcase. He was a member of Orrville Mennonite Church and the Orrville Rotary Club. He enjoyed an active and engaged life. He played tennis regularly and served as the first tennis coach at Central Christian High School. He also enjoyed golf, photography and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. When his children were younger, he enjoyed keeping horses and spending time with his family. He had a heart for service and spent five years in Kenya teaching chemistry.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, Randal (Sue) Rheinheimer of Los Alamos, N.M., Lisa (Joel) Otto of Orrville and Jon (Cherry) Rheinheimer of Seattle; and 10 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Beth Ann Rheinheimer; and siblings Rachel, Floyd, Dora, Lila, Howard, Rollin and Florence.