Ralph J. Barnhard, Class of 1959

Ralph J. Barnhard ‘59 died Feb. 23, 2019. Ralph was born Sept. 15, 1937 in Cleveland, OH to Margarite Gould ‘23 and Clyde ‘26 Barnhard. Ralph graduated from Otterbein in 1959 with a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, then he went to University of Oregon for his master’s. He later taught Chemistry at the University of Oregon for 34 years. He received many awards for his teaching and mentorship. He also spent lots of time volunteering at U of O and around the world with the Congregational church.

Ralph is preceded in death by his wife, Lavern Barnhard. He is survived by his daughters, Darci and Megan; grandchildren, Natalie, Olivia, Evidon, Hans, and Hailey; sister, Mary Jean Barnhard Pietila ‘61; brother-in-law, Jack Pietila ‘62; nieces, Wendy Pietila Watson ‘92 and Jacqueline Pietila Hassenpflug ‘89.