GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Family and friends paid respects Friday to Ralph Hauenstein, a World War II legend, successful businessman and noted philanthropist who died on Sunday at the age of 103.
Hauenstein was laid to rest with a funeral mass at the Cathedral of St. Andrew, 301 Sheldon Ave. SE in Grand Rapids. Hauenstein, who played a key intelligence role that helped end the war by cracking German codes and tricking Hitler on the location American forces would invade on D-Day, was given full military honors.
After the war, Hauenstein went into business, owning several companies and helping mass produce the Goldfish snack crackers. He also contributed millions of dollars to medical and education programs in West Michigan.
Hauenstein helped form the Central Intelligence Agency, played high school football against Gerald R. Ford, was knighted by a pope and called a "cool cat" by rock star Bono.