"So sorry for your loss. Ralph was truly an icon of this community. He was loved and we love you and will keep you all in our prayers - Perry and Pat Heath"
In loving memory of
Ralph Daniel Pfluger
July 30, 1930 - May 8, 2020
Ralph Daniel Pfluger, age 89, passed from this earth on May 8, 2020 in the presence of his family, in his home in Manchaca, Texas.
Ralph was born on July 30, 1930 to B.E. and Dora Pfluger in Pflugerville, Texas. The Pfluger family moved to Austin, Texas in 1939, where Ralph attended school, graduating in 1948 from Austin High School. Ralph attended Texas Lutheran College until being drafted into the Army.
On May 4th, 1952, Ralph married the love of his life, Lois Larson from Elgin, Texas. The couple settled in Hays County after he completed his service in the Army. Ralph was active in his church and in the Hays County School System. he ran for the Buda School Board in 1963, serving for many years and was selected to on the original Hays Consolidated School Board that united Buda, Kyle and Wimberley into one system. Ralph ran for the HCISD School Board again at age 73, completing several more years of service to the district. Ralph was honored as a "Hero for Children" by the state, and also was honored by having an elementary school named for him. Ralph Pfluger Elementary School is in Buda, Texas.
Ralph worked at Marbridge Foundation in Manchaca, Texas from 1961 until he retired. He started as the farmer and retired as the president. Marbridge Foundation is a home for adults with developmental disabilities and they were on the forefront of working to train and assist their residents in life skill and job placement.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Lois, as well as his children Ann Bales and her husband Bryce; Duane Pfluger and his wife Terrye, Douglas Pfluger and his wife Sharon, Denise Allen and her husband Warren, and Bryan Pfluger and his wife Cindy.
Ralph is also survived by his grandchildren, Tym Bryce, Rene Bales-Anderson, Chris Bales, Laina Bales, Nathan Pfluger, Benjamin Pfluger, Jessica Pfluger, Felicia Pfluger, Kyle Allen, Kevin Allen, Heather Thomas, Zachary Pfluger and Matthew Pfluger.
Additionally, Ralph is very proud of his twenty-two great grandchildren.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Doris McDougall and his granddaughter, Jennifer Allen.
The family would like to thank Encompass Hospice for their supportive care.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ralph Pfluger Memorial Scholarship Fund; PO Box 221, Manchaca, TX 78652. Scholarships will support students pursuing a degree in education, as well as assisting those with developmental disabilities who are seeking higher education.
Tributes
"May you RIP I learned so much from your quietness-God Bless You. -Juanita Thomas "
"I wanted to send my condolences and love to the Pfluger family. Mr. Pfluger was such an amazing person. During my 10 years at Ralph Pfluger Elementary it was always such an honor to have his presence at our school. Mr. Pfluger was such a positive role model to all our students and the kids absolutely loved when he would visit. He touched all of our hearts and his legacy will forever live within the hearts of our students and staff. Thank you Mr. Pfluger for your dedication and love. ??"
"Mr. Pfluger came to Fuentes Elementary and mentored some of our more difficult students. He always displayed unconditional love and extreme patience. He always had a gleam in his eyes and a quiet sense of humor and wit. Thank you, Mr. Pfluger, for your love and dedication to our students. Pat Niemie, Fuentes Counselor"
"Cindy, I am so sorry to hear about your father in law. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of need. "
"Uncle Ralph, You were always generous, kind and patient with everyone. I am so grateful to have spent a little more time with you these last few years. Pam Mentsh"