Ralph Smykal, 82, Jul. 15, 1928 - May 30, 2011

Ralph Smykal, a longtime resident of Wheaton, died at home Monday, May 30. He was 82.

He was born in Oak Park July 15, 1928. He graduated from the University of Illinois and was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He served as an officer and a Ranger in the Army National Guard.

Until 2008, he was President and owner of Smykal and Associates, a company that had been in the home building business since the Chicago Fire of 1871. He was active in his community serving as Chairman of the DuPage Airport Authority, director and member of the Executive Committee of Central DuPage Hospital, Director Emeritus of the DuPage Community Foundation, President and member of the Board of Directors of the DuPage Council of Boy Scouts, and Director of the Illinois Association of Realtors. He was a major supporter of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Other interests were his nursery and cattle farm in Tennessee, "Oak Brook Farms", and his cottage in Leland, Michigan; both areas deeply rooted in family history. 

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Betty Wright Smykal; a daughter, Sally; a son, Scott; and eight grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lt. Gen. Richard and Helen Smykal; and his sister, Susan.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jun. 3 at Williams-Kampp Funeral Home, 430 E. Roosevelt Rd., Wheaton.

Private family services are at the First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton and private burial is at Wheaton Cemetery. Contributions to the DuPage Community Foundation, 104 E. Roosevelt Rd., Suite 204, Wheaton, IL 60187 or the Chicago Symphony Orchestra c/o Orchestra Hall, 220 South Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60604 attn: Office of Development are appreciated.