"Duke" Ralph Joseph Krabbe

Kimberly – "Duke" Ralph Joseph Krabbe, 84, passed away peacefully at his home on January 26, 2021.  Born in Appleton, Wisconsin on December 8, 1936, to Ralph and Francis (Dombeck) Krabbe.  Duke was a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend.  Marine, retired mail carrier, flower delivery guy, referee, coach, fisherman and amateur comedian, and singer (although the sisters at his catholic school may beg to differ).

A 1955 graduate of Appleton West High School, Duke held records at the school for years as a basketball player.

After graduating from high school, he and a couple of friends joined the service.  While stationed in Hawaii, he was a pitcher for the Marine baseball team.  Returning home, he was always involved with local baseball teams.

In 1964 the fisherman married the catch of his life: "Min" Germaine (Jandrin) Krabbe, and together they built a life and family.

He involved himself with his sons' baseball and basketball teams.  Coaching all through their grade school years.  If he wasn't coaching, he was well known as a referee and umpire in the Fox Valley area.

He took great pride in his sons and his grandchildren – adoring time spent together camping, fishing, playing cribbage, celebrating holidays and special events.  He so enjoyed listening to his son Tom's beautiful singing voice at weddings, with bands, and karaoke – especially since, as a grade school student, he was told by the nuns, "Duke, just move your lips."  He also enjoyed going to Canada fishing with his sons Paul and Mike, his grandson Nick, and friends.  It left many memories and stories to tell.  He was also fond of attending his granddaughter's many concerts at the Lawrence Memorial Chapel and at Kimberly High School.  A lover of dogs, Duke entertained and was entertained by the many family dogs and grand dogs over the years.

Times spent at the Piette's hunting cabin in Suring, Wisconsin, also add to the many great memories and stories about Duke.

After retiring, he and his wife "Min" traveled through most of the states with their dear friends.  They also spent about 25 years summering at the Arbor Vitae Campground in northern Wisconsin:  fishing with his boys and friends, including all of the mishaps with his Tommy K friends.

Duke is survived by his wife of 56 years, Min; sons:  Paul (Andrea), Appleton; Thomas (Brian), Fitchburg; and Michael, Kimberly; grandchildren:  Nicholas and Holly, both of Appleton; nieces:  Sara Haug Shermer and Mary Ellen Haug Smartt; and sister-in-law, Joan Breaker.  He is further survived by other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Duke was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, John and Libbie Jandrin; sister, Barbara (John) Haug; brothers and sisters-in-law: Harold Breaker, Donna Casco, Russell Jandrin, and Vernal Annoye; and nephews:  John "Boomer" and Stephen Haug.

A celebration of life will take place in the future.