El Dorado County's Own Hollywood Legend Will Be Remembered for More Than Acting Work
Mar 19, 2015 07:49AM ● By Steven Jack
Ralph Taeger photographed in 2011. (Style file photo by Dante Fontana)
El Dorado County's own Hollywood star Ralph Taeger will be remembered by many area residents as more than just Hondo.
Taeger was the owner of Taeger's Firewood and a local philanthropist who donated to many local charities and organizations, supporting schools and sports. He passed away March 11 at Marshall Hospital in Placerville after a lengthy illness.
Taeger was the owner of Taeger's Firewood and a local philanthropist who donated to many local charities and organizations, supporting schools and sports. He passed away March 11 at Marshall Hospital in Placerville after a lengthy illness.
Born in New York City, Taeger aspired to become an actor as a young man. He headed for Hollywood, where he appeared in several TV series and movies. His best known role was as Hondo (a role made famous by John Wayne), in the series of that name.
While acting in Hondo, Ralph met and married Linda Jarrett of Newburgh, NY in 1967. Their son, Rich, was born in 1968. In addition to acting, Ralph worked at various jobs, including driving a bus and as a tennis pro.
While writing a script set in Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, he fell in love with the area. The family moved to El Dorado County in 1983 and established Taeger's Firewood, a family business that continues still.
While writing a script set in Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, he fell in love with the area. The family moved to El Dorado County in 1983 and established Taeger's Firewood, a family business that continues still.
Taeger is survived by his wife of 47 years, Linda Jarrett Taeger; son, Richard; sisters-in-law, Jeannette Taegder of Hudson, FL, and Vivian Harrower of Toronto, Canada; and several nieces and nephews. Ralph's brother, Ted, died a year ago.
Friends are invited to join the family in an informal celebration of Ralph's life on from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 20, at the American Legion Hall at 4561 Greenstone Road, Placerville.
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