Ralph Robert Kouba

Ralph Robert Kouba, age 84, of Fountain City, passed away on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at his home, with his family by his side.

He was born on July 26, 1939 in Winona, the son of the late James F. and Grace (Berzinski) Kouba. 

On September 30, 1961, Ralph was united in marriage to Lonna Faye Wolfe at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fountain City.  To this loving union, 4 children were born.

Ralph was employed at Fibrite in Winona, retiring after 39 years of service.  It was during his years at Fibrite that Ralph met many of his closest friends.

Despite the fact that Ralph could only attend school through 8^th grade, he was a fountain of knowledge.  Ralph was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed time on the water fishing or spending long days in the woods hunting and was known by many as “One Shot Kouba”.  Ralph proudly mentored his son, and many friends, nephews and grandchildren in these skills he possessed.

Ralph was always quick with a joke or a story to share and most likely has danced the twist and shimmy with everyone in the area.  

There was never a more appreciative and caring man, always saying "thank you" or apologizing for things that did not need apologizing for.  He was proud of his family and spending time with them was his greatest joy. His hourly calls to them while watching Green Bay Packer games or making popcorn, along with many other things, will be forever remembered.

Ralph will be sadly missed by his wife of 62 years, Lonna Kouba; son, Michael (Jodi Bakkum) Kouba; daughters, Michelle (Roger) Reuter, Tammy (Brian) Burmeister and Tara (Curt) Marty; grandchildren, Matthew (Alicia) Reuter, Latonia (Jake) Schmitt and Alyssa Marty; great grandchildren, Kyler & Riya Schmitt and Zara & Avery Reuter; sister, Sharon (Clifford) Lee; brothers, Allen (Toni) Kouba and Gerald (Rebecca) Kouba; also by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Besides his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by his brothers, James H. Kouba and George Kouba and sister, Anna Marie Kouba.

A prayer and scripture service will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024 at 4:00 PM at the Talbot Family Funeral Home, Alma Chapel with Father Arul Doss officiating.  A celebration of life to honor Ralph will start at 5:00 PM on Friday at the Drift Inn, S2945 Indian Creek Rd, Fountain City, WI.  Please bring your fondest memories of Ralph to share with his family.

A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, at the funeral home from 2:00 PM until the hour of the service.