Obit: Will, Ralph J. (1924 - 2009)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Will, Hebert, Hackel, Schaffer, Zrutskie, Runge, Schleicher, Elkin, Rasmussen, Dudley, Zak, Edblom, Schilling 
 

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, Wood County, Wis.) Saturday, 12 Dec. 2009 
 

Will, Ralph J. (22 Feb. 1924 - 10 Dec. 2009) 
 

COLBY -- Ralph J. Will, 85, of Colby, peacefully passed away at his home, surrounded by his family, on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009. 
 

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, in Colby, with the Rev. Ben Hackel officiating. A gathering for family and friends will be held at the church Tuesday from 10 a.m. until time of service. A private family burial will take place in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, in Colby, at a later date. 
 

Ralph John Will was born on Feb. 22, 1924, in Colby, the son of Frank and Margaret (Schaffer) Will. He was raised and received his education in the Colby area, graduating from Colby High School in 1942. Ralph was united in marriage to Arlene Hebert on April 14, 1945, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Colby. Together they operated a dairy farm in the township of Green Grove, and Ralph also owned and operated a milk-hauling business for 50 years. After retiring, Ralph had many interests, but especially enjoyed woodworking, repairing lawnmowers, maintaining and driving his 1941 Chevrolet in parades, and building/giving train rides for children at local festivities. He especially loved spending time with his family, listening and dancing to polka music, and visiting with old friends. 
 

Ralph was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, in Colby, and served on the boards of several local co-ops, including Harmony and Clark Electric. 
 

He will be dearly missed by Arlene, his wife of 64 years; five children, Judith (Terry) Zrutskie of Melbourne, Fla., Jo Ann (Duane) Runge of Colby, Robert (Kim) Will of Colby, Lynette (Dave Dudley) Will of Marshfield and Rona Will of River Falls; 12 grandchildren, Tammy Schleicher, Marlee Zrutskie, Shannah Schmitt, Tayt Runge, Dana Elkin, Shane Will, Jessica Will, Trisha Will, Adam Rasmussen, Dillon Dudley, Courtney Zak and Cole Zak; nine great-grandchildren; two sisters, Zona (Arlyn) Edblom of Colby and Doris Schilling of Abbotsford; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 
 

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Wendee Lou; and two brothers, Donald and Neland Will. 
 

In lieu of flowers, Ralph's family requests that memorials be given to St. Mary's Restoration Fund. 
 

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com. 
 

Cuddie Funeral Home, of Loyal, is assisting the family with arrangements.