Ralph "Babe" Wichser Jr.

Ralph “Babe” Wichser, Jr., of Waukesha, died Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Waukesha Memorial Hospital at the age of 83. He was born on June 26, 1929, in Milwaukee, the son of Ralph and Lucille Wichser. He was a 1947 graduate of West Allis Central High School, where he excelled in athletics. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy, as a submariner, from 1948 until 1951. He was a member of the U.S. Navy Boxing Team, a member of the USS Chivo Reunion Group and was very supportive of the Navy. On July 7, 1951, he married the former Martha Macuk at Holy Assumption in West Allis. For 37 years he had been a firefighter. He worked for the City of West Allis, City of Brookfield and was the Fire Chief for the City of Franklin, retiring in 1989. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and the Milwaukee County Fire Chief Association. He enjoyed watching and cheering on his grandchildren at their events. He was a car enthusiast, owning a 1931 Model A, and was a member of the Model A Club. Ralph was very proud of his Swiss heritage and enjoyed traveling to Europe, especially his four trips to Switzerland.

He will be sadly missed by his wife Martha, of Waukesha, along with their children Michael (Mary) Wichser of Waukesha, Lee (Renee) Wichser of Oshkosh, Dan (Kathy) Wichser of Waukesha, Cathy (Charlie) Marks of Wautoma, Joe Wichser of Waukesha and Mark (Alyce) Wichser of Waukesha. Dear grandfather of Jason Wichser, David Wichser, Lauren (Michael) Wojtasiak, Nick Wichser, Joe Wichser, Christine Wichser, Stuart Marks, Danny Wichser, Paulina Marks, Andy Marks, Pete Marks, Gabe Wichser and Theresa Wichser. Proud great-grandfather of Audrey, Miles, Nicholas and Jaxon. He is further survived by his brother Wallace (Jean) Ottow of Mukwonago, nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his brother Darrol.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 17 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 225 S. Hartwell Ave., Waukesha. A funeral Mass will take place at 7:00 p.m. with Fr. Howard Haase presiding. Entombment with full military honors will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Memorials are appreciated to the American Council of the Blind, 6731 W. Greenfield Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53214. Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral, Cremation and Preplanning Services is honored to be serving the family. For more information, please call the funeral home at 262-547-4035 or visit our website at www.waukeshafunerals.com to leave the family an online tribute message.