Ralph Newell Townsend, 91 of Bowling Green, Ohio passed away on Wednesday April 26, 2023. He was born to Vida (Leonard) and Myron Townsend on May 20, 1931, in Bloomington, IL. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Jean Griesemer (Bloomington IL), and brother Robert Townsend (Bloomington, IL). Ralph graduated with a BS from Illinois Wesleyan University (1953), and a MS and Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Illinois (1955 & 1958). He married Phyllis Wanda Laske (Chicago, IL) in 1958 and they moved to Santa Clara, California. Ralph taught Mathematics at San Jose State University. The couple returned to the Midwest when he took a position as a Professor of Mathematics at Bowling Green State University. During his 43 year career at BGSU Ralph served as Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences while also teaching Mathematics and Computer Science. During his time at BGSU, Ralph enjoyed chairing the building committee for the Mathematical Sciences Building.
Ralph was a member of various math, science and research societies and a member of the Optimist Club of Bowling Green. He had a diverse set of interests including small boat sailing, astronomy, art, computer graphics, photography, genealogy, piano, and travelling. Ralph planned many wonderful family vacations to National Parks and other sites of interest across the country. In retirement, Ralph and Phyllis enjoyed vacations both internationally and across the country. They spent many of their winters in Florida and summers at the cottage on Sand Lake in MI. Ralph cherished being able to gather and enjoy time with family.
Ralph is survived by his wife Phyllis, daughter Eileen Jarosz (Michael), Waukesha WI and Bruce Townsend, Rochester Hills, MI along with one granddaughter Jacqueline Jarosz, Miamisburg, OH.
Memorials may be made to Doctors Without Borders or to Woodhaven Health Care (Bowling Green, OH).
A Celebration of Ralph’s Life is planned for Sunday, May 7, 2023, all at The Bowling Green Country Club. Casual visiting from 12:00 to 1:00pm followed by a luncheon. All are welcome to attend.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of Wood Haven and Bridge Hospice for their care and support and for the friendships Ralph made with the other residents.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Dunn Funeral Home, located in the Historical District of Bowling Green, Ohio at 408 West Wooster Street. (419) 352-2132.
To leave an online condolence or share a fond memory with the Townsend family, please visit www.dunnfuneralhome.com.
