Ralph Leo Williams

Ralph Leo Williams, age 91, passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2014, at Racine Hospice House surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Kenosha on August 4, 1923, son of the late Leo and Caroline (Nee: Diem) Williams. He was proud to call Racine his home for his entire life.

Ralph graduated from Wm. Horlick High School, “Class of 1941.” During WWII, he served in the U.S. Army Infantry in the U.S., France and Germany. Returning home, Ralph met Ruth Hobart while attending the University of Wisconsin in Madison. They were united in marriage on May 14, 1949. Ralph graduated from the University of Wisconsin and then earned his CPA certificate. He was employed by Walker Manufacturing for 35 years as the supervisor of several different accounting departments and retired in 1984. He was a member of St. Lucy’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He loved to play gin, go out dancing, and he never missed a Badger or Packer football game. He was truly a “family” man, the most cheerful spirit, and the best father, brother and grandpa.

Surviving are his children, Patricia (Cary) Anastasio of Racine, Nancy Weeks of Sunland, CA, Robert A. (Ann) Williams of Racine, Linda (Robert) Leisen of Conway, SC; seven grandchildren, Shala Anastasio (Sam Manchester), Cloy (Raena) Anastasio, Courtney, Hannah, and Rebecca Leisen, David Richter, Lynn (Michael) Lema; seven great-grandchildren, Maxwell and Lucia Manchester, Cloy Jr., and Cash Anastasio, Matthew, Mitchell, and Weston Lema; sisters, Dorothy Griffard, Carol (Fred) Nelson; brothers-in-law, Joe Dahlen, Jim Calvino; brother and sister-in-law Evelyn and Walt Helein and many dear nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Ruth; a special friend and companion Betty Friedel; sisters, Catherine, Margaret, and Connie; and brothers, Thomas, James, and George.

A Mass of Christian Burial followed by Full Military Honors will be celebrated at St. Lucy’s Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Ave., on Monday, December 29, 2014, at noon with Reverend Mark Jones officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family on Monday at the church from 11 a.m. until time of Mass at noon. Private interment will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Meals on Wheels, Wheaton Franciscan Hospice, or the charity of your choice have been suggested.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine, WI  (262) 634-7888