December 4, 2020 at 8:53 a.m.
Ralph Edwin Staus
Ralph Edwin Staus
After graduation, Ralph attended the Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science in Milwaukee. In 1961, Ralph graduated and married Rita Tuskey. They enjoyed nearly 60 years of marriage. Together they had their own funeral business in Sheboygan Falls, and Birnamwood before moving to Rhinelander in 1975.
They raised two daughters, Anne and Carrie, and a son, Ty. Ralph worked as a salesman for H. Phillips Co. of Wausau, H+H Distributing Co. of Rhinelander, and Range Beverage of Hurley. He was quick to strike up a conversation with anyone he met and made many good friendships across Northern Wisconsin while working each of these jobs.
Ralph loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed hunting and fishing. He spent the past 20 summers on the pontoon boat teaching each of his grandchildren how to fish. He proudly hunted every opening day of gun deer season for 70 years. Ralph also enjoyed volunteering for Wild Instincts where he and Rita aided in transporting dozens of injured animals to be rehabilitated.
Ralph was a lifelong Packers fan who attended many games as a season ticket holder, at both County Stadium and Lambeau Field. He was always the first person to lend a helping hand and was devoted to caring for his family. Ralph was a long-time member of the UCC Congregational Church and the treasurer of the church food pantry for many years.
He and Rita made monthly desserts for the NATH House and he was known by his grandchildren for his banana bread and Mickey Mouse- shaped pancakes.
Family traditions are the rich legacy he leaves behind. His family will cherish the 25 years of going to Duluth together and more than a decade's worth of boy's camping trips to Jack Lake. His grandkids will always remember the trips that he and Grandma planned each summer for the week-long, no-parents-allowed "Grama Camp" and the many late-night bonfires that they enjoyed in his backyard. Ralph will be remembered as a patient teacher, an encouraging "Papa" and joyful friend by all those who knew him.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Rita of Rhinelander, his children Anne (David) Osterwind of Glendale, Ty (Tanya) Staus of Wausau, son-in-law Tom Zimmer of Eau Claire and seven grandchildren: Joelle (Chase) Gould, Zach and Kia Osterwind; Danica and Colin Staus; Hannah (Deion) Sonsalla and Ian Zimmer.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Carrie Zimmer, brother John "Jack" Staus, and granddaughter Katie Osterwind.
In accordance with his wishes, the family requests that memorial donations be directed to Wild Instincts (wildlife rehabilitation center) in Rhinelander.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions a service will not be held at this time. There will be a celebration of life at a later date so that all can gather together and remember him well. You may leave your private condolences for the Staus family at www.carlsonfh.com.
The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving the Staus family.
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