Ralph H. Stauffacher

Ralph Henry Stauffacher, 84, of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin died on September 21st, 2025 under hospice care. He was born on August 15th, 1941 in Monroe, WI to Arthur and Ruth Stauffacher. He grew up on the family dairy farm where he found his love of animals. Ralph graduated from Monroe High School and went on to earn an undergraduate degree in Animal Science and Master’s Degree in Dairy Nutrition from UW-Madison. He married Linda Grundahl, his high school sweetheart, on August 17, 1963. He then earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from Purdue University graduating in 1969.

Being “Doc” was very important to Ralph. He began his veterinary career in private practice in Columbus, WI where he worked for several years. In 1972 he started in a staff veterinarian position at the University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Agriculture and Life Science, a position he held for 34 years. He worked on a wide variety of animals at the Madison campus and various UW farms around the state. Ralph also worked with many research projects and spent time developing and perfecting a rumen cannula surgery technique which allowed researchers to learn more about cows and their use of feed. Ralph and his family lived on a hobby farm where he raised sheep, rabbits, horses, and beef cattle. Animals were always a part of his life.

Ralph was an active member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Sun Prairie for over 50 years. He enjoyed wood working and model railroading. Ralph and Linda had many special times with family and friends at their cottage, Pine Haven, on Kusel Lake near Wild Rose, WI. Ralph and Linda enjoyed traveling. They were blessed to take many memorable trips throughout the United States, Europe, and to Costa Rica.

Ralph loved his family. His three grandchildren were very special to Papa Ralph. Reading books, running the trains, and spending time together playing cards were all ways that he enjoyed his grandchildren and family. Ralph was an avid sports fan. He loved to watch any kind of sporting events. He was a die hard Badger, Brewer, and Packer fan.

Ralph is survived by his children; Kristen (Daniel) Novitch of Cable, WI and Kurt (Kristi) Stauffacher of Sacramento, CA. His grandchildren: Jacob Novitch and Caleb Novitch, both of Merrill, WI and Madeline Stauffacher, Sacramento, CA. Brother and sister-in-laws: Mary Ann Stauffacher, Monroe, WI; Susan and Randy Torgerson, Alexandria, VA; and Steve and Nancy Grundahl, Minneapolis, MN, along with nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Stauffacher; parents, Arthur and Ruth Stauffacher; brother, Roger Stauffacher; aunts, uncles and several cousins.

Memorials can be made to Heifer International: www.Heifer.org 

The family wishes to thank the amazingly supportive and compassionate staff at Senior Helpers of Madison, Hyland Park in Sun Prairie, Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge, and Bristol Hospice Care. Your dedication to supporting Ralph through his final journey home is deeply appreciated and to be commended.

A funeral service will be at 11:00 AM on Monday October 6, 2025 at OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN CHURCH, 550 Lincoln Dr. Sun Prairie, WI with Rev. Rick Bursh presiding. A luncheon will immediately follow the funeral at the church. Burial will follow the luncheon at Highland Memory Garden in Cottage Grove. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until the service at the church on Monday.

For those not able to attend in person, please register at the following link to view a copy of Ralph’s service: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=3d0f5916-0d34-4fd4-a527-1a42478ea547

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie

(608) 837-9054

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com