Ralph Zehren

Ralph Richard Zehren, a man of great faith, is now resting in the arms of his Savior as of Saturday, January 6, 2018.  Ralph was born on August 10, 1922 to the late Charles and Louise Zehren.  Ralph attended St. Paul Lutheran Grade School and Green Bay East High School.  He graduated from the University of Wisconsin Madison with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree.  He served in the U. S. Army as a lieutenant in the Paratroop Infantry from November 1942 to April 1946, being stationed in several locations in the United States.  Ralph was a proud Veteran and enjoyed participating in the Honor Flight in 2010. 

On June 20, 1948, he married the love of his life, Gertrude Abelmann at Peace Lutheran Church in Kunesh, Wisconsin.  She preceded him in death in 2016 shortly after they celebrated their 68th anniversary. 

Ralph retired from Continental National American Insurance as a Surety Manager in Minneapolis, MN.  They moved back to Green Bay to be near their relatives.  He was active at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Bloomington.  He belonged to a card club and the Green Bay Retired Men’s Club.  He enjoyed summers in Eagle River, traveling, golfing, bowling, spending time with family and friends, as well as watching basketball, golf, and football.  He was an avid Wisconsin Badger fan as well as an avid Packer fan even though he resided for many years in the Minneapolis area. 

Ralph is survived by his sisters, Ethel Ellingson and Marlene Nerat.  He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Judy Stary, Keith (Susan) Staehly, Karen Magaurn, Diane (Richard) Dombeck, Nan (Ron) Vanden Langenberg, John (P.J.) Zehren, Lynn (Richard) Kornowski, Charles (Susan) Ellingson, Russell (Jodie) Ellingson; Kay (Pat) Olsen, James (Teresa) Williquette, Michael (Nancy) Williquette, Mary (Clarence) Mansfield, Susan Zuelke, and Wendy Williquette.  He is further survived by his in-laws, Rachel (Larry) Bednarski, Rhoda Abelmann, Geraldine Shaw; and nieces and nephew, Laura (Lucas) Allen, John (Melissa) Bednarski, Rebecca (Michael) Schoolcraft, and Elizabeth Parks.  He is further survived by many great nieces and nephews, other family and friends. 

He is preceded in death by his wife, Gertrude; his parents; sisters, Viola (Herbert) Staehly, Lillian (Leslie) Allen; brother, John (Marianne) Zehren; brothers-in-law, Robert Ellingson, Edward Nerat, and Pastor Theodore Abelmann; and one nephew, Robert Ellingson.

Memorial contributions can be made to a charity of your choice.

Special thank you to Keith Staehly, Rachel Bednarski, and Rhoda Abelmann for overseeing Ralph’s care; also, Pastor Robert Christman for his weekly and daily visits at the end, Unity Hospice and the staff at Birch Creek Assisted Living of De Pere.

Visitation for Family and Friends will be Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at St. James Lutheran Church, 901 Shawano Avenue, Green Bay from 9:30 AM until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 AM with Rev. Robert Christman officiating.  Burial will be in the Nicolet Memorial Gardens on Bay Settlement Road, Green Bay, Wisconsin.  Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos may be shared with Ralph’s family on his tribute page at www.lyndahl.com.

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