Ralph G. Klatt

Ralph G. (never Ralph Gordon) Klatt, age 80 of Shawano, WI died Saturday, December 31, 2022 under the exceptional care of many wonderful nurses, CNAs, and staff at Woodside Hollyberry. Ralph was born on May 28, 1942 in Milwaukee, WI, the son of the late Gordon and Arleen (Nearing) Klatt. He was a proud graduate of Greendale High School.

Ralph attended UW-Milwaukee and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. Ralph held various positions at Cutler Hammer, AO Smith, and Weyenberg Shoe in Milwaukee before moving to Gillett in 1974 where he and his wife purchased and ran a dairy farm. He was named Jaycees Outstanding Young Farmer in 1976. He served on the Alto Dairy Cooperative Board of Directors and with his wife, Mary, enjoyed traveling with other Directors throughout the United States seeing and experiencing many new places.

In addition to farming, Ralph ran a successful farm machinery business specializing in used New Idea Corn Pickers until the time of his death.

Ralph held many interests during his lifetime. In his younger days he raced stock cars, was a pretty good bowler, and even repossessed cars. He and his wife were active members of the Brown Deer and Gillett Jaycees and Jaycettes where they met several really good, lifelong friends. He was an avid couch coach for the Green Bay Packers, and enjoyed a great round of golf. He used to love NASCAR, until, as he put it "they screwed the whole damn thing up."

He was a lover of Diet Pepsi, and the triple layer chocolate cake his granddaughter, Zoe, made. He enjoyed attending his grandsons' baseball and basketball games, and making up simple chores for them to do so he'd have an excuse to slip them some cash.

He loved life on the water, and enjoyed his lake home in the summer and winters on South Padre Island. A jack of all trades, skilled welder, and master Mr. Fix It, Ralph was owed many favors for helping out a friend or neighbor throughout the years. Love him or hate him, Ralph was a straight shooter, and if you were good to him, he was good to you.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Mary (Kraus), and his devoted daughters, Kelly (Eric) Caughlan and their children, Justin and Joshua, and Kathy (Doug) Slife and their children, Drew and Zoe; sister, Sandy Klatt; a very special aunt, Myrna Nearing; very special brothers-in-law, Ed Kraus and Steve (Joan) Kraus; two nephews, Andy (Abby) Dean and Jarrid Hoeppner; five nieces, Megan (Charlie) Truitt, Molly (Chris) Dwan, Gretchen Kraus, Amy (Joe) Hoff, Briana (Nick) Joyce and their children. He is also survived by several cousins, friends, and two other sisters. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Mary Kraus.

The family would like to thank all of the family, friends, and neighbors who gave their support, love, and understanding during these difficult and challenging 12 months. A very special thank you to Doreen Slife and Mark Alden for truly being there for Ralph and his family.

A special thank you to St. Mary's Oncology and Dr. Groteluschen, Unity Hospice (Chaplain Steve, Lori, Gina), and the staff at Woodside Hollyberry, especially Tobi, Heather, Mollie, Monica, Rachel, John, Lauren, and Patty. We will never underestimate the value of the work you do, how hard you work, and what truly caring, respectful, and compassionate humans you are. Thank you. You are appreciated.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date with lots of pizza, chocolate ice cream, and Diet Pepsi per Ralph's request. Gifts in Ralph's memory can be made to the American Cancer Society at https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate.html or to a local charity of your choice. Gruetzmacher Funeral Home in Suring is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com.