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

Contact: Robert Lipprandt

Email: bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 
 

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

----Source: The Tribune - Phonograph (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wisconsin) Wednesday, December 16, 2009, Page 13 
 

Will, Ralph J. (February 22, 1924 - December 10, 2009)

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

 
Ralph John Will was born on February 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 life-long member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Colby, and served on the boards of several local co-ops, including, Harmony and Clark Electric.

 
He will be dearly missed by his wife, Arlene, of 64 years; five children, Judith (Terry) Zrutskie of Melbourne, Fl., Jo Ann (Duane) Runge of Colby, Robert (Kim) Will of Colby, Lynette (Dave Dudley) Will of Marshfield, and Rona Will of River Falls; twelve 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.

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

 
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.