Ralph Hauenstein facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ralph Hauenstein
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Hauenstein in 2013
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| Born | March 20, 1912 Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S.
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| Died | January 10, 2016 (aged 103) Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.
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| Occupation | Businessman, newspaper editor |
| Years active | 1935–2015 |
| Spouse(s) | Grace Byrnes (m.1932–2007; her death) |
| Children | 3 |
Ralph Hauenstein (March 20, 1912 – January 10, 2016) was an amazing American who helped many people. He was a kind person who gave a lot of money to good causes (a philanthropist). He was also an army officer and a successful business leader. Many people knew him as a newspaper editor.
Ralph Hauenstein helped create important places. These include the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at Grand Valley State University. He also helped start the Hauenstein Parkinson's and Neuroscience Centers at Saint Mary's Hospital. The Grace Hauenstein Library at Aquinas College is named after his wife.
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Ralph Hauenstein's Early Life
Ralph Hauenstein was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1912. When he was twelve, his family moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan.
In 1935, Ralph joined the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant. He became the leader of a special camp in Michigan. This camp was part of the Civilian Conservation Corps, which helped young men find jobs during tough times.
After two and a half years in the army, Ralph went back to civilian life. He became the city editor for the Grand Rapids Herald newspaper.
Serving in World War II
In December 1940, Ralph Hauenstein returned to the army. This was one year before the attack on Pearl Harbor. During World War II, he became a high-ranking officer, a colonel.
He worked for General Dwight D. Eisenhower. Ralph was in charge of the Intelligence Branch in Europe. This team gathered important information for the army.
In 1945, Ralph was among the first Americans to enter liberated Paris. He also saw the terrible Nazi concentration camps. Seeing all the destruction made him want to work for peace. He believed in finding peaceful ways to solve problems between countries.
Helping Others After the War
After World War II, Ralph Hauenstein saw a chance to help. He wanted to build stronger connections between the United States and Europe. Europe had been badly damaged by the war.
He started working in international trade. He teamed up with European businesses. Together, they provided goods and services to people in Europe and the Middle East. These were places where new democracies were trying to grow.
Ralph also helped build a modern bakery in Haiti. This project created jobs for hundreds of workers. It also helped thousands of people who sold the bakery's products. This was a very difficult time for Haiti.
He even set up a school in Florida. This school taught people from developing countries. They learned how to run a modern, automated bakery. This helped them create good jobs back home.
Public Service and Global Efforts
Ralph Hauenstein's leadership wasn't just in business. He also served his country in other ways. During Dwight D. Eisenhower's time as president, Ralph was an advisor.
He also worked as an auditor at the Second Vatican Council in Rome. Later, in 1996, he was part of a team that helped Russia hold its first free elections. He worked with the Jamestown Foundation on this important project.
Giving Back: Philanthropy
Ralph Hauenstein gave a lot of money to many good causes. His generous spirit can be seen in schools and universities in West Michigan.
At Grand Valley State University, his gift helped start the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies. This center helps inspire young people to become leaders. It encourages them to serve their communities and country.
The Grace Hauenstein Library is a well-known building at Aquinas College. It is named after Ralph's wife, Grace.
Supporting Medical Research
Ralph Hauenstein also supported medical research. In 2003, he gave $2 million to Saint Mary's Health Care. This donation helped start a big project to create a new Neurosciences Center.
Thanks to his first gift and more fundraising, the Mercy Health Hauenstein Neuroscience Center became a leader. It helps fight diseases that affect the brain and nervous system.
Ralph was also one of three people who helped create the Van Andel Institute. This institute in Grand Rapids focuses on medical research. He was also one of its trustees, helping to guide its work.
Later Years and Legacy
In 2013, Ralph Hauenstein gave another $1 million to the Hauenstein Center. This was to celebrate its 10th anniversary.
Ralph Hauenstein turned 100 years old in March 2012. He passed away peacefully at his home in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on January 10, 2016. He was 103 years old. His funeral was held on January 15 at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew. Bishop David J. Walkowiak led the service.
Important Roles He Held
Ralph Hauenstein held many important positions throughout his life:
- Colonel - United States Army
- Trustee - Van Andel Research Institute
- Trustee - Gerald R. Ford Foundation
- Trustee - Jamestown Foundation
- Founder - Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies
- Founder - Hauenstein Parkinson's Center
- President/Chairman - Werner Lehara Corporation
- President - Serra International
Awards and Honors
In 2012, Ralph Hauenstein was honored by Omicron Delta Kappa. This is a national leadership honor society. He was given a special membership at Grand Valley State University. In 2013, he received the Laurel Crowned Circle Award. This is the highest honor given by the society.
