Ralph E. Martens, the worlds most interesting man, has officially left the building and will be deeply missed by anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him. He spent the last 85 years being a great son to Clara (Bogdanski) and Erwin Martens, devoted husband to the late Elaine (nee Galeotti) a patient, loving father to Lorna (Phil) Leone, Jacalyn McCoy, Jennifer (Scott) Kirch and proud grandfather to Kelli, Ryan, John Michael (Randi), Jeremy, Natalie, Kristian, Tylar, Jeremy, and Bradley. Great grandpa to Gabi, Bella, Luca and Julian. 

 

To know Ralph was to love him. He was a kind, gentle human who loved collecting and curating (too many items to list). He loved painting military miniatures, historic movie theatre’s, broadway productions, music, travel, museums and the arts. Ralph’s huge heart always had room for a cat or three, to say he was an animal lover was an understatement. His dry, witty sense of humor often caught us off guard and has left his family and friends with some unforgettable memories to share for years to come. His legacy will forever be in our hearts. 

 

We will be celebrating the man, the myth, the legend on one of his favorite holidays. There will be no blues, just bagpipes and booze. From far and near, we will gather and cheer, one last toast to the man of the year.

 

St. Paddy’s Day 

Friday, March 17th 2023 

Open House 4-8pm (toast@6pm)

 

The Grey House

 

Memorial gifts in Ralph’s honor to The Wisconsin Humane Society