Ralph Robert Staeven, 95, passed away peacefully at Jack and Engrid Meng Hospice Residence on August 23, 2026, with family by his side. Ralph was born on September 14, 1930, to the late Walter and Gladys (Bracker) Staeven. Gladys passed when Ralph was only 5, but Ralph was fortunate to have Erma (Bracker) as his mother when his father remarried.

Ralph graduated from Nicolet High School in West De Pere. After high school, he served in the Army in Korea, where he was wounded and received the Purple Heart award. In 1956, he married Enola Huntington and they recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. They raised two children, Debbie and Bart, in rural De Pere. Ralph loved his children and grandchildren and always put his wife and family first.

Ralph enjoyed talking to people and Nola says that his stories changed and got better every time he told them. In 2013, Ralph had the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. on the Old Glory Honor Flight, accompanied by his grandson Luke. Ralph is a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

He worked for the Brown County Highway Department for 20 years, finally retiring in 1995. For many years, Ralph and Nola enjoyed buying, fixing, and reselling items at flea markets where they met many people and made many friends. Ralph spent much of his time tinkering with motos and had a love for hit and miss engines.

Ralph is survived by his wife Nola, daughter Debbie (Todd) Albers and their children, Luke (Yasmin) Albers and Madeline (Nick) Froland, expecting a child in October; son Bart (Julie) Staeven and their children, Brett (Shanna) Staeven and great-granddaughter Mayzie, Jake (Jen) Ruatti and their children Madeline, Liam, and Matilda, Erin (Steve) Wocken and their children Eloise, Lenore, and Jack.

He is further survived by two brothers Roger Staeven and Tom (Ann) Staeven, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents and brother and sister-in-law Wayne and Enola Staeven.

The family would like to thank the staff at Unity Hospice and at the Jack and Engrid Meng Hospice Residence for the compassionate care that he received.

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude Hospital would be appreciated.