Ralph Francis Halfman
Ralph Francis Halfman, 98, a former resident of Rose Avenue, Fond du Lac passed away, surrounded by his loving family, on August 6, 2013 at the Lincoln House, Fond du Lac.
Ralph was born June 30, 1915 in Fond du Lac a son of the late Nicholas and Frances Richter Halfman.
On June 26, 1948 he married Loretta Wettstein of Dotyville, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Dotyville.
Ralph was a lifetime member of St. Patrick’s Church. He was a 1934 graduate of Fond du Lac Senior High School. Ralph served in the United States Marine Corps., in the South Pacific, Saipan, and Tinian, from 1942 until 1945. Ralph was a well-known mason contractor for many years retiring in 1972. He was a member of Holy Family Parish, U.S. Marine Corps League, Knights of Columbus Council #664 and its’ Fourth Degree, Isaac Walton League, Disabled Veterans of America, Civilian Conservation Corps., and a volunteer at St. Agnes Hospital for 16 years. Ralph enjoyed reading, deer hunting, horseshoes, rabbit hunting with his beagles; his Tuesday morning breakfast with his Marine Corps. buddies, but mostly spending time with family and friends.
Survivors include, four children, Dianne (Bob) Chase of Malone, Gary (Diane) Halfman of Fond du Lac, Jayne (Ed) Vande Kolk of North Fond du Lac, and Kathy (Steve) Lemke of Fond du Lac, three grandchildren, William (Tamara) Chase, Kristen (fiancee Andrew Dorsch) Lemke and Lance Lemke, three great-grandchildren Mackenzie, Madeline, and Kaidden Chase. He is further survived by a sister, Charlotte Klein, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Loretta in 2005, an infant son and daughter, and two brothers, Harold and Raymond.
Visitation: Visitation will be held on Thursday August 8, 2013 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Zacherl Funeral Home. Visitation will also be held on Friday at Holy Family Parish Church, 271 Fourth Street Way, Fond du Lac, from 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM.
Services: A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 9, 2013, 11:00 AM at Holy Family Parish Church. Entombment will be in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum, Ledgeview Memorial Park.
Memorials in his name may be directed to St. Agnes Hospice Hope Program.
“The family extended a special thank-you to the staff and residents of the Lincoln House for the wonderful care, companionship, cookies, and the pet visits during his stay.”
Zacherl Funeral Home is serving the family. www.zacherlfuneralhome.com