Ralph Windler

Ralph P Windler age 97 died peacefully on July 13, 2023. He is reunited and dancing again with his beloved wife of 56 years, the late Sally Ann (nee Luettgen). Proud and loving father to the late David (late Jean nee Pavlik), Phillip (MaryKay), Robert (Lori), Thomas (Tricia) and Michael (Jane). Loving grandfather to Joseph, Daniel, Ellen, Timothy, Andrew, Sarah, Tori, Taylor, Paul, George, and Sally. Great grandfather to Julian, Louisa, Charlotte, Nicholas, Adelaide, Rowe, Cooper, Mason and Layne. Brother to the late Harvey, late Mabel and his twin brother Harold. He is also survived by sister-in-law Charlotte Luettgen, many nieces and nephews, and dear friend Sue Popp. Born to Edward and Freida Windler in Milwaukee on September 1, 1925. Dad's family moved to the Lake Winnebago area where dad attended Chilton High. After graduating, he was drafted and served as a rifleman in the 29th Division of the US Army during WWII from October 1943 through November 1945. He reached the rank of Private First Class. Among his many accolades are three Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. In 2012 he received The Knight of the Legion of Honor Medal from the French Republic for his service in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe Campaigns. After the war, he attended and graduated from Marquette University. In 1950 he married Sally, the love of his life, and they settled in Aurora, IL until moving to South Milwaukee in 1958. They were married for 56 years and together raised five sons. After several years as a pharmaceutical sales rep, Dad spent his career as a stockbroker (financial advisor) with Prudential Bache until his retirement in 1993. He was a member of the South Milwaukee Lions Club for over 50 years, an active member in the 29th Division Association, and an honorary member of the 8th Air Force Association. He was also an active guest speaker for many high school history classes where he shared his war time experiences and took the opportunity to insert some life lessons to the students. Dad also enjoyed woodworking as a hobby. His quick-witted sense of humor was always on par. A wake in his honor will be held on Sunday July 30 from 3:00 to 5:00pm at Molthen-Bell funeral home, 700 Milwaukee Ave, South Milwaukee, WI 53172. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday July 31 - 11 AM at Divine Mercy Parish (800 Marquette Ave, South Milwaukee, WI 53172). Followed by a private family entombment at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery