Ralph C. Wolken

Mass of Christian Burial for Ralph C. Wolken, age 97, of Stanton formerly of Madison, Nebraska will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 15, 2025, at St. Leonard’s Catholic Church in Madison. Reverend Gregory Carl will be celebrant, with burial in St. Leonard’s Catholic Cemetery in Madison.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the church, with a 7:00 p.m. Rosary.

Resseguie Funeral Home in Madison is in charge of arrangements.

Ralph died Saturday, May 10, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Rehabilitation and Care Center in Norfolk.

Ralph C. Wolken was born March 25, 1928, in Scipio, Kansas, the son of Fred and Lucy (DeBroeck) Wolken. Ralph attended school at Scipio and graduated from the eighth grade in 1942. After eighth grade, he helped his father farm. In 1945, he moved to Omaha with his parents and family. He worked at Dempster Mills as a shipping clerk until the family moved to Madison in 1947. Ralph then worked with his father running the Conoco Filling Station and delivering fuel.

On June 10, 1950, Ralph married Shirley Weiland at St. Leonard's Church in Madison, and they were blessed with six sons. They farmed northwest of Madison until 1993 when Ralph retired, and he and Shirley moved to Stanton. They became members at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Stanton and together did janitorial work at the church for 15 years. Ralph also worked part-time at Stanton Health Care in maintenance. In July 2023, he moved to St. Joseph's Rehabilitation and Care Center in Norfolk.

While a member at St. Leonard's Church, Ralph was a trustee and on the Cemetery Board. He joined the Knights of Columbus in Stanton, was a 4th Degree and had served as Grand Knight. He was currently a member of St. Peter’s Church in Stanton.

Ralph had a deep love for the Lord, his wife, and his family. He especially enjoyed family gatherings, fishing with his sons and grandsons, playing cards, and dancing.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 74 years; their children and daughter-in-law, Laura Wolken of Olathe, Kansas, Douglas (Lisa) of Madison, Gary (Karan) of Meadow Grove, Eugene (Paula) of Madison, Randy (Kim) of Plainview, and Daniel (Janet) of Madison; 17 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; four great-great- grandchildren; his sister, Julie Rowlett of California; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Michael; his grandsons, Alex, Adam, and Grant; his parents; his sister, Olivia Hastert; and brother, James.

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