Obituary of Ralph A. Marzofka

Ralph A. Marzofka, age 89, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 31, 2018, at his residence.

Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids. Rev. Dr. Carlton Andersen will officiate. Burial will take place at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date.  Visitation for family and friends will be from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home and on Thursday, April 5, 2018 from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the church.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.taylorfuneralhome.net.

Ralph was born in Wisconsin Rapids on February 19, 1929 to Avolt and Wilma (Engel) Marzofka. He was united in marriage to Geraldine Reber on September 2, 1950 in Rudolph, WI.  They were blessed with 53 years together, until her death on May 6, 2004.

While working as a maintenance supervisor for 40 years at Nekoosa Papers, Ralph and Gerri fostered several children while raising 9 of their own.  Ralph enjoyed flying, auctions, photography, reading, fishing, hunting and other outdoor activities.  Ralph and Gerri liked taking long car rides and finding as many rummage sales as possible.  He also found pleasure in card games such as California Rummy and Sheepshead.  Ralph was a very hard worker and did whatever it took to make sure his family was well taken care of.  He is loved and will be deeply missed. 

Ralph is survived by his children: Bruce Marzofka, Dawn (Terry) Manke, Chris (Kathy) Marzofka, Joan Marzofka, Dean Marzofka, Kelly (Dan) Zurfluh, Mike Marzofka, and Pat (Sherry) Marzofka; 19 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; his brother and sister-in-law, Marv and Audrey Marzofka; sister-in-law, Marge Marzofka; and many extended family and friends.  In addition to his parents and wife, Ralph is preceded in death by his daughter, Nancy Marquard; son-in-law, Lloyd Marquard; daughter-in-law, Laurie Marzofka; and siblings: Lois Gjertsen, Avolt Marzofka, Leora Matthews, Kathy Marzofka, and Ron Marzofka.