Ralph A. "Ralphy" Rothenbach

Ralph A. "Ralphy" Rothenbach, of Eagle River, WI, passed on to his heavenly home, Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in his home, surrounded by loved ones. He was 95 years old.
Ralph was born May 24, 1928, in Oshkosh, WI, to Richard and Irene (Timmerman) Rothenbach.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Russel and sister, Marion (Floyd) Driessen.
Ralph is survived by his wife: Mara, of 68 years; daughter: Evelyn (Tim) Gaffney of Eagle River; son: Richard (Cindy) Rothenbach of Illinois; grandchildren: Richard (Sharise) Rothenbach, Jr of Virginia, Marie (Kevin) Gaffney-Hunt of N. Carolina, and Joseph (Tiffany) Gaffney of New York; 3 great-grandchildren: Mason, Weston and Grant.
He was stationed in Germany as a sergeant in the US Army, and met the women who stole his heart, Marie (Mara) Wagner. They were married in May, 1956, in Nurnberg, Germany, and returned to Oshkosh and resided there until 1971, when they moved to Eagle River, WI.
Ralph was employed for many years by Wisconsin Public Service, as a marketing representative and energy auditor. He was very active in local community events and organizations, both in Oshkosh and Eagle River; Oshkosh Rod and Gun Club, Oregon Street Merchant Association (co-owner of the Banner Store), Northeastern Kennel Club, Ducks Unlimited, National Rifle Association, Eagle River Sno-Eagles, Lion's Club, Easy Eagles, Eagle River Country Club (was very instrumental in upgrading the course an 18 hole course), and a long-standing board member for Our Savior Lutheran Church.
Ralph was an avid sportsman and outdoorsman. He greatly enjoyed hunting and fishing. oh, the stories he could tell!, Golf, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, pigeon-racing and training bird dogs were also favorite hobbies of his.
Ralph will be remembered most for his commitment and devotion to his family, friends and church. With his warm smile and generous spirit, he touched the lives of many people and will be greatly missed.
A memorial service will be at 2pm on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Eagle River. Visitation will held one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church or the Paralyzed Veterans of America, and St, Jude's Children's Hospital, as he was a long-time supporter of these organizations.