Ralph Edward Hartnagel III entered into the arms of his Lord and Savior on September 26th, 2023 at the age of 64. He leaves behind his wife Chris, his 3 boys Brett (Heather), Justin (Bessie), and Michael (Maddison), and his 3 granddaughters (Zoey, Esther, Emmanuella). In addition, he leaves his mother Shirley, his brothers Gary (Connie) and Jeff (Kristen), his sisters Karen Oakley (Dan) and Chris Wysong (Jeff), many nieces, nephews, and extended family that love him dearly. He is preceded in death by his Father, Ralph Hartnagel Jr.

Ralph was a graduate of Concord High School in Elkhart, IN and of Ball State University where he played baseball, fell in love with his future wife, and earned his Master's degree in education. He then carried his passions for both teaching and baseball into a career as a teacher and coach at Avon High School. For 37 years, he deeply influenced the lives of thousands of students and players through his high energy, authentic passion, and genuine connections. He also helped establish the DECA program where students were encouraged to pursue passions in business and marketing while having the unique opportunity to travel to New York and other international competitions.

As his 3 boys grew up, his attention shifted from coaching baseball at Avon to being a coach and leader of player development for Brownsburg Little League. He was the head coach of the 2000 Indiana State championship team and was involved in the training and support of the two teams that went to the Little League World Series. He also helped coach tennis, soccer, football and was always involved passionately in the interests of his kids. In recent years he has loved becoming a 'Poopaw' and loving on his 3 granddaughters.

Ralph had an unmatched energy and a heart of servitude that left anyone he met feeling loved and seen. Aside from his family, his passions included fishing, hiking, exploring national parks, ice skating, pond hockey, playing cards, and pickleball. His mantra during an over six year battle with prostate cancer became #staypositive and his attitude through such difficult circumstances inspired many. He always said that he was able to remain positive through a focus on faith, family, friends, fun, and fitness. The impact on the lives he touched will continue to resonate for generations to come. While his physical presence is no longer with us, his legacy of unwavering positivity, resilience, and commitments to the five 'F's' will live on.

Ralph will have a celebration of life and service on Tuesday, October 3rd. The celebration of life will be from 10am to 1pm with the service immediately following. These events will be held at the Washington Township Park Pavilion (435 Whipple Ln., Avon, IN 46123). To align with the wishes of Ralph and his family, the dress for this event is to remain casual. Please wear a stay positive, DECA, jersey, or other shirt that would remind you of his life and legacy.

In lieu of flowers, Ralph and his family would appreciate donations to support Brownsburg Young Life, a non-profit Christian outreach ministry focusing on genuine relationships with high school students. Alternatively, donations can be made to support prostate cancer research and care for cancer patients through 'Metastatic Mission'. For more details or to donate, please visit the following: Brownsburg Young Life Giving Link https://brownsburg.younglife.org/ or Metastatic Mission Giving Link at https://metastaticmission.givingfuel.com/crowd/metastatic-mission