Ralph (Butch) C. Nebel, age 68, of Merrill, passed away Saturday, September 24, 2016 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was born on July 30, 1948 in Waukegan, Illinois to the late William and Bertha(VerHagen) Nebel. On May 29, 2010 Ralph and Kathryn Klempke were united in marriage in Merrill, WI.
Butch proudly served our country in the United States Marine Corp from 1965-1968. He was active in Hill 65 Happy Valley Fire Base and performed many important duties while serving and also received a purple heart during his time in the Vietnam War. He worked construction for years, and was skilled at many things. He enjoyed fishing and making his own lures, being outdoors, and reading. He was a big Chicago Bears fan as well. He was a loving husband and family man who enjoyed nothing more than giving his family members grief and picking on them. Ralph and his wife moved to Pine River to get a taste of the country life, there they raised chickens. Ralph enjoyed raising them and building his chicken coops and selling the fresh eggs. Unfortunately, when his health started to decline they moved back to Merrill. He will be deeply missed but happily remembered.
Survivors include his wife: Kathryn(Klempke) Nebel, Merrill; a daughter: Diana(Brett) Nelson, California; two sisters: Salene Ruhl and Kathy(Paul) Hameau both of Merrill; a granddaughter: Arianna; a grandson: Aiden; Sisters in-law: Marie(Lawrence) Kleinschmidt, Merrill; Deb(Tom) Schulz, brothers in-law: Mike(Sandy) Klempke, Merrill and Dan(Jonnie) Klempke, Merrill; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents: William and Bertha Nebel; two brothers: William Nebel, Hayward, WI and James Nebel, Waconda, IL.
A funeral service for Ralph will be held on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at Waid Funeral Home, Merrill, WI. Visitation will be on Tuesday, September 27, 2016 from 4 to 8 p.m., and again on Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. Father Chris Kemp will officiate. He is being buried at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery in Merrill immediately following the funeral service. Waid Funeral Home of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.