Ralph W. Giessen, age 84 of Winneconne, passed away on April 29, 2026. He was born on September 11, 1941 to the late Alvin and Vivian Giessen. He grew up on the South Side of Chicago, attending Calumet High School and studying business at Elmhurst College and Wilson Junior College. Ralph spent many years raising his family in a variety of Illinois suburbs. In 1987, his family moved to Waukesha, Wisconsin, and later made their home in Winneconne.

Ralph kept in touch with his Chicago friends and classmates after he moved to Wisconsin and enjoyed returning there to visit them. Ralph also served several years in the Army Reserves.

In April of 2001, Ralph married Sandra Whyms. They honeymooned on an Alaskan cruise and continued traveling coast to coast in the US and Canada during the rest of their marriage. They just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary three weeks ago. Ralph was always a favorite among Sandy’s seven siblings and their families. He loved playing with his grandnieces and nephews whenever they got together. Working with his nieces’ horses also gave him great pleasure as Ralph was an animal lover.

From an early age, Ralph found a working career in sales and management in active, passive and LCD computer electronics components. He loved building lasting relationships with businesses and customers. He truly enjoyed traveling around Illinois and Wisconsin for his work and took great pride in the connections he made along the way. Ralph also won various sales awards including three trips to Super Bowl games for top sales performance.

Ralph was a man whose love for his family was at the center of everything he did. In the company of family and friends, Ralph could often be found sharing stories, laughter and the kind of moments that meant the most to him. Ralph enjoyed getting out on the road in search of new and familiar favorite restaurants, taking great pleasure in discovering good food and sharing those experiences with others. He was an avid reader of mystery novels. Ralph also loved many genres of music including show tunes and rock ‘n’ roll and was a smooth, polished dancer.

Volunteering was truly a calling for Ralph. He spent many rewarding years volunteering as a Master Gardener in the area. As a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, he devoted countless hours to serving his community. Often working behind the scenes, he helped coordinate many Tootsie Roll Drives, worked many brat fries, and organized the Free Throw Contests at Winneconne Elementary School. Giving back meant everything to him, and his kindness, dedication and joyful spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Ralph is survived by his wife Sandra Giessen. He is also survived by his two children Kristin Kasuboski, Roy (Amanda) Giessen. He is further survived by his brother David (Nancy) Giessen and his grandkids Kaitlyn (George) Beattie and Nick (Daydre) Kasuboski. He is further survived by his great grandkids Everett and Patrick Beattie, Jaxson Giessen, Rylee Giessen, and Briana Giessen. He was preceded in death by his first beloved wife, Kathleen Giessen, his mother Vivian and his father Alvin Giessen, and son-in-law Pete Kasuboski.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at Mueller Funeral Home, 904 E. Main St, Winneconne WI 54986, with Deacon Paul Vidmar officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.