Ralph “Butch” A. Wagner, of Hartford (Huilsburg), passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on July 5, 2025, at the age of 92.

He was born on January 26, 1933, the oldest son of Herbert and Anita (Hahn) Wagner. Ralph met the love of his life, Elaine Gundrum, while polka dancing at Marty Zivko’s Ballroom-one of their favorite pastimes. They were united in marriage on June 21, 1969.

Ralph was a dedicated and hardworking man, spending his life as a dairy farmer on the family homestead in the Town of Herman. He took great pride in his work and in caring for his land and animals. Over the years, Ralph and Elaine worked side by side, especially after his farming accident in 1992, meeting life’s challenges with strength, resilience, and deep devotion to one another.

Ralph led a simple and fulfilling life on the farm. Throughout the years he found joy in bowling, playing sheepshead, attending local baseball games, watching the Brewers, listening to WTKM, taking drives through the countryside and proudly watching his daughters compete in sports.

Ralph was a lifelong and faithful member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Huilsburg.

Ralph is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Elaine; his loving daughters, Angela (Todd) Jeffers and Jane; sisters-in-law, Mariann Gundrum, Rita Lochen, and Diana (Mark) Weber; and brother-in-law, Robert (Linda) Gundrum. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, lifelong friends, and wonderful neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his infant son, Mark; his parents; his in-laws, Gregory and Mildred Gundrum; his sister and brother-in-law, Delores and Victor Kleist; his brother and sister-in-law, Russell and Mary Wagner; and brothers-in-law, Leslie Gundrum and Paul Lochen.

Funeral services for Ralph will be held at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church - W691 County Rd. S, Hartford, on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 1pm, with Rev. Michael Gorte officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:30am until the time of service. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Advocate Aurora Health at Home team, Dr. Timothy Goggins, Dr. Eric Weber and their staff for their loving care and support.