Ralph W. Donkle

Madison-Ralph W. Donkle, 78, of Madison passed away December 2, 2008. He was born January 16, 1930. Ralph graduated from Madison East High School in 1949 where he met the love of his life, Ruth M. Bowes. He was a member of the US Air Force serving during the Korean War. Ralph founded Ralph W. Donkle & Sons Construction in 1973 and proudly passed the business on to his sons. As an Eagle Scout through and through, he lived his life by the Boy Scout motto of ""Be Prepared."" He valued sharing his love of nature with people of all ages. An avid hunter and golfer, he loved the outdoors but what Ralph cherished more than anything was his family. Some of his fondest memories included cheering at a swim meet, going to hockey games, watching a football game, seeing a shining star in a play, sharing his famous pancakes, calling in turkeys, building a fort, camping with the crew, running the dogs and enjoying a campfire. Ralph will forever be remembered for his selfless giving, unconditional love, honesty and his kind and generous heart. Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Ruth, sons Kim (Sandy), Todd (Renae), Craig (Connie), Troy ""Moose"" (Wendy), daughter Jill (Jeffrey) Block, his eight favorite grandchildren, Kara, Kirsten, Anna, Jordan, Noah, Julia, Natalie and James, his sister Nancy (Richard) Veloff, and his travel companion, Cody his black lab. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Carbone Center for breast or prostate cancer research, 600 Highland Avenue, K4/658 Madison, WI 53792 or to Oakwood Village, 6201 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI 53705. The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 13, 2008 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison for a celebration of his life from 11 AM to 1 PM, and a memorial service to follow at 1 PM.