Ralph J. Watzka

Ralph Joseph Watzka, 95, of Green Bay went Home on October 21, 2014, at Bishop's Court with his family near.

He was born on November 8, 1918, to Henry and Catherine (Podlasik) Watzka of New Denmark, WI. Ralph enlisted and was trained as a high speed Radio Operator and Repairman at Fort Bragg N.C. He volunteered for the new Parachute School at Fort Benning, Ga. and on graduation joined the 501st Parachute Battalion as one of the Airborne Pioneers, under Commander George Jones, fighting in the Pacific Theater. Ralph was discharged as a Sargent from the Headquarters Co.1st Battalion 4th Infantry Parachute School. He then attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering.

Ralph married Mary Ann Gajeski, on June 29, 1946, at Holy Trinity Church in Pine Grove. They lived in Green Bay, while Ralph worked as a bodyman at the Cadillac Garage. While working full time he, his brother Cloyde and two friends formed Watzka Brothers Construction Co. in order to build a home for each of their families. After that was accomplished, they disbanded the company and focused on family. Using the radio skills he learned in the war, he formed Watzka Radio. Along with his growing family, Ralph enjoyed dancing, fishing trips to Canada, the family cottage, bowling, waterskiing and winning at cards (any game), and always with a cigar in his hand. Ralph was an incredibly talented man, able to build or fix anything from radios to small engines, bicycles to automobiles and boats.

Over the years Ralph was employed by Hoffer Glass, H.J. Martin and Son and Paper Converting. After he and Mary Ann retired, they spent 23 warm winters at the Tropical Trails Park in San Benito, Texas, eventually deciding to remain in Green Bay year- round due to health issues. Ralph was a long time member and supporter of St. Matthew's Parish.

Ralph is survived by his clever girl Mary Ann; sons, Dean (Julie), Mark (Gloria) and Peter; daughters, Yvonne (Cal)Lied, Christine (James)Bose, Bernadette (Bill)Mattila; 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; brother, Cloyde Watzka; sister, Kathleen (Harvey)Coleman; brothers-in-law, Robert Gajeski, Clark (Ann)Gajeski, Ken (Annette)Gajeski, and Jerry (Betty)Gajeski; sisters-in-law, Ethel Hansford, Rita Greatens and many other nieces, nephews and relatives.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his 2 brothers, Alvin and Norbert; sisters, Dorothy (Frank)Dobesh, Alice (Herbert)Lax, Frances (Roman)Van Beek, Lillian (Elmer)Otto; sister-in-law, Grace (Cloyde)Watzka; his step-mother, Mary Umentum; father and mother-in-law, Anton and Gertrude Gajeski; sisters-in-law, Arlene, Marcella (Bernie)Thompson, Evelyn (Robert)Dahlke; brothers and sisters-in-law, Tony (Angie)Gajeski, Jack (Elaine)Gajeski, Donald Greatens, Bill Hansford, Margie Gajeski and several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at 4:00pm till 7:30pm, Monday, October 27, 2014, at Newcomer Funeral Home, 340 S. Monroe St., Green Bay. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, October 28 at St. Matthew Parish, 130 St. Matthews St., from 9:30am to 10:30am. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30am with Fr. Jerome Taddy officiating. Burial will be in Allouez Catholic Cemetery.

A memorial fund has been established in Ralph's name. We would like to thank Drs. Meves, Mian and James of the Bellin Group, the wonderful staff at Bishop's Court and the very special people at Unity Hospice.