Ralph was born on Aug. 22, 1935 to John and Anna (nee Schmitt) Wolf in Richfield, where he was also raised. He was a Slinger High School graduate with the class of 1953. On Oct. 15, 1955, Ralph married Shirley A. (nee Sonnenberg) at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Slinger. After marriage, the couple resided in the Slinger area, where they raised a family of their own. He was employed as a foreman for the Department of Public Works for the village of Fox Point for 40 years. Ralph also was a school bus driver for Rite Way and a truck driver for Hilltop Asphalt Company of Colgate.

He was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church and past president and trustee of the Village of Slinger. Ralph retired from the Slinger Fire Department after 25 dedicated years of service, which included being treasurer and part of the department’s building committee. Ralph loved baseball, making it into the Rockriver Hall of Fame, football, and basketball. One of his favorite pastimes was dedicating his time, love, and support to his grandchildren, while they were involved in their own sporting activities; he was their number one fan.

Survivors of Ralph include his beloved wife and best friend, Shirley A. (nee Sonnenberg) Wolf; his four dear children, Cynthia (Mike) Burkel of West Bend, Jeffrey (Fiance Cathy Detrie, and her daughter, Danielle) Wolf of Green Bay, Brian Wolf of Slinger, and Kay Ellen (David) Zuern of Allenton; eight grandchildren, Kelly, Nick, Adam, and Alex Burkel, Josh, Meghan, and Jordyn Wolf, and Benjamin Zuern; his special family pet, "Harley," his dog; one sister, Irene (Jack) Spenner of Slinger; three brothers, John (Loretta) Wolf of Pewaukee, Bernard (Delores) Wolf of West Bend, and Robert (Irene) Wolf of West Bend; and one sister-in-law, Millie Wolf of Slinger. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, four sisters, and four brothers.

A Memorial Mass in honor of Ralph was held on Monday, Dec. 20, 2004 at 7 p.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church of Slinger, with Father Richard J. Stoffel officiating, the Slinger Fire Department honored Mr. Wolf with a walk-through at 6 p.m.

Cremation took place at Paradise Cremation Services of West Bend, with an interment of ashes taking place on Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2004 at 10 a.m. at (new) St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery. The hours of visitation with the Wolf Family were on Monday, Dec. 20, 2004 at the church from 4 p.m. until the time of the Memorial Mass at 7 p.m. Memorials are appreciated to the Wolf Family.

The Phillip Funeral Home of Slinger is assisting the family.