Ralph E. Crull

Ralph Eugene Crull, 80, passed on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at UW-Hospital after a short battle with cancer. He was born on April 19,1945 in La Crosse, WI. He was the fourth of eight siblings born to Eugene and Jean Crull.

He graduated from Evansville High School in 1963. After high school Ralph joined the Army. He dedicated a majority of his life serving in the United States Army, beginning in 1963 until retirement in 2002. Ralph’s military accomplishments included being a member of the Berlin Brigade (1964-1965). Ralph served in the Vietnam War (1965-1966) in the 84th Division-119th Assault Helicopter Company-1st Aviation Brigade as a helicopter gunner, earning the rank of Sergeant First Class. He was a member of the National Guard (1970-1973) as a helicopter crew chief, Army Reserve Senior Drill Sergeant (1984-2002), and a military trainer for Operation Desert Shield (1991). Ralph taught Military Science at West Point (1994), Ralph was awarded the WWII Occupation Ribbon-Berlin, 17 Combat Air Medals, Vietnam Combat Medal-3 stars, Presidential Unit Citation-Vietnam, Expert Marksman, Drill Sergeant Badge, National Defense Medal and a 5 time recipient of the Army Commendation and Achievement Medal, as well as many others.

On August 14, 1970 Ralph married Kathleen Reinhard. They just observed their 55th wedding anniversary. Ralph farmed on the family land his entire life and was proud of his collection of International Farmall tractors. He enjoyed working the land whether it was farming or excavating. One of his proudest accomplishments came when his sons, Sean and Jeremy, and later grandson, Patrick, joined him and Kathy in expanding the family excavating business, R&K and Sons. They have built not just a business, but a legacy rooted in hard work, integrity, and family.

Those who knew Ralph, knew of his tough exterior and straight to the point conversations. Once you earned his respect, you were a friend for life. He enjoyed his annual trips to the Vietnam Veteran Reunion in Kokomo, Indiana where he met old and new friends and was able to take all of his grandchildren. He was proud of his grandchildren and all of their accomplishments. He will be remembered for his grit, generosity, and good old-fashioned horsepower.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Kathy, children Shelly (Gary) Crull-Hanke, Sean (Alissa Grenawalt), and Jeremy (Heidi) Crull, Grandchildren, Carly Hanke, Patrick Crull, Baylin Crull, Libby Crull, and Brynlea Crull. Sisters Linda Fuller, Mary Lou Femrite, and brother David Crull, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Jean, his brothers Bo, Steve, John, his sister Jane, and his granddaughter Bridget Crull.

There will be a celebration of life at the Red Barn on Sunday, September 14, 2025 from 1:00pm-5:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Evansville 4-H Club or Vets Roll (https://www.vetsroll.org/donate). All Faiths Funeral and Cremation Services of Janesville, Wisconsin is assisting the family. Online expressions of condolences and support may be made at: www.866allfaths.com.

All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services - (608) 754-8700 - www.866allfaiths.com