Ralph R. Zellner

Ralph Zellner, 87, of De Pere, Wisconsin, passed away unexpectedly on December 9, 2024.

Ralph was born in Luxemburg, WI on August 22, 1937, to the late Peter and Emma (Theys) Zellner. He was a 1955 graduate of Luxemburg High School. Ralph worked at American Motors, Red Owl, and American Marketing.

Ralph enlisted in the US Army and proudly served his country until his honorable discharge in 1958. He married Elizabeth Svoboda on February 13, 1960. The couple was blessed with five children and 64 years of marriage. Ralph was of strong faith and active in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, serving as usher, helping at church picnics, and assisting anyone in need.

Ralph was actively involved in his community and had an amazing ability to connect with everyone, creating many cherished acquaintances. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting, playing cards, and bowling. His annual trek to Ada, WI to get his apples pressed into apple juice was not to be missed. Many enjoyed the apple juice as well as his raspberry patch, fruit trees, garden vegetables, and hickory nuts.

Ralph enjoyed genealogy and helped organize many beloved family reunions. He was a diehard fan of the Brewers, Packers, and Bucks, attending Packer training camps and Super Bowl XLV. His turkey booyah was legendary. Family and friends enjoyed his famous Old Fashioned’s.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Zellner, and five children: Roger (Natalie) Zellner, Jeffrey (Mary) Zellner, Bradley (Stephanie) Zellner, Michelle Zellner, Melissa (Allen) Zellner; eight grandchildren: Elizabeth, Jennifer (Matt), Seth, Quinn, Matthew, Sierra, Jack, Claire; four siblings: Julie Harrison, Alby Zellner, Bonnie McMahon, Sharon (Ken) Basten; wife’s siblings: Lester Svoboda, Faye (Len) Conard, Jeanne Sager, Wayne (Diane) Svoboda, Darlene (Jim) Legois, Laura Svoboda, Randy Svoboda, Sheila (Dan) Vincent; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by nine siblings: Rita, Leo, Michael (Ceil), Arnold, Franklin (Arleene), Ken, Bernard (Nancy), Karen Heim, Joyce Janowski; and father and mother in-law: Maynard and Pearl Svoboda; siblings in-law Gail (Larry) Hanko and Maynard Svoboda Jr.

Visitation will be held at Cotter Funeral Home 860 N Webster Ave., De Pere WI on Sunday, December 15, 2024 from 2 – 5 PM. Additional visitation will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church 4805 Sportsman Dr., De Pere (Ledgeview), WI on Monday, December 16, 2024 from 8:30 - 9:45 AM followed by mass at 10AM. Memorials in Ralph’s name may be directed to St. Mary Catholic Church in De Pere.

The family is grateful for the efforts of the Suamico Fire Department, Emergency Rescue Teams, Brown County Sheriff’s Office, and St. Mary’s Hospital.