Ralph Calvin Guettinger

Ralph Calvin Guettinger, 93, passed away peacefully on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2017, at Clearwater Care Center, Eau Claire. Ralph was born on June 16, 1924, in Cochrane, WI, to Raymond and Esther (Herold) Guettinger. Ralph attended Cochrane schools, graduating in 1941. He attended University of Wisconsin – Madison until 1943, when he joined the U.S. Army in the 106th Infantry Division and the 66th Infantry Division, serving in the European Theatre. While in combat duty on the west coast of France, he earned the Battle Star for the Battle of Northern France, the Combat Infantry Badge and the Bronze Star Medal. He later joined the 42nd Infantry Division and while in Austria he was assigned the duties of acting Battalion Sgt. Major and the Senior Communications Officer for a battalion of 860 men. Upon his return from duty, Ralph returned to the University of Wisconsin – Madison, graduating in 1948. He was then hired by the Wisconsin Conservation Department and served as a biologist on the deer research project based in Ladysmith, WI. Ralph married Irma Hermann on October 9, 1949, in Cochrane, WI, and they continued to live in Ladysmith until moving to Eau Claire in 1953. He first worked at Peter’s Meats until becoming a claims rep for the Eau Claire Social Security Office. He retired from that office in 1985 as a claims supervisor. Ralph served as the chairman of the Town of Brunswick from 1984 to 2000, a chairman of the Eau Claire Unit of the Wisconsin Town association, and was a member of the Wisconsin Strategic Task Force – appointed by Governor Thompson, in addition to many other civic organizations. In addition to his civic service to the community, Ralph was involved in many areas of his church, First Lutheran, including President of the Church Council and Charter President of the First Lutheran Foundation. Ralph and Irma enjoyed the farm in the Town of Brunswick where they lived most of their lives. They enjoyed raising raspberries and other vegetables, most of which were given to family and friends. Ralph had a great sense of humor and had many friends. He loved his family, his community, and his country. He will be missed by all. He is survived by his nephews, John (Kim) and Jeff (Cheryl); sister-in-law, Janice Kauth; great nieces, Ariane (Keith) Wyman, Chelsea (Eric) Walker, and McKenna Guettinger; other loved family members including Steve (Vicki) Kauth, Robert Kauth, and Jim (Beth) Hermann. Ralph is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Irma; brothers, Gordon and Pete; and other members of the Guettinger and Hermann family. Many thanks to the staff at Clearwater Care Center for the care Ralph received while he was a resident. A Memorial Service will held at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 20, 2017, at Spirit Lutheran Church, 1310 Main St, Eau Claire. There will be no visitation prior to the service. Burial will take place on a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to Spirit Lutheran Church or the American Legion Post 0053, 634 Water St, Eau Claire, WI, 54703. For online condolences, please visit www.lenmarkfh.com

Service Information

Memorial Service

Monday, November 20 2017
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Spirit Lutheran
1310 Main Street
Eau Claire WI