Ralph Denu

MADISON
Ralph Joseph Denu passed away unexpectedly Monday October 24, 2016.

Ralph was born in Madison on March 30, 1926 to the late Louis L. and Josephine C. (Reuth) Denu.

He graduated from Blessed Sacrament Grade School and West High School in Madison and from Layton School of Art in Milwaukee. He met Jeanette Thompson there and they were married May 6, 1950 at St. John's Cathedral in Milwaukee. She preceded him in death June 20, 2016. He worked as a self-employed commercial artist to provide well for his family including his daughters Colette and Denise. He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church since 1961, serving as an usher for many years. He was previously a member of St Bernard's Church Madison. He was a veteran having served with the U.S. Navy, in the engineering division from 1944 to 1945.

Ralph enjoyed music, playing various instruments starting with the accordion as a child, playing honky tonk on the piano, and in later years played the base ukulele and especially the banjo. He played banjo at Shakeys, was a former member of the Carl Steele Trio, and was a member of the Banjo Club of Madison. To continue showcasing his artistic talent he painted watercolor paintings with his favorite subject matters of nature & rural landscapes and cowboy scenes. He also enjoyed bird watching, wine making, hunting, a daily martini, and smoking his pipe-which he considered a part of his personality.

Ralph is survived by his two daughters, Colette Denu of Middleton and Denise (Charles Wold) Denu of South Range, Wisconsin; granddaughter Katrina (Evan) Ritthaler of South Portland, Maine; his sister Elizabeth (Denu) Cowen of Barneveld; his sister-in-law Laverne (George) Denu of Janesville; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; wife Jeanette; brother George Denu; and brother-in-law Thomas Cowen.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church, 2121 Rowley Ave., Madison, WI, on Friday, October 28, 2016 with Father Simon Felix Michalski, O.P. Family will greet friends after 10 a.m. until the time of mass.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church or the American Heart Association.

Please share your memories of Ralph.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road Madison
(608) 238-3434