Ralph "Bud" R. Caldwell, age 91, loving father and grandfather passed away peacefully on November 6, 2010, at Wissota Health and Regional Vent Center in Chippewa Falls, WI. \r\nHe was born in Eau Claire on September 4, 1919, the son of Ryall and Josephine (Green) Caldwell. Ralph married Delores E. Randall on February 26, 1951.\r\nHe is survived by sons, Robert, of Eau Claire and Michael (Kristi) Caldwell of Chippewa Falls; daughters, Kathie (David) Bertlin, of Missoula, MT and Karen (George) Fry of Menomonie; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sisters, Jane Thorn, Janell (Vincent) Capozzi, Rita (Roy) Hendrickson, and Audrey Pearson; sister-in-law, Marlene (Gene) Abramson; and several nieces, nephews and special friends of all ages. \r\nHe was preceded in death by his parents, Ryall and Josephine; wife of 52 years, Delores; brother, Jack; and sisters, Cleo, Evelyn, Bette, and Irene. \r\nRalph proudly served in World War II and worked for Uniroyal for 31 years, retiring in 1977. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church. Ralph loved fishing, hunting, berry-picking, making pies and jams, the Brewers, Packers and Badgers; following the UWEC Bluegold basketball teams, fish fry's with family and friends, beating anyone in bean bag toss and his McDonald's coffee.\r\nFuneral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, November 11, (Veterans Day) at Grace Lutheran Church with Pastor Rolf Nestingen officiating. Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery in Eau Claire. Visitation will on Wednesday, November 10, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the service at church on Thursday. \r\nThe family would like to express sincere gratitude to all of the caring and supportive staff of St. Joseph's Hospice, Sacred Heart Hospital, and Wissota Health and Regional Vent Center for helping Ralph's final journey be so comfortable. He will be greatly missed.

Service Information