Ralph Danzinger

Ralph J. Danzinger, 88, of Durand, died Friday, May 11, 2018, at his home in the Town of Canton, rural Durand, with his family by his side.
Ralph was born on May 10, 1930, to Joe and Rose (Meixner) Danzinger, in the Town of Lima, rural Durand. Ralph grew up in the Town of Lima and attended Holy Rosary Catholic School. Ralph was drafted into the U.S. Army in August of 1951, served during the Korean War, attained the rank of Sergeant and was Honorably Discharged in 1953.
Ralph married Carol Karshbaum on Feb. 5, 1953, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, in Lima. After marriage, they farmed side by side and raised their family in the Town of Canton, rural Durand. Over the years, Ralph and Carol hosted many farmers from South America and welcomed several foster children and exchange students into their home.
Ralph just wanted to be a farmer and until the fall of 2017, he was still driving tractor. He also enjoyed square dancing, traveling across the country and abroad with Carol, playing cards and playing jokes. Ralph was a lifelong member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the Durand American Legion Post #181. Most of all, Ralph loved to spend time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Ralph is survived by his wife of 65 years, Carol; children, Daniel (Helen), Susan (Steven) Ward all of Durand, Sally (George) Hayden of Mondovi, Donald (Jackie) of Durand, James (Marcia) of Eau Claire, Joe (Lori) of Mondovi, Samuel (Janet), Molly (Charles) Weisenbeck, all of Durand; 24 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren; brother, Bernard (Donna) of Durand; sisters, Ruth Pittman of Durand and Judy Danzinger of Eau Claire; a special exchange student, Celine Bernard of France; a close family friend, Kim Austell and family of St. Paul, Minn.; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Christian Danzinger in infancy; brother; Jerome; sister, Dolores Flesch.
Funeral Mass was held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 15, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church-Lima, Durand. Rev. Paul Bosco officiated. Burial was in the church cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Durand American Legion Post #181 of Durand. Visitation was held from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday.
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, served the family.
Condolences may be made online at www.rhielfuneralhome.com.