Ralph E Slater

MONONA-Ralph E. Slater, age 78, died peacefully on Tuesday, March 20, 2012, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Dec. 24, 1933, in Madison, the son of Rex and Celia (Swenson) Slater. Ralph lived on various farms and helped with chores while growing up. He graduated from Stoughton High School in 1953. He was a volunteer firefighter for Cottage Grove in the 1950’s. In 1957, he married Donna Duesterbeck and they had five children, Debra (Tom) Kahl, Terry (Deb) Slater, Pamela (Kevin) DePaepe, Julie Slater, and Todd Slater. His first job after high school, was hauling milk for Robert Babcock of Albion. Ralph then started a milk hauling business of his own for three years. He then worked at night for GM in Janesville for 30 years, and hauled milk for Charles Hull of Stoughton during the day for 22 years. Ralph was a lifelong member of the Local UAW 95, and a current member of Zion Lutheran Church in Madison. Before moving to Madison, he resided in Adams –Friendship for 17 years. While living there he did volunteer driving for the Adams County Hospital. Ralph also worked part-time at the Country IGA. On April 19, 2003, he married Joan Bailey, who also had five children, Edward (Tera) Hoffmann, Mark (Kay) Hoffmann, Allen (Sue) Hoffmann, Phillip (Kara) Hoffmann, and Lisa Hoffmann. Ralph was an avid Packers and Badgers fan, and he loved being a family man. Ralph is survived by his wife, Joan; his children; stepchildren; 28 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; brothers, John (Doris) Slater, LeRoy Slater, and Bernard (Kathy) Slater; sisters, Patricia (Archie) Christensen and June Farr; as well as nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Ellen Hurtado; brothers-in-law, Alfonso Hurtado and Charles Farr; and his loving dog, Rosie, and cat, Molly. Funeral services will be held at ZION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2165 Linden Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 23, 2012, with Pastor Pat Siegler presiding. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 22, 2012, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI. 53711, or Zion Lutheran Church, 2165 Linden Ave. Madison, WI. 53704. Ralph’s family would like to express a special thank you to Agrace HospiceCare, especially the South Team, Agrace volunteers, and Pastor Pat Siegler of Zion Lutheran Church. They would also like to thank all the family and friends who prayed for Ralph during his illness. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI. 53711, or Zion Lutheran Church, 2165 Linden Ave. Madison, WI. 53704. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 22, 2012, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Friday. Funeral services will be held at ZION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2165 Linden Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 23, 2012, with Pastor Pat Siegler presiding.