Ralph J. Kraynik

Ralph Joseph Kraynik, 89, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on July 19, 2025, at St. Vincent Hospital. Ralph was born on July 11, 1936, in Kewaunee to the late Joseph and Hazel (Delveaux) Kraynik.

He graduated from Kewaunee High School in 1954. He was very proud of his Super Chief and had fun stories he would share as he relived those memories.

Ralph married the love of his life, Carol, on December 6, 1974, at St. John Church, and remained lifelong members of St. Therese Parish. He loved Carol and loved to make her laugh. His laugh was infectious, and he could bring you back in time by retelling a story. Ralph worked at Remy's Mobile Homes and Adventure RV as a repairman for many years. He and Carol loved to travel and enjoyed many trips within the US and Europe. They also loved polka music, and he played trumpet for over 50 years in numerous polka bands. He started his own band, The Red Suspender Boys and later, he played and sang for Jerry Voelker and the Jolly Gents. Ralph was inducted into the Wisconsin Polka Hall of Fame in 2015. He was well known in the polka community and people came from miles around to hear him play.

After Ralph retired, he opened "Ralph's Daycare and Taxi" helping raise his grandchildren and great-grandchild, taking them for 4-wheeler rides, and getting them to all their practices and school events or just eagerly listening to stories about their daily adventures.

He will be deeply missed by his wife of 50 years, Carol; his children Mike (Amy) Pawlitzky, Bill (Tina) Pawlitzky, Joe (Mandy) Kraynik, and Michelle Kraynik (John Delorit); his grandchildren Logan and Anthony Pawlitzky, Ashley (Trevor) and Cole Pawlitzky, Jack and Sam Kraynik, Tyler and Danny Kuske; great-grandson Xavier (Eggsy) Kuske; brother Wally (Mabel) Kraynik; sister Debbie (Rick) Kudick; sisters-in-law Cathy Prokash, Rose Rahn, and Cindy (Pat) Hughes. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Hazel; sister Betty Jane Bertrand; father-in-law and mother-in-law Arnold and Mary Stark; and brothers-in-law Mike Prokash and Ed Rahn.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 9:00 am - 11:00 am at St. Therese Parish, St. Joseph Site - Pilsen. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 am with Fr. Dennis Drury officiating. Burial will follow at the St. John Cemetery, Krok. Kinnard Funeral & Cremation Services - Kewaunee, is assisting the family. Online condolences can be shared at KinnardFCS.com.

Special thanks to his Oncology team at St. Vincent Hospital over the years and the ICU Team at St. Vincent Hospital for his recent illness.