Ralph Lohse

Mr. Ralph Lohse passed away at his home in the Town of Trenton on Tuesday evening, Oct. 15, 2024, while attended to by his loving wife. He was 77 years old.

Ralph was born to Roy and Helen (nee Anderson) Lohse in Franklin Grove, Ill., on July 7, 1947. Ralph and his three brothers grew up in Franklin Grove and attended local schools.

After graduating from Franklin Grove High School, Ralph went on to study at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. While studying communications, he was actively involved with the Wartburg Players, the campus theater group, honing his acting skills, set design and stage adaptations. He also wrote several short plays and wrote for the college newspaper.

Ralph Lohse graduated from Wartburg College in the spring of 1969. That fall he joined the communications department at Port Washington High School, where he started his teaching career. The School District was very fond of Ralph’s accomplishments at Wartburg and was excited to have him in Port, as his theater background was attractive to the district.

In addition to teaching English, speech and literature, he also taught theater and was the director for the school’s musicals and three-act plays. While at Port, he coached forensics and was the director for the one-act plays that traveled the state for competition. He was credited with writing a few of the one-act plays that went on  to win awards.

Ralph was one of many who helped push the building of the 1976 addition to the school that would feature (at that time) a state-of-the-art auditorium.

In addition to teaching, Ralph was instrumental in growing Port Washington Summer Theatre, sponsored by the Port Washington Parks and Recreation Department. He started directing his first production in 1970 with a two-year break while completing his master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. He enjoyed trying new musicals with outside-of-the box scenery and lighting, which was well received by the community. He completed his role with Port Summer Theatre in 1986 after directing “A Chorus Line,” which was fitting as he also portrayed the character Zach, a Broadway director.

Ralph had a long history of competing in the Wisconsin State Theatre Festival from 1971 to 2003. His school’s casts were recognized nine times with the Critics Choice Awards, and he himself was honored seven times as an outstanding director. During his tenure, PWHS always staged plays that were well received at the state level. He was inducted in the Wisconsin High School State Theatre Educators Hall of Fame in 2011.

Ralph continued teaching and directing until his retirement in 2005. He genuinely had a love for teaching, reaching out to students and encouraging them to branch out. He mentored very strong and talented individuals during his tenure, and they have since continued their love for theater and teaching because of Ralph’s influence. He not only brought humor and laughter into the classroom but on the stage and into the community as well.

Those left to cherish Ralph’s memory include his wife Julia, sons Marc (Keri) and Thomas Lohse, stepsons Shawn and Shane Harlacher, six grandchildren, two stepgrandchildren and sister Laura (Dale) Pitzer. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other family members, former students and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Helen and three brothers, Dennis, Gary and James.

A gathering to celebrate Ralph’s life will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, at The Engine Room, 102 E. Pier St., Port Washington.

Memorials to the Port Washington High School Performing Art Center (PWHS-PAC) to sponsor a seat in the new auditorium in memory of Ralph are suggested.

Eernisse Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.