Ralph R. Fritsch

Ralph R. Fritsch, age 77 of Townsend, passed away on Friday, September 2, 2022 at home with his loved ones by his side. Ralph was born on August 25, 1945 to the late Ralph and Bridget (Foti) Fritsch in West Allis. He graduated from Pius High School in Wauwatosa with the class of 1963. Ralph enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served from 1963 to 1967. In June 1965, Ralph married Judith Nolan and together they had two children, Barbara and Gregory. On August 23, 1980, Ralph married Susan Harvey. The couple lived in the Milwaukee area until 1991 when they moved to Kaukauna. In 2000, they built their dream home in Townsend and their aspirations came true when they moved there permanently in 2009.

Ralph was a member of the Lion's Club and American Legion Sylvan Post 44 in Wabeno. He was the Past President of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation and held many positions over the years, changing the conservation elements to better the resources for all to enjoy. Ralph was named conservationist of the year in Wisconsin many times for demonstrating his passion around natural resources and their protection. He was an avid hunter and fisher. Ralph also enjoyed golf and his true love was being able to spend time with his family and friends, just enjoying life. This created the "Live Like Ralph" Ralph-ism over the last 20 months of his AML journey demonstrating that healing the body and soul can be done with modern medicine, traveling, laughing and spending time doing life on your own terms. Ralph attended St. Mary's of the Lake Catholic Church.

Ralph is survived by his two children, Barbara Fritsch-Bielmeier and Greg (Beth) Fritsch; six grandchildren, Emma, Jared, McKenna, Travis, Tommy, and Bly; 2 siblings, John (Joan) Fritsch and Annette Gillispie. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Susan.

Visitation will be held on October 1st at St. Mary's of the Lake Catholic Church (15232 County Road F, Lakewood, WI 54138) from 9 am until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am with Father Praveen Pamisetti officiating. For those unable to attend the funeral, it will be livestreamed on Gruetzmacher Funeral Home's Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/Gruetzmacher-Funeral-Home-116161201844007). Gruetzmacher Funeral Home in Suring is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com.

The Fritsch family will also be hosting a celebration of life for Ralph shortly after the formal funeral on October 1st in his home town of West Allis, WI and the date will be announced once confirmed.

The family would like to thank the entire team/family of the Aspirus Langlade Cancer Center in Antigo for their loving care and knowledge during this journey and Unity Hospice for the wonderful care and compassion offered to Ralph and his family during their time of need.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.