Ralph Thomas Pennekamp

1930 - 2024

Edgerton, WI - Ralph Thomas Pennekamp, 93, of Edgerton, Wis., took the long hike on April 9, 2024, after a brief stay at the Edgerton Care Center.

Ralph was born on Dec. 11, 1930, at Cunningham Hospital in Platteville, Wis. He was the last of 10 children, born to William and Cecelia (Holzer) Pennekamp, their only child born in a hospital.

Ralph attended schools in Tennyson, Wis., and graduated from Platteville High School. Ralph lettered in track and field and football and was co-captain of the Hillmen football team on which he played guard on offense and linebacker. Ralph also played on the University of Wisconsin-Platteville football team as a guard in 1954.

Ralph chose to serve our country by joining the U.S. Navy in October of 1950. The USS Consolation AH-15 was his main ship. In 1952, during what was then known as the Korean Conflict, Ralph walked 22 miles from his ship stationed in Inchon to Seoul, South Korea, to visit his brother William who was working for the Army as a civilian. Having to report back to the ship before dark, he was grateful to have hitched a ride for eight miles, enabling him to return on time. Ralph also served aboard the USS Merapi and the USS Repose. Ralph served in the Navy from 1950-1954. He served in the Korean Conflict from 1950-1953. Ralph was honorably discharged in Long Beach, Cal.

Ralph then returned to Platteville to attend UW-Platteville. It was here that he met his future bride, Sally Merkel. They were married on Dec. 28, 1955, in Reedsburg, Wis. Ralph and Sally enjoyed a marriage of 68 years. The newlyweds chose to reside in Madison, Wis., where in 1957, Ralph secured employment with the Madison Police Department. For the next seven years, he protected the community and even delivered a baby.

In 1964, the Pennekamp's, now a family of five, bought a tavern, which they renamed the Beacon, just north of Edgerton. In 1970, the family moved to Platteville with the purchase of the Plaza Liquor Store. In 1975, when they heard the Beacon was for sale, Ralph and Sally bought the popular tavern again and moved back to the Edgerton area.

A few years later, Ralph and Sally began planning for building a new tavern. Land was purchased on the north edge of Edgerton; a blueprint was rendered, and the tavern was constructed. The Decoy opened its doors in 1983. Ralph and Sally owned and operated The Decoy until 1996 when the popular tavern was sold, and Ralph and Sally retired.

Throughout the years, Ralph and Sally attended numerous athletic events including those in which their children and grandchildren participated.

Throughout his life, Ralph was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed all types of hunting and fishing with friends and relatives during trips to various parts of Wisconsin, both Dakotas, Colorado, Minnesota, and Canada. He said with a wry grin that the game he hunted trembled in his presence.

Ralph also enjoyed shooting pool and trap shooting. Ralph and pool partner Kenny Steindl didn't lose a match during league play one season, culminating in winning the Edgerton City Championship in bumper pool.

Survivors include three sons Ted W., Prairie du Chien, Bill J. (Christine), Milton, and Tom A. (Nancy), Edgerton; two grandchildren Derek (Dora) Carrier and Kyle (Caprice) Carrier; six great grandchildren: Dominic, Dahlia, Della, Leo, Eli and Ari Carrier; step grandchildren: Luke and Noah Brenden, Joshua (Mallory) Orlopp and Tanya (Mark) Orlopp-Strickland; step great grandchildren: Cayden, Ethan, Jonathan, Harper and Marnie; in-laws and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, in order of their birth: Francis (Margaret), Lawrence (Laura), George (Eva), Gertrude (Reese), Ada (Osterholz), Marie (Van Natta), Alice, Joseph and William.

A joint Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Ralph and his wife Sally, 90, who passed away on April 11. The Mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 590 S. Saint Joseph Circle, Edgerton, at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 19, 2024, with Father David Wanish celebrating. Visitation will be held Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.at the APFEL EHLERT FUNERAL HOME, 315 Lord St. (Hwy 51) Edgerton and again at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Online condolences: www.apfelfuneral.com

The family greatly appreciates the special personal care given by Marilyn Anderson over the past few years, along with care provided by Commonheart Hospice and the Edgerton Care Center during Ralph's final days.