Ralph Crews III

SUN PRAIRIE - Ralph Crews III was born on August 16, 1988, to his parents, Ralph and April Crews, at Munster Community Hospital in Munster, Ind. In 1994, at the age of 5, Ralph relocated to Sun Prairie Wis., with his family. Ralph developed a love for basketball and attended multiple basketball camps at a young age, where he developed a remarkable skill of ball handling. He performed at the University of Wisconsin Men's basketball games during half-time, showing his ball handling skills. He was a little Badger. At a later age Ralph attended Marshall High School in Marshall, Wis., where he played football and basketball. He graduated from Marshall in 2007. In the same year Ralph was recruited to play college ball at St Mary's University in Winona, Minn.

Ralph met his wife in the summer of 2010. They were married on July 28, 2018, and have been raising four beautiful children together. His children made his world go ‘round. He was coach and dad. Ralph was also baptized and shared his faith on April 3, 2016, at Blackhawk Church.

Ralph mentored many kids through coaching and loved encouraging them through their basketball careers. He was in his element when he was able to teach and inspire others.

He was a very outgoing person who loved people. He had a contagious smile with an infectious personality. He was loved and will be missed by so many. We will make sure that legacy lives on.

Ralph passed away on Monday, February 9, 2026. He leaves to mourn him his wife, Amber Crews; his daughters, Shienna and Amerie; his sons, Lazarus and Ralph Justus; his mom and dad, Ralph and April Crews; sister, Javeya Crews; brothers, Preston and Deveron; Breanna Crews; niece, Alaina; nephews, Amari and Ryan; mother in-law and father-in-law, Kathy and Jon Eckenrod; brothers-in-law, Luke and Drew Eckenrod; and a host of close relatives and friends.

A celebration of life, which will include highlights of Ralph’s basketball career, will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026. A funeral service will be held at BLACKHAWK CHURCH, 9620 Brader Drive, Middleton, at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026. A luncheon at the church will follow the ceremony, with burial to follow at Sun Prairie Cemetery. A get-together with food will be held at 2522 Agriculture Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday.

The family would like to thank everyone for all your thoughts and prayers. Memorials to the family may be made at ralphcrewslegacy@gmail.com in the Zelle app. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420