Ralph L. Pulver

WYOCENA - Ralph L. Pulver, 85, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully Monday, Oct. 26, 2009.

Ralph was a member of the U.S. Navy during World Wark II, and earned the prestigious Purple Heart honor. In 1945, he returned home to marry his love, Margaret E. Haynes. On Oct. 20, 2009, they celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary. In 1986, Ralph retired from Stokley Canning Co. after 37 years of service. Retirement afforded Ralph time to enjoy his many hobbies.

Gardening was a favorite pasttime of Ralph's. He was always proud to share his bounty with his family and neighbors. When he wasn't in the garden, Ralph could be found with his nose in a good book. He loved to hunt deer and turkey, and spent much time at "the cabin" with his family and friends. Annual expeditions to Canada with his wife, family and close friends to fish were another love of Ralph's. Many a fish story came alive, as Ralph chuckled and talked about the ones that got away. Ralph had a great gift for storytelling. He and his stories will be greatly missed by those who loved him.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin G. Pulver and Marion J. Curtis Pulver, and brothers, Garth and Glen Pulver. Ralph is survived by his wife, Margaret; siblings, Francis Mack, Neil (Cecelia) Pulver, and Rhoda (Howard) Barden; children, Karen (Ron) Buzzell of Cottage Grove, Ralph (Rita) Pulver of Rio, Lois (Don) Corning of Verona, Ellen (Allen) Braithwaite of Poynette, Linda (Dan) Cooper of Rice Lake, and Nan (Paul) Knuteson of Poynette; grandchildren, Amy (Terry) Tourtillott, Tricia (Eric) Dunning, Krista Pulver, Erin (Teresa) Corning, Kendra (Jason) Farley, Ashley Corning, Trevor (Ashley) Braithwaite, Brittany (Joel) Coleman, Miranda Braithwaite, Angela (Terry) Otradovec, Stephannie (Jeff) Schmidt, Leslie (Ron) Borchers, Nathaniel Cooper, Andy Knuteson, Quin Knuteson, Jalen Knuteson, and Mya Knuteson; and 19 great-grandkids. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other near relatives and dear friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Mary Catholic Church in Pardeeville. Father John Hedrick will preside. Full military rites will be presented by Pardeeville American Legion and VFW posts. Burial will follow in Wyocena Cemetery. Visitation for Ralph Pulver will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Smith Funeral Home in Pardeeville and from 10 a.m. until time of service Friday at church.

"Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, We love and miss you!"