Ralph Anton Hederer, 83, of Spencer passed away on Sunday, April 13, 2025, with his family by his side. Born on July 21, 1941, in Marshfield, Wisconsin, to Joseph and Signa (Moen) Hederer. Ralph completed his education in Poitiers American High School in France. He was united in marriage to Judith Sutton on July 6th, 1963 in Marshfield. Together, they lovingly raised four children in a house he renovated and rebuilt with his own two hands. He was a truck driver for Land O’Lakes in Spencer for many years. Most importantly, he was a devoted Christian who put God first above everything.
He and his wife were inseparable. There was no Ralph without Judy, and no Judy without Ralph. Most mornings began with a cup of coffee, and a “Well, hon’, what should we do today?” For them, every day was an adventure. There was always something to laugh about, even when times were tough. Each day was a blessing to thank God for.
Ralph was a man of few words, speaking more with his actions. His entire life was dedicated to creating and building a better world for those he loved, and anyone in need. He was a carpenter, an artist, an inventor and a true craftsman. He could fix or build anything. Often, he would sit in his rocking chair silently pondering his next big idea. He had a relentless determination that would outlast any problem. He didn’t give up until the job was done the right way, which usually involved some sort of ‘Ralph invention’. He used his many talents to serve others and would drop everything to go and help anyone who needed it.
Ralph’s building went beyond mere physical things. In 1972, his devotion to the Lord led him to become one of the founding members of the Marshfield Church of Christ, where he went on to serve selflessly as an elder. There was nothing more important in his life than pleasing God. Ralph was devoted to God’s Word, and living by it was what he did every day. His life of humility, service, and dedication to God inspired countless people in their own spiritual journeys. He raised his children to trust and follow the Lord, and his many grandchildren have looked to him as an example of a true faith in God. Despite his quiet nature, he built up others through bible studies, encouraging words and many prayers.
Grandpa had a personal and unique relationship with each of his grandchildren and made it a point to be involved in their lives. He was always available to help build a model airplane, or tow a first car from the ditch, play a game of chess, draw a picture together, or to give out $5 for each tooth lost. Whatever a grandchild was interested in, he was too. He was a true family man, and nothing but his God came before his loved ones.
Ralph leaves behind a family who will forever cherish him in their hearts including his loving wife, Judith Hederer; his children Victoria (Roderick) Bell, Brian (Karen) Hederer; Charlotte (Glenn) Brost, and Gregory (Laurie) Hederer; his grandchildren, Cora (Quention) Nash, Elijah (Katie) Bell, Mariah (Jacob) Rapert, Esther Bell, Charlotte (Tanner) Henderson, Roderick Bell, Jonathon (Beth) Hederer, Nathan (Julia) Hederer, Rachel (Trevir) Maidel, Gabrielle (Blake) Frazier, Brianna Hederer, Elliot Hederer, Kathryn Hederer, Marshall Hederer, Isaac Brost, Olivia (Thomas) Steder, Ralph Henry Brost, Patience Brost, Samuel Brost, Linus Brost, Delilah Hederer, Gregory Hederer, Ezekiel Hederer, Rose Hederer, Zachariah Hederer and Levi Hederer; his great-grandchildren, James, Lavender, Oliver, Gideon, Gabriel, Oak, Opal, Luca, Armin, Norma, Evie and Robert; his siblings, Joyce Bauer of Marshfield, Arlene Zahradka of Marshfield and David (Judy) Hederer of Spencer; his sisters-in-law, Sherry Hederer of Virginia and Joyce Hederer of Marshfield, and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends, and his church family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Signa Hederer; his grandchildren, Ari Henderson and Grace Ann Hederer; his brothers, Edward, Raymond, Frank, James, and Richard, and his faithful Great Dane companions: Ransom and Uncle Niles.
Per Ralph’s wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held by his family at a date to be determined at a later time. Updated information will be posted as it becomes available.
Ralph’s arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. Please visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com to share memories and offer condolences.
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