Ralph E. Schwanke

Visitation: To be held on Friday, March 10th, 2023 from 4pm-6pm at HALES CORNERS LUTHEAN CHURCH (12300 W. Janesville Rd.).

Service: To be held on Friday, March 10th, 2023 at 6pm at HALES CORNERS LUTHEAN CHURCH (12300 W. Janesville Rd.).

Schwanke, Ralph E.

Called home to the Lord surrounded by his family on Sunday, March 5, 2023 age 89 years “32,729 days”. Loving husband and best friend of Nancy (nee Oesterreich) of 64 years. Dear dad of Gail (Dennis) Axelson, Jay (Darlene) and Gwen (Bill) Perpich. Cherished grandpa of Katie, Laura (Zac), Christina, Alex and Jacki. Great-grandpa of Ellie. Further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 10^th, 2023 at HALES CORNERS LUTHERAN CHURCH (12300 W. Janesville Rd.) from 4pm until the time of service at 6pm. Family burial at Arlington Park Cemetery.

Ralph was born July 26, 1933 in the heat of the Great Depression. He grew up on the south side of Milwaukee and lived on the corner of 32^nd and Grant Street. He was the son of Walter and Leona Schwanke. Brother of 2 sisters Vi and Lorraine.  Ralph attended Grant Street Grade School, Walker Jr. High and South Division High school and then graduated from UW Madison and was proud to have worked for many years at Allis-Chalmers. He volunteered for the draft during the Korean War with 5 of his great friends in 1953 and served 2 years in the U.S. Army. Ralph retired from Allis-Chalmers in 1989 and moved to central Wisconsin on the Waupaca Chain O’Lakes where he worked part time at the Veteran’s Home in King Wisconsin. Ralph and Nancy moved to Waterford WI., for 17 years and then to the Regency Sr. facility in Muskego, WI. He felt that he was very blessed and fortunate to have been given such a wonderful life that lasted for 80 plus years.

If so desired, memorials to the charity of your choice.