ELSNER, Ralph William

Arizona Republic (Phoenix AZ) Tuesday, January 31, 2012 Ralph William Elsner, age 91, most beloved family Patriarch and career Motorolan left the earthly embrace of his large family on January 25, 2012. Ralph is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Lois Marie Hickman Elsner, and his oldest son, Stephen Ralph. He is survived by his daughter Janet Ross of Cave Creek, son Gary Elsner of Phoenix, son Dale Elsner of Wickenburg, 8 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren. Ralph was born in Sweet Springs, MO in Aug of 1920, but grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It was in Albuquerque that he completed his education in Electrical Engineering at the University of New Mexico, and met the brown eyed girl he would marry. His 33 years with Motorola afforded him a fascinating, challenging, and distinguished professional life, and he was personally pleased to make his home, since 1949, in the Valley of the Sun. Ralph enjoyed fishing, loved to travel, and was a collector of luxury automobiles, antique clocks and pocket watches, and rare books and coins. He also maintained an impressive collection of antique navigational and other scientific instruments, with a special focus on fine Chronometers. His intelligence, generosity, exemplary character, and integrity and gentleness have indelibly blessed his family, friends, and associates throughout his life. He leaves a remarkable footprint on this Earth, especially in the hearts of those who love him. We sorely mourn his passing; but we also celebrate his life, his accomplishments, and his goodness. He is loved by many. His rich Legacy will ever endure, and, in fact, is being formally memorialized in book form by his granddaughters. Those he leaves behind will ever revere his good name and his memory. Viewing will take place at Messinger Mortuary, 7601 E Indian School Rd. in Scottsdale on Friday, Feb 3 at 1pm. Funeral Services will be held at 2pm followed by a processional to Green Acres Cemetery for interment.