Ralph ''Mickey'' Walsh

Age 77, died on Wednesday, November 28, 2001 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on December 29, 1923 in Kaukauna, son of the late George and Hilda (Bendrock) Walsh. On June 22, 1946, Mickey married his wife of 55 years, Mary Oettinger, at Holy Cross Church in Kaukauna. He served his country in World War II as a member of the United States Navy, serving in both the Atlantic and Pacific theatres. He was an amatuer Golden Glove boxer in his youth. He worked for thirty seven years as a machine tender at Thilmany Pulp and Paper Company where he was a member of the Quarter Century Club. Above all else, Mickey loved his family and provided for their happiness throughout his life.

Mickey is survived by his wife: Mary Walsh of Kaukauna; a son: Michael S. (Mary Barkus) Walsh of Brooklyn, Wisconsin; a daughter: Kathy (Don) Grissman of Kaukauna; four grandchildren: Meghan and Gareth Walsh and Bryan and Kevin Grissman; two sisters: Helen (Lorenz) Mayer of Kaukauna and Grace Lutzow of Kaukauna. Mickey is also survived by Mary’s siblings: Joseph (Lonnie) Oettinger of Goleta, California; Carol (Don) Geenen of Appleton; James (Sheila) Oettinger of Mosinee; Janet (John) De Young of Appleton; Dawn (Tom) Killian of Kaukauna; Tom Oettinger of Schofield. His little friend “Buddy” will sorely miss him. He was preceded in death by hisparents, and infant daughter Roberta, a brother Harold Walsh, sisters Doris Lewis and Gladys Keough, and a brother-in-law LaRoy Lutzow.

The funeral liturgy for Mickey will be held at 7:00 PM on Monday, December 3, 2001 at HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 309 Desnoyer Street in Kaukauna with Fr. Jack Mullarkey officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call directly at the church on Monday from 4 PM until the hour of the liturgy.

My Father, my friend:

They say there’s a special bond between a father and his daughter, and this I know to be true. All the love we know as adults we have come to learn as children. You shared with me your gift of song and laughter and maybe a dance or two. You continued to show me your strength and caring even through illness and sadness because love of your family was strong and binding. I know there will be a time when I think of you and smile, of all the wonderful moments, a lifetime of being together as father and daughter.

Love you always,
Your Nan

FARGO FUNERAL HOME
400 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Kaukauna, Wisconsin 54130
920-766-6200