Ralph Hutzler

On August 12, 2023, Ralph Ervin Hutzler went into God’s loving hands. Ralph was born December 5, 1929 in Lacoste, Texas and married the love of his life, Catherine Bendele in 1952. Catherine preceded Ralph in death September 24, 2021 just before their 69th wedding anniversary. Ralph was the patriarch of the Hutzler family survived by two of his 12 siblings, Melvin Hutzler and Irene (Ronald Wasag). A resident of Lancaster and member of Sacred Heart Church for 66 years, Ralph served as Prayer Group Leader for Sacred Heart Church and later Father Serra Parrish and was a member of Knights of Columbus. He proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force and served from 1948 – 1952 (Korean War). Ralph worked at Edwards AFB from 1957 – 1988 where he became known as Mr. F-111. From 1983-86, Ralph and Catherine moved to Bristol England where he shared his F-111 expertise in quality assurance and later retired at Edwards AFB with 40+ years of service. Over the next 30+ years they traveled to over 100 countries. After retiring, Ralph became an avid hiker averaging 1,600 miles per year, climbing Half-Dome in Yosemite National Park four times, hiking 210 miles of the California Aqueduct, and several 26-mile journeys from Lancaster to Mojave. Among the thousands of words in his autobiography, Ralph traces his life from “Barnyard to Mountaintop.” He was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grand-father of 8, great-grandfather of 12, and great-great-grandfather of three. Ralph was survived by his loving children Tim Hutzler (Jove), Vivian (Paul Barcos), Belinda (Dave White), and Debbie (Gary Carnahan). Family and friends will miss Ralph’s zest for life, integrity, unconditional love, and generosity. Visitation will be August 29, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm (rosary service at 3:00 pm) at Halley Olsen Murphy located at 44831 Cedar Avenue, Lancaster, CA. Services will be August 30, 12:00 pm Sacred Heart Church 565 W. Kettering Street, Lancaster. Interment to follow service at Good Shepherd Catholic Cemetery located at 43121 70th Street West, Lancaster.