Ralph Williams

Ralph Emery Williams of Eau Claire, WI passed away at the age of 96 peacefully in his home on May 3, 2025 in the company of his step-daughter and son-in-law Jane and Cortney Decker as well as his devoted team of caregivers and his beloved cat, Elvis.

Ralph was born on April 11, 1929 in Cleveland, Ohio. He was the only child of Winifred and Ralph Williams, Sr. Throughout his life, he treasured the concept of family. While he only had one biological child of his own, a son Scott Williams he became a patriarch to many across the United States thus creating a large and loving family. Every step-family that he created was blessed with his kind and loving soul. He referred to his families as his California family, Arizona family and his Wisconsin family. He treasured each and every stepchild, step grandchild, step great-grandchild and their families as well as step nieces and nephews and was rewarded with their love and respect.

Ralph was married and widowed four times throughout his life. He was married to Elsie, Ruth, Cathy and finally Lois Houns of Eau Claire. Ralph and Lois shared a unique love story. After meeting through an online dating website, they shared a whirlwind long distance romance between Arizona and Wisconsin for a time until they married in 2020 at the ages of 91 and 93! They were able to share their final days with each other and their family and friends until the passing of Lois in 2024.

Throughout his life he was employed in the electronics field as a program operator which gave him the opportunity to live in many places including Ohio, Chicago, St.

Louis and Los Angeles and Simi Valley, CA. He was a brilliant man of many talents and was knowledgeable about almost any topic of conversation, but was never arrogant.

He was a very proud U.S. Marine Corp veteran and had served in the Pacific on Guam from 1946-1948. He exemplified the Greatest Generation with his humble spirit, patriotism and a strong devotion to his country.

Everyone who met this man was touched by his generous spirit, his humor as well as his quiet and unassuming guidance and love. The generosity that he showed in life continues in his death, as he chose to donate his body to the Medical College of Wisconsin for the advancement of medical research. This was his final act of selfiess giving.

Ralph is survived by his son, Scott Williams (Annette Leitson) of Sunrise, FL, stepdaughter Jane Decker and best friend Cort Decker of Altoona, WI, many step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, step nieces and nephews from across the country and special friends Angie and Chris Brand of Eau Claire, WI. He is also survived by Shelly Pollencheck's team of caregivers and the amazing team from Lily 

Hospice who gave him so much comfort in his final days. Last but not least, he is survived by his cat Elvis and granddog Emma.

While he didn't wish to have a traditional burial the family has chosen to honor his remarkable life with a Memorial Stone at the Veterans Memorial of River Prairie in Altoona, WI. A private gathering of family and friends to honor his life will take place later this summer at the memorial with a celebration to follow at his favorite spot, Cowboy Jacks at River Prairie in Altoona, WI.

To share your memories and condolences, please visit online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.  

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