Ralph Warren Mackie

Mackie, Ralph W. EVANSVILLE- Ralph W. Mackie, age 79, of Evansville, passed away on Thursday, May 19, 2016, at Sienna Meadows in Oregon. He was born on March 16, 1937, in Turtle Township in Rock County, the son of George and Alice (Kitelinger) Mackie. Ralph graduated from Beloit High School. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and received his degree from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Ralph was a gate agent for TWA at O'Hare International Airport and was an insurance adjuster for Rural Insurance for more than 25 years. Ralph W. Mackie lived life just as he wanted to. He wanted a farm... so he built one. He loved to travel... so he saw the world. He wanted to change things... so he ran for office. There wasn't much he did that was because someone else wanted him to... unless it was for his kids. Ralph was a gun enthusiast and supporter of the NRA. He rarely missed a Badger football game and if he did happen to miss the game - you could still find him at a bar in the vicinity of Camp Randall before, during or after the game. He was a success in the kitchen and his family will continue our quest to duplicate his mashed potatoes, spaghetti sauce and tomato soup. He decided early on in life that property was a wise investment and spent a large portion of his life as a landlord. He spent as much time on his farm with his cattle and pigs as he could and when he wasn't there with them you could find him in his garden at home... weeding or just surveying. He always seemed to have a few unfinished projects in the works. You'd have to search long and hard to find a more loyal friend than Ralph. To many who knew him well, he was usually the center of a story that could make anyone laugh. No matter what your memory of Ralph, it most probably involves his big smile, his hearty laugh and a beer in his hand. He was never shy with his opinion and that made every conversation with him just that much more interesting or infuriating. He leaves behind family and friends that all would most likely do anything to have just one last beer with him. Ralph is survived by his partner of 25 years, Carol Cook of Madison; children, Rachel (Tim) Hug of Waukesha and Rob (Jennifer) Mackie of Fitchburg; four grandchildren, Max and Sophie Hug, and Alex and Reid Mackie; brother, Russ (Irene); sister-in-law, Darlene Mackie; and niece and nephews, Chandra, Justin, and David. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, William. A Celebration of Ralph's Life will be held at The Great Dane 2980 Cahill Main, Fitchburg, WI 53711 on Saturday, June 18 between 1-5pm Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Fitchburg Funeral & Cremation Care 2950 Chapel Valley Road (608)442-5002