Ralph Van Slyke

Van Slyke, Ralph LODI-Ralph Van Slyke, age 74, of Lodi, passed away suddenly at his home on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011. He was born Jan. 19, 1937 in New Lisbon. He graduated from Lone Rock High School and married his high school sweetheart, Eunice (Susie) Phetteplace on Feb. 10, 1956, prior to his Army deployment to Germany. Together they raised five children. Ralph worked for Badger Ordinance for 30 years until his retirement. He was an avid outdoorsman and entertained many with his hunting and fishing stories (some true, some exaggerated). He was a humble man with a great sense of humor and a generous heart. His greatest joy was time spent with his family and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Florence; his brother, William; and infant grandson, David. Ralph will be dearly missed. Survivors include the love of his life, Susie; his children, Laurie (Rick) Wenger of Lodi, Mary Jo (Dan) Forcier of Bloomington, Minn, Mike of Sauk City, Sandy of Prairie du Sac and Dave of Baraboo; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; his sister, Karen (Larry) Davis of Dodgeville; sister-in-law, Marilyn Van Slyke of Spring Green; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Ralph chose that we not mourn his death, but celebrate his life. To honor this request, we invite you to share your memories of Ralph at a life celebration luncheon to be held on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011 at 12:30 p.m., at Arthur's Supper Club, E4885 Hwy. 14 & 23, Spring Green. You are welcome to join us at 11 a.m. at the Lone Rock Cemetery for burial with military honors. Ralph chose that we not mourn his death, but celebrate his life. To honor this request, we invite you to share your memories of Ralph at a life celebration luncheon to be held Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011, at 12:30 p.m. at Arthur’s Supper Club, E4885 Hwy. 14 & 23, Spring Green.